"FLASH HIKE!" - Camel Gap Loop - 15 miles - Strenuous
Details
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
DESCRIPTION
Now that the weather is behaving and Camel Gap is finally re-opened, we thought we'd take the opportunity to post a short-notice hike to get in the woods.
** This is not a beginner hike. **
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace, for over 10-15 miles with 2000-2500 feet of elevation gain.
MEETING LOCATION
We'll meet Saturday morning at 9:00 at the Cosby Campground Parking Area B for a quick gear check and then start hiking. See the nearby Google Map.
DETAILS
Low Gap 2 - Camel Gap - Low Gap 1 - 15+ miles - Strenuous
We will begin and end at the Low Gap Trailhead in the Cosby Picnic Area Parking Area B. We'll grind up the 2000' of lung-busting 800 feet-per-mile slope of Low Gap 2 to the AT. After a short recovery we'll then cross over to plunge a knee-rattling 1500' down Low Gap 1 to the Big Creek Trail at a 750 fpm slope.
We'll then head south for a mile to the junction with the Camel Gap Trail, before heading north and climbing about 2000' at a comparatively leisurely slope of 300 fpm to the AT. We'll head north about 2.5 miles on the AT to the junction with the Low Gap twins, before descending LG2 again to the cars.
We should be off trail sometime after 4:30 or so.
WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.
We recommend 2 liters of water, lunch and plenty of snacks.
Because it’s the Smokies, we always need to be mindful of the weather as the seasons change and bring an extra layer of insulation, and a windproof/waterproof outer layer to be safe.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Camel Gap trail may still have an above-normal quantity of blow-downs from hurricane Helene, and has been known to be overgrown with stinging nettle and briars from time-to-time. * Wear shorts at your own risk. *
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 at least an hour before the event begins, so you don't wind up on my "No-Fly" list.
*** 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
Camel Gap Loop Map
Camel Gap Loop Profile
Camel Gap Loop GPS file (.gpx)
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 x4, AT " 2000 Miler", SAR Team Volunteer
Gigi D. - 900 Miler