Cove Mountain Trail: 14 Miles (Difficult)

*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***

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 longer distance, higher elevation hikes. This is an intermediate hike depending upon your current abilities and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace for a good distance. If you are regularly hiking 8-10 miles with 1000-1500 feet of elevation change this hike may be the right challenge for you. It's a good opportunity to stretch your distance a bit and add some increased elevation gain, which may open up more hiking events for you.

MEETING LOCATION
We will all meet at the Metcalf Bottoms parking area "A" at 8:30am, drop some cars at the nearby ending trailhead. We will then shuttle all hikers 10 miles (25 min) up to the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area to start the hike.

*** This is a shuttle hike so we will need volunteers to shuttle hikers to the starting Trail head and volunteers to take the shuttle drivers back to their car at Sugarlands after the hike. When signing up, please answer the 2 questions on whether you are willing to volunteer to shuttle. Remember....No shuttle volunteers = No hike ****

*** We'll re-group outside of the Visitor Center, near the rest rooms. ***

THE HIKE (14 miles +2500'/- 2200)
We'll hike over to the Cove Mtn TH, and then hike approximately 8 miles north and then west, to the junction with the Laurel Falls trail, climbing 2500' at a 300 fpm slope. After lunch, we'll then head south on Laurel Falls until we hit the Little Greenbrier junction, and then climb north for 2+ miles, before descending the final 1.4 miles on Little Brier Gap to the TH, having dropped a total of 2200' at a 450 fpm slope. We expect to be off trail by 4:30 or so. Volunteers will shuttle drivers back up to pick up their cars at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

WHAT TO BRING
THERE IS LITTLE TO NO WATER AVAILABLE UNTIL AFTER THE LUNCH BREAK, so a minimum of 2 liters of water is advised especially given the recent drought like conditions in April.

We always suggest carrying The14 Essentials when going into the woods. You can download the pdf file that discusses these essentials.

Because it’s the Smokies, we always need to be mindful of the weather and bring waterproof outer layers to be safe, at least 2 liters of waters, snacks and a lunch. Hikers should carry an extra insulation layer.

LATECOMERS 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 your plans change and you can’t come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP so we’re not waiting for you.

*** Failure to change your RSVP, or let us know at least an hour ahead of the hike's start time, qualifies as a 'No-Show' for me, and you may not be able to hike with me in the future. ***

NAVIGATION AIDS:
-- Cove Mtn-Metcalf Bottom Map => MAP (Pink Line)
-- Cove Mtn-Metcalf Bottoms Profile => Cove Mtn Profile
-- Trail GPS file [.gpx] => GPX File
[download only for import into a navigation program]

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.
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