Need 2 night ideas, 3-4 hours driving from ATL, backpacking

[tombolino]

BUMMED: Just cancelled backpacking Smokies trip this weekend due to high smoke (no pun intended). I was going to do Alum Cave Trail /Le Conte/Boulevard/Bunion, New Found Gap. So....time to come up with something new for during the week or for next weekend / November in areas not affected by forest fires smoke.

Would love some epic route suggestions; very in the mood for meadowy ridges/alpine.

I like to do the must do spots that are amazing for sure. (Some suggestions can be obscure and based on particular taste). I like to do loops/trails that are known to blow your mind on terms of views, scenery etc

2 nights, driving from ATL, drive in and start hiking 11am on 1st day. Shelters a huge plus. I can do 10 miles if needed.

Some interesting ones I have read about but havent figured out how to turn into 2 nighter route:

Roan Mountain (a bit far from ATL, almost 5 hour drive)
Art Loeb Trail/parts of it
Max Patch
Shining Rock (good idea solo? bears?)
Epic AT section?
Other suggests?

Fyi: I have already done Standing Indian loop, and a couple of AT 2 nighters in GA toward the beginning.

[tombolino]

I have figured out Roan and Shining Rock already.

[tombolino]

Roan is too far for a weekend

[TNhiker]

All those places you listed will be similarly effected by the smoke...

i just drove back to knoxville from asheville and the smoke was very thick....

[Dogwood]

Big South Fork: along the river using the Sheltowee Trace and JMT

Foothills Tr: Whitewater Falls back to Table Rock SP or Caesars Head SP past Raven Cliff Falls to Jones Gap SP taking in Rainbow Falls and the Middle Saluda River. The second option isn't the official Foothills Tr but that shouldn't stop the adventure.

Cumberland Island GA: haven't done this yet but on the nearby overnight weekend trip list, be mindful of logistics like winter ferry schedules.

Pinhoti Tr: grab a Alabama segment. I'd check on conditions first but I'd suggest Cheaha Falls/Cheaha SP area

Mountains to Sea Trail: haven't completed the MTS Tr yet but I'd suggest near the coast although the travel time might be far reaching

I'd say Cloudlands, Talulah Gorge, or Fort Mt but you'd likely be impacted from the smoke.

[Dogwood]

As wonderful as the AT is do you really want to limit yourself to it?

[Malto]

As wonderful as the AT is do you really want to limit yourself to it?

Agree with this.


I will add a couple from days living in ATL. Chattooga River trail on the border of SC and Ga. That is where the Deliverence was filmed and the extras can still be seen in the woods. Also, the area around the Conasauga River area has a bunch of trails. Tipi Walter could probably write a book for you on where to go.

[TNhiker]

Also, the area around the Conasauga River area has a bunch of trails

the cohutta area is currently closed due to fires.....

[Secondmouse]

anything north and east of ATL is going to be either involved with fire/smoke, or no water.

try out a little further west. the Pinhoti in Ala. trail is not quite the dramatic altitude of the GA/NC/TN mtns but sections are very pretty this time of year.

I did a little 2-day solo section from Sweetwater Lake Parking Area down to the South FS 500 trailhead. I spent the night at the beautiful Lower Shoal Shelter. or there's plenty of other sections. here's a good resource --

http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/...t-guides..html

[Venchka]

Alabama is as bad or worse than GA and NC re: fire and drought.
Ironically, the Rockies are warmer and wetter than normal.
Wayne


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[Secondmouse]

Alabama is as bad or worse than GA and NC re: fire and drought.
Ironically, the Rockies are warmer and wetter than normal.
Wayne


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no it's not, not the area I recommended. I was through that area a couple days ago with no evidence of smoke. I'm sitting north of ATL right now with a lingering smoke smell from the fires north of here.

also, the water sources along that trail are rivers that are pretty reliable. I haven't been anywhere in N GA or NC since middle of summer. there's no reliable water anywhere up there...

[tombolino]

I have been calling the Smokies rangers daily and it was bad this past weekend and today Monday is even worse (smoke and smoke risk wise)

[Venchka]

no it's not, not the area I recommended. I was through that area a couple days ago with no evidence of smoke. I'm sitting north of ATL right now with a lingering smoke smell from the fires north of here.

also, the water sources along that trail are rivers that are pretty reliable. I haven't been anywhere in N GA or NC since middle of summer. there's no reliable water anywhere up there...

Sorry. You're there. You know better.
Someday I'll slow down, get off of 59 and see NE Alabama.
Wayne


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[tombolino]

Guys, Roan Highlands, normally done in 1 or 2 nights?

[saltysack]

Iron man gap to 19e is 30 miles...great section. I did it in February a few years back 2.5 days...go for it


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[johnnybgood]

Chattooga River Trail from US 76 near Clayton, Ga. to Bad Creek. Not your meadow, high alpine hike but in your neighborhood of a couple hour drive.

[blue indian]

I had to cancel my plan for the Standing Indian loop this past weekend too. I totally underestimated the severity of the situation.

So I did an overnight up and over max patch to roaring fork shelter. Saturday drove to Pisgah and day hiked black balsam knob, tennant mnt, and ivestor gap.

THere were people all over the place at both spots. All day hikers. I could smell em...

[johnnybgood]

Guys, Roan Highlands, normally done in 1 or 2 nights?

Indian Grave Gap to 19E (Elk Park) is 42 miles , can be done in 3 days 2 nights.

[tombolino]

No smoke on Max Patch and Pisgah?

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[blue indian]

No smoke on Max Patch and Pisgah?

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They were both clear when I was there but smoke was prevalent on the horizon. All depends on wind patterns...