Newfound Gap - Smokemont - 2 Options - 9/19 miles - Moderate / Strenuous

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

OVERVEW
We'll hike out the AT to iconic Charlies Bunion by one of two routes. O1 hikers will return to the cars at NFG, while O2 hikers continue with a 3000' descent into Smokemont Campground over the next 9 miles.

QUALIFICATIONS
Option 1: You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 800-1000 feet of elevation change for 5-8 miles. - Moderate

Option 2: You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 1500-2000 feet of elevation change for 12-15 miles. - Difficult

MEETING LOCATION
We are offering two Options, with the details for each hike below. All hikers will gather at the Newfound Gap parking area at 9:00 to hike.

OPTION 1
NFG - AT - Charlies Bunion - 9 miles +/- 1100' - Moderate

Hikers will meet at NFG, and then hike northeast on the AT for 4.5 miles to Charlie's Bunion, gaining 1100' at a 450 feet-per-mile slope. With any luck we'll have great views from the iconic peak. Leaving the Bunion, we will hike back to our cars at NFG. We should be off trail around 2:00-2:30. (We'll need co-leaders for this hike to happen.)

OPTION 2
AT-Sweat Heifer-Grassy Branch-Dry Sluice-(AT)-Bradley Fork=SM CG - 19 miles +2200'/-3600' - Strenuous

We’ll meet at 8:30 at Smokemont CG near the Bradley Fork TH parking area, do a gear check, and then shuttle up to Newfound Gap.

We'll hike up the AT 1.7 miles to the Sweat Heifer junction, and then drop 2200’ down SH for 3.7 miles to Kephart Prong, at a 600 fpm slope. We’ll then climb north on Grassy Branch to Dry Sluice Gap, gaining 2400’ at a lung busting 700+ fpm slope over 2.5 miles.

We’ll do an up-and-back to tag the AT (with an optional visit to Charlies Bunion) and then drop 2600’ over 4.2 miles to the Cabin Flats junction, where we’ll do an out-and-back to BC 42. We’ll finish off with an easy 4 miles to the parking lot, for a 19 mile day. We should be off trail by 5:30 or so. Volunteers will shuttle drivers back up to NFG to collect their cars.

WHAT TO BRING
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, snacks, an extra insulation layer, gloves and a hat. O2 hikers may want to bring a headlamp in case we're delayed.

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

Because it’s the Smokies we need to always be mindful of the weather, and bring the necessary insulation layers and waterproof outer layers, at least 1 liter of water, and a lunch or snacks.

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
Newfound Gap Meeting Location (O1-9:00)
Bradley Fork Parking Area Meeting Location (O2-8:30)

NFG-Smokemont Hikes Map

Option 1 Profile
Option 2 Profile

NFG-Smokemont Hikes GPS (.gpx) 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 ORGANIZER
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler '23 / Search and Rescue volunteer / 900 Miler x4