Winter Hike - Bear Creek Out-and-Back - 19 miles - Strenuous

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

We get requests for more strenuous hikes to build up hikers' endurance and stamina and increase their ability to do higher elevation climbs. This trip will hit on all of that, with 19 total miles, 3000+ feet of elevation gain over 7 miles, and a chance to hike in near-freezing temperatures to check your cold weather gear.

QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 3000+ feet of elevation change over 4-5 miles, in temps consistently under 50 degrees, and with freezing temps likely early in the morning.

If that sound like something you could get excited about, please read on.

THE EVENT

Bear Creek: +/- 3000’ – 19 Miles – Strenuous
Hikers can park at the Tunnel to Nowhere parking area at 9:00 and we'll do a quick gear check before beginning the hike.

We'll hike west about 3 miles on the Lakeshore Trail to the junction with Forney Creek and Bear Creek, dropping about 300' along the way. We'll then continue west on Bear Creek for about 3 miles to BC 74, while gaining about 1000' at a 350 fpm.

We'll then start the serious climb, about 3 miles up to the Welsh Ridge junction, gaining about 2100 additional feet over 3 miles, at a lung-busting 700 fpm slope. We'll then slide back down the trail to BC 74 for a quick break before an easy hike out to the cars. We should be off trail by 5:00 or so.

SAFETY FIRST
For safety reasons, should the weather turn out to be below freezing with substantial rain, we will likely cancel or reschedule the hike.

* Cancellation of the hike for any reason is up to the full discretion of the event Organizer *

WHAT TO BRING
Bring a fully loaded winter day bag, with at least one liter of water, snacks, an extra insulation layer, gloves, hat, and a waterproof coat. There is water at BC 74, along with a set of bear cables.

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
Local Area Map

Bear Creek
Map
Elevation Profile
GPS file (.gpx - download only)

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