Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

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

*** Hold the Dates *** Hazel Creek Adventure - 3 Night BP Trip - 55/62 Miles

Fri, May 22 · 8:00 AM EDT

Fontana Village Resort Marina, 40 Fontana Dam Rd, Fontana Dam, NC, US

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

*** We're starting a Wait List now to get an idea of the interest level in this trip. We'll be collecting fees and making reservations in mid-April. More info to follow.

If you are added to the Wait List please make sure to check back here regularly for any updates and changes to our plans. ***

DESCRIPTION
This is a challenging 55+ mile "map markers' delight" of 3 nights and 4 days over Memorial Day weekend. We'll visit the historic pre-GSMNP area of the Proctor Community, and explore Bone Valley and High Rocks, before tackling "Stinkin' Jenkins", and the dreaded water flume called Eagle Creek (15 fords) on our way out. With high mileage days and a cumulative gain/loss of over 10,000 feet this trip is only for the hardy and/or foolish.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Both Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek are well known for their multitude of wet stream crossing and outright wades, several of which can be dangerous in high water scenarios, and with some up to mid-thigh at normal levels. Please take a minute to read the HCA Stream Crossing info before signing up for this trip. Hiking poles and hard soled, enclosed, trail runners or water crossing shoes are required.

If the weather forecast shows higher than normal projected water levels this trip will be rescheduled.

QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable backpacking over 10-20 miles a day, for multiple days, at a 2.0-2.5 mph average pace, with 3500+ feet of elevation gain a day.

** Do not underestimate the difficulty of this trip **

*** If you are interested in this trip, join the Wait List and answer the 4 RSVP questions to hold your spot.

This will help us place you in a Normal, Faster, or Slower hiking group.

If you haven't backpacked with me before, please send an email to me with your prior backpacking experience to be added to the WL. ==> lane.decost.gshag @ gmail.com ***

DETAILS
We'll meet at 08:00 near the Fontana Marina hiker parking area (next to the AT crossing) where we'll take a boat shuttle across to the Hazel Creek/Ollie Creek landing. We'll then follow the schedule and routes below, ending our trip Monday afternoon.

We may end up using several different campsites each night, depending on how many hikers sign up, due to the Park's campsite limit of 8 hikers per night/per group.

* All mileages are estimates, and can vary +/- 2 miles on any given day, depending on the size of the group and the campsites selected. *

FRIDAY - Day 1 - 9-13 miles +800 / - 200' [Red line] (backpack)
Hikers will take the $30 boat shuttle from the Fontana Marina across to the Hazel or Ollie Creek landing near the pre-Park Proctor Community, where we'll hike up Hazel Creek to BC campsites 83/82 (overflow=BC 84, BC85). We will set up "Base Camp" and then slip in and out of Bone Valley before dinner.

SATURDAY - Day 2 - 19-22 miles +/- 2900' [Blue line] (day hike)
We'll grab our day bags and crunch out a 20+ mile loop, knocking out Hazel, most of Welsh Ridge, High Rocks, and Cold Springs Gap, before returning to our campsites.

SUNDAY - Day 3 - 15-20 miles +2800 /-3100' [Purple line]
We'll grind out the 10 mile, 3000+ challenge known as "Stinkin' Jenkins" with a lunch stop at Spence Field shelter. Then we'll slosh our way down Eagle Creek for 7 miles (and a dozen+ wet crossings) with several wading (swimming?) challenges along the way, to BCs 89/90 for some much needed R&R. (overflow=BC96)

MONDAY - Day 4 [Light Blue solid line/dots]
Two Options
Hikers will either or go out to Fontana Dam using the Lakeshore trail, or endure the Lost Cove trail and exit at the Twenty Mile Ranger Station.

Fontana Dam: 6-9 miles +500 / -400 [solid line]
Twenty Mile: 8-11 miles +2000 / -2300 [dotted line]

(Some may choose to exit by Boat Shuttle at BC 90 Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, but will arrange that on their own.)

TRIP COSTS
There is a National Park Fee of $8 per tent site/per night. We will advise on the method of payment once we see how many hikers sign up.

We will make group campsite reservations for all hikers. Do not make your own.

Once added to the Wait List you will need to pay for your $30 boat shuttle fee at the marina. More info later.

TRANSPORTATION
Everyone is expected to arrange their own transportation to and from their respective trailheads/marina. More info later.

NAVIGATION INFO
This info is based on the "Normal Hiker" group. YMMV)

HCA Map / Profile

Eagle Crossings Info
Eagle Crossings Map
Eagle Crossings Profile
Brown Book Info

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 Disclaimer

ORGANIZERS
Lane DeCost - 2023 AT '2000 Miler' / 900 Miler x5 / SAR team volunteer
Gigi D. 900 Miler
Lori Lowe 900 Miler
Rob N 900 Miler

GSHAG's Summer Campout at Smokemont CG --- Hike, Learn, and Feast!

Fri, Jun 12 · 9:00 AM EDT

IGNORE the Meetup Location Info - Still Broken, https://maps.app.goo.gl/SGfzvHH9b8wkc1BJ6, Cherokee, NC, US

HEADS UP!
It’s time to start thinking about some summer fun!!

Reservation for individual campsites are now open at Recreation.Gov. As soon as families start planning their summer vacations these spots will be Gone! If you want to camp, you’ll need to make your reservations now!

OVERVIEW
We’ll spend the weekend hiking, learning, and feasting at the Smokemont Campground near Cherokee, NC from Friday through Sunday (June 12-14). This is a great opportunity to visit the waterfalls, trails, and streams on the quieter side of the Park. Hikers can also consider a side-trip to the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Vistor Center or a visit to historic Cherokee, NC.

We’ll offer multiple events over the weekend, with Beginner to Difficult level hikes and a selection of mini clinics on Saturday, and more hikes and clinics possible on Sunday. TBA

DINING
We’ll share a group potluck style cookout on Saturday night, with a menu to be determined closer to the event. We’ll meet at the Smokemont Group Campground - Site G-03 near the far-left corner of the campground. Everyone is encouraged to bring a side, salad, or dessert to be shared among the group. There will be a sign-up sheet posted when we get closer to the event.

HIKING
On Saturday we’ll set up a series of hikes dropping down to Smokemont from the starting trailheads along Newfound Gap Road, possibly using a paid shuttle bus from the campground if we have enough demand. We’ll also offer a family friendly 3.6-mile waterfall hike. More info and sign-ups to come.

CAMPING
Hikers can choose to camp overnight on Friday, Saturday, or both nights. We’ll be camping and dining in the Group area (G-03) on the far end of the campground, next to the D Section of campsites. We will have room for 10-12 tents for those choosing to stay both Friday and Saturday nights and will post a signup list shortly.

For folks with a desire for more privacy, there are also individual campsites for tents, as well as RVs and camper trucks, near the Group site. We have already started grabbing individual campsites between D-33 through D-45.

Campsite reservations for individual sites can be made online at the link below. Most sites can accommodate 2-3 tents in the designated platforms. Consider sharing your site and split the $30 per site/per night cost. A NPS Annual Pass for Seniors provides 50% off camping fees in the Park.

As soon as families start planning their summer vacations these spots will be Gone!
If you want to camp, you’ll need to make your reservations now!

PARKING TAGS
Front-country campers parked at their designated campsite 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 Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which is 3.5 miles east of the campground.

“FEED THE BEAR”
This event will also provide members a chance to “Feed the Bear” which helps us raise funds to pay the annual Meetup fee of $300 for the GSHAG group. We use any excess funds collected to cover the costs of providing the main entrées at our seasonal Campouts/Cookouts.

This allows the Organizers to run the GSHAG group without charging any member or event fees. More info to follow.

If you enjoy our events, please consider "Feeding the Bear".

RSVP
Please RSVP now if you plan to attend so we can get a general idea of how many hikes and leaders we’ll need, and how much food we’ll need to buy for the cookout.

Please choose only one of the following when you RSVP.
1. Planned events only
2. Cookout only
3. Both

NAVIGATION AIDS
Smokemont Campground
Smokemont Group Campsite
Oconaluftee Vistor Center
Smokemont Campground Campsite Map

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 HOSTS
GSHAG Leadership Team