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 Maryville and Knoxville TN area, some members from as far away as Florida. We have hikes and adventures planned for almost every Saturday and Sunday every month and anyone interested in joining us is more than welcome to join. We are an open venue with suggestions for hikes from light to strenuous hikes from all members of the group. As the weather gets warmer, we do organize some evening moonlight walks or hikes as an alternative to the day hikes. We have two or three 'Hike and Camp' weekend events every year in one of the Park campgrounds. And if you enjoy back country camping, we do that also, but the spaces on those usually fill up fast due to back country permit availability. Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, biking, river rafting and a cookout thrown in every now and then! This is a great way to exercise, appreciate nature and meet some new people. We are lot of fun, so join up!!!
Please go to the 'About' menu option on the GSHAG home page to learn more before you join our group, or click the following link on a desktop or laptop.
https://www.meetup.com/Great-Smokies-Hiking-Adventure-Group/
----You must have a clear, current, close up, face forward, head and shoulders *only* photo of you, for your profile photo, and list it as your main photo to join---- Only one person in the photo please ...You! - so we can recognize you at events!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Ramsey Cascades Hike - Moderately Strenuous - 8 milesRamsey Cascades Trailhead, Gatlinburg, TN
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP
** This is NOT a beginner hike. **
DESCRIPTION
We'll hike up to Ramsey Falls, check out the new trail construction, and see how well the falls are flowing after all the recent rain, before reversing back to the TH.QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking at a 2.0 mph pace, over 6-8 miles, and be comfortable climbing 1500-2000', at a 500 feet-per-mile slope.MEETING LOCATION
We will meet at the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead parking area at the end of the road.From the Tennessee side of GSMNP, north of Gatlinburg, turn South off of US Hwy 321 onto Greenbrier Road, and drive 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Ramsey Prong Road (across the bridge) at the junction of Greenbrier Rd, Porters Creek Road and Ramsey Prong Road, and drive to the end.
DETAILS
We will be starting the hike at 8:00 and should be off trail around lunchtime. This is a moderately difficult hike of 2200’+ elevation gain over 4 miles (so a 500’/mile slope) and our average hiking speed will be around 2.0-2.5 mph.WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download the pdf file that discusses these essentials.We also recommend hiking poles, and a rain coat given the chance of showers in the morning.
** Depending on recent rains, we may have to wade a short section just before the Falls. **
LATECOMERS AND NO-SHOWS
It's important for everyone to be early, or at least on time. We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they are running late. (It happens)If your plans change and you can't come on the hike, please remember to change your RSVP at least an hour before the event begins, so you don't wind up on my "No-Fly" list.
*** Failure to do so qualifies as a "No-Show" with me and you may not be allowed to join future hikes or backpacking trips. ***
NAVIGATION AIDS
Ramsey Cascade Map
Ramsey Cascade Profile
Ramsey Cascade .gpx file (download only)EVENT HOST:
Lane DeCost - 900 Miler - AT "2000 Miler" '23 - SAR Team Volunteer - Deep Creek-Noland Divide + 2200/-2800 - 18 Miles -- DifficultNoland Divide Trail, North Carolina, NC
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
*** Folks who are willing to help shuttle hikers/drivers will get first preference for moving off the Wait List. ***
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace over 12-15 miles, with 2000-2500 feet of elevation gain over 3-4 miles at a 500+ fpm slope.*** Note: We will have several stream crossings, and some may require DEEP wading depending on recent rains. ***
DETAILS
All hikers will meet at the Noland Divide TH near Deep Creek Campground at 8:00 (see Google Maps links below) and then shuttle almost an hour over to the starting TH on 441 near Newfound Gap. Parking may be limited up top, so we'll use as few vehicles as possible.We'll also need volunteers to take the shuttle drivers back to their cars at the end on their way back to TN.
Deep Creek - Noland Divide +2200 / -2800'- 18 Miles - Strenuous (Blue Line)
Hikers will head south on Deep Creek for 7+ miles dropping 2000+ feet along the way to the junction with Pole Road Creek. We'll have numerous water crossings along the way, with the one just south of BC 55 being notoriously difficult when water levels are up. We'll then begin a gut busting 2000' climb over the next 3 miles to the junction with with Noland Divide and Noland Creek. We'll turn south again with another 500' climb before beginning our knee-rattling 2800' descent to Deep Creek CG at nearly 600 fpm over 4.5 miles. Hikers should be off trail by 6:00 pm.
CAMPING OPTION
Some hikers may decide to camp at Deep Creek Campground on Friday and/or Saturday nights to avoid the early morning and/or post hike drives. Reservations are wide open at the moment and run $30 a spot, with up to 6 people, 2-3 tents, and 2 vehicles allowed per site. If you are willing to share a site to cut the cost, please post it in the Comments.IMPORTANT INFO
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, plenty of snacks and or a lunch. We'll go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is also advised. Hiking poles, and Crocs or water shoes are advised for the water crossings.We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.
LATECOMERS AND NO-SHOWS
It's important for everyone to be early, or at least on time. We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they are running late. (It happens)If your plans change and you can't come on the hike, please remember to change your RSVP at least an hour before the event begins, so you don't wind up on my "No-Fly" list.
*** Failure to do so qualifies as a "No-Show" with me and you may not be allowed to join future hikes or backpacking trips. ***
NAVIGATION AIDS
Deep Creek -Noland Divide MapDeep Creek= Noland Divide Profile
Deep Creek Hikes GPS (.gpx) (download only)
EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler '23 / Search and Rescue team volunteer / 900 Miler x4