Beginner Backpacking Clinic – Max Patch to Roaring Fork Shelter - BP 101

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

WAIT LIST
*** Please Join the Wait List for this event. ***

Folks who got closed out of the last clinic will have first preference for this one, followed by anyone with limited to no prior experience, in the order they are moved from the WL, until we reach capacity. This event is intended for true beginners.

Once we clear the former group, we'll start adding everyone else.

Please answer the 3 RSVP questions at signup if you want to be moved off of the Wait List.

If you don't provide your email address for the handouts at signup you will not be moved from the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line.

OVERVIEW
This will be an introduction to overnight backpacking for those day hikers that are ready to take the next step, and is intended for those with little to no backpacking experience.

The distance hiked will be less than 2 miles each day on Saturday and Sunday, with the focus of the trip on providing the basic information, skills, and lots of hands-on experience to get you started. Because GSMNP doesn't allow tenting at shelters we will be meeting outside the Park and camping near Max Patch Mountain.
(click on the nearby map link)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Instruction will include basic information on the following:

Safety – 14 Essentials, hazards (weather, lightning, bears, snakes, etc.) campsite selection, water treatment, basic fire building

Gear selection - packs, hammocks, tents and tarps, sleeping bags and pads, stoves, footwear

Packing – proper layering, weight considerations, proper load distribution, seasonal requirements

Cooking – stoves and fuels, meal options

Navigation – Basic map reading, pacing and estimating distances

GEAR REQUIREMENTS
We will provide a suggested packing list for guidance to those who sign up.

You DO NOT need a tent to go on this outing. You can use the shelter, which also has water and a privy nearby. We will have a limited amount of backpacking gear to lend (tents, packs, bags, pads).

*** We would recommend participants NOT go out and buy a bunch of gear until AFTER the clinic when you have had the opportunity to see, feel, wear, and try out a wide variety of packs, bag, tents and sleeping pads. ***

DETAILS
We will meet at the Rally Point at 9:00 for some basic information and demonstrations, followed by pack inspections and some gear swaps/distribution. We’ll car pool to the Max Patch parking lot and then hike about 1.8 miles north on the Appalachian Trail to the Roaring Fork shelter, which has capacity for 10, with another 7 tent platforms available, and room for several hammocks.

The total hike is about 2 miles each way with @500 +/- feet of elevation change, much of it at easy grades. Bring your packed backpack (or all of your gear in a shopping bag for a borrowed backpack), hiking poles if you have them, water, lunch, dinner, breakfast and snacks (more on meals with the packing list).

IMPORTANT RSVP INFO
When you RSVP please let us know:

1. What gear, if any, you will need to borrow. (first come, first served)
2. Whether you would prefer to sleep in a tent, hammock, or shelter
3. Your email address for distribution of the handouts

We'll use your email to distribute all the handouts for the clinic. It is not possible to send them out using Meetups messages.

*** If you don't provide this information when you RSVP you will remain on the Wait List indefinitely, and will lose your spot in line. ***

You may also satisfy this requirement by emailing Lane at lane.decost.gshag@gmail.com.

Attendance is limited by campsite space for this hike. First come-first served.

There are no reservation or campsite fees for this shelter.

DIRECTIONS
To the BP 101 Rally Point << <== Meet here at 9:00 am

Google Maps is still showing I-40 as being closed from the TN eastbound side at NC Exit 7 where our route goes. This will require TN folks to continue eastbound to NC Exit 15, exit, go under I-40 and turn back onto I-40 westbound, and proceed to Exit 7. Then continue north on Cold Springs Creek Road to the Rally Point.

Do NOT continue north on Fines Creek Rd (1338) at NC Exit 15 despite signs suggesting that route to Max Patch. You'll add 30-45 minutes to your trip and may miss the group completely.

This route is generally safe for most vehicles, even though it is a gravel road, and has a fair number of potholes and washboards.

NAVIGATION AIDS
MAP
ELEVATION PROFILE

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