Info Wanted-Brown Gap NC

[ScareBear]

Hey all,

Looking for info on ease of access(motor vehicle) to Brown Gap, what road to use, directions from Standing Bear, etc...also, can Max Patch road be accessed by vehicle from Brown Gap or is backtracking to Standing Bear required?

[Tennessee Viking]

Turn off I 40 into Harmon Den Wildlife Area on Cold Springs Road.
Drive up to the Harmon Den Picnic Area. Turn left up Brown Gap Road at the Picnic Area.
Its steep as hell forest road but drivable.

http://appalachiantrail.rohland.org/

2.7 Brown Gap Poor Great

From the Harmon Den exit of I-40 in NC (Exit 7), take gravel Cold Springs Creek Road, USFS 148, east for 2.8 miles to a parking area and toilet facilities. Go left (north) on USFS 148A for 1.2 miles north to the trail crossing in Brown's Gap (Marker A). I have not been to this trailhead so have no firsthand experience, but reports say this last section is steep in places but is passable to normal passenger cars. The AT Guide to TN/NC says the road on the other side of the gap may be rough.

Go to pictures for Section 16 to see a view of the trail crossing in Brown Gap. There is a three-way road intersection. There is space for a few cars to park roadside. At the crossing, the northbound trail is right (east), the southbound is left (west). 08/18/14

a few spaces roadside

1

dlcul @ conncoll.edu

[Slo-go'en]

I've only walked across this road, but it does look a bit rough - typical dirt/gravel FS road. I'd recommend a high clearance SUV or pickup truck. You'd probably be better off going to the Max Patch parking lot, which isn't all that much farther away and has a much better maintained road leading up to it.

[Lone Wolf]

the road is fine for most vehicles. i've driven to brown's gap many times for the annual hiker feed that takes place there

[ScareBear]

Thanks Viking, Slo and Wolf!

One last question, can you drive to Max Patch road from Brown Gap direct or do you have to backtrack first?

Ok, one LAST question....when is the annual hiker's feed, Wolf?

[Tennessee Viking]

I have only tried driving up Brown Gap Road. Never made it due to snow fall.

[Lone Wolf]

Thanks Viking, Slo and Wolf!

One last question, can you drive to Max Patch road from Brown Gap direct or do you have to backtrack first?

Ok, one LAST question....when is the annual hiker's feed, Wolf?

last time i was there i drove on to max patch road. 3 miles maybe? i believe the feed is 3rd weekend in april

[ScareBear]

last time i was there i drove on to max patch road. 3 miles maybe? i believe the feed is 3rd weekend in april

Awesome info, Wolf!!

Thanks again to everyone for your help.

SB