Pick Up Point Davenport Gap Exit 451 GSMNP TN.

[P-Train]

Is there a good place to get picked up by car on this leg?

A good meeting point like a gas station or something off the exit? I Google Earthed it and don't see any structures.

Starting at Fontana Dam and ending at DG shelter for this Section Hike of Tennessee. Or a better idea?


Thanks.

[generoll]

just hike on down and wait by the bridge. Your driver can exit there and pick you up. If you need a structure then walk on up to the Big Creek Ranger Station. The AT crosses under I-40 at this point.

[P-Train]

Awesome.

Thanks.

[ATN]

The exit is a convenient off and on quick exchange point but as your research suggests, don't expect any comforts right there with food or supplies or waiting long. Just to be clear, the trail crosses I-40 at the Waterville 451 exit, not at the ranger station, which is a couple miles and turns from the exit past the hydroelectric powerhouse and if northbound can be reached down an easy side trail (Chestnut Branch, @2mi), but is a indeed a possible pickup too, usually with a working pay phone.

I jumped off the trail here on short notice back in the summer and wasn't counting on the extra distance both to the RS and exit, so I thought I'd add that.

[Tennessee Viking]

Either walk down to Big Creek Ranger Station or walk to Standing Bear Farm for a pickup

[Marta]

How safe is the parking there under the bridge? I've seen cars parked there, and didn't notice any broken windows.

[curtisvowen]

2 months ago.....7 cars parked at the stone steps/AT north 50 ft. of I-40....7 flat tires, 1 broken window & 1 stolen battery.

[Marta]

2 months ago.....7 cars parked at the stone steps/AT north 50 ft. of I-40....7 flat tires, 1 broken window & 1 stolen battery.

That wouldn't be much fun to come back to after a hike.

[curtisvowen]

Is there a good place to get picked up by car on this leg?

A good meeting point like a gas station or something off the exit? I Google Earthed it and don't see any structures.

Starting at Fontana Dam and ending at DG shelter for this Section Hike of Tennessee. Or a better idea?


Thanks.

Make it simple for your driver.
Just tell your driver to pick you up at Exit 451 at either off ramp....
Keep your pickup person informed......I'd call him the day of or the day prior of the pickup...to let him know your on track for the pickup.
You should start getting cell service around the Cosby Knob shelter....about 10 miles (+/-) South from Exit 451.