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 (4+)
See all- Backpacking Trip in ElkmontElkmont Campground Smoky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg, TN
Get your sleeping bag and tent ready- Let's backpack in Elkmont.
Below is the link to book a backcountry site for campsite #20. Everyone will be placed on the waitlist until he/she has confirmed a backcountry site purchase. It is each hiker's responsibility to purchase the $8 backcountry site for #20.
https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/
This is a backpacking trip in the Tremont/Elkmont area to King Branch, campsite 20. The total milage for the hike is 10.1 with about 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The trail rolls up and down with the ridge, so expect a couple of hills during the hike. The elevation gain is based on the information in the Little Brown Book.
We will meet at noon at Elkmont in either the Little River parking lot or the Jakes Creek parking lot in front of Daisy Town. From there, the group will carpool over to Tremont to begin the hike at Lumber Ridge (4.1). The hike follows Lumber Ridge to the junction at Meigs Mountain. From there, the group will hike about 4 miles on Megis Mountain to the King Banch campsite (campsite 20).
The hike will finish Thursday morning by hiking about 2 miles out to Elkmont. The best part is we might get lucky and see some firefly activity after dark.
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. - Gigi's Last Hike: Rich Mtn Loop - Difficult (11 Miles / Est. 2,500+ Elev. Gain)Cades Cove Campground, Townsend, TN
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE YOU RSVP ***
It's been 5 years in the making and Gigi is finally completing her first 900 Miler Map. Winter weather, hurricane Helene, forest fires, & road / trail closures made this journey longer than anticipated to complete, but she is finally approaching the finish line! Megan Gilles (900 Miler) will also be in town for the event! So, come join us to hike with our hiking buddy Megan and celebrate Gigi's final hike.
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 (for those individuals needing if 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 a 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 a 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 onto Rich Mountain Loop and hike 2.8 miles south back to the trailhead for the traditional celebratory hiking pole archway marking the end of Gigi's 900 Miler Map. We should be off trail around 3:00pm. If you have time, please join us for a celebratory taco bar picnic at the Cades Cove Group Campsite# GS1 after the hike.WHERE TO MEET FOR THE HIKE:
On Saturday, May 31st we will meet at 9:00 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 huddle / 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.Gigi's 900 Miler Post Hike Celebration Picnic:
After the hike, those of you wishing to partake in celebrating Gigi's final hike are welcome to join us at Cades Cove Group Campsite #GS1 which she has rented for the weekend. Proceed to the Cades Cove Campground just down the road. Parking is very limited back in the group sites area, so we recommend parking at the campground General Store Office and walking the 1/4 mile to the back of the campground where the "group campsites" are located for some light fare and socialization. Please bring your own camp chair and beverage.CADE COVE CAMPING:
If you would like to spend the night at our Group Campsite, please private message Gigi. Priority for tent sites at Gigi's group campsite will go to hikers who have helped Gigi on her journey that live out of town (ie., NC side of the smokies and out of town hikers). Space is limited. You may also elect to reserve your own campsite at Cades Cove Campground on your own.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.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 Disclaimer - Beginner Hikes - (SVC) 2, 4, or 6 Miles - 3 Options - Easy/ModerateSugarlands Visitor Center, GSMNP, Gatlinburg, TN
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
OVERVIEW
Summer is coming soon, and it's time to get in trail shape. We will be offering some basic info about topics that beginners often struggle with when hiking in the Smokies. We'll combine instruction with enjoying some time together on two of the easiest trails in the Park.DESCRIPTION
We get requests for shorter hikes from those just getting started hiking or backpacking, those trying to get back in shape, or those trying to build up their endurance and increase their ability to do higher elevation hikes. We will have 3 options that are cumulative in length and difficulty.We have arranged the order of the hikes to allow beginners to choose the right mileage for them, and perhaps extend their day on the fly, by adding the next option. When you RSVP, please pick only ONE of the following 3 options, so that we can plan for the number of vehicles and co-leaders necessary to safely spread out the group.
INSTRUCTION TOPICS
We will be offering a brief overview of the following topics, while having lunch at the Bud Ogle cabin near Gatlinburg, around noon.- Getting in Trail Shape - How do I get started?
- Footwear Dilemma - Do I want hiking shoes, trail runners or boots?
- Keeping Warm or Cool - What is this "layering" thing hikers talk about?
- Staying Dry - How do I stay dry when hiking in the Smokies?
- Safety - What do I need to do to hike safely in the Smokies?
HIKE OPTIONS
*** When you RSVP you need to give us an Option so we can plan for drivers and leaders. If you don't have that ability on a mobile app, please let us know in the Comments section below. Please answer all 3 questions.
OPTION 1 – Twin Creeks Trail – 2 Miles / +700’ elevation – Easy
We’ll meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 8:00 to shuttle cars and hikers. We’ll drop most hikers at the northern end of trail near the Park boundary on Cherokee Orchard Rd. Then we’ll drop some cars at the southern end of the trail at the “Bud’ Ogle Nature Center parking area for those that will be ending their day there. We’ll then hike 1.9 miles south on the trail back to the cars, gaining 700 feet of elevation (around 350 feet per mile). This is an easy hike. Add the next Option to make it a 6 mile day, or call it a day. We should be off trail by 10:00.OPTION 2 – Old Sugarlands – 4 Miles / -1,150’ elevation – Easy
We’ll meet at the Rainbow Falls trailhead parking lot on Cherokee Orchard Rd at 10:30 (use the overflow lot 5 minutes further down the road if the main lot is full). Hikers may want to car pool because Rainbow Falls is a popular hike and parking is always tight. We’ll hike 3.9 miles south and west back to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, dropping 1150' along the way. Off trail by 2:00 or so. Volunteers will shuttle hikers back up to pick up their cars.OPTION 3 – Twin Creek and Old Sugarlands – 6 Miles - Moderate
We’ll meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 8:00 to shuttle cars and hikers. We'll follow the Option 1 and Option 2 routes. We should be off trail by 2:00 or so. Volunteers will shuttle hikers back up to pick up their cars.SHUTTLES
All Options will require a shuttle to get to the starting trailheads, or back to the Meeting Locations. We ask if you would be willing to help shuttle hikers when you RSVP. Hikes like this only work when folks volunteer to pitch in.** Shuttle drivers will need to be taken back to collect their cars afterwards. **
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. (note: some of the links in the original article are now dead)Because it’s the Smokies we need to always be mindful of the weather and bring the necessary insulation layers and waterproof outer layers, at least 1 liter of water, and a lunch or snacks.
LATECOMERS AND 'NO-SHOWS'
Because this type of event has a lot of moving parts it’s important that everyone is on time (or early). You wouldn't want to get left behind because you’re running late. If your plans change and you can’t come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP so we’re not waiting 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' for me, and you may not be able to hike with me in the future. ***
Trail GPS file (.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 DisclaimerEVENT HOSTS
Lane DeCost - 2023 AT '2000 Miler' / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4
