Newfound Gap - Charlies Bunion - 3 Options - 8--14 Miles - Moderate -- Strenuous
Details
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*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
OVERVEW
We'll hike North on the AT to iconic Charlies Bunion in search of some early morning views, and then finish the hike with one of three routes. Hikers will return to staged cars at or near Newfound Gap (NFG) for the trip back to Smokemont Campground.
QUALIFICATIONS
Option 1: Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0 mph pace for 5-8 miles, with 800+ feet of climb. Moderate.
Option 2: Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 800-1000 feet of elevation gain, and 3800' of descent, for 10+ miles. - Difficult
Option 3: Hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 3000+/- feet of elevation change for 12-15 miles. - Strenuous.
MEETING LOCATION
We are offering three Options, with the details for each hike below.
All hikers will gather at the Newfound Gap parking area at 9:00 to hike.
Hikers coming from Smokemont CG will meet at 8:30 at the Group CS #3 parking area for the shuttle to NFG. Volunteer drivers for their hikes can bring their cars to this location.
OPTION 1
NFG - AT - Charlies Bunion O/B - 9 miles +/- 2000' - Moderate
Hikers will meet at NFG, and then hike northeast on the AT for 4.5 miles to Charlie's Bunion, gaining 1100' at a 450 feet-per-mile slope. With any luck we'll have great views from the iconic overlook. Leaving the Bunion, we will hike back to our cars at NFG. We should be off trail around 2:00-2:30.
We'll need several drivers and co-leaders for this event to happen.
OPTION 2
NFG-AT-Charlies Bunion-Kephart Br - 10+ miles +2200'/-3600' - Strenuous
We’ll follow the route for Option 1 to Charlies Bunion. After soaking up the views we'll continue north a short ways to the Dry Sluice trail and turn SE for 1.3 miles to Grassy Branch. Then we'll turn SW for 2.5 miles to the Kephart shelter for a quick break, dropping 1300' or so. We'll then finish off the last 2 miles of the hike with a final 700+ drop to the parking lot, where we have staged vehicles for the ride back to to Smokemont CG (unless we need to collect some shuttle cars at NFG before heading back) . We should be off trail around 3:00-3:30.
We'll need several drivers and co-leaders for this event to happen.
OPTION 3
NFG-AT-Charlies Bunion-NFG Loop - 14 miles +/-3800' - Strenuous
This one's not for the faint of heart.
We’ll follow the route for Option 1, and then Option 2 until we reach the Kephart Shelter. Then we'll begin our 2500'+ climb back up to the AT at a lung-busting 650 feet-per-miles slope over the next 4 miles. After a quick break we'll begin the final 2 mile descent with an 800' drop to the NFG parking lot, and our vehicles for the ride back to to Smokemont CG.
We should be off trail around 4:00-4:30.
We'll need several drivers and co-leaders for this event to happen.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, snacks, an extra insulation layer, gloves and a hat.
We always suggest carrying the The 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.
Because it’s the Smokies we need to always be mindful of the weather, and bring the necessary insulation layers and waterproof outer layers.
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
Newfound Gap Meeting Location (O1-9:00)
Smokemont Group CS#3 Meeting Location
Option 1 NFG-CB-OB Profile 8.5
Option 2 NFG-CB-Kephart Profile 10.5
Option 3 NFG-CB-SH Profile 14
NFG-Smokemont Hikes GPS (.gpx) 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 ORGANIZER
Lane DeCost - AT "2000 Miler" '23 / Search and Rescue volunteer / 900 Miler x5