Shuttle van or service for 12 people? Big Creek to Smokemont- June 11

[gtsr]

As the title suggests, I need the ability to transport 12 or so Scouts and leaders from Big Creek to Smokemont so we can hike back to Big Creek. We are in South Florida and could use a nudge in the right direction. I am excited to be coming up to spend time on the BMK and to show a new generation the outdoors.

If you can point me in the right direction, it would help me very much.


Thanks,
Geoff

[HooKooDooKu]

I need the ability to transport 12 or so Scouts and leaders

You do realize that GSMNP generally limits groups to no more than 8 people in the back country? It's one of the reasons I hear here (in the WB forum) that few scouts plan hikes in GSMNP.

Otherwise, at least one company I know and like with the permits to operate commercially in GSMNP is 'A Walk In The Woods'. I'm not sure exactly what is in their fleet of vans currently, but they do have at least one "commercial" size van besides the mini-vans pictured at the link above.

[gtsr]

You do realize that GSMNP generally limits groups to no more than 8 people in the back country? It's one of the reasons I hear here (in the WB forum) that few scouts plan hikes in GSMNP.

Otherwise, at least one company I know and like with the permits to operate commercially in GSMNP is 'A Walk In The Woods'. I'm not sure exactly what is in their fleet of vans currently, but they do have at least one "commercial" size van besides the mini-vans pictured at the link above.

Yes, we are going to split up. Thanks...

[clusterone]

Geoff,

I recently got the contact info below from customer services at Tapoco Lodge. Not sure how many Cynthia can carry, nor her range of service. If nothing else maybe she can get you in contact with someone who can support a large crew. Hope the info helps, and thanks for exposing the youth to the trail/hiking!

Cynthia Post

Paradise on the AT

828-346-1076

[HooKooDooKu]

Yes, we are going to split up. Thanks...

If you are going to legitimately split up, can you not reuse your mode of transportation between FL and GSMNP to avoid the use of a shuttle? For example, can you not drop half the group off at Smokemont to hike to Big Creek, and drive the other half to Big Creek to hike to Smokemont?

[dzierzak]

If you are going to legitimately split up, can you not reuse your mode of transportation between FL and GSMNP to avoid the use of a shuttle? For example, can you not drop half the group off at Smokemont to hike to Big Creek, and drive the other half to Big Creek to hike to Smokemont?

Just to refine this a bit, if you're using two vehicle to get there, why not have one group go to each end of your section and then exchange keys when the groups meet in the middle?

[gtsr]

Good news.... We are leaving on Tuesday!!! We had a few who couldnt make the hike and Maria from Standing Bear is shuttling us!!!! Needless to say I am super excited.