What to expect: Rock Gap trailhead to Fontana Dam

[Buffalo Skipper]

I will be section hiking this in the fall of 2012. We are looking at doing a little over 10 miles a day, with an easy first and last day and a mid-way overnight at NOC. Though most of us are experienced weekend hikers, this will be our first AT section. We are probably looking at October 20-27ish, which will be past peak colors.

Is there anything particular about this section we should be aware of? Rocky? Water? Shelters? PUDs? Good views? Is it a good idea to pick up a guidebook if we are only doing this short section? Any and all ideas are welcome.

[Kerosene]

My newbie 21-yo daughter and I covered this section last May at about the same pace. We had a great time. Hopefully you will get some nice weather, as the views from the balds are fantastic (especially Wesser Bald, which offers an exceptional 360-degree view). You can see my trail journal here (http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=364109).

Note that there will be few if any supplies available at NOC, but you may be able to send a mail drop to the outfitter (check their hours, and allow at least 5 days for delivery).

You'll have a nice little pull out of Rock Gap, and then a more moderate but considerably longer climb out of Winding Stair Gap (US-60). There are a few nice tent spots at Silers Gap, but water is half a mile down at the shelter.

Your biggest climb will be out of NOC up to Choeah Bald, and then there's a very steep section a mile north of Stecoah Gap.

My guess is that you aren't aware of these locations, in which case I would definitely pick up a guidebook or trail map, as there are a number of scenic viewpoints in this section.

Be prepared for a few PUDS between the Fontana marina and the dam itself, but they're not so bad if you're expecting them.

[Buffalo Skipper]

Thanks for the link to the journal, Kerosene. I always like to read about other's experiences. Actually I have been to this area a little. I did a dayhike up Albert Mountain a few years ago. And I was not unaware of the elevation change, especially in and out of the Nantahala Gorge. I have the area mapped out on TOPO 8 and have studied the route and profile carefully. But it is one thing to study a map and another to hear what others have experienced with it. I do appreciate the tip on packages to NOC. I have their address and will make sure to send it a full 7 or 8 days in advance of our arrival; I would not expect to resupply beyond what we chose to send, but you never know. Good information, and the journals and photos added and extra degree of understanding.

[Gray Blazer]

Could be right at peak colors. Could have some cold weather, also. Should be a wonderful hike.

[baxter]

I love that section, have done it numerous times over the years. It also doesn't hurt that I live here.
Here's a link from my Winding Stairs Gap to Fontana hike blog from last June if you are interested:
http://hometownhiker.blogspot.com/2011/06/winding-stair-to-fontana-hike.html
If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to try and answer them, feel free to PM me.
Happy Trails!

[bigcranky]

That's a nice section at a great time of year. You may still have fall colors in the lower elevations - I have photos from a mid-November hike in the Smokies that show broad swaths of great fall color down in the valleys, with bare trees on the ridge lines.