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View Full Version : At section opinions needed



Rasty
04-27-2012, 15:27
Which would be better and why.

AT from Fontana Dam to Hot Springs

Or

AT from NC 226 Iron Mountain Gap to VA 16 Troutdale

Or

AT from NC 226 Iron Mountain Gap to VA 16 Sugar Gap

Appreciate any help. Making reservations in the GSMNP is not a concern of which section to do. Usually hike 14 to 20 miles each day.

johnnybgood
04-27-2012, 15:50
Fontana Dam to Hot Springs simply because the shuttle options are many.

Rasty
04-28-2012, 22:48
Thanks. I'm also thinking about a AT / BMT loop in the Smokies. Saves the cost of a shuttle and doing it this year will be less expensive then next year because of the camping fees. I could send a mail drop to the Fontana Post office or maybe the resort.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Rusty Nail
04-29-2012, 21:20
The Smokies south of Clingmans did not do it for me, the northern section was amazing. By far the best spot for me was Charlies Bunion. Many people walked right on by but the .2 off trail was well worth it.

Blissful
04-29-2012, 22:21
Any of them are fine. It's all good.

Blissful
04-29-2012, 22:22
By far the best spot for me was Charlies Bunion. Many people walked right on by but the .2 off trail was well worth it.

Anyone that is too lazy to walk to an overlook like that .2 off the trail on a thru hike really has an issue and pants too tight. Just my two cents. :)

Kerosene
04-30-2012, 10:08
I'd probably point you to the Smokies, although they all have their own attraction. South of Clingman's does have Shuckstack Firetower and Rocky Top as highlights, but Charlies Bunion on a warm lunch hour is sublime (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=48328).

HikerMom58
04-30-2012, 14:02
My daughter and I have a section hiked planned for July. We are doing Newfound Gap to I40. I hear that section is NICE.... We are doing it so she can close that last "gap," she has, from Springer to mid PA.

10-K
04-30-2012, 14:13
Iron Mt. Gap to Troutdale would be my pick.

Wouldn't have to futz with the shelters in GSMNP and it's a pretty scenic stretch of trail in its own right.