What we’re about
Our group organizes and participates in hikes and outdoor activities covering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and East Tennessee Parks, National Forests, and other venues as suggested by members. This group is based out of the Knoxville, TN area, but have members from all across the U.S.
We plan and organize hikes and adventures (including backpacking, bike rides, canoe and kayak trips, indoor rock climbing, instructive clinics, family-friendly events, and group cookouts) throughout the year. As the weather gets warmer, we do organize some evening moonlight walks, bike rides, or hikes as an alternative to the day hikes.
And if you enjoy backcountry camping, we do that also, but the spaces on those usually fill up fast due to backcountry permit availability. We have two or three 'Hike and Camp' weekend events every year in one of the Park's campgrounds so all members have an opportunity to mix and mingle.
We are an open venue, with suggestions for events from light to strenuous hikes, recommended from any members of the group. Any member is more than welcome to suggest an outing to an Organizer, who will help with the planning if it's approved.
We've found the Smokies to be a wonderful place to exercise, stay in shape, appreciate nature, and meet great new people with similar interests.
We have a lot of fun, so join up!!!
Lane DeCost
GSHAG Organizer
Upcoming events
2
Winter Hike: Clingmans Dome > Road Prong - 2 Options - 7/10 M - Moderate
Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station, Clingmans Dome Rd, Bryson City, NC, US*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
THE EVENT
It's time to get one more hike off of Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi peak before the road closes for the season, and before winter temps take hold.DESCRIPTION
We offer 2 Options to hike from the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (6643') to one of 2 trailheads through the remaining leaves of Fall. Both Options are mostly downhill so it's a good opportunity to get some trail time. Both Options will require a car shuttle both before and possibly after the hike. Option 1 will be about 7 miles, and Option 2 will be about 10 miles. See details below.QUALIFICATIONS
Option 1 hikers should be regularly hiking a 2.0 mph pace, over 5 miles or so, with 500’ of elevation gain. Option 2 hikers should be regularly hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace, over 6-8 miles, with 500’ of elevation gain.LOCATION
All hikers will meet at the Chimney Tops TH off of 441 at 8:30 to arrange shuttles to and from the starting trailhead. We'll all start hiking together from the CD/K TH around 9:00.ROUTES
Option 1 - AT (N) – Road Prong TH – 6.5 Miles +500’/ -1300’Option 2 - AT (N) – Road Prong - Chimney Tops TH @ US 441 – 10 Miles +500 / - 3200'’
HIDDEN OPTION
For those Option 2 hikers who would like to climb Chimney Tops just before the end of their hike, please note your preference when you RSVP. The CT Profile is linked below.WHAT TO BRING
Temps at 6000+ feet of elevation can be considerably colder that what is forecast for surrounding towns in the winter. Hikers should bring a headlamp and a backup light, at least 1 liter of water, and an extra insulation layer, along with gloves and a warm hat.We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.
NAVIGATION AIDS
Hike Map
Road Prong Profile
Chimney Tops ProfileFULL DISCLAIMER
Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant-including you- at any event.
All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against Lane DeCost, the organizer of this event.
EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - 900 Miler x4 / AT section hiker / Search and Rescue team member10 attendees
Winter Old Settlers Backpacking Trip (17 Miles / 3,500+ Elevation Gain
Old Settlers Trail Head, 35.707896, -83.380065, Gatlinburg, TN, US*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
TRIP OVERVIEW
This is a point-to-point winter overnight backpacking trip totaling approximately 17 miles over 2 days with over 3,500 feet in elevation gain. We will be camping overnight at GSNP back country campsite #33. It is a small campsite with limited tent space. There is a water source & bear cables. There is no shelter and no privy.Old Settlers Trail has some of the best historical structures of any in the park. It is rich in history featuring many ruins of chimneys, cemeteries, and other stone structures built by families of the area's original settlers.
Sound like fun? Then read on!TAKE A LOOK AT THE HIKE MAP AND PROFILE:
MAP
PROFILE
Profile w/Daily Notes
GPX ExportLike what you see? Then read on!
ASK YOURSELF:
-- Do I have the right cold weather gear? Overnight temps in November can range from the mid-40s to low-30's.
-- Can I handle the daily mileage and elevation change while carrying a backpack likely weighing 28lb -35lb while maintaining a 2mph pace?Think you can? Then read on!
$8 BACK COUNTRY CAMPING PERMIT REQUIRED AND IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
GSNP requires a back country permit for each person per night. Those wishing to participate are responsible for booking their own permit for BC#33. Here is the link to book a permit once you have been moved off the wait list. PermitPlease do not book your permit until you have been moved off the waitlist!
MOTHER NATURE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL… AND UNPREDICTABLE!
For safety reasons, should weather turn out to be below freezing and/or raining we will either cancel, postpone, or convert the trip into a day hike. Cancellation for any reason is at the sole discretion of the event host. Your $8 back country permit is non-refundable.Are you a hope for the best and plan for the worst kinda backpacker? Then Join the Wait List!
JOIN THE WAIT LIST ANSWER THE RSVP QUESTIONS:
The wait list is on a first come, first serve basis. Please answer all of the RSVP questions at signup if you want to be moved off of the Wait List. If you don't answer all the questions or fail to pay the permit fee, you will not be moved off the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line.- What is your winter backpacking experience level?
- What is the lowest temp you have backcountry camped overnight?
- Are you willing to help shuttle hikers to the starting trailhead?
If you don't provide this information when you RSVP you will remain on the Wait List indefinitely, and will lose your spot in line.
LATE COMERS AND 'NO SHOWS'
Because this type of event has a lot of moving parts it's important that everyone is on time (or early). You wouldn't want to get left behind because you're running late. If you plans change and you can't come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP before the event close date.DISCLAIMER
By signing up for this event you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the Organizers of this Meetup group
Full DisclaimerEVENT LEADER(s):
Gigi D. / 900 Miler8 attendees
Past events
2175
Group links
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Members
1,284
