What we’re about
Our group organizes and participates in hikes and outdoor activities covering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and East Tennessee Parks, National Forests, and other venues as suggested by members. This group is based out of the Knoxville, TN area, but have members from all across the U.S.
We plan and organize hikes and adventures (including backpacking, bike rides, canoe and kayak trips, indoor rock climbing, instructive clinics, family-friendly events, and group cookouts) throughout the year. As the weather gets warmer, we do organize some evening moonlight walks, bike rides, or hikes as an alternative to the day hikes.
And if you enjoy backcountry camping, we do that also, but the spaces on those usually fill up fast due to backcountry permit availability. We have two or three 'Hike and Camp' weekend events every year in one of the Park's campgrounds so all members have an opportunity to mix and mingle.
We are an open venue, with suggestions for events from light to strenuous hikes, recommended from any members of the group. Any member is more than welcome to suggest an outing to an Organizer, who will help with the planning if it's approved.
We've found the Smokies to be a wonderful place to exercise, stay in shape, appreciate nature, and meet great new people with similar interests.
We have a lot of fun, so join up!!!
Lane DeCost
GSHAG Organizer
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Gabes Mtn-Snake Den Rdg - 3 Options - 5 / 8 / 18 Miles - Easy/Moderate/DifficultCosby Campground, Cosby, TN
*** 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 higher elevation climbs. We offer Training Hikes that vary in length and difficulty to allow hikers to push their boundaries a bit.
We have three Options to allow you to choose the right mileage based upon your current abilities and goals. Be prepared to push hard on Options 2 and 3. hikes.
*** Please select only one Option at RSVP to hold your spot. ***
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking a 1.5-2.0 mph pace with 300-500 feet of elevation change for 3-4 miles for Option 1, a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 800-1000 feet of elevation change for 5-8 miles for Option 2, and a 2.0-2.5 mph pace with 3000+ feet of elevation change for 15+ miles for Option 3.OPTION 1 – Henwallow Falls +/- 700’ – 5 Miles – Easy [Blue Dots]
Hikers can park at the Cosby Campground Picnic A parking area at 8:30 and we'll walk over to the Gabes Mtn Trail Head.
We'll hike 2+ miles to Henwallow Falls for a quick stop, before heading back to the CC parking lot. The total hike is about 4.5 miles round trip with about 700 feet of elevation gain (averaging a modest 300‘ per mile slope) and is rated Easy due to the modest elevation change and the overall distance. We should be off trail by lunchtime.
* We'll need some co-leaders to make this Option possible *
OPTION 2 – Gabes Mountain-Maddron Bald +/- 1100’ – 8 Miles – Moderate [Red Line]
We'll ask several Option 2 hikers to meet at the Maddron Bald TH at 8:00 to drop cars for the shuttle back to Cosby CG after the hike, and then shuttle over to the Cosby Campground Picnic A parking area to begin the hike. Location for the 8:00 shuttle drivers.
** All other O2 hikers will meet at Cosby Campground at 8:30 for the hike. **
We'll hike 2+ miles to Henwallow Falls for a quick stop, before continuing West on Gabes Mtn to the junction with Maddron Bald (Red line). We'll then turn right for 1.2 miles to the MB TH, and shuttle back to our cars.
The total hike is about 8 miles with about 1100 feet of elevation gain (averaging a 350‘ per mile slope) and is rated Moderate due to the modest overall elevation gain, with an occasional 500 fpm section, and the overall distance. We should be off trail between 1 and 2. We’ll need to shuttle back over to get our cars at Cosby CG.
* We'll need some co-leaders to make this Option possible *
OPTION 3 - Gabes Mtn-Maddron Bald-Snake Den Ridge +3500' - 18+ Miles - Strenuous [Pink Line]
Hikers will meet at the Cosby CG at 8:30, and then hike west on Gabes Mtn to Maddron Bald (Red line), and then south to the junction with with Snake Den Ridge. (Hikers will have the option to do the 1.4 mile out-and-back up to the AT if they choose.) We'll then drop about 3000' at 600 fpm over the next 5+ miles to the Cosby CG. Hikers should be off trail by 5:30, and will want to bring a headlamp in case we are delayed.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a day bag, with at least one liter of water, snacks, and an extra insulation layer, gloves, hat, and a waterproof coat.We always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.
We'll go rain or shine (and it IS the Smokies), so rain gear is advised.
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 before 7:00 AM.
*** 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
Location of the Hike Starting PointOption 1 Henwallow Falls Map [blue dots] Profile
Option 2 Gabes/Madron Bald Map [red line] Profile
Option 3 Gabes-Maddron-Snake Den Hikes Map [pink line] Profile
Gabes/Madron Bald/Snake Den GPS (.gpx)
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 DisclaimerEVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - "AT 2000 Miler" / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4 - Saturday September 20th 8 AM Deep creek, Sunkota and everything in betweenNeeds location
*** 14.9 miles, not a beginner hike***
## Details
Location Noland divide trail head
OVERVIEW
This is good hike for map markers! We will cover Deep creek to Martin gap and go down Sunkota and do the loop trail. Total mileage will be 14.9 with loop trail.
We will meet at the Noland divide trail head to get to Deep creek.
More info to come with trail profile, just save the dateEVENT HOST
Florence, 900 miler
PARKING TAGS
Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag for the 2 vehicles permitted. If you are parked elsewhere in the park or campground, a parking tag is required. You can buy a day pass at the restrooms near the entrance to the campground, just before the Deep Creek Campground Kiosk.
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 - Beginner Backpacking Clinic – Max Patch to Roaring Fork Shelter - BP 101Pisgah National Forest, Harmon Den Parking Area, Clyde, NC
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
WAIT LIST
*** Please Join the Wait List for this event. ***Folks who got closed out of the last clinic will have first preference for this one, followed by anyone with limited to no prior experience, in the order they are moved from the WL, until we reach capacity. This event is intended for true beginners.
Once we clear the former group, we'll start adding everyone else.
Please answer the 3 RSVP questions at signup if you want to be moved off of the Wait List.
If you don't provide your email address for the handouts at signup you will not be moved from the Wait List, and you may lose your place in line.
OVERVIEW
This will be an introduction to overnight backpacking for those day hikers that are ready to take the next step, and is intended for those with little to no backpacking experience.The distance hiked will be less than 2 miles each day on Saturday and Sunday, with the focus of the trip on providing the basic information, skills, and lots of hands-on experience to get you started. Because GSMNP doesn't allow tenting at shelters we will be meeting outside the Park and camping near Max Patch Mountain.
(click on the nearby map link)WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Instruction will include basic information on the following:Safety – 14 Essentials, hazards (weather, lightning, bears, snakes, etc.) campsite selection, water treatment, basic fire building
Gear selection - packs, hammocks, tents and tarps, sleeping bags and pads, stoves, footwear
Packing – proper layering, weight considerations, proper load distribution, seasonal requirements
Cooking – stoves and fuels, meal options
Navigation – Basic map reading, pacing and estimating distances
GEAR REQUIREMENTS
We will provide a suggested packing list for guidance to those who sign up.You DO NOT need a tent to go on this outing. You can use the shelter, which also has water and a privy nearby. We will have a limited amount of backpacking gear to lend (tents, packs, bags, pads).
*** We would recommend participants NOT go out and buy a bunch of gear until AFTER the clinic when you have had the opportunity to see, feel, wear, and try out a wide variety of packs, bag, tents and sleeping pads. ***
DETAILS
We will meet at the Rally Point at 9:00 for some basic information and demonstrations, followed by pack inspections and some gear swaps/distribution. We’ll car pool to the Max Patch parking lot and then hike about 1.8 miles north on the Appalachian Trail to the Roaring Fork shelter, which has capacity for 10, with another 7 tent platforms available, and room for several hammocks.The total hike is about 2 miles each way with @500 +/- feet of elevation change, much of it at easy grades. Bring your packed backpack (or all of your gear in a shopping bag for a borrowed backpack), hiking poles if you have them, water, lunch, dinner, breakfast and snacks (more on meals with the packing list).
IMPORTANT RSVP INFO
When you RSVP please let us know:- What gear, if any, you will need to borrow. (first come, first served)
- Whether you would prefer to sleep in a tent, hammock, or shelter
- Your email address for distribution of the handouts
We'll use your email to distribute all the handouts for the clinic. It is not possible to send them out using Meetups messages.
*** If you don't provide this information when you RSVP you will remain on the Wait List indefinitely, and will lose your spot in line. ***
You may also satisfy this requirement by emailing Lane at lane.decost.gshag@gmail.com.
Attendance is limited by campsite space for this hike. First come-first served.
There are no reservation or campsite fees for this shelter.
DIRECTIONS
To the BP 101 Rally Point << <== Meet here at 9:00 amGoogle Maps is still showing I-40 as being closed from the TN eastbound side at NC Exit 7 where our route goes. This will require TN folks to continue eastbound to NC Exit 15, exit, go under I-40 and turn back onto I-40 westbound, and proceed to Exit 7. Then continue north on Cold Springs Creek Road to the Rally Point.
Do NOT continue north on Fines Creek Rd (1338) at NC Exit 15 despite signs suggesting that route to Max Patch. You'll add 30-45 minutes to your trip and may miss the group completely.
This route is generally safe for most vehicles, even though it is a gravel road, and has a fair number of potholes and washboards.
NAVIGATION AIDS
MAP
ELEVATION PROFILEDISCLAIMER
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 DisclaimerEVENT LEADER(s):
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler - '23 / Search and Rescue Team Volunteer / 900 Miler x4 - SAVE THE DATE- Navitat Treetop Zipline AdventureIjams Nature Center, Knoxville, TN
SAVE THE DATE! I will send out more information in September as I see how many people are interested in going to Navitat Treetop Zipline Adventure at Ijams in Knoxville.
Get your harness ready! Let's go to Navitat Treetop Zipline Adventure at Ijams in Knoxville. This is a family friendly obstacle course in the trees. There are six different courses in the trees ranging from easy to extreme. Each course has 10-12 different challenging elements. Also included is a full-body harness, gloves, a helmet, and expert guides nearby for assistance.
This is the link to the website: https://navitatknoxville.com/
This is a family friendly event! Kids and adults are both welcome to join the fun in the trees.
The cost is $55- $60 depending on the group size. In addition, Ijams charges $5 for parking. There are two different options to book this event depending on the interest. If 15 people or less are interested, then we will book individual tickets.
If 16-30 people are interested, then I will book the group rate. The group rate does require a $300 deposit to secure the timeslot. The ticket price for a group is around 10% less than an individual ticket.
If I book the group rate, then I will require a $10- $20 (depending on the group size) deposit from each person attending before booking. If there is enough interest, then I will send out more information in September on securing the group rate.
This is one my favorite activities in Knoxville, and I am excited to take a group there. Please reach out if you have any additional questions about the event.
