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 Maryville and Knoxville TN area, some members from as far away as Florida. We have hikes and adventures planned for almost every Saturday and Sunday every month and anyone interested in joining us is more than welcome to join. We are an open venue with suggestions for hikes from light to strenuous hikes from all members of the group. As the weather gets warmer, we do organize some evening moonlight walks or hikes as an alternative to the day hikes. We have two or three 'Hike and Camp' weekend events every year in one of the Park campgrounds. And if you enjoy back country camping, we do that also, but the spaces on those usually fill up fast due to back country permit availability. Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, biking, river rafting and a cookout thrown in every now and then! This is a great way to exercise, appreciate nature and meet some new people. We are lot of fun, so join up!!!
Please go to the 'About' menu option on the GSHAG home page to learn more before you join our group, or click the following link on a desktop or laptop.
https://4142298.xyz/Great-Smokies-Hiking-Adventure-Group/
----You must have a clear, current, close up, face forward, head and shoulders *only* photo of you, for your profile photo, and list it as your main photo to join---- Only one person in the photo please ...You! - so we can recognize you at events!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Training Hike - Goshen Prong-Sugarland Mtn Loop +/- 4000' - Strenuous - 22 MileClingmans Dome Trailhead, Bryson City, NC
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE YOU RSVP ***
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 higher elevation hikes. This hike is a step up from the hikes we post for intermediate and seasoned hikers, but is a good option to stretch yourself a bit based upon your current abilities and goals.HIKE SUMMARY
We'll push a 22 mile hike that will help Map Markers to get several trails that are hard to access on their own, while pushing to the limits of what most consider a day hike. We'll pick up Goshen Prong, Little River out-and-back to BC 30, and the greenbrier-infested Rough Creek.This hike is not for the faint of heart. Please be realistic about your abilities to do such a hike.
QUALIFICATIONS
If you are comfortable hiking a 2.0-3.0 mph pace for a 15+ miles, with 3000+ feet of elevation change this hike may be the right challenge for you. It's a good opportunity to stretch your distance and elevation gain, which will open up more hiking events for you.MEETING LOCATION
We will meet at the Clingmans Dome parking area at 8:00, do a quick gear check, and then drop a few shuttle cars at the Sugarlands Mountain TH ending parking area (if we haven't done so beforehand).THE HIKE
22 miles +/-4000' elevation change - Strenuous - 10-11 hoursWe'll head west from CD on the fairly civilized AT for about 2.5 miles to Goshen Prong, and then turn south for about 8 miles, dropping nearly 3000' to the Little River trail. We'll turn SE for 2.5 miles to BC 30, and then retrace our steps 1.8 miles to the Rough Creek junction.
We'll climb 1400' through a gauntlet of greenbrier to the Sugarland Mountain trail junction over the next 2.7 miles. Then we'll continue climbing another 1800' back up to Clingmans Dome road and the cars. This section has a fairly decent foot bed for much of the way, with an occasional climb over some downed trees. We should be off trail between 5:00-6:00, between sunset and twilight.
CAUTION
** There is a gnarly water crossing at BC 30, especially after a heavy rain. Hiking poles and water shoes are strongly recommended. **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.Bring a headlamp in case we are delayed in getting off trail for some reason.
We'll go rain or shine.
LATECOMERS AND "NO-SHOWS"
It’s important that everyone is on time. 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 or looking for you.*** Failure to change your RSVP or let us know at least a day 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
Goshen-Sugarland Mtn Map
Goshen-Sugarland Mtn Profile
Goshen-Sugarland Mtn GPS file [.gpx] [download only] = - Thanksgiving backpacking, ***experienced***, Change of plansJakes Creek Trail , Elkmont, TN
*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP ***
***CHANGE OF PLANS***
THE EVENT
I HAD TO CHANGE THE ROUTE. I called the ranger station and apparently 2 weeks ago, a bear tore a tent to pieces at Derrick Knob. The shelter will be closed for at least a month, so I have decided to change the route to make it easier on everyone. Please acknowledge the change in the comment or by messaging me. Shelters in the Fall fill up quickly, get your spot this weekend for the 30th.Let's sweat the pies and help me on my second map. No shuttle on this one! We will start from Elkmont and finish there as well. See day one for directions. You are responsible for your own permits, reserve early. This time of year is very popular. Dress with winter gear, no need to bring a tent. There are bear cables at the shelter.
Shelter and parking Tag info/reservationMEETING LOCATIONS
Meet me at the parking lot for Jake creek trail at Elkmont. We will exit there as well.Saturday Nov. 30, 12 miles: + 4,474 ft, - 1,289 ft. Jakes creek, Miry Ridge, Portion of the AT to Silers Bald shelter. https://www.gaiagps.com/public/9Z9vOuBFzCTGN5LFHXuW2QaP
Sunday, December 1st, 14.7 miles: +2,003, - 5,188 ft. All down hill!!! Portion of the AT, Goshen Prong, Little river and cucumber gap to parking lot. Exit at Elkmont. https://www.gaiagps.com/public/2YZEOqfiw75i0yp9J6LKTe8M
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. ***Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/ leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for you own safety and well-being. By signing up for this and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant-including you- at ant event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. 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 a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
