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 (2)
See all- Spring in Porters Creek TrailPorters Creek Trail Trailhead, Gatlinburg, TN
Requirements:
Option (1) is for beginners that are walking 10000 steps regularly.Description:
We will be going to my favorite place in the park in the Spring. The short plan (1) is to go up to the fall. Option (2) is twice longer. The section between the bridge and the fall should be in full bloom by this time of the year. The GSMNP is among the most biodiverse places left in the world. It is also among the most beautiful. Plan to take pictures and enjoy.TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
You should have been doing your 10000 steps every day in other to attempt this ~4 mile hike.RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bring enough food and water. Showers are very common. Avoid clothing made of natural fivers like cotton.
We will be crossing Porters creek in a log bridge. If you are scared of highs, this might not be for you,MEETING PLACE AND HIKING PLAN:
We will meet at Porters Creek Trailhead of (35.6981879,-83.388104)Option (1) going to the cascade and return which is about 4 miles round trip. Option (2) is all the way to campsite 31 it will be 7.5 miles round trip. I am leading option (2), I need a lead volunteer for (1). I have set a limit for 12 people but experienced hikers that co-lead can let me including more.
MAPS:
Link to the hike map:
Poters Creek TrailMap of the GSMNP:
GMSNP trail mapDISCLAIMERS:
All participants must understand that each one must have the minimum experience required and that each one is solely responsible of her/his own safety. Host are not guides: just another hiker.No-shows, that keep us waiting in vain on the trail head, may find themselves excluded from mine and other events from this group.
Fellow hikers with a record of commitment to every event they sign for, real troopers with a positive attitude, have a short cut off the waiting list.
If you have never hiked in the group or with me you may expect lots of questions.
- Backpacking 201 Clinic – Field Skills - Brown’s Gap to Roaring Fork ShelterMax Patch Rally Point, Clyde, NC
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
RSVP INFORMATION
RSVPs are now open for sign-up to be added to the Wait List.
*** While this event is open to anyone with basic prior backpacking experience, first preference will be given to those who have completed any of my prior BP 101 - Beginning Backpacking clinics. **
*** You must answer all 4 questions at RSVP, in order to be moved off the Wait List. ***
Be advised : I'm no longer willing to chase folks down for the information.
THE BASICS
This event is a learning hike intended for newer backpackers who have basic skills who want to become more proficient in their gear selection and packing, more comfortable in their abilities, safer in the backcountry, and learn some new skills.The total hike is 10+ miles round trip, with @1100 feet of elevation change. The overall hike is rated Moderate due to the moderate daily length, good trail conditions, and moderate total elevation gain. There is one tough section with 800 feet of elevation gain over less than a mile at the start.
Because GSMNP doesn't allow tenting at Park shelters we will be camping outside the park near Max Patch Mountain, at the Roaring Fork Shelter on the AT.
We will meet at the Cold Stream Creek Rd (Rally Point) at 9:00 for some basic information and demonstrations, followed by a pack inspection and some gear distribution. We’ll then shuttle hikers to Brown’s Gap and hike about 5.2 miles north on the Appalachian Trail to the Roaring Fork shelter, which has capacity for 10, with 7 tent platforms available. The shelter has water nearby and a privy. We’ll do more instruction along the way and at the shelter.
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION
Basic Backpacker First Aid – Backpacker specific issues (sprains, strains, blisters, chafing, dehydration, hypothermia, heat related issues)Maps and Navigation – Basic Map and compass use, creating and using topographical maps, map reading and basic route finding using UTM & USNG grids
Fire building – three methods of building a fire, building a fire in wet conditions, how to use strikers, flint, and magnesium
Freezer Bag Cooking – preparing homemade freeze-dried and frozen meals
Field repair – fix leaky sleeping pads; ripped sleeping bags, tents and coats; repair broken tent poles and shoe soles in the field with minimal gear/tools
Hammock camping – an introduction to the basics of hammock camping
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a packed backpack, hiking poles, water, lunch (2), dinner, breakfast and snacks, and a willingness to learn new stuff with a great group of people. You will not necessarily need a stove or water filter. We will have plenty to share, and there is a privy and water at the shelter.We may have a limited selection of backpacking gear to lend. Let us know what you might need to borrow when you RSVP.
IMPORTANT RSVP INFORMATION
When you RSVP please let us know:
- Your prior backpacking experience level
- What gear, if any, you would like to borrow
- Whether you will be tenting, hammock camping, or using the shelter
- Your email address for handouts
We'll use your email to distribute all handouts for the clinic. It is not possible to send them out using Meetups messages.
** You will only receive these handouts by providing your email address when you RSVP. **
Attendance is limited for this hike. First come-first served.
Early responders will get their choice of sleeping arrangements, while later responders get whatever is left.
*** If you don't specify whether you want tent, hammock, or sleep in the shelter when you RSVP ,you go to the back of the line. ***
MAPS AND NAVIGATION
Browns Gap to Roaring Fork Shelter Map
Browns Gap to RF Shelter Elevation Profile
(Elevation is exaggerated so you can see the smaller changes along the way)
Browns Gap to RFS .gpx file (download only)DIRECTIONS
Directions to the BP 101 Rally Point from I-40 Exit 7 in NCThis route is generally safe for most vehicles, even though it is a gravel road, and has a fair number of potholes and washboards.
CELL PHONE COVERAGE
Once you leave I-40 you will lose service, as well as your ability to download map data, and will need to have the Rally Point visible on your screen. If you lose service just continue 3 miles down the dirt road until you see the parking lot and bathroom on the left. Minimal cell service on the hike.EVENT HOSTS:
Lane DeCost - 900 Miler - AT 2000 Miler 23 - SAR Team Volunteer
TBD
