Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

Tori's Final "900 Miler" Hike -- The Gregories - 13 / 17 Miles - Difficult+

Sun, Apr 19 · 8:30 AM EDT

Gregory Ridge Trailhead, Forge Creek Rd, Townsend, TN, US

*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***

OVERVIEW
After numerous setbacks over the last year or so we're very excited that Tori Griffin is finally going to put a bow on her first 900 Miler map! Come out and help us celebrate the accomplishment atop one of the prettiest balds in the Park.

QUALIFICATIONS
Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 3000+ feet of elevation gain/loss, and a total distance between 13 and 17 miles. With a 7 miles worth of 400+ fpm climb, and a whopping 650+ fpm slope on the descent, this hike is not for the faint of heart. Please be realistic about your abilities given the timelines involved.

MEETING LOCATION
All hikers will meet at the Gregory Ridge TH on Forge Creek Rd at 8:30.

IMPORTANT
*** The Cades Cove loop road opens just after first-light, usually around 7:30 or so. To avoid getting trapped by the slow moving Cades Cove parade, hikers should be in line no later than 7:00 in order to not get left behind. ***

** Plan for 25-40 minutes to get around the Cove to the Forge Creek Road turnoff from the entrance. **

** We recommend all hikers leave their cars at the GR TH to make getting out of the Cades Cove Loop easier. **

OPTION 1
Gregory Bald - Gregory Ridge - 13 Miles +/- 3000' - Difficult (Blue Line)

Hikers will drive past the Cades Cove visitor center and head down Forge Creek road to the Gregory Ridge TH to begin the hike. We'll do a quick gear check and some introductions and then do a 3+ mile road walk along Parsons Branch Road up to the Gregory Bald Junction, climbing 800' along the way. We'll then continue to climb over 2000' to Gregory Bald, at a lung-busting 550' feet-per-mile (fpm) slope for the remaining of the 4 miles.

After a snack or lunch at the top, hikers will head east and descend about a mile to the junction with the Gregory Ridge trail where Tori will officially finish her 1st 900 Miler Map.

Option 1 folks will then start the 5.5 mile descent to the cars at a knee-rattling 650 fpm slope before heading home. O1 Hikers should be off trail around 3:30 or so.

This Option is rated Difficult because of the overall distance and significant elevation gain. Hikers should seriously consider if they are capable of the hike.

OPTION 2
Gregory Bald - Doe Knob - Gregory Ridge - 17+ Miles +/- 3000' Strenuous (Pink Dots)
Hikers will follow the Option 1 plan until they get to the Gregory Bald / Gregory Ridge junction. Then they will continue east about 2 miles on GB to the AT, where they'll reverse back to the GB/GR junction.

Option 2 folks will then start the 5.5 mile descent to the cars at a knee-rattling 650 fpm slope before heading home We should be off trail around 5-5:30.

This Option is rated Strenuous because of the longer than normal distance and significant elevation gain.

IMPORTANT INFO
Bring a day bag, with at least one to two liters of water, plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. There is a spring at the top of Gregory Bald where we can resupply if needed. 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 into the woods. You can download the pdf file 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
Gregory Bald Hikes Map

O1 : Gregories Loop Profile

O2: Gregories Plus Doe Knob Loop Profile

Gregory Bald Hikes GPS (.gpx) Download File

Trail Slope Key

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 Disclaimer

EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - AT "2000 Miler" / 900 Map x5 / Search and Rescue team volunteer

French Broad from Seven Islands to Cruze Landing Park

Sun, Apr 19 · 10:40 AM EDT

Cruze Landing Boat Ramp, 7698 Kodak Rd., Kodak, TN, US

Description:
The French broad is a main tributary of the Tennessee River. The water of the French Broad comes from the button of Douglas Dam and it is much colder than the air . Without wind it condenses a layer of brume. Occasionally, there are one or two fisher boats, but in general it is very calm.

The current is strong half a mile after the put in. There are some small (Class I ) rapids . But the river is mostly flat flow in particular near the end. Wearing a life jacket is required (if you don't want to wear it please do not join to this event).

On the shores of the river you may see some wild areas and plenty of farms. Eagles, ospreys and blue cranes are common. You may see turtles too .

Sometimes the rain brings empty plastic bottles to the river. Please bring a small trash bag to help me clean a bit.

Plan: The plan is go to gather at the take out in Cruze Landing Park (35.961656,-83.736944 ) at 10:40 am https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kwmn6VYZ267voeE7A?g_st=ac
We will leave some cars there. I will need at least one volunteer who can carry another kayak in the car for this plan to work.

We will next drive to put in at (35.9520434, -83.6832053) at 11am [https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hebBgWCCtzy1qFC6](Seven Islands Boat Ramp)

After Kayaking: we will meet at the Cracker Barrel to chat and share pictures. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5eMg4Rn46KdLEyhG9?g_st=ac

Preferred gear: Sit inside kayaks are preferred. Sunglasses and a hat are a must. Gloves will help too. Have your phone fully charged in a floating case. Have a GPS app loaded and learn how to use it.

A life jacket or PFD is mandatory. Please read this text [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YJh4ZPSplF0IEavKYD_SAr4pxZTWXeNd_QS3fiojw0E/edit?usp=drivesdk](Dos and don'ts) with some basic to do and not to do recomendations. The list is incomplete.

Do not forget your kayak and paddle.

Bring a drink in a termo; water and lunch.

Experienced people that have experience in the water and can help managing a larger group have a shortcut in the waitlist.

Must Read before signing up: Note that I am not a guide. You should be an experienced kayaker. You are solely responsible of your own safety that includes all dangers associated with water activities including death. Please read the following full disclaimer before signing up.
Disclaimer
Plus ones must Read the disclaimer

Camping at Smokemont, Enloe creek trail hike

Sat, May 2 · 8:00 AM EDT

Smokemont Campground, Smokemont Campground Rd D, Cherokee, NC, US

I will be camping with my hiking buddies from Friday to Sunday, come along and enjoy this beautiful part of the park. Enloe creek is one of my favorite hikes. It still has huge trees that were never cut.
EVENT LEADER
Florence - 900 Miler, Everest base camp...

*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE YOU RSVP ***

THE EVENT
Saturday: Enloe Creek trail, 10.8 miles. This is a shuttle hike. We will meet at my campsite in PM later at 8 AM to shuttle to Hyatt Ridge trail end on straight fork road.
The hike : 10.8 miles, + 3,170 ft, one foot water crossing. Chasteen creek + Enloe Creek + Hyatt Ridge.
GPS navigation
Sunday: Smokemont loop, 5.40 miles. Ascent 1,225 ft.
We will meet at 8:30 AM at my campsite. We should be out by 12 PM, taking our time to check flowers and fungi.
GPS navigation

QUALIFICATIONS
For the Saturday hike, hikers should be comfortable hiking 2.0 mph, with continuous elevation gains for 5 miles. It's rated Strenuous because of the overall length and the cumulative 3,170' of climb. There is a water crossing at Enloe creek because the bridge is down. We should be off trail around 5:00 or earlier, depending on what we find on the trail: big trees, flowers, fungi to admire etc... For the water crossing, if the water is too high, I will cancel the hike and suggest another one.

WHAT TO BRING: the 10 essentials
We always suggest carrying the 10 essentials when going onto the woods.
Because it’s the Smokies, be mindful of the weather and bring the necessary waterproof outer layers, insulation, water, and snacks to be safe and a map.
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. ***

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 Disclaimer

Backpacking 201 Clinic – Field Skills - Brown’s Gap to Roaring Fork Shelter

Sat, May 2 · 9:00 AM EDT

Max Patch Rally Point, Cold Springs Creek Rd, Clyde, NC, US

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*** 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 201 clinic will have first preference for this clinic, followed by recent participants in the current BP 101 clinic.

Once we clear the former groups, we'll start adding everyone else,
in the order they signed up.

*** You will have to answer the 4 questions at RSVP, or by sending me a Meetups Message, or an email to the address listed below, in order to moved off the Wait List. Don't lose your spot in line ***

THE EVENT
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 that will get your attention.

Because GSMNP doesn't allow tenting at 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 8 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 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. Basic land navigation.

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 dehydrated 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.

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

Attendance is limited for this hike. First come-first served.

When you RSVP please let us know:

1. Your prior backpacking experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
2. What gear, if any, you would like to borrow
3. Whether you will be tenting, hammock camping, or using the shelter
4. Your email address for the 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 confirming your attendance by emailing Lane at lane.decost.gshag @ gmail.com or providing your email address when you RSVP.

Early responders will get their choice of sleeping arrangements, while later responders get whatever is left.

*** If you don't answer the 4 questions when you RSVP you lose your spot in 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

Trail Slope key

DIRECTIONS
To the BP 201 Rally Point << <== Meet here at 9:00 am

This route is generally safe for most vehicles, even though it is a gravel road, and has a fair number of potholes and washboards.

CAUTION
Because of construction and road closures at our normal exit, we will send out modified instructions as the date approaches, if necessary..

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.

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 Disclaimer

EVENT LEADER:
Lane DeCost - AT "2000 Miler" - '23 / 900 Miler x5 / Search and Rescue Team Volunteer