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://www.meetup.com/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- Leaf Peepin' - Middle Prong - 3 Options - 5/15/20 Miles Easy/Difficult/StrenuousMiddle Prong Trail Trailhead, Townsend, TN
*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE YOU RSVP ***
THE EVENT
We'll take a hike into one of the prettiest watersheds in the Park this time of year, where the foliage should be on full display, in addition to the waterfall. We have three Options to allow you to choose the right mileage based upon your current abilities and goals.*** Please select only one Option at RSVP to hold your spot, and remember to answer the 2 questions asked. ***
QUALIFICATIONS
There are 3 Options for this hike that vary in length and difficulty, and they will operate independently.Option 1 is for beginners and will offer an opportunity to get accustomed to hiking in the the Park on an open, graded roadbed, beside the beautiful Middle Prong Little River, at an easy grade.
Option 2 may be the right challenge for you if you are comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace for a 8-10 miles, with 1000+ feet of elevation change.
Option 3 is for experienced hikers only, who are used to climbing 3000-4000', and moving at 2.5-3.5 mph over uneven terrain, for considerable distances.
DETAILS
We will meet at the Middle Prong parking area at 8:00, do a quick gear check, and then divide up into multiple independent hiking groups. We will need co-leaders for each option. When you RSVP, please pick only ONE option, so that we can plan for the number co-leaders needed.OPTIONS
Option 1 - Middle Prong Out-and-Back - 5 miles +/- 700' - Easy (Red Dots)
We will hike SE on Middle Prong for about 2.3 miles to the junction with Panther Creek, climbing 700' at a modest 300+ fpm slope. We'll reverse back to the parking lot and should be off trail by noon.Option 2 - Lynn Camp/Panther Cr Loop - 15 miles +/-2800' - Difficult (Blue Dots)
We will hike SE on Middle Prong for about 2.3 miles to the junction with Panther Creek and scout out the PC crossing to make sure the water level is low enough to safely cross on the return trip before continuing to complete O2. Plan on getting your feet wet (although it may be low enough to rock hop).Hikers will continue SE to the Lynn Camp Prong junction, and then turn left and climb 1000' over 3.6 miles to the Miry Ridge Junction, at 400 fpm. After another short climb, they'll turn N for 2.5 miles to the Panther Creek trail, dropping 600', and then head W for 2.1 miles to the PC river crossing, dropping another 1400'. Hikers will turn N on Middle Prong with a gentle 700' drop to the cars, and should be off trail by 3-4 pm.
Hiking poles and water shoes are highly recommended.
Option 3 - Greenbrier Loop - 20 miles - +/- 3300' - Strenuous (Pink Arrows)
Hikers will follow the O2 route until they reach the Lyn Camp Prong Jx, and then continue past the junction, climbing 1700' up Greenbrier Ridge to the AT. They'll then head E for 2.4 miles to Miry Ridge, and after dropping about 800' to the LCP trail, hikers will head W across LCP to the Middle Prong Jx dropping 1100', and then have a gentle downhill hike back to the cars. Off-trail between 5-6.Option 3 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.We'll go rain or shine.
LATECOMERS AND "NO-SHOWS"
Don't be late - we may not wait.If your plans change and you can’t come on the hike please remember to change your RSVP no later than 8:00 Saturday morning.
*** Failure to change your RSVP or let us know in the Comments qualifies as a 'No-Show' for me, and you may not be able to hike with me in the future. ***
NAVIGATION
Middle Prong Hikes MapO2 - Lynn Camp Prong-Panther Cr Profile
O3 - Greenbrier-Miry-LCP Profile
Middle Prong GPS file [.gpx] [download only]
EVENT LEADER
Lane DeCost - "AT 2000 Miler" / SAR team volunteer / 900 Miler x4 - 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. Map for the day
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. Map of the day
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. - 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
