Training Hikes: Mingus/Newton Bald - 12/17 miles - Difficult/Strenuous
Details
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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.
* Do not underestimate the difficulty of these hikes *
QUALIFICATIONS
If you are comfortable hiking a 2.0 mph pace for 10+ miles, with a 500+ feet-per-mile slope, and 3200' of climb the Option 1 hike may be the right challenge for you.
Option 2 hikers should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace for 12-15 miles, with a 500 fpm slope, and 4200' of climb.
THE EVENTS
We offer 2 Options, of varying length and difficulty, so hikers can tailor their hike to their current abilities and comfort levels.
Option 1 is a 12 mile semi-loop (shuttle) on a decent footbed with a 500 fpm slope, and a 3000 foot climb over 5 miles. It has a solid Difficult rating. We'll need to set up a shuttle at the end of the hike.
Option 2 takes it up a notch with a 17 mile "lollypop" with a decent footbed for most of the hike, and a couple of possibly "wet" water crossings thrown in. A 6 mile climb with a 500 fpm slope, and 4200 feet of cumulative elevation gain earns it a Strenuous rating. 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. Please let us know in the RSVP if you are willing to shuttle hikers for Option 1, and if you are willing to help co-lead your Option to help make these events happen.
MEETING LOCATIONS
All hikers will meet at the Mingus Creek TH parking area at 8:30.
Hikers camping at Smokemont Campground Saturday night will need to check out of their campsites by 11:00, so they should park at the trailhead.
DETAILS
Option 1 - Mingus Creek-Newton Bald Shuttle 12 miles - Difficult +/- 3200' Cumulative gain/loss (Blue Dots)
Hikers will need to set up a few cars for a shuttle from the Newton Bald ending TH at the end of the hike. More info later.
Hikers will head southwest for 2.9 miles to the Deep Low Gap junction before turning NW for another 2.8m on MC, climbing 3000' to the junction with Newton Bald. (Map markers will want to do a quick out-and back to the Thomas Divide junction).
We'll then turn NE for a 3000' descent over the next 5 miles, at a knee-rattling 600+ fpm slope, for a cumulative 3200' in elevation gain/loss for the hike. Volunteers will take the morning shuttle volunteers back to their cars. We should be off trail by 4:00 or so.
* We will need a volunteer leader in order for this Option to take place. *
Option 2 - Mingus Creek-Deep Low Gap Loop - 17 miles - Strenuous +/- 4200' Cumulative gain/loss (Red Arrows)
Hikers will follow the Option 1 route to the Newton Bald junction with Thomas Divide, and then turn south for 3.1 miles, dropping 2700' to the Deep Low Gap junction. We'll then drop another 1000' on DLG2 over 1.5 miles to the junction with Cooper Creek.
Along the way we may need to play a game of post-Helene hide-and-seek with the trail. We'll hopefully reach the DLG2 junction with Mingus Creek once more after a 900' climb, before beginning our final 1500' descent back to the cars.
We should be off trail around 5:00 or so.
WHAT TO BRING
We recommend non-waterproof shoes because of all the water crossings, and hiking poles for the crossings and steep descents. We also recommend 2 liters of water, lunch and plenty of snacks.
We always suggest carrying 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 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 has multiple wet crossings (depending on how much rainfall we've recently had) which will require water shoes or Croks, and hiking poles are recommended.
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
Mingus Creek Hikes
Mingus-Newton Bald Profile
Mingus-Deep Low Gap Profile
Mingus Creek Hikes GPS file (.gpx) [Download Only]
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