About us
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
10
BP 101 - Beginner Backpacking Clinic – Max Patch to Roaring Fork Shelter
Pisgah National Forest, Harmon Den Parking Area, 35°45'47.6"N 82°59'14.4"W, Clyde, NC, US*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
WAIT LIST
*** Please Join the Wait List for this event. ***Folks who got closed out of the last clinic will have first preference for this one, followed by anyone with limited to no prior experience, in the order they are moved from the WL, until we reach capacity. This event is intended for true beginners.
Once we clear the former group, we'll start adding everyone else.
Please answer the 4 RSVP questions at signup if you want to be moved off of the Wait List.
If you don't provide your email address for the handouts at signup you will not be moved from the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line.
*** Once you get moved off the Wait List remember to check back here regularly for any updates and changes ***
OVERVIEW
This will be an introduction to overnight backpacking for those day hikers that are ready to take the next step, and is intended for those with little to no backpacking experience.The distance hiked will be less than 2 miles each day on Saturday and Sunday, with the focus of the trip on providing the basic information, skills, and lots of hands-on experience to get you started. Because GSMNP doesn't allow tenting at shelters we will be meeting outside the Park and camping near Max Patch Mountain.
(click on the nearby map link)WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Instruction will include basic information on the following:Safety – 14 Essentials, hazards (weather, lightning, bears, snakes, etc.) campsite selection, water treatment, basic fire building
Gear selection - packs, hammocks, tents and tarps, sleeping bags and pads, stoves, footwear
Packing – proper layering, weight considerations, proper load distribution, seasonal requirements
Cooking – stoves and fuels, meal options
Navigation – Basic map reading, pacing and estimating distances
GEAR REQUIREMENTS
We will provide a suggested packing list for guidance to those who sign up.You DO NOT need a tent to go on this outing. You can use the shelter, which also has water and a privy nearby. We will have a limited amount of backpacking gear to lend (tents, packs, bags, pads).
*** We would recommend participants NOT go out and buy a bunch of gear until AFTER the clinic when you have had the opportunity to see, feel, wear, and try out a wide variety of packs, bag, tents and sleeping pads. ***
DETAILS
We will meet at the Rally Point at 9:00 for some basic information and demonstrations, followed by pack inspections and some gear swaps/distribution. We’ll car pool to the Max Patch parking lot and then hike about 1.8 miles north on the Appalachian Trail to the Roaring Fork shelter (a 3-sided wooden structure with a platform for sleeping) to camp. RFS has capacity for 10 hikers, with another 7 individual tent platforms available, as well as room for several hammocks.The total hike is about 2 miles each way with @500 +/- feet of elevation change, much of it at easy grades. Bring your packed backpack (or all of your gear in a shopping bag for a borrowed backpack), hiking poles if you have them, water, lunch, dinner, breakfast and snacks (more on meals with the packing list).
IMPORTANT RSVP INFO
When you RSVP please let us know:- What gear, if any, you will need to borrow. (first come, first served)
- Whether you would prefer to sleep in a tent, hammock, or shelter
- If you are borrowing a sleeping bag/pad, do you sleep "hot" or "cold"?
- Your email address for distribution of the handouts
We'll use your email to distribute all the handouts for the clinic. It is not possible to send them out using Meetups messages.
*** 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. ***
You may also satisfy this requirement by emailing Lane at lane.decost.gshag@gmail.com.
Attendance is limited by campsite space for this hike. First come-first served.
There are no reservation or campsite fees for this shelter.
DIRECTIONS
To the BP 101 Rally Point << <== Meet here at 9:00 amGoogle Maps is still showing I-40 as being closed from the TN eastbound side at NC Exit 7 where our route goes. This will require TN folks to continue eastbound to NC Exit 15, exit, go under I-40 and turn back onto I-40 westbound, and proceed to Exit 7. Then continue north on Cold Springs Creek Road to the Rally Point.
Do NOT continue north on Fines Creek Rd (1338) at NC Exit 15 despite signs suggesting that route to Max Patch. You'll add 30-45 minutes to your trip and may miss the group completely.
This route is generally safe for most vehicles, even though it is a gravel road, and has a fair number of potholes and washboards.
NAVIGATION AIDS
MAP
ELEVATION PROFILEDISCLAIMER
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):
Lane DeCost - AT "2000 Miler" - '23 / "GSMNP 900 Miler" x5 - Search and Rescue Team Volunteer6 attendees
Honey Creek Loop, Big South Fork NRA - 5.63 miles
Honey Creek Loop Trailhead, 100 honey creek trailhead overlook road, Allardt, TN, USJoin Us for one of my favorite hikes in Tennessee. This is a hidden gem, offering a full day of stunning views, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural features.
Distance: 5.63 miles
Difficulty: VERY DIFFICULT: This is considered difficult due to uneven steps, steep climbs, ladders, narrow trail without protection, rocky terrain, boulder-scrambling, and creek crossing (trail is in the creek).
Elevation: ~700ft up and ~700ft down
Type of hike: Loop trailMeeting times 7:00am at Food City off Cedar lane/Merchant drive, 9:00am Honey Creek Trailhead. This is approximately 2 hours from downtown Knoxville. The last several miles are gravel and sometimes rough sections of road. So you may need to allow some extra travel time.
April is the perfect time to explore this trail, as the wildflowers along the way are in full bloom, adding bursts of color to the already picturesque surroundings. As we make our way through the loop, we'll pass by six incredible waterfalls and explore numerous rockhouses. Be prepared to stop often – there's so much to take in!
The trail offers a mix of terrain, including sections where we’ll need to carefully navigate through slanted crevices between massive boulders. Keep your eyes peeled for some fascinating sandstone liesegang rings. I’ll explain these unique geological features as we go.
Proper hiking footwear is a must, as some parts of the trail require us to wade through the creek. The water level usually ranges from 1/2" to 3", so water shoes are highly recommended. A small towel to dry your feet will also help prevent blisters. We’ll be moving at a relaxed pace, taking time to enjoy the experience. Halfway through, we’ll stop at an amazing overlook to rest and have lunch. This hike is best appreciated when taken slowly, so plan for a full day of exploration and adventure!Please note: There are a few tight spots where you may need to shimmy between boulders, so if you have any concerns with claustrophobia, keep this in mind. With this in mind, we have successfully made it through these sections with all participants
Looking forward to sharing this unforgettable hike with you!
WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying the 14 essentials when going into the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials. Here. (Thanks Lane)
Because it’s the Appalachian Mountains, be mindful of the weather and bring the necessary waterproof outer layers, insulation, water, and snacks to be safe.NAVIGATION AIDS & LINKS:
Honey Creek Loop Hiking Trail, Huntsville, Tennessee (hikingproject.com)LATECOMERS AND "NO-SHOWS"
It’s important that everyone is on time (or early). We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they’re running late. If your plans change and you can’t come on the hike, please change your RSVP so we’re not waiting for you or looking for you.
*** Failure to change your RSVP, or let us know at least an TWO hour ahead of the hike's start time, qualifies as a 'No-Show' with me, and you may not be able to join future events. ***DISCLAIMER:
By joining and/or participating in any Great Smoky Hiking and Adventure Group (GSHAG) event or activity you agree to hold the organizers and participants harmless from any loss, damage or liability that may occur during this event or while in transit to and from the event, assume all personal risks and liability related to or resulting from any GSMHAG activities, functions and events and agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's organizers, or members liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. In addition, by participating in any Great Smoky Mountain Hiking and Adventure Group event you assert and agree that you have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment and supplies to properly participate in the events that you chose to attend and that your membership in this group is on an "at will" basis.6 attendees
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