What we’re about
This group is for anyone interested in backpacking. ALL skills levels are WELCOME. This group is primarily overnight/multi-day backpacking adventures... with possibly some social gathering for members throughout the year \
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. We want everyone who attends our Meetup trips to have a great time! Of course, being sore will inevitably be part of it sometimes ;). So, to help ensure this, there are a couple “ground rules” to follow. \
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. - No drugs permitted on group trips. If anyone is found using these, they will be removed from the group. \
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- Act responsibly/Safety first. Do not put yourself, or others in danger while on group outings. \
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- Be respectful/Courteous. Everyone has different skill levels and/or methods. We all have lots to learn from, and teach others. We can do this in a polite, respectful manner. Acting in a belligerent way towards others will not be tolerated. \
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- Know your capability. Please do not sign up to attend trips that are outside your capability. While we only truly grow when we push ourselves past our “comfort zone”, you should understand which trips you can confidently push yourself to handle, and which ones you should pass on until another time...
- Use and keep your RSVP current. Some trips have a size limit. If you sign up for a trip and for whatever reason cannot make it, please update your RSVP so people on the waitlist can join/attend. No shows on trips may not affect you, but they affect the group, so please keep your RSVP’s current.
There will be trips through out the year of various intensities for different skill levels. The host will give a brief description of each trip and the level of intensity.
ADVANCED/STRENUOUS Trips: These more advanced trips will typically require the host speaking with each of you about the demands of the route.
Let's Have Fun ! So grab your gear, sign up, and let’s hit the trail !!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Farewell trip - Roan HighlandsMountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast (Hostel)., Roan Mountain , TN
Roan Highlands 1 Night Backpacking: Toll House Gap to Highway 19E
Friday 9/19: Option to gather at Mountain Harbour Inn for food truck dinner (open until 9:00 pm) and music Friday night. Camping is available there, just call to let them know to expect you. (423) 772-9494
Shuttle: Saturday 9/20, 10am to Roan High Knob / Tollhouse Gap, approximately a 45 minute shuttle from Mountain Harbour. The fee is $10 per person, $5 per dog (Koko!). Parking $5/night/vehicle with shuttle. (I've booked the shuttle already)
This trip has all the things I love (and will miss) about this area--the high grassy balds with panoramic blue mountain views; the “smoky” fog rolling through the gaps; the AT switchbacks through gorgeous old forest and wild flowers; local hospitality at Mountain Harbour Inn; and great memories with friends! I hope to find time to create a Gaia map of our route, for now, here is a description I tweaked from info online:
There are a few shelters on this route, but weather permitting we can camp on one of the balds. Little Hump, the gap between Little Hump and Hump Mountain, and Hump Mountain have lots of established sites. There are also sites around Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald. I'd love to catch the sunset and sunrise views from our site. The disadvantages are cold, windy nights and lack of water nearby. (We can decide on our camp spot when we know what the weather is looking like.)
We will shuttle to Toll House Gap. This adds 2-4 miles (depending on side trips) of flat and downhill hiking to the typical Carver's Gap route, but it takes you through beautiful virgin pine forest and to two 6,000-foot peaks.
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Day One, 9/20: Toll House Gap to Little Hump Mountain (12 miles)Starting at Toll House Gap, and before we head to the AT, we'll take the 2-mile side trip to Roan High Bluff. It’s clearly marked from the parking area.
The walk to the lookout point runs through the pine forest. This is the least crowded section of trail. It’s often chilly and foggy, but you have a good chance of being above the clouds. It’s a flat mile to the viewing platform. Double back the way we came.Then, we'll pick up the AT heading north. We’ll descend gradually for about two miles through more pine forest. We’ll hit Carvers Gap and the crowds when we cross the road.
From there, we have a little bit of a climb and then some rolling hills across a series of grassy balds: Jane Bald, Roan Mountain, Yellow Mountain, and a side trip to Grassy Ridge Bald. We stay above the tree line the whole time. Take the side trails to 180-degree views on both sides. We’ll follow the ridge for about two miles, with a couple short, steep, rocky stretches of climbing.
After crossing Yellow Mountain, we’ll drop below the tree-line. From here we have almost four miles of straight descent to Overmountain Shelter.
Overmountain Shelter is a popular camping spot, but we'll keep going for better views. It’s only about a 2-mile climb to Little Hump Mountain. We’ll gain almost 1,000 feet of elevation, but it’s gradual. One of the best views is climbing out of the gap from Overmountain Shelter.Once we reach Little Hump we can stake out a campsite. Most sites are immediately along the trail. There are a handful of sites a bit further off-trail — there's one right before we drop back into the trees, on the west side. The panoramic sunset views are amazing apparently.
Day Two, 9/21: Little Hump to Highway 19E (8 miles)
We can take our time packing up your campsite this morning. We have about eight miles to hike, but it goes quickly. The gap is one of the most gorgeous places on the hike, especially on a slightly foggy morning - my favorite time in these mountains!
Next is the infamous climb up Hump Mountain. This one-mile ascent has a reputation for being difficult. The views the whole way just keep getting better. The key to remember is it’s long — it goes on way farther than you can see from the gap. The summit of Hump Mountain is marked with a plaque, and offers 360-degree views.
Finally, it’s all downhill from here. First descending along the north side of the bald. This is our last chance for great views before we’re back in the forest. Then, it’s about four miles of straight, rocky descent back to Highway 19E and Mountain Harbour Inn.
The total hike from Toll House Gap to Highway 19E, with a side trip to Roan High Bluff, is approximately 21 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain.
Parking & Shuttle:
To reach the parking ($5.00/night/vehicle) and shuttle, type into Google Maps - "Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast." There is no need to pre-reserve parking since we are taking the shuttle service.Far Out Mile Markers & GPX Track:
On the Far Out App for the AT: We start at approximately mile marker 378.9 "Roan Mountain Road" and hike to mile marker 395.6 "Mountain Harbour B&B."
To get an idea of our elevation gains and losses, look at this AT Toll House to 19E Profile Pic
You can download a .gpx file of our route here AT - Toll House Gap / Roan High Knob to Hwy 19EI'm so excited to celebrate my move back to MA this way with all of you!
- AT Section Hike: Fontana Dam to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome)Kuwohi parking lot, Cherokee, NC
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Fontana Dam to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome)
Event Dates: October 10-12, 2025
Group Limit: 6-8 people
Location: 35.55637723483931, -83.49520401775008 (end of Kuwohi/Clingman's Dome Road)This is a strenuous 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail (AT) through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The itinerary is designed for above-average backpackers, covering approximately 33 miles with significant and consistent elevation changes each day. A good level of fitness and backpacking experience is required.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge Shelter- Distance: 10.8 miles / Elevation: 5,000' ascent, 2,055' descent / Estimate: 6.25 hours
- A solid first day with a substantial climb out of Fontana Dam, designed to get the group into a steady hiking rhythm.
Day 2: Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter
- Distance: 11.9 miles / Elevation: 3,500' ascent, 3,200' descent / Estimate: 5.75 hours
- Another consistent day of hiking along the ridgeline, with a well-balanced mix of climbs and descents.
Day 3: Derrick Knob Shelter to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome) Parking Lot
- Distance: 10.3 miles / Elevation: 3,371' ascent, 2,008' descent / Estimate: 5.25 hours
- The final day is a significant push to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, followed by a short walk to the parking area.
Cost & Reservations:
- Campsite Fee: The cost for the two nights of shelter reservations will be $16 per person ($8/night). This fee is non-refundable.
- Shuttle Fee: The shuttle fee is estimated to be around $45 per person (based on one quote), it could be more or less.
Payment Process:
- Upon joining the event, you will be placed on a waiting list.
- Approximately one week (9/5) before the park reservations open, I will vet and contact those on the waiting list in the order they joined.
- To secure your spot, you must pay me the $16 campsite fee at that time or I will pass you up for the next in line. I will then make the official shelter reservations.
- Once the camping reservations are confirmed, I will finalize the shuttle. You will pay the shuttle fee in cash directly to the driver at the time of service.
Important Notes:
- Meet-up Time & Location: We will meet on October 10, 2025, at 6:45 AM sharp at the Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome) parking lot 35.55637723483931, -83.49520401775008
- Shuttle Information: The shuttle ride to the trailhead at Fontana Dam will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The plan is to leave at 7:00 AM.
- Shelter-Only Trip: We will be staying in the designated backcountry shelters. Tents and hammocks are not needed.
- Bear Safety: Bear cables are provided at each designated shelter for food storage.
- Dogs are not permitted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this trail.
- Parking Pass: A parking pass is required to park in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will need to purchase a pass for three days or a weekly pass. You will need to purchase your own pass online at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm#basics and PRINT it out ahead of time to display it in your dash.
- Know Your Abilities: This is a difficult hike with some strenuous sections. Please be honest with yourself about your ability to handle the distance and elevation gain.
Disclaimers:
- Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event, you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.
- Ensure you are prepared with the appropriate gear and skills for a challenging multi-day backpacking trip, as you will be responsible for your own needs on the trail.
- We will hike together as a group, but all participants must be capable of navigating independently and should be prepared to stay with the group.
