south from fontana

[RF_ace]

are there any good entry points south 30ish miles south of fontana. Due to the the GSMNP being closed, i need to make other plans for my upcoming vacation. i plan on leaving my car at fontana and hiking to it after being dropped off by a shuttle service

[Gambit McCrae]

NOC NC. Its apx 30 miles south of fontana and a cool spot to check out.

[nu2hike]

+1 NOC! Great place! Check out the trout cake sandwich at Rivers End!

[lush242000]

I suggest you go the other way. The climb out of the NOC and out of Stecoah Gap heading north are not fun. Plus you can get a good meal and a shower at the NOC if you want.

PS. And beer


Sent from somewhere.

[illabelle]

I suggest you go the other way. The climb out of the NOC and out of Stecoah Gap heading north are not fun. Plus you can get a good meal and a shower at the NOC if you want.

PS. And beer


Sent from somewhere.

...Agree!!

[Whack-a-mole]

Totally agree with above. End at NOC. Grab a shower and then eat on the deck over the river. The sound of the river going by will sooth your soul. The food is pricey, but it's pretty good. The hill down to NOC is pretty long. I didn't think I'd ever get down off that mtn. The view from the bald on top is spectacular. Be sure to step out of the woods into the field to enjoy it. Great place to have lunch. Have a great hike!

[daddytwosticks]

Ditto to ending at the NOC.

[Biggie Master]

Yep... Come south and your reward is a foot soak in the river, a burger, and beverage of choice! Did this exact hike a few summers back, and it was a nice walk. Enjoy Cheoah bald...

[Chris10]

Any recommendations for a shuttle in the area that would pick-up at NOC, and drop at Fontana?

[Biggie Master]

We used one of the staff at NOC. Just called the center and asked if anyone could help.

[Whack-a-mole]

Donna or phil live close by, and do a great jobs with shuttles in the area. 828-735-1930

[RF_ace]

yeah , that would be my next question ; shuttles and parking

[lush242000]

You can park at the NOC. Just stop in at the store and they will tell you where. They also should be able to provide a ride or contact.

FYI. A typical shuttle for that run is around $40- $50 at the high end.


Sent from somewhere.

[nu2hike]

Gene Laney 828-479-7457

[slbirdnerd]

The NOC is AWESOME. I would say talk to the shuttler, they would know best where they can drop you off.

[SipseyFreak]

I always suggest hiking to your car. Park at NOC and get a shuttle to Fontana and hike back to your car ... less time pressure that way ... and, of course, less smell for the shuttlers vehicle.

[RF_ace]

very cool, just want to get out and enjoy the mountains in fall

[MuddyWaters]

Any recommendations for a shuttle in the area that would pick-up at NOC, and drop at Fontana?

John from the Hike Inn will pick up and shuttle you anywhere, charges more reasonable than quite a few others, and will provide you with lots of good tips as well. Hes been doing it for 21 yrs.