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- Going down the Clinch RiverNeeds location
Description:
There are usually many birds on the shores of the Clinch. I have seen ospreys bald eagles and blue cranes. The water of the Clinch is much colder than the air which often condenses a layer of brume. Occasionally, there are one or two fisher boats, but in general it is very calm.The current is strong at the put in. There is a small eddie were we can wait until we are all ready. There are some very small rapids but the river is mostly flat flow.
Plan: The plan is go to gather at (36.124117,-84.113284) at 11am https://maps.app.goo.gl/CzoT93G9Rhk1soKZ7
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 (36.210716,-84.073429) https://maps.app.goo.gl/i9BjX7NMHwxyCWG96.
We well kayak the Clinch down stream till the bridge where we left the car. Then we'll shuttle back drivers to their cars at the put in.Sometimes the rain brings empty plastic bottles to the river. Please bring a trash bag to help me clean a bit.
After Kayaking: Please recommend a restaurant to gather after kayaking.
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.
Do not forget your kayak and paddle.
Bring a drink in a termo; water and lunch.
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 - HOLD THE DATE => Hazel Creek Adventure - 3 Night BP Trip - 55/57 MilesFontana Village Resort Marina, Fontana Dam, NC
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
DESCRIPTION
This is a challenging 55 mile "map markers' delight" of 3 nights and 4 days. 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 on our way out. With high mileage days and multiple 3000' climbs, 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. 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 postponed.
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable backpacking over 10-12 miles, for multiple days, at a 2.0-2.5 mph average pace, with 2500+ feet of elevation gain.** Do not underestimate the difficulty of this trip **
*** If you are interested in this trip, join the Wait List to hold your spot, and if you haven't backpacked with me, 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 09:00 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 - 10-12 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 83 (overflow=BC 84, BC85). We will set up "Base Camp" and then slip in and out of Bone Valley before dinner.SATURDAY - Day 2 - 20+ miles +/- 2900' [Blue line] (day hike)
Hikers will 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 - 17 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 BC 89 for some much needed R&R. (overflow=BC90, BC96)MONDAY - Day 4 [Light Blue line/dots]
Two Options -- A: 8-10 miles +500 / -400 B: 10-12 miles +2000 / -2300
Hikers will either or go out to Fontana Dam using the Lakeshore trail [A], or endure the Lost Cove trail and exit at the Twenty Mile Ranger Station [B].(Some may choose to exit by Boat Shuttle at BC 90, but will arrange that on their own.)
TRIP COSTS
There is a National Park Fee of $8 per night. We will advise on the method of payment once we see how many hikers sign up. Once added to the list you will 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.Eagle Crossings Info
Eagle Crossings Map
Eagle Crossings Profile
Brown Book InfoGPS 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 DisclaimerORGANIZERS
Lane DeCost - 2023 AT '2000 Miler' / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4
Others TBA
