Any info on what water supplies are likely to be in this stretch in late August? I'm doing it over Labor Day. Comments on the shelters also welcome.
TW
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Any info on what water supplies are likely to be in this stretch in late August? I'm doing it over Labor Day. Comments on the shelters also welcome.
TW
Large stream at the start, good water at shelter and large stream when you approach Hwy 16. It has been extremely wet in this area. You should have no problems.
ETA: You will be hiking along several ridges that might be dry, so fill up at the several streams that you cross.
Down, thanks. I always fill when I pass a stream/spring, just in case. But it's also nice to know I don't have to carry both drinking AND dinner water into Trimpi. So thanks again.Quote:
Originally Posted by DownYonder
TW
You seem to be pretty savvy on this stretch, so I'll ask a couple of other questions of you, if you don't mind:
1) Over Labor Day weekend (esp Sunday night) how crowded do you see Trimpi Shelter being? I am vastly out of shape, and I'll put my ETA there at something past 4pm.
2) Is Trimpi a weekend party shelter? If so, I might hold up short of it and tent.
3) Any idea of what the Sufi Hostel is like?
Thanks,
TW
1.very unlikely to be crowded. 2. not a party spot. 3. mixed reports on Sufi
I live in the area. Only backpacked it once but have run various sections of your route multiple times. It is not a heavily traveled section primarily because it is rather bland compared to surrounding areas. Not a "destination" like Greyson Highlands, Mt Rogers, Damascus, Roan Mtn area, Max Patch, etc. Can't tell you about weekend activity because I avoid weekends and stick to weekdays....a benefit of being retired!!Quote:
Originally Posted by The Weasel
It's been a while. Good to see you here.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Wolf
Tell me more about Sufi, with a private message if you prefer.
TW
Both shelters have good water. Hurricane shelter is nice, built early 2000's I believe.
Trimpi is an older stone shelter. It's pretty dark inside. Watch your head if you sleep in the top bunk.
The trail from VA 603 to Partnership/Marion is about as easy as it gets in VA.
Hopping on the thread since there are such knowledgeable folks here.
My son (20) and I are doing the section from Atkins to Damascus next week. Hiking southbound.
Looking at Guthook last night it seems the shelters are spaced nicely for the hike...about 15 miles apart which is a good pace for us. For the most part we'll be hiking during the week.
From your experience are there any shelters you would avoid? I have never carried bear spray with me on previous hikes (GA, NC, TN). Do you feel bear spray is necessary?
Appreciate the feedback.
Willie
Lot of bear problems last year but haven't heard anything this year. There's an abundance of bears in the area. I would recommend bear spray.....9 oz of insurance is not that much for your son to carry.Quote:
Originally Posted by WillieChoc
I just finished reading my trail journals for the two trips I did in that area and on the section of the AT from the NRA on Hiway 16 south to Mt Rogers---and back again---for a total of 4 treks. Remember, this is a South trek and not a NOBO.
I'll show some pics from Partnership Shelter SOUTH to Mt Rogers---
Attachment 45464
There's this little creek on the AT just south of Partnership shelter.
Attachment 45465
Here's a pic of Trimpi shelter.
Attachment 45466
After you go south from Trimpi on the AT you reach this trailsign---and if you head left down the hill you'll reach this nice campsite---right off the AT. See next pic.
Attachment 45467
Here's the CS mentioned.
Attachment 45468
Here's the mud seep water source right in camp.
Attachment 45469
If you leave camp on a faint trail you'll find the location of the old and destroyed Raccoon Branch AT shelter. This spot also has water if you don't want to filter at the mud seep.
Attachment 45470
As you make your way south on the AT from the NRA you pass several little creeks before the big hump up to the Hurricane shelter.
Attachment 45471
Of course Hurricane shelter has water and then if you go beyond (south) on the AT you reach the top of the ridge with plenty of flat spots---just have to haul your water.
Attachment 45472
Here's the same place above Hurricane shelter on another trip with a different tent. After you fall off this ridge and this mountain (south on the AT) you reach VA 603 and Fox Creek etc.
Attachment 45473
If you need to camp real close to Partnership shelter there's this nice little spot right below the trail and it has water.
Attachment 45474
Or if you're really desperate and need to camp right next to the shelter but can't handle the crowds there's this lake right below the shelter.
Attachment 45475
Oh and Btw---when you leave Partnership heading South on the AT and just before reaching the South Holston footbridge there's this CS---I call it Seven Mile Camp cuz it's about . . . uh . . .7 miles from the NRA.
Attachment 45476
Here's the water source for the above CS.
Appreciate the info. i'll be picking up a can of spray.
Tipi - Thanks for the photos and notes.
Very helpful
Regarding the SW Virginia bears... http://appalachiantrail.org/home/exp...l-updates#BEAR