Hazel Creek Adventure - 3 Night BP Trip - 55/62 Miles
Details
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
*** We're starting a Wait List now to get an idea of the interest level in this trip. We'll be collecting fees and making reservations in mid-April. More info to follow.
If you are added to the Wait List please make sure to check back here regularly for any updates and changes to our plans. ***
DESCRIPTION
This is a challenging 55+ mile "map markers' delight" of 3 nights and 4 days over Memorial Day weekend. We'll visit the historic pre-GSMNP area of the Proctor Community, and explore Bone Valley and High Rocks, before tackling "Stinkin' Jenkins", and the dreaded water flume called Eagle Creek (15 fords) on our way out. With high mileage days and a cumulative gain/loss of over 10,000 feet this trip is only for the hardy and/or foolish.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Both Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek are well known for their multitude of wet stream crossing and outright wades, several of which can be dangerous in high water scenarios, and with some up to mid-thigh at normal levels. Please take a minute to read the HCA Stream Crossing info before signing up for this trip. Hiking poles and hard soled, enclosed, trail runners or water crossing shoes are required.
If the weather forecast shows higher than normal projected water levels this trip will be rescheduled.
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable backpacking over 10-20 miles a day, for multiple days, at a 2.0-2.5 mph average pace, with 3500+ feet of elevation gain a day.
** Do not underestimate the difficulty of this trip **
*** If you are interested in this trip, join the Wait List and answer the 4 RSVP questions to hold your spot.
This will help us place you in a Normal, Faster, or Slower hiking group.
If you haven't backpacked with me before, please send an email to me with your prior backpacking experience to be added to the WL. ==> lane.decost.gshag @ gmail.com ***
DETAILS
We'll meet at 08:00 near the Fontana Marina hiker parking area (next to the AT crossing) where we'll take a boat shuttle across to the Hazel Creek/Ollie Creek landing. We'll then follow the schedule and routes below, ending our trip Monday afternoon.
We may end up using several different campsites each night, depending on how many hikers sign up, due to the Park's campsite limit of 8 hikers per night/per group.
* All mileages are estimates, and can vary +/- 2 miles on any given day, depending on the size of the group and the campsites selected. *
FRIDAY - Day 1 - 9-13 miles +800 / - 200' [Red line] (backpack)
Hikers will take the $30 boat shuttle from the Fontana Marina across to the Hazel or Ollie Creek landing near the pre-Park Proctor Community, where we'll hike up Hazel Creek to BC campsites 83/82 (overflow=BC 84, BC85). We will set up "Base Camp" and then slip in and out of Bone Valley before dinner.
SATURDAY - Day 2 - 19-22 miles +/- 2900' [Blue line] (day hike)
We'll grab our day bags and crunch out a 20+ mile loop, knocking out Hazel, most of Welsh Ridge, High Rocks, and Cold Springs Gap, before returning to our campsites.
SUNDAY - Day 3 - 15-20 miles +2800 /-3100' [Purple line]
We'll grind out the 10 mile, 3000+ challenge known as "Stinkin' Jenkins" with a lunch stop at Spence Field shelter. Then we'll slosh our way down Eagle Creek for 7 miles (and a dozen+ wet crossings) with several wading (swimming?) challenges along the way, to BCs 89/90 for some much needed R&R. (overflow=BC96)
MONDAY - Day 4 [Light Blue solid line/dots]
Two Options
Hikers will either or go out to Fontana Dam using the Lakeshore trail, or endure the Lost Cove trail and exit at the Twenty Mile Ranger Station.
Fontana Dam: 6-9 miles +500 / -400 [solid line]
Twenty Mile: 8-11 miles +2000 / -2300 [dotted line]
(Some may choose to exit by Boat Shuttle at BC 90 Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, but will arrange that on their own.)
TRIP COSTS
There is a National Park Fee of $8 per tent site/per night. We will advise on the method of payment once we see how many hikers sign up.
We will make group campsite reservations for all hikers. Do not make your own.
Once added to the Wait List you will need to pay for your $30 boat shuttle fee at the marina. More info later.
TRANSPORTATION
Everyone is expected to arrange their own transportation to and from their respective trailheads/marina. More info later.
NAVIGATION INFO
This info is based on the "Normal Hiker" group. YMMV)
Eagle Crossings Info
Eagle Crossings Map
Eagle Crossings Profile
Brown Book Info
GPS file (.gpx) [download only]
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
ORGANIZERS
Lane DeCost - 2023 AT '2000 Miler' / 900 Miler x5 / SAR team volunteer
Gigi D. 900 Miler
Lori Lowe 900 Miler
Rob N 900 Miler