Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

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

Sat, Oct 3 · 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 also 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 commercial dehydrated, and homemade, 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/near 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 prefer 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 already 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 - 900 Miler x5 / AT "2000 Miler" - '23 / Search and Rescue Team Volunteer

GSHAG's Fall Campout at Cades Cove CG --- Hike, Learn, and Feast!

Fri, Oct 9 · 1:00 PM EDT

Cades Cove, Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN, US

HEADS UP!
It’s time to start thinking about some Fall colors!

Reservation for individual campsites are now open at Recreation.Gov, but are already limited. If you want to camp on site, you’ll need to make your reservations now!

If the site you want is not available, sign up to be notified if there are cancellations as we get closer to the dates.

We'll also post information shortly about the Group campsite we have reserved, with room for up to 30 people in 10-15 tents spaces. These sites will be about half the cost of individual sites.

OVERVIEW
We’ll spend the weekend hiking, learning, and feasting at the Cades Cove campground from Friday through Sunday (October 9-11. This is a great opportunity to visit the waterfalls, trails, streams and historical sites on the more popular side of the Park.

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 Cades Cove group campground (G003). 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 and Sunday we’ll set up a series of hikes in the surrounding area, from beginners to advanced. 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-003) on the far end of the campground. We will have room for 10-15 tents for those choosing to stay both Friday and Saturday nights and will post a signup event 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.

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.

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 Cades Cove Information Kiosk, which is at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Rd, and just past the turnoff to 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
Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Group Campsite
Cades Cove Information Kiosk
Cades Cove 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

Cades Cove October Campout -- Group Site Reservation Info

Fri, Oct 9 · 1:00 PM EDT

CADES COVE, 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, US

Heads Up!

This is for those individuals staying at the group site during the Cades Cove Campout, Oct 9-11 At this time spaces are available for hikers spending both Friday and Saturday nights. The cost is $15 per tent/per night.

We have Group Site 3 reserved, that is G-003. There are tent pads for 5 large or 10 small tents, with more space on gravel, We can have up to 30 campers on the site, and we can park up to 4 vehicles at the site. There is additional overflowing parking if it is needed.

Cades Cove Group Campsite G-03 Information

To best maximize the space, campers can share the platform with others depending on the tent size. For example, 3 one-man tents can fit on a platform, or 2 one-man tents and a two-man tent could fit on a platform.

RSVPs
Step 1 - Join the Wait List for a Group tent spot.
Step 2 - Answer the 2 questions required at sign-up.
Step 3 - Wait for a Meetup Message that a spot is available for you.
Step 4 - Use Venmo to pay $15 per tent/per night.

There are two questions to answer when signing up.
1. How many people are in your party?
2. How big is your tent (1p, 2p, etc.).

Once I have the camper's party and tent information, I will send a message with the Venmo link. The cost is $15 per tent/per night.

** RSVPs are first-come-first served* based on the order of sign-up with *complete* information, and payment made in a timely fashion. **

Campsites without payment after a week will be released back into the pool.

NOTE
Please keep in mind you will be sleeping very close to other individuals. We recommend bringing ear plugs if you're a light sleeper. It will help drown out the nighttime noise.

Rich Mtn Loop - Difficult (11 Miles / 2,500+/- Elev. Gain)

Sat, Oct 10 · 8:30 AM EDT

Cades Cove Campground, 10042 Campground Dr, 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 8:30 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.

POST-HIKE GSHAG FALL COOKOUT
After the hike, those of you wishing to hang out can join us for the GSHAG Fall Cookout at the Cades Cove Group Campsite (#GS2, which we have rented for the weekend (near the Group site restrooms).

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 and walking the 1/4 mile to the back of the campground where the "group campsites" are located. If you like, you can drop off your own camp chair and beverages at the site before parking the car.

CADE COVE CAMPING:
If you would like to spend the night at our Group Campsite we still have some room. You can go here for more information. Priority for tent sites at the group campsite will go to hikers staying Friday and Saturday night, but check with us for late cancellations for Saturday only. Space is limited.

You may also elect to reserve your own campsite at Cades Cove Campground on your own as cancellations start to roll in several weeks ahead for outside reservations.

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 Disclaimer