Ace Gap to Abrams Creek 3 Options - 10/16/17 miles - Moderate/Difficult
Details
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*** This event has a lot of moving parts with different start/end points ***
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*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
TRAINING HIKES
We get requests for medium and high intensity hikes from those trying to build up their endurance and stamina, and increase their ability to do more difficult hikes. These are a step up from the easier hikes we have posted for beginner and intermediate hikers, and are a good option to stretch yourself a bit based upon your current abilities and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
If you are comfortable hiking a 2.0 mph pace for 8-10 miles, with 400+ feet of climb the Option 1 hike may be the right challenge for you. Option 2 and Option 3 hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace for 10-12 miles, with a 500 elevation gain.
THE EVENTS
We offer 3 Options, of varying lengths and difficulty, so hikers can tailor their hike to their current abilities and comfort levels.
Option 1 is a 10 mile out-and-back on a decent footbed with a moderate slope, and is a solid Moderate hiking choice with no sketchy trail sections or water crossings.
Option 2 matches the distance of the third Option without worrying about the challenging water crossings, but is still rated Difficult due to the distance involved.
The Option 3 route crosses what can be best described as two of the more difficult water crossings in the GSMNP at higher water levels, with a similar distance to Option 2. Details for each Option are below.
RSVP INFO
Please select only ONE of the Options below so we can arrange for the proper number of co-leaders and shuttle vehicles. If you are willing to co-lead, or shuttle hikers to make this event happen please let us know in the RSVPs.
MEETING LOCATIONS
OPTION 1 hikers will meet at the Ace Gap TH at 9:00 ready to hike.
OPTIONS 2 AND 3 hikers will a meet at 8:00 at the Abrams Creek Ranger Station to set up their shuttles up to the Ace Gap TH. They will also arrange to get the shuttle drivers back to their cars at Ace Gap TH after the hikes.
DETAILS
Option 1 - Ace Gap Out-and-Back - 10+ miles - Moderate +/- 1900' (Blue line)
Hikers will head northwest for 5.6 miles to the Beard Cane junction, climbing 200' before a rolling descent of about 500' over the next 4 miles at a gentle 200 fpm slope, for a cumulative 1900' in elevation gain/loss. After a short break hikers will reverse to the cars, and should be off trail by 2:00.
* We will need a volunteer leader in order for this Option to take place. *
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Option 2 - Ace Gap - Little Bottoms - 10+ miles - Moderate +2200'/-3000 (Blue Dots)
Hikers will follow the O1 route out to the Beard Cane junction before turning SW for a mile, dropping about 500'. They'll the climb about 700' over the next 4 miles at a leisurely 200 fpm slope before reaching the junction with Cooper Rd. They'll continue SW on the Hatcher Mtn trail for another 2.6 miles, dropping about 800' at 300 fpm until they reach the Little Bottoms junction. They'll head NW 2.3 miles to Cooper road, and then turn SW for a mile to the ending TH, for a cumulative +2200/-3000' of elevation gain/loss on the day. A half mile road-walk gets them back to the cars. A volunteer will drive the shuttle drivers back up to Ace Gap to pick up their cars. Hikers should be off trail around 5:00 or so.
* We will need a volunteer leader in order for this Option to take place. *
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Option 3 - Ace Gap - Rabbit Cr - 10+ miles - Moderate (Pink Line)
Hikers will follow the O2 route until they reach Little Bottoms, and then continue on .2 miles to the first 50 yard ford across Abrams Creek.
* If the water crossing is too swift or high, we'll switch to the O2 route. *
We'll continue 1.9 miles SW on Hannah Mtn until we reach Rabbit Creek, where we'll turn back NW for 2.7 miles, dropping 900', until we reach the last (30 yard) ford of Abrams Creek, for a cumulative +2500/-3300' of elevation gain/loss on the day. It's a short walk to the TH and the cars. A volunteer will drive the shuttle drivers back up to Ace Gap to pick up their cars. Hikers should be off trail around 5:30 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
Option 2 and 3 have multiple wet crossings (depending on how much rainfall we've recently had) which will require water shoes or Croks, and hiking poles are recommended.
Option 3 has two significant fords that can be dangerous at high water levels. Water shoes or Croks, and hiking poles are mandatory. We reserve the right to shift to Option 2 in the sole discretion of the hike leader.
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
Ace Gap Hikes
Ace Gap O-B Profile
Ace Gap-Little Bottoms Profile
Ace Gap-Rabbit Creek Profile
Ace Gap Hikes 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