Gabes Mtn-Snake Den Rdg - 3 Options - 5 / 8 / 18 Miles - Easy/Moderate/Difficult

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

We get requests for medium and high intensity hikes from those trying to build up their endurance and stamina, and increase their ability to do higher elevation climbs. We offer Training Hikes that vary in length and difficulty to allow hikers to push their boundaries a bit.

We have three Options to allow you to choose the right mileage based upon your current abilities and goals. Be prepared to push hard on Options 2 and 3. hikes.

*** Please select only one Option at RSVP to hold your spot. ***

QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 1.5-2.0 mph pace with 300-500 feet of elevation change for 3-4 miles for Option 1, a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 800-1000 feet of elevation change for 5-8 miles for Option 2, and a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 3000+ feet of elevation change for 15+ miles for Option 3.

OPTION 1 – Henwallow Falls +/- 700’ – 5 Miles – Easy [Blue Dots]

Hikers can park at the Cosby Campground Picnic A parking area at 8:30 and we'll walk over to the Gabes Mtn Trail Head.

We'll hike 2+ miles to Henwallow Falls for a quick stop, before heading back to the CC parking lot. The total hike is about 4.5 miles round trip with about 700 feet of elevation gain (averaging a modest 300‘ per mile slope) and is rated Easy due to the modest elevation change and the overall distance. We should be off trail by lunchtime.

* We'll need some co-leaders to make this Option possible *

OPTION 2 – Gabes Mountain-Maddron Bald +/- 1100’ – 8 Miles – Moderate [Red Line]

We'll ask several Option 2 hikers to meet at the Maddron Bald TH at 8:00 to drop cars for the shuttle back to Cosby CG after the hike, and then shuttle over to the Cosby Campground Picnic A parking area to begin the hike. Location for the 8:00 shuttle drivers.

** All other O2 hikers will meet at Cosby Campground at 8:30 for the hike. **

We'll hike 2+ miles to Henwallow Falls for a quick stop, before continuing West on Gabes Mtn to the junction with Maddron Bald (Red line). We'll then turn right for 1.2 miles to the MB TH, and shuttle back to our cars.

The total hike is about 8 miles with about 1100 feet of elevation gain (averaging a 350‘ per mile slope) and is rated Moderate due to the modest overall elevation gain, with an occasional 500 fpm section, and the overall distance. We should be off trail between 1 and 2. We’ll need to shuttle back over to get our cars at Cosby CG.

* We'll need some co-leaders to make this Option possible *

OPTION 3 - Gabes Mtn-Maddron Bald-Snake Den Ridge +3500' - 18+ Miles - Strenuous [Pink Line]

Hikers will meet at the Cosby CG at 8:30, and then hike west on Gabes Mtn to Maddron Bald (Red line), and then south to the junction with with Snake Den Ridge. (Hikers will have the option to do the 1.4 mile out-and-back up to the AT if they choose.) We'll then drop about 3000' at 600 fpm over the next 5+ miles to the Cosby CG. Hikers should be off trail by 5:30, and will want to bring a headlamp in case we are delayed.

WHAT TO BRING
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, snacks, and an extra insulation layer, gloves, hat, and a waterproof coat.

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 go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is 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 before 7:00 AM.

*** 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 Hike Starting Point

Option 1 Henwallow Falls Map [blue dots] Profile

Option 2 Gabes/Madron Bald Map [red line] Profile

Option 3 Gabes-Maddron-Snake Den Hikes Map [pink line] Profile

Gabes/Madron Bald/Snake Den GPS (.gpx)

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
Lane DeCost - "AT 2000 Miler" / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4