fuel availability

[hikerboy57]

how easy is it to find canisters along the bmt?

[10-K]

I don't think anyone sells them close to the trail.

I sent mail drops to Cherry Log post office, the store in Reliance, Green Cove Motel, and the Motorcycle Motel at Deal Gap.

Seems like I remember a fishing store-kinda outfitter place in Reliance but I didn't stop there so I don't know anything about it.

[HikerMom58]

I don't know anything about this trail... take lots of pics, please! :>)

[hikerboy57]

i wasnt planning any drops, so i might have to carry an extra can. im pretty sure they have them at fontana,or i might go into tellico plains before the smokies.

[MuddyWaters]

how easy is it to find canisters along the bmt?

Probably easier to just buy them.

[Dogwood]

Probably easier to just buy them.

Prolly not. I didn't find them often. And when I did it was hit or miss.

I mailed a myself a 4 oz MSR can mid 500 mile BMY/AT Loop.

Blue Ridge Outfitters, Ga had canisters last yr,

Coker Creek/Davis Mt Store - went to both, no, good sandwiches at Davis Store though

Tellico Plains - I didn't find them anywhere, Tellico Grains is a Great bakery though, Library, PO, food resupply, stealth camping!

Fontana Dam - hit or miss, call first asking if they'll put a can to the side for ya if they have them, check hiker boxes at the Lodge/PO/Store

Deals Gap - looked, none, friendly folks though, good burgers

Jacks River - maaaybe, I'd call first

Reliance - none at Fly Shop, none at Hiawassee Rafters(good meals though for a hiker), none at Gas Station(scenic historical place though)

Smokemont/Cherokee - couldn't find them anywhere in Cherokee, I looked, surprised this town doesn't have an outfitter!, asked the NP Rangers too - none knew where to find any

Davenport Gap/ Standing Bear(2 miles after the BMT northern terminus on the AT - Curtis MIGHT be able to scrounge up a can for ya

[Hill Ape]

totally off topic

@Dogwood, thanks for the mention of Coker Creek, I've never heard of that, although I know Tellico. I am a Davis, and the Coker and Davis families have been connected since the Civil War. I have a new thing to research now. Very interesting.

[SGT Rock]

Probably the only place that might have them on the BMT would be Fontana Village. Reliance Fly and Tackle told me they were going to start carrying fuel canisters, but I don't know when that would be, or if the canisters would be the big green ones like a lot of car campers tend to use. I'll get down there later this year and find out.