Late Winter - Old Settlers Backpacking Trip (17 Miles / 3,500+ Elevation Gain

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Attendance is limited for this hike. First preference will be for folks who have taken my Winter Backpacking clinics. Please take a spot on the Wait List to start the process.

Please make sure you answer all three questions when you RSVP.

** If you do not provide this information when you sign up you will remain on the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line. **

TRIP OVERVIEW
This is a point-to-point winter backpacking trip totaling approximately 17 miles over 2 days with over 3,500 feet in cumulative elevation gain/loss. It will require a car shuttle. We will be camping overnight at GSMNP back country campsite #33. It is a small campsite with limited tent space. There is a water source & bear cables. There is no shelter and no privy.

Old Settlers Trail has some of the best historical structures of any in the park. It is rich in history featuring many ruins of chimneys, cemeteries, and other stone structures built by families of the area's original settlers.

CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS
An $8 backcountry permit is required for each person/per night, and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Those who are moved off the Wait List are responsible for booking their own permit for BC#33 in a timely fashion. First come-first served.

JOIN THE WAIT LIST AND ANSWER THESE RSVP QUESTIONS:
Please answer all of the RSVP questions at signup if you want to be moved off of the Wait List.

1. What is your winter backpacking experience level?
2. What is the lowest temp you have camped overnight?
3. Are you willing to help shuttle hikers to/from the trailhead?

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

WEATHER CAUTIONS
Should temps turn out to be below freezing and/or with hard rain we may choose to cancel or postpone the trip. Cancellation for any reason is at the sole discretion of the event host. Your $8 back country permit is non-refundable, but you may be allowed to roll the date forward one time at the discretion of the backcountry Park Rangers.

LATE COMERS AND 'NO SHOWS'
Because this type of event has a lot of moving parts it's important that everyone is on time (or early). You wouldn't want to get left behind because you're running late. If you plans change and you can't come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP before the event close date.

NAVIGATION RESOURCES
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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 LEADERS
Lane DeCost - 900 Miler x5 / 2023 AT "2000 Miler" - SAR team member
Lori Lowe - 2019 AT Thru-hiker