View Full Version : OK....So Whatcha got in North Carolina?
Teacher & Snacktime
10-07-2013, 15:39
Snacktime has suggested that Springer should wait for our 8th grade year, along with our Katahdin finale. He thinks we should tackle North Carolina this spring. Now, since this is a school vacation hike, and not a "field trip" study of the entire state, we'll be needing advice on the best NC section(s) to tackle...up to a max of about 40 miles.
We'll be hostelling when we can and tenting when we can't. NOBO SOBO? It will be late april, so we might be ahead of the big bubble, but just in time for whatever cooties the new class has contracted.
A few of you know us well enough by now to have a gist of our "style"... any recommendations? (Want to join us?)
HikerMom58
10-07-2013, 15:43
You have to pass through Roanoke VA to get to NC... just sayin!! ;)
Teacher & Snacktime
10-07-2013, 15:46
Shmaybix "You have to pass through Roanoke VA to get to NC... just sayin!! http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif
Well....YEAH!!! You didn't think for a minute I'd forget that fact did you? The tough part will be getting Snacktime to leave his Roanoke home to get out to the trail! And we STILL have to ge to James River and the Shennies.
Just so you know.....I'll never miss an opportunity to see you again....or Deer Hunter....or FarmerChef & Clan. You guys made that trip for us so much more special than we'd ever imagined.
Thank you.
briankeithsmith
10-07-2013, 16:05
Erwin to 19E.
What he said!
Here are my pics. I hiked it from 19E, down to Erwin. I liked it so much, I did it TWICE!
http://sdrv.ms/QtlH6t
Teacher & Snacktime
10-07-2013, 16:12
What he said!
Here are my pics. I hiked it from 19E, down to Erwin. I liked it so much, I did it TWICE!
http://sdrv.ms/QtlH6t
Perfect! Loads of beautiful pictures, info that area has "balds" (sun exposure...very important), lodging, and some plaques so I can educate the young man too! Win, win and win!
Thanks briankeithsmith and Labojo !
HeartFire
10-07-2013, 17:16
Well I don't know you or your hiking style, but you asked for North Carolina - so I will suggest Davenport Gap to Hot Springs - this goes over Max Patch,
Lone Wolf
10-07-2013, 17:26
hey teacher, i'm goin' hikin' in the highlands tomorrow so i'll finally see what snacktime put in the magic bag he gave me
Train Wreck
10-07-2013, 17:30
And to further add to your choices, I suggest Winding Stair Gap to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. You will encounter not one, but two, firetowers that no 12 year old boy can resist (360 degree views) nicely graded trail for the most part, 3 shelters, lots of flat tent sites, and a challenging descent to the NOC where you can take him rafting - and pig out at one of several restaurants right by the river.
oh, and there is a bald in this section too (Siler Bald)
Deer Hunter
10-07-2013, 19:22
Shmaybix "You have to pass through Roanoke VA to get to NC... just sayin!! ;)
Well....YEAH!!! You didn't think for a minute I'd forget that fact did you? The tough part will be getting Snacktime to leave his Roanoke home to get out to the trail! And we STILL have to ge to James River and the Shennies.
Just so you know.....I'll never miss an opportunity to see you again....or Deer Hunter....or FarmerChef & Clan. You guys made that trip for us so much more special than we'd ever imagined.
Thank you.
Yes, you are more than welcome to stop by anytime! :)
Teacher & Snacktime
10-07-2013, 19:25
hey teacher, i'm goin' hikin' in the highlands tomorrow so i'll finally see what snacktime put in the magic bag he gave me
Well I hope you like it LW! He aimed to please. Have a good hike & say hi to those ponies for us!
I've never hiked in NC mountains, but the Standing Indian loop looks pretty nice from what I can tell
Teacher & Snacktime
10-07-2013, 19:50
I love the idea of Max Patch, as I've been mesmerized by every picture I've ever seen of it. I also want to see Fontana Dam, and maybe even stay at the Hilton. Uncle John's is a destination too. Now, I have no idea yet if any of these places link....as of right now they're just names. Thus, recommendations and research are the order of the day.
MuddyWaters
10-07-2013, 20:20
Its all good.
"Most" of NC is fairly well graded.
The balds and towers between Winding Stair Gap and Fontana Dam have some pretty good panoramic views.
Winding Stair to NOC would be about 27 miles, take you over Siler Bald, Copper Ridge, Rocky Knob, Wayah Bald, Wesser Bald, the Jump Off (Fun!) , and end at the NOC with a awesome place to stay, watch rafters, and eat good food. Shuttles are no problem either, and the smokies and Fontana dam are closeby to see too.
daddytwosticks
10-08-2013, 07:20
Start at the Standing Indian Campground and hike up the Kimsey Creek Trail to the AT at Deep Gap. Proceed onward to the NOC with a zero in Franklin if needed. You'll see and experience a little bit of everything on this NC section. :)
Tennessee Viking
10-08-2013, 08:19
You really have three areas of North Carolina; with the Shutdown only two. South of the Smokies are the Nantalhalas. Smokies. And the Pisgah section north of the Smokies.
The Pisgah section will not be as steep and rugid as the Nantalhalas. And will have more resupply opportunities.
Standing Bear to Hot Springs. Hot Springs to Erwin. Erwin to 19E.
Trillium
10-08-2013, 17:27
If it was me, this is what I would do:
Winding Stair Gap to NOC. Aquone Hostel is along this section and can help with slackpacks, if you are interested.
I would contact Ron Haven to help with shuttling. Personally, I would initially park at the NOC and have Ron bring you back to Franklin/Winding Stair.
Then from NOC, I would drive to Fontana Dam to check that out and stay overnight at the Fontana Hilton.
Then I would drive to Cherokee and go over the Smokies on 441. I would definitely make the turn to Clingman's Dome. There is a nice little loop hike from the end of the parking lot up to the AT then to Clingman's Dome. Takes you through pines and the smell is great. Be sure to walk up to the top of the dome and cross your fingers for a clear day. Perhaps make a stop at Newfound Gap; there will be thru-hikers there. Good place to pass out trail magic.
Then I would drive down through Gatlinburg (I wouldn't stop unless I am bringing some thru-hikers into town which I have done; I almost always take the bypass) and drive east on 321 and head to Standing Bear Farm. I would spend the night then hike to Max Patch (which is 14 miles) where I would camp and have Curtis (from Standing Bear) pick me up the next day.
This itinerary gives you just over 40 miles but with some time in between for resting up.
Regardless of what itinerary you end up with, I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Can someone fill in this ignoramus as to what NOC stands for? I am hoping to do a section hike or loop in the NC mountains as well. We have only done WV and VA in our short time backpacking. :)
Trillium
10-08-2013, 17:45
Can someone fill in this ignoramus as to what NOC stands for? I am hoping to do a section hike or loop in the NC mountains as well. We have only done WV and VA in our short time backpacking. :)Natahala Outdoor Center
atmilkman
10-08-2013, 17:48
Can someone fill in this ignoramus as to what NOC stands for? I am hoping to do a section hike or loop in the NC mountains as well. We have only done WV and VA in our short time backpacking. :)
Natahala Outdoor Center
http://www.noc.com/
I feel like an idiot for not knowing that.
What sucks about living in Va Beach: It sounds like since I am so close to NC, I should be able to go backpack there pretty easily...but it's 8-9 hours from here. :(
I feel like an idiot for not knowing that.
What sucks about living in Va Beach: It sounds like since I am so close to NC, I should be able to go backpack there pretty easily...but it's 8-9 hours from here. :(
North Carolina and Virginia are long ass states. A lot of this stuff is on back roads without easy access to interstates too. For example I can get to the i-40 AT crossing in NC in about four and a half hours. That section from there and over max patch looks great. The shuttle back to I-40 from hot springs is over an hour, despite it being only 27 trail miles. Even though springer looks closer to me, map wise, it's all back roads too and would take me almost six hours to get there. I want to find time to do all of Georgia in one or two stretches, and be done with it because of the drive. NC and VA look like better drives for me overall...
How about SOBO from Hot Springs to Davenport Gap, You'll have a great town to start from with a Historical Hostel ( Sunny Bank Inn, ELMER'S ), also you'll be going across Max Patch, and plus you'll also have Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel, a great place to park a car or to be picked up at the end of a good hike, and since you'll be going SOBO you want have a thru-hiker bubble to deal with.
Teacher & Snacktime
10-14-2013, 22:26
How about SOBO from Hot Springs to Davenport Gap, You'll have a great town to start from with a Historical Hostel ( Sunny Bank Inn, ELMER'S ), also you'll be going across Max Patch, and plus you'll also have Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel, a great place to park a car or to be picked up at the end of a good hike, and since you'll be going SOBO you want have a thru-hiker bubble to deal with.
This sounds great too....and that "bubble" will give us a great opportunity to hand out our magic bags....
There are too many great ideas here....thank you all