Tori's Final "900 Miler" Hike -- The Gregories - 13 / 17 Miles - Difficult+
Details
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
OVERVIEW
After numerous setbacks over the last year or so we're very excited that Tori Griffin is finally going to put a bow on her first 900 Miler map! Come out and help us celebrate the accomplishment atop one of the prettiest balds in the Park.
QUALIFICATIONS
Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 3000+ feet of elevation gain/loss, and a total distance between 13 and 17 miles. With a 7 miles worth of 400+ fpm climb, and a whopping 650+ fpm slope on the descent, this hike is not for the faint of heart. Please be realistic about your abilities given the timelines involved.
MEETING LOCATION
All hikers will meet at the Gregory Ridge TH on Forge Creek Rd at 8:30.
IMPORTANT
*** The Cades Cove loop road opens just after first-light, usually around 7:30 or so. To avoid getting trapped by the slow moving Cades Cove parade, hikers should be in line no later than 7:00 in order to not get left behind. ***
** Plan for 25-40 minutes to get around the Cove to the Forge Creek Road turnoff from the entrance. **
** We recommend all hikers leave their cars at the GR TH to make getting out of the Cades Cove Loop easier. **
OPTION 1
Gregory Bald - Gregory Ridge - 13 Miles +/- 3000' - Difficult (Blue Line)
Hikers will drive past the Cades Cove visitor center and head down Forge Creek road to the Gregory Ridge TH to begin the hike. We'll do a quick gear check and some introductions and then do a 3+ mile road walk along Parsons Branch Road up to the Gregory Bald Junction, climbing 800' along the way. We'll then continue to climb over 2000' to Gregory Bald, at a lung-busting 550' feet-per-mile (fpm) slope for the remaining of the 4 miles.
After a snack or lunch at the top, hikers will head east and descend about a mile to the junction with the Gregory Ridge trail where Tori will officially finish her 1st 900 Miler Map.
Option 1 folks will then start the 5.5 mile descent to the cars at a knee-rattling 650 fpm slope before heading home. O1 Hikers should be off trail around 3:30 or so.
This Option is rated Difficult because of the overall distance and significant elevation gain. Hikers should seriously consider if they are capable of the hike.
OPTION 2
Gregory Bald - Doe Knob - Gregory Ridge - 17+ Miles +/- 3000' Strenuous (Pink Dots)
Hikers will follow the Option 1 plan until they get to the Gregory Bald / Gregory Ridge junction. Then they will continue east about 2 miles on GB to the AT, where they'll reverse back to the GB/GR junction.
Option 2 folks will then start the 5.5 mile descent to the cars at a knee-rattling 650 fpm slope before heading home We should be off trail around 5-5:30.
This Option is rated Strenuous because of the longer than normal distance and significant elevation gain.
IMPORTANT INFO
Bring a day bag, with at least one to two liters of water, plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. There is a spring at the top of Gregory Bald where we can resupply if needed. We'll go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is advised.
We always suggest carrying The 14 Essentials when going into the woods. You can download the pdf file 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 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
Gregory Bald Hikes Map
O2: Gregories Plus Doe Knob Loop Profile
Gregory Bald Hikes GPS (.gpx) Download File
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" / 900 Map x5 / Search and Rescue team volunteer