Fontana Dam area to Clingman's Dome in TN?

[mjones]

I know it depends on many different factors, but does anyone have an estimate on how many days it takes to complete this section hike? Also, how many miles are between the two? Thanks for any input!

[Storm]

Looks like 32.4 miles, I'd say 2 to three days depending on how fast you hike.

[rustmd]

http://www.atdist.com/

This is very helpful for calculating AT distances.

dottie

[Storm]

Just noticed that was your first post. Welcome to Whiteblaze.

[mjones]

Thank you both!

[wounded_knee]

A word of caution. Coming out of Fontana to there is a great deal of elevation change. Also it happens very quickly right out of Fontana. Take a few minutes and enjoy the view from Shuckstack!

[Llama Legs]

I would highly recommend making that run SOBO. That would make it very pleasant - and easy to plan for shelter stops. The climb out of Fontana is "White Mountains" tough.

[Praha4]

that's a very scenic section, with awesome views at Rocky Top and the ridgeline heading toward Clingmans Dome. Several nice shelters along that stretch also.

[elmotoots]

I would highly recommend making that run SOBO. That would make it very pleasant - and easy to plan for shelter stops. The climb out of Fontana is "White Mountains" tough.

I agree

Three days and two nights would make this a really nice hike.

Four days and three nights would make this a real walk in the park.

have fun !!!!

[ChinMusic]

I know it depends on many different factors, but does anyone have an estimate on how many days it takes to complete this section hike? Also, how many miles are between the two? Thanks for any input!

I did it in 3 days and would have slowed down to 4 days had the weather been better. My comfort range for a section on the southern AT is 7-12 miles/day, coming straight from flatland Illinois.

edit: Sorry, I read Fontana to NFG. 3 days is fine.

[Star Walker]

i woulde say 4 days but thats only because i like takin it easy : )

[Jedeye]

Yeah, SOBO would be a pretty good way to go. While finishing at Clingman's Dome would be a little more spectacular, Fontana Dam is still a interesting place to finish, and shower!

[fredmugs]

I would highly recommend making that run SOBO. That would make it very pleasant - and easy to plan for shelter stops. The climb out of Fontana is "White Mountains" tough.

Really? It's a big boulder field like Mt Washington? It took me 10 hours to do the 13 miles downhill to whatever notch that is. Is it really that hard? I plan on going SOBO through GSMNP in May. I also plan on doing the 28.2 miles between Silers Bald and the Visitors center my last day.

Or is it really just a steep climb up a lovely trail like coming out of the NOC?

[ChinMusic]

Or is it really just a steep climb up a lovely trail like coming out of the NOC?

Kinda like the climb out of NOC in duration, but not even that bad. No nasty steep spots if I remember right. Well graded.

[fredmugs]

That's what I thought. The NOC climb is cake.

[wornoutboots]

I just did that section in October, 4 days to leizurely get to the Fontana Hilton, from New Found Gap, 3 days from Clingman's

[ChinMusic]

That's what I thought. The NOC climb is cake.

I would not consider either to be "cake". That can give newbies the wrong impression of what they are getting in to.

Both NOC and the Fontana are long sustained climbs. Unless you are in very good shape they will slow you down. If you are just coming off the couch they could wear you out and make for a VERY long day.

Fontana to Mollies would be a rough day for me, but doable.

[bflorac]

I did it in three days (to Mt Collin Shelter). However, the hike from Fontana to Mollies Ridge Shelter is a real beast unless you already have your sea legs under you (I didn't). Be aware as you appoach Clingmans as there are a few trails that intersect and can easily take the wrong one.

[Six-Six]

I did the same stretch last spring. I went SoBo after looking at the elevation change out of Fontana for the same reasons everyone has already mentioned. It took me three days. One word of caution though - the southward downhill to Fontana is tough on the joints if you are hurrying to finish. Leave some time for a leisure hike down that hill. I was hurting for weeks afterwards = joints, not muscles. Enjoy.

[Roots]

I have hiked this section both NOBO and SOBO and HIGHLY suggest hiking it SOBO. Much easier and enjoyable. IMO the climb out of Fontana is a gradual accent, compariable to the one out of NOC. I believe the one out of NOC to have a few more 'tough' parts, but not too bad. Enjoy!