Deep Creek-Noland Divide + 2200/-2800 - 18 Miles -- Difficult

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

*** Folks who are willing to help shuttle hikers/drivers will get first preference for moving off the Wait List. ***

QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace over 12-15 miles, with 2000-2500 feet of elevation gain over 3-4 miles at a 500+ fpm slope.

*** Note: We will have several stream crossings, and some may require DEEP wading depending on recent rains. ***

DETAILS
All hikers will meet at the Noland Divide TH near Deep Creek Campground at 8:00 (see Google Maps links below) and then shuttle almost an hour over to the starting TH on 441 near Newfound Gap. Parking may be limited up top, so we'll use as few vehicles as possible.

We'll also need volunteers to take the shuttle drivers back to their cars at the end on their way back to TN.

Deep Creek - Noland Divide +2200 / -2800'- 18 Miles - Strenuous (Blue Line)

Hikers will head south on Deep Creek for 7+ miles dropping 2000+ feet along the way to the junction with Pole Road Creek. We'll have numerous water crossings along the way, with the one just south of BC 55 being notoriously difficult when water levels are up. We'll then begin a gut busting 2000' climb over the next 3 miles to the junction with with Noland Divide and Noland Creek. We'll turn south again with another 500' climb before beginning our knee-rattling 2800' descent to Deep Creek CG at nearly 600 fpm over 4.5 miles. Hikers should be off trail by 6:00 pm.

CAMPING OPTION
Some hikers may decide to camp at Deep Creek Campground on Friday and/or Saturday nights to avoid the early morning and/or post hike drives. Reservations are wide open at the moment and run $30 a spot, with up to 6 people, 2-3 tents, and 2 vehicles allowed per site. If you are willing to share a site to cut the cost, please post it in the Comments.

IMPORTANT INFO
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, plenty of snacks and or a lunch. We'll go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is also advised. Hiking poles, and Crocs or water shoes are advised for the water crossings.

We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.

LATECOMERS AND NO-SHOWS
It's important for everyone to be early, or at least on time. We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they are running late. (It happens)

If your plans change and you can't come on the hike, please remember to change your RSVP at least an hour before the event begins, so you don't wind up on my "No-Fly" list.

*** Failure to do so qualifies as a "No-Show" with me and you may not be allowed to join future hikes or backpacking trips. ***

NAVIGATION AIDS
Deep Creek -Noland Divide Map

Deep Creek= Noland Divide Profile

Deep Creek Hikes GPS (.gpx) (download only)

Trail Slope Key

EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler '23 / Search and Rescue team volunteer / 900 Miler x4