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- 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. - Ramsey Cascades / Porters Creek - 3 Options - Difficult - 8 / 7 / 15 milesRamsey Cascades Trailhead, Gatlinburg, TN
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP
DESCRIPTION
Now that the post-Thanksgiving stupor is wearing off, we offer 2 Options to get out and see a nice waterfall (or 2) on trails that could be considered Moderate or Difficult, depending on your trail conditioning.Please choose only ONE of the Options below so we can arrange for the proper number of co-leaders for each Option.
QUALIFICATIONS
You should be comfortable hiking in colder conditions (with temps that could get down to near freezing) at a 2.0 to 2.5 mph pace, over 7-8 miles. You should also be comfortable climbing a cumulative 1500-2200', at a 500 feet-per-mile slope.This is NOT a beginner hike.
OPTION 1 - Ramsey Cascade +/- 2200' - 8 miles - Moderately Difficult
We will meet at the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead parking area at the end of the road at 8:30 for a hike to one of the most appealing falls in the Park.
From the Tennessee side of GSMNP, north of Gatlinburg, turn South off of US Hwy 321 onto Greenbrier Road, and drive 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Ramsey Prong Road (across the bridge) at the junction of Greenbrier Rd, Porters Creek Road and Ramsey Prong Road, and drive to the end.
We should be off trail around 12-1 pm. This is a moderately difficult hike of 2200’+ elevation gain over 4 miles (so a 500’/mile slope) and our average hiking speed will be around 2.0-2.5 mph.
OPTION 2 - Porters Creek +/- 1500' - 7 miles - Moderately Difficult
We will meet at the Porters Creek Trailhead parking area at the end of the PC road at 1:00. (Folks who are delayed coming from the Ramsey Cascades hike may need to play catch-up.)This is a 7.2 mile hike, with about 3.6 miles to the campsite, all of it uphill, so the pace will likely average about 2.0-2.5 mph. The trail starts at about 1900' and climbs at a moderate slope for 1500 feet, to 3400'.
The trail initially follows an old roadbed and goes through an area of pre-Park homesteads and a graveyard, eventually turns into a trail, and passes a couple of small waterfalls along the way.
OPTION 3 - Ramsey Cascade and Porters Creek +/- 2200' - 15 miles - Difficult
We will combine both Options and follow each set of instructions as listed above.WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying The 14 Essentials when going onto the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials.We recommend hiking poles, insulated gloves, and an extra layer of clothing for warmth when we stop at the falls. We recommend bringing a headlamp in case we are delayed in getting off trail for any reason.
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
Ramsey Cascade Map
Ramsey Cascade Profile
Ramsey Cascade .gpx file (download only)Porters Creek Map
Porters Creek Profile
Porters Creek .gpx fileHIKE LEADERS
Lane DeCost - AT 2000 Miler, 900 Miler (x4), Search & Rescue Volunteer
Bev Chattin - 900 Miler - Lakeshore Backpack Trip - 3 Options - 24 / 34 / 45 Miles - Difficult/StrenuousRoad to Nowhere Tunnel, Bryson City, NC
Photo courtesy of Cat LP
SUMMARY
This is a tough "map markers' delight" of 2 nights / 3 days to knock out all of the Lakeshore Trail.QUALIFICATIONS
Hikers should be comfortable backpacking over 10 miles per day with a winter load, at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace. Prior cold weather camping experience at temps below 30 degrees is highly recommended.WAIT LIST
If you are interested in this trip, join the Wait List to hold your spot. First come-first served.Once GSMNP reservations open (30 days out), we will match hikers and campsites. We are limited to 8 GSHAG hikers per campsite, and will use multiple campsites to accommodate as many hikers as we can.
STARTING LOCATION
Hikers will meet at the Tunnel to Nowhere parking area and shuttle down to Fontana. We are going to try and arrange a paid shuttle to Fontana.HIKE DESCRIPTIONS
OPTION 1 : Friday-Sunday - 34 miles - DifficultFriday [Blue profile] - We’ll start from the Fontana Dam/Lakeshore TH and hike 12 miles on the roller coaster trail to BC 88/86, near the Hazel Creek landing, where we'll camp for the night.
Saturday [Red profile] - Some of us will wait for Option 2 folks to boat shuttle over to join us at BC 86 before continuing the PUDs another 12+ miles to BC 76/98 for the night.
Sunday [Green profile ] - Hikers will repeat the PUDs as we hike to the T2NW over the final 12+ miles. We should be off trail by late afternoon. Volunteers will shuttle hikers back over to Fontana to collect their cars, if necessary.
OPTION 2 : Saturday - Sunday - 24 miles - Difficult
This is an unofficial second Option for those who would prefer to catch a boat shuttle from the Marina over to the Hazel Creek landing to join us on Saturday.Hikers choosing this Option will need to work out their own boat shuttle arrangements and car shuttles to the Marina.
OPTION 3 : Friday-Sunday - 44 miles - Strenuous
Hikers will follow the Option 1 plan for Friday, but log a total of 14 miles to BC 81. They will hike 17 miles to BC 74 for Sat night, before finishing with a "day pack" 12 mile out-and-back on Bear Creek on Sunday, and the final 3 miles out to the cars.TRIP COSTS
Campsites are $8 a night and a paid shuttle driver should be about $20.Once reservations are made you pay for your campsite whether you show up or not, or if we have to cancel the trip for safety reasons.
TRANSPORTATION
Hikers are expected to arrange their own transportation to and from their respective trailheads. Hike leaders will coordinate setting up shuttles to the beginning TH.WHAT TO BRING
In addition to your winter backpacking gear, we always suggest carrying the 14 Essentials when going onto the woods.LATECOMERS AND "NO-SHOWS"
If your plans change and you can’t come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP, or let us know in the Comments.NAVIGATION AIDS
Overall Hike MapBASE HIKES 34 Miles
Friday Hike Map Profile
Saturday Map Profile
Sunday Map ProfileALTERNATE HIKE 45 Miles
Friday Hike Map Profile
Saturday Map Profile
Sunday Map ProfileEVENT LEADERS
Lane DeCost - "AT 2000 Miler" / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4
