Winter Hike - PHG-MSR-BM-PC Loop - 19 miles - Strenuous

* PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT 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 5-6 miles, in temps consistently under 50 degrees, and with below freezing temps likely early in the morning.

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

** Please be realistic about your current abilities before signing up. **

THE EVENT
Balsam Mtn Loop +/- 3000’ – 20 Miles – Strenuous

This trip will start at 8:00 to allow us plenty of time to get off trail before dark. We'll meet at the Palmer Creek Bridge parking area for the Pretty Hollow Gap trailhead, do a quick gear check and get on the trail as quickly as possible.

This is a 19-mile loop hike, with a lunch break at the Laurel Gap Shelter, which has a fireplace, and a winter tarp across the front (no privy). We will start at the Pretty Hollow Gap TH and hike about 9.5 miles up to the shelter on Saturday morning, traversing Mt Sterling Ridge along the way. We'll climb about 3,000' of total elevation gain (see profile link below). with a likely pace average about 2.0-2.5 mph on the climb. You should be comfortable keeping this pace with a full winter daypack for 10 miles.

The trail starts at about 2750’ and climbs steadily for about 2800' to around 5500' over 6.5 miles and then plateaus for about 3 miles into the shelter. After lunch we' begin our downhill trek for 9+ miles to the parking area. Travel times will be heavily dependent on weather and trail conditions. We’ll get a trail update a couple of days before the trip. We should be off trail around 5:00 pm, just before dark.

SAFETY FIRST
For safety reasons, should the weather turn out to be below 40 degrees with substantial rain we will likely cancel or postpone the event.

* Cancellation for any reason is at the sole discretion of the event host. *

WHAT TO BRING
Bring a fully loaded winter daypack, with at least one liter of water, lunch and snacks, and an extra insulation layer, gloves, hat, and a waterproof coat. There is usually water near the shelter.

We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here 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 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 INFO
MEETING LOCATION
CAUTION: Meetup Map Link does not work! Use this link.

Laurel Gap Shelter

Pretty Hollow Gap-Mt. Sterling Ridge-Balsam Mt. Trail-Palmer Creek Trail Loop Map

Pretty Hollow Gap-Mt. Sterling Ridge-Balsam Mt. Trail-Palmer Creek Trail Loop Profile

Pretty Hollow Gap-Mt. Sterling Ridge-Balsam Mt. Trail-Palmer Creek Trail .gpx file

Trail Slope key

DIRECTIONS
Take I40 to NC exit 20 and head south on SR 276 for several hundred yards and then turn right (west) onto Cove Creek Rd (1395). Follow it 5.8 miles to the Cataloochee entrance to the GSMNP (at some point along the way up the blacktop will end but it is passable for all vehicles).

Continue on the winding gravel road for 6.4 miles, which turns left onto a paved road, all the way to the parking area on the right at the Pretty Hollow Gap trailhead, which is just past the restrooms on the right, and well past Cataloochee Campground.

NOTE: Once you start your descent from the entrance to the Park you will likely lose cell service. Make sure you have the remainder of the route visible on your screen because your phone will not likely be able to update the map.

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" - 23 / 900 Miler x4 - SAR team volunteer