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
2
Hannah/Rabbit Loop - 16 Miles - Difficult
Abrams Falls Trailhead, Townsend, TN 37882, USA, Townsend, TN, US.
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***OVERVIEW
We'll hike out to the Hannah Mtn trail for all the map-markers and adventurous hikers among us before Forge Creek road closes for the season. The trail is mostly well maintained and non-technical, running through a forested landscape, although the last couple of miles are plagued with loose rocks and water runoff.Please be realistic about your abilities given the timelines involved.
QUALIFICATIONS
Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with up to 1000+ feet of elevation gain over 10-12 miles, and up to a 500+ fpm slope.Please be realistic about your abilities given the timeframes involved
MEETING LOCATION
All hikers will meet at the Abrams Falls parking lot at 8:30, and will car pool over to the starting trailhead on Forge Creek Rd.DETAILS
Hannah Mtn - Rabbit Creek (Cades Cove exit) +1000 / - 1500' - 16 Miles - Difficult (Pink Line)Hikers will gently ascend Forge Creek road for 4 miles before turning NW on Hannah Mtn to begin a meandering 10 mile, 1800' descent to the Abrams Creek crossing at the end of the Rabbit Creek trail in Cades Cove.
This Option is rated Difficult because of the overall distance, 2800' of cumulative elevation gain, and the water crossing at the end. Hikers should be off trail by late afternoon.
WATER CROSSING
There is a water crossing at the Abrams Falls end of the Rabbit Creek trail that usually requires a wade. Although water levels are currently low, that could change before the hike. Hikers should be prepared for the crossing with hiking poles, and water shoes or Crocs if they desire.IMPORTANT INFO
The Cades Cove loop road opens just after sunrise in the Fall, sometime just before 8:00. To avoid getting trapped by the slow moving Cades Cove parade of deer, turkey, and bear gawkers, hikers should be in line no later than 7:30 in order to not get left behind.If you're running late you might consider driving out Forge Creek Rd. to the Gregory Ridge TH shown on the linked Map to see if you can catch us before we set off up Parson Branch Rd.
Bring a day bag, with at least one to two liters of water, plenty of snacks, an extra insulation layer, and a hat. We also advise bringing a headlamp in case we are delayed getting off trail.
We'll go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is advised.
We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these items.
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
Hannah Mtn-Rabbit Cr MapGregories-Hannah Mtn GPS (.gpx) download
EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - 900 Miler x5, AT "2000 Miler" / Search and Rescue team volunteer7 attendees
Rich Mtn Loop - Difficult (11 Miles / 2,500+/- Elev. Gain)
Cades Cove Information Kiosk, Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA, Townsend, TN, US*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE YOU RSVP ***
ABOUT THE HIKE
The Rich Mountain - Crooked Arm Ridge - Indian Grave Loop just might be the perfect hike for enjoying the beauty of Cades Cove - without sitting in gridlock on the cade cove loop. We will also have an opportunity to visit the John Oliver Cabin, one of the oldest structures in the Park. You can find more information here. This hike will include the traditional Rich Mountain Loop plus the two out and back's to tag CS6 and Rich Mtn Road on the Indian Grave trail (for those individuals needing it for their 900 maps)QUALIFICATIONS:
This is an Intermediate hike and is suitable for hikers who are comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace for 8-11 miles, with an estimated 2,500 feet of elevation change. It's a good opportunity to stretch your distance and elevation gain, if you think you're ready for that. It's rated Difficult because of the overall length and 1500' of climb at a 500 fpm slope.The Hike Details:
We will hike 0.5 miles north on Rich Mountain Loop, and turn right onto Crooked Arm Ridge and hike 2.1 miles northeast, climbing 1500’ at 500 fpm. We will then take a short jaunt to tag CS 6 (required for map markers). We'll turn left onto Indian Grave Gap and hike 2.5 miles west, then do 2.2 miles on the out-and-back to tag Rich Mtn Rd (for those needing this for their 900 maps). We’ll then turn right, back onto Rich Mountain Loop, and hike 2.8 miles south back to the trailhead. We should be off trail around 3:00 pm (/-).(If you would be interested in adding on a 4.6 mile "unofficial" out-and-back Option to knock out the rest of the Rich Mtn trail down to Rich Mtn Rd let us know when you RSVP.)
WHERE TO MEET FOR THE HIKE:
We'll meet at 8:00 AM at the parking lot next to the Cades Cove Loop Gate, which appears as “Cades Cove Information Kiosk” in Google Maps. We will do a quick gear check before proceeding to the Rich Mountain Loop Trailhead which is about 100 yards from where we will park. Try to park in the spaces after the kiosk, closer to the gate.PARKING TAGS
Front-country campers parked at their designated campsites will not be required to have a parking tag for the 2 vehicles permitted. If you are parked elsewhere in the Park or campground, a parking tag is required. You can buy a day pass online, or a daily, weekly or annual pass at the Cades Cove Information Kiosk, which is at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Rd, and just past the turnoff to the campground.WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying the 14 essentials when going into the woods. You can download the pdf file that discusses these essentials.Because it’s the Smokies, be mindful of the weather and bring the necessary waterproof outer layers, insulation, water, and snacks to be safe.
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 hour ahead of the hike's start time, qualifies as a 'No-Show' with me, and you may not be able to join my future hiking trips. ***
NAVIGATION AIDS
Rich Mtn Hikes Map
Rich Mtn Loop Profile
Rich Mtn Loop GPS [.gpx] (download only)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 Disclaimer7 attendees
Past events
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