GetBackpacking! Hiking the AT: Carvers Gap to 19E

This was previously a women only trip, but we're opening it up to everyone! Please join us on the 14-mile run from Carvers Gap to U.S. 19E. This stretch of the Appalachian Trail (AT) has been rated most scenic by official guide books, and with more than five balds, it lives up to this honor.

This section of the AT zig-zags through NC and TN. We'll start at around 5,500 ft in altitude before heading up and flirting with 6,000 ft and spectacular views. The trail is single track and rocky in places so you'll want good shoes and trekking poles. While it may only be 14 miles, it's one of those hikes that you finish feeling proud and amazed at what you accomplished.

Our basic itinerary:

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.: Planning meeting. We’ll meet at Great Outdoor Provision in Chapel Hill to review the route map and discuss logistics.

Friday, Sept. 21: We’ll leave at 9 a.m. and drive to Roan Mountain, TN, and the 19E trailhead to catch a shuttle. The shuttle will take us to the Carvers Gap trailhead; we plan to be on the trail by 2 pm. We’ll hike to 3.5 miles to the Stan Murray shelter and spend the night.

Saturday: An early start to tackle the middle of the trail. This will be our longest day at 7.5 miles as we climb Hump Mountain and take in the views before heading to our second camp site at Doll Flats.

Sunday: A more relaxed start. We’ll take on the downhill section and head the final 3 miles back to our cars.

Is this trip for you? Participants need to have basic backpacking skills and their own gear. We keep the daily mileages low so that we aren't pushing anyone and so that we have plenty of time to marvel over this remarkably scenic stretch of trail. The route trends downhill, but there are at least two (depending upon how you count) decent climbs on this hike. You will need to be in reasonably good condition to do this trip.

What's included. Fee for this trip includes shuttle to the trailhead, overnight parking at a secured location (a quarter mile from the end of the hike), a post-hike shower, eguide including maps, distances, elevation profiles and other information on this route, and guide.

Fee: $105