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 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
Backpacking 201 Clinic – Field Skills - Brown’s Gap to Roaring Fork Shelter
Max Patch Rally Point, Cold Springs Creek Rd, 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 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:
- Your prior backpacking experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- What gear, if any, you would like to borrow
- Whether you will be tenting, hammock camping, or using the shelter
- 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)
DIRECTIONS
To the BP 201 Rally Point << <== Meet here at 9:00 amThis 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 DisclaimerEVENT LEADER:
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler - '23 / Search and Rescue Team Volunteer / 900 Miler x47 attendees
Past events
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