The Gregories/Hannah/Rabbit - 2 Options - 13 / 22 Miles - Difficult / Strenuous

Photo from "Hiking in the Smokies"

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

OVERVIEW
We may miss the peak (it's hard to time it) but should still have some outstanding views from the top down into the surrounding valleys while we're surrounded by the legendary Flame Azaleas of Gregory Bald.

We offer two hikes to complete the Gregory twins, as well as the Hannah Mtn and Rabbit Creek trails for map-markers, with one of the toughest climbs in the Park.

QUALIFICATIONS
Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-3.0 mph pace with 3000+ feet of elevation gain over 5 miles, and a total distance between 10 and 20+ miles. With a lung-busting 650+ fpm slope, this hike is not for the faint of heart.

Please be realistic about your abilities given the timeframes involved.

MEETING LOCATION
All hikers will meet at the Abrams Falls parking lot at 8:00, and car pool over to the starting trailhead on Forge Creek Rd. More details for each Option below.

IMPORTANT INFO
The Cades Cove loop road opens just after sunrise in summer, sometime around 7:00. To avoid getting trapped by the slow moving Cades Cove parade of deer, turkey, and bear gawkers, hikers should be in line no later than 7:00 in order to not get left behind.

If you're running late you might consider driving out Forge Creek Rd. to the Gregory Ridge TH shown on the linked Map to see if you can catch us before we step off.

OPTION 1
Gregory Bald-Gregory Ridge - 13 Miles +/- 3000' - Difficult (Blue Dots)

Hikers will carpool down Forge Creek road to the Gregory Ridge TH to begin their hike. (We ask that they help shuttle the Option 2 hikers to the TH so they can hike back to their cars at the AF TH.) They'll then climb over 3000' up Gregory Ridge to the bald, at a lung-busting 650' feet-per-mile (fpm) slope for at least 3.5 miles of the 5.5 mile climb.

After a snack or lunch at the top, hikers will begin the 4.5 mile descent down the Gregory Bald trail to Parsons Branch Rd. They will then do a 4 mile road walk on the one-way road back to the FC parking area before heading home. O1 Hikers should be off trail around 3 or so.

**We recommend all O1 hikers leave their cars at the GR TH to make getting out of the Cades Cove Loop easier after the hike.**

This Option is rated Difficult because of the overall distance and significant elevation gain. **Hikers should seriously consider if they are capable of the hike.**

OPTION 2
Gregories-Hannah Mtn-Rabbit Creek - 22+ Miles +/- 3000' Strenuous (Red Arrows)

Hikers will leave their vehicles at the Abrams Falls parking area and shuttle up to the TH with Option 1 drivers. They will hike back to their own vehicles.

Hikers will follow the Option 1 plan until they get back to the Parson Branch Rd/Gregory Bald junction. They will continue across it to the Hannah Mtn trail, hiking an easy 7.6 miles to the Rabbit Creek junction. They'll finish out the 5.1 miles on Rabbit Creek to the Abrams Falls parking area. We should be off trail around 5-6.

This Option is rated Strenuous because of the longer than normal distance and significant elevation gain.

OPTION 2 WATER CROSSING
There is a water crossing at the Abrams Falls end of the Rabbit Creek trail that usually requires a wade. Although water levels are currently low, that could change before the hike. Hikers should be prepared for the crossing with hiking poles, and water shoes or Crocs if they desire.

IMPORTANT INFO
Bring a day bag, with at least one to two liters of water, plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. We'll go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is advised.

We always suggest carrying The 14 Essentials when going into the woods. You can download the pdf file 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 my future hikes or backpacking trips.**

NAVIGATION AIDS
Gregory Bald Hikes Map
O1 : Gregory Loop Profile
O2: Gregories-Hannah-Rabbit Loop Profile
Gregory Bald Hikes GPS (.gpx) Download File
Trail Slope Key

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(S)
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler '23 / Search and Rescue team volunteer / 900 Miler x4
TBA