Backpacking Western N.C. (etc) cover photo

Sat, Nov 16, 2024, 8:30 AM ESTCharlie’s Bunion in GSMNP with Optional Overnight
Needs location
For those interested, there is an option of spending the night at Kephart Shelter at the end of this hike. Please let me know if you are interested in spending the night at the shelter in the comments.

Join me to for a hike to Charlie’s Buion via Kephart Prong. This is a 14.2 mile lollipop loop with just under feet of elevation gain.

The hike starts at Kephart Prong Trailhead to the Grassy Branch junction (2.0 miles). Then it starts going up to the AT. The hike goes up Grassy Branch to the junction with Dry Sluice (2.5 miles). Then hike Dry Sluice up to the AT (1.3 miles). Once on the AT, we will go to Charlie’s Buion.

After spending time at the Bunion. We will hike on the AT to the junction at Sweat Heifer (2.7 miles). Then hike down Sweat Heifer back down to Kephart Prong (3.7 miles). Then back to the cars on Kephart Prong (2.0)
1 attendee
Sat, Nov 16, 2024, 9:00 AM ESTThe Triple Crown Loop, Virginia - 38.5 Miles. Strenuous / Advanced.
I-81 Exit 140 Park & Ride, Salem, VA
*** This backpacking route is not suitable for beginners.***

Parking at McAfee Knob trailhead is closed, there is no parking currently available at the trailhead.

Overnight Parking is not allowed at Dragons Tooth trailhead or along VA RT 311

Please read and ensure you understand how you will get to and from the trailhead.

All participants will be automatically waitlisted until I speak with you to confirm your readiness for this adventure. Attendance will be capped at 8.

Please join me for an advanced / strenuous backpack of Virginia's Triple Crown in November. The triple crown is McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots along the Appalachian Trail; Tinker Cliffs, which offers 180-degree views of mountain ranges and amazing sunsets; and Dragon’s Tooth, a rock-scrambling climb to a unique jagged peak.

Getting to the trailhead and back to vehicles: Due to closure of parking lot at McAfee Knob trailhead we will have to shuttle to the trailhead and back. I will be going to the the I-81 Exit 140 Park & Ride lot and catching a shuttle to the McAfee Knob Trail Head (https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2q3qK31qwpLJ51Q9). Yes, if you google it it will say the park and ride lot is permanently closed. I have spoke with the shuttle folks on the phone to confirm that the lot is definitely open.

There is an $6.50/person fee for the shuttle to the trailhead.
Shuttle tickets can be purchased here

The shuttle only runs Friday - Sunday. I have arranged a shuttle with Duck N Hut Hiker's Hostel to get back to my car on Monday. There is room for two more in the shuttle. Cost for this shuttle back to the cars is $16/per person. If you are unable to get in on this shuttle I encourage you to reach out to Duck N Hut and see if they have another available or are aware of other options.

Difficulty: Strenuous / Advanced. You should have intermediate level backpacking skills at the very least. Several significant elevation change, multi-day trips within the last year would be a good measure of ability for this one. Please bring your own navigation tools such as Gaia, Alltrails, etc. in case we get separated and have the route downloaded or printed out.

I strongly suggest you read the guide provided below and educate yourself on what to expect. Specifically, please read the sections on water, terrain, and dangers.

Elevation Gain: 6,874 Feet

Peak Elevation: 3,197 Feet

Day 1-3 Itinerary: Please read and become familiar with the following guide: https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/virginias-triple-crown-loop-backpacking-guide. It details the mileage for each day and where we will be camping. As we approach the date we may need to alter the guide suggestions based on comments for the trail, additional information received, bear activity, etc.

"No show, no go" policy: If you RSVP "Going" to our event, but no show without updating your RSVP to "not going" within 24 hours of the event start time you will be removed from our future events without question. We do this to ensure that people on the waiting list who might want to join the trip have sufficient time to prepare should a spot open up.
4 attendees
Sat, Nov 30, 2024, 8:45 AM ESTGregory Bald Backpacking Adventure: A Smoky Mountains Loop Experience
Twenty Mile Ranger Station, Robbinsville, NC
$8.00
Join Us for a One-Night Backpacking Adventure to Gregory Bald in the Smoky Mountains!
Experience the best of the Smokies with a challenging yet rewarding one-night backpacking trip to Gregory Bald. We’ll ascend via the Twentymile Trail, camp near the bald, and return the next day via the scenic Wolf Ridge Trail. This loop offers a quintessential Smoky Mountains experience, with steep climbs, breathtaking views, and stunning natural beauty.
Trip Details

Parking: Each participant is responsible for purchasing their own parking permit for both days. Link to purchase parking permit.

Campsite Fee: $8 per person. To confirm your spot, please Venmo the fee to me (@rhammonds100). You will remain on the waiting list until payment is received. I will aim to secure up to 8 campsite permits. Priority will be given based on the order of payment. If I cannot secure you a permit your payment will be refunded.

Difficulty: This is a very strenuous hike because of the 4000 elevation gain on the first day.

Day 1:

Meet: Twentymile Ranger Station, no later than 8:45 am.

Hike: We will begin hiking promptly in a counterclockwise direction toward Campsite 13 near Gregory Bald. Follow Wolf Ridge Trail from the Ranger Station, turn right on Twentymile Trail, left on Long Hungry Ridge Trail, and left on Gregory Bald Trail until we reach Campsite 13.

Distance & Elevation: About 9 miles, 4,000 feet elevation gain.

Day 2:

Pack up: Begin hiking out at 9:00 am.

Return: Head back to Twentymile Ranger Station via Wolf Ridge Trail.

Distance & Elevation: About 7 miles, mostly down hill.

Hike Overview

Total Distance: Approx. 15.5 miles

Elevation Gain: Approx. 4,800 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous due to the elevation gain and length.

Additional Information

Bear Cables: All food and backpacks must be hung on the cables provided at the campsite.

Pets: No dogs allowed in the park

Route Map: View the route on Gaia GPS.

Water Availability: While there are usually active streams near the campsite and Gregory Bald, it’s not guaranteed. Be prepared to hike downhill for water if necessary.

Hiking Precautions: It’s highly recommended to hike in groups for safety. Familiarize yourself with the trails and ensure you can navigate independently if separated. There are a lot of intersections and it can be confusing.

Get ready for a challenging and rewarding adventure in the Smokies!
8 attendees+3

Backpacking Western N.C. (etc)