need help with trip just north of GSMNP

[derek]

Hey everyone, I am from florida and have done a lot of the AT south of Fontana, but want to plan a trip a little farther north soon. From around may 5-10 some friends and I will be looking to do about 60 -70 miles of hiking, probably in the section just north of GSMNP, davenport and north i guess. Any helpful tips or recommendations for shuttle service, exact starting and ending locations, or anything else that we should consider when planning this trip? Thanks

[joec]

Go to Hot Springs and get Bluff Mountain Outfitters to take you to I40 (north edge of GSMNP). Hike back into Hot Springs, have a bath and meal and then have Bluff Mountain take you out (north) to Devils Fork Gap, and hike back into Hot Springs. It is approx 70 miles and you get a resupply/break in the middle.

[SGT Rock]

You may also want to contact Curtis at Standing Bear which is just north of the Smokies. I think he may do you a good deal - 423-487-0014

[Hooch]

I hear Ronnie McGaha runs a pretty good shuttle service with resonable rates. Try contacting him as well.

[SGT Rock]

You could park your cars at Standing Bear and get a shuttle to Sams Gap. It would be 80 miles, or you could get to NC Rte 212 which would be about 67 miles. Those are the best put-in options for that section you want. The next closest shorter mileage would be Allen Gap which would only be about 50 miles. But with that plan there is a place to park and a shower waiting for you at Standing Bear when you get done. If you finish on the right day too, you could go over to Maria's resturaunt in Cosby.

[chili36]

Or you could go to the Bean Tree Cafe in Hartford.

[10-K]

Go to Hot Springs and get Bluff Mountain Outfitters to take you to I40 (north edge of GSMNP). Hike back into Hot Springs, have a bath and meal and then have Bluff Mountain take you out (north) to Devils Fork Gap, and hike back into Hot Springs. It is approx 70 miles and you get a resupply/break in the middle.

Joe -- that is a great idea. It'd be a chance to walk over Max Patch on the southern side of HS and the views going from Devil's Fork Gap back to HS are fantastic.

[10-K]

I hear Ronnie McGaha runs a pretty good shuttle service with resonable rates. Try contacting him as well.

Sure enough - I used him and everything worked great. Good prices, right on time, good conversation - heck of a nice guy.

Even took a photo of me and sent a copy to me in the mail a few weeks later.

[derek]

thanks a lot guys. appreciate it.

[Kirby]

Hot Springs to Erwin is a nice section of trail, no idea how long it is though.

Kirby

[SGT Rock]

68 miles