Cataloochee Hikes - 2 Options -- 9 / 11 miles - Moderate / Difficult
Details
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
NOTE: Depending on snow levels at elevation over the next 24 hours we may have to reschedule this event. Check back mid-day on Tuesday for an update.
OVERVEW
We offer two options, Moderate and Difficult, to grab one of the easiest, and one of the roughest trails in the Cataloochee area of the Park, while taking in the vistas at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (AHSLC) (and possibly the SWAG). Neither Option has a particularly difficult climbing profile, so it's a good chance to expand your hiking menu.
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 800-1000 feet of elevation change for 8-10 miles.
*** Please select only one Option at RSVP to hold your spot. ***
DETAILS
We will meet at the Cataloochee Divide TH at 9:00 am (see Google Maps link below or click on the nearby Google Map), do a quick gear check and then split into multiple sub-groups (faster and slower) for each Option, each with their own leaders. Parking is extremely limited at the TH, so note over-flow parking location for each Option, and consider carpooling over from Knoxville.
OPTION 1
Cataloochee Divide-AHSLC O/B +/- 1000' -- 9 miles - Moderate (Red dots)
Hikers will head Southwest on the Cataloochee Divide trail to the junction with the AHSLC, climbing 1000' over 4+ miles, at a moderate 370+ feet-per-mile slope. After taking in the views, hikers will backtrack to the cars. We should be off trail by 2 to 2:30 pm
*** Hikers for Option 1 should park at the CD TH, or just South of it at the over-flow parking area 1/4 mile before the crest. ***
OPTION 2
Cataloochee Divide-Big Fork Ridge +1000/-2200' - 11+ miles - Difficult (Blue arrows)
*** Hikers should park just South of the Cat Divide TH at over-flow parking area 1/4 mile before the crest, and walk up to the TH. ***
We’ll follow the Option 1 route until we hit the AHSLC junction. After a quick visit, we'll continue another 1/4 mile to the McGee Branch junction. Then we'll turn right (NW) for 2.2 miles, dropping 1700' at a knee-rattling 800 fpm slope over some pretty sketchy trail. We'll finish out with a 600' roller, over 3+ miles on the Big Fork Ridge trail to the Cataloochee Entrance Rd, for 11 miles on the day, and shuttle back to the top. We should be off trail by 4:00-4:30.
MAP MARKERS ADD-ON
If you're marking a Map, you may want to add a 3.6 mile out-and-back to Double Gap to clean things up and avoid leaving an "orphan". This will add 1.5 hours to your day.
SHUTTLE NEEDED
We're going to ask some hikers to leave a few shuttle cars at the Big Fork TH to carry folks back up top after the hike. I'll let everyone know how many cars we'll need after we see who signs up for O2. Option 2 shuttle drivers will need to be at the Pretty Hollow TH down in Cataloochee Valley at 8:30 to drop their cars.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A section of the Cataloochee Rd is still closed from the Pretty Hollow Gap TH out to the Big Fork Ridge TH, adding an additional mile to Option 2.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, snacks, an extra insulation layer, gloves and a hat. You may want to bring a headlamp in case we are delayed getting off trail.
We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.
We'll hike rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is also advised.
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
Location of the Meeting Place
Overflow Parking
Option 1
Cataloochee Divide-PKC Map
Cataloochee Divide-PKC Profile
Option 2
Cataloochee Div-Big Fork Rdg Map
Cataloochee Div-Big Fork Rdg Profile
Cataloochee Divide GPS (.gpx) file [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
EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - 900 miler x4, AT 2000 Miler-2023, SAR Volunteer