The Crew arrives at the newly constructed Long Branch Shelter as a driving snow storm pelts us with what turns out to be 8 1/2 inches of snow. When we leave Atlanta, the forecast is for temperatures in the 50's in nearby Franklin, N.C. but as we drive the 2 1/2 hours north to the Appalachian Trail we spot a line of clouds and a cold front pushing in from the Northwest. Mobile checks at the Weather Channel has the forecast in constant flux - and deteriorating quickly. The light rain projected … [Read more...]
Newfound Gap Road Closed Due To Landslide
January 17, 2013 By 3 Comments
Fortunately, we had no delays during our annual winter hike in the Smokies last weekend, but Newfound Gap is now officially closed per the Hiking The Smokies blog: "A landslide along Newfound Gap Road near mile marker 22 has caused an extended closure of the road. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) due to a landslide which undercut the road near mile marker 22 between Collins Creeks and Webb Overlook at 9:40 am. The slide is estimated to be a 200 foot … [Read more...]
Victory! Road Cleared And Time To Roll
December 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After snapping a tow rope and laboring for over 30 minutes, our primitive backcountry tools finally prevail and we clear this downed pine tree on U.S. Forest Road 77 in the Chattahoochee Forest. The beautiful, clear, (albeit cold) day had eight cars and a motorcycle backed up on the road as a throng of outdoor enthusiasts drove toward the Appalachian Trail near Springer Mountain. … [Read more...]
Tree Down – U.S. Forest Road 77, Chattahoochee National Forest
December 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After 24 hours of 25+ MPH winds, this large pine gave way and blocked our drive up U.S. Forest Road 77 in the Chattahoochee National Forest. We were on our way to backpack a section of the Appalachian Trail near Three Forks, and after snapping a tow line - got to work using a Sven campsaw and a small hatchet to clear the path. Fortunately, our primitive backcountry tools prevailed and after 30 minutes, we were moving again. Eight trucks and a motorcycle awaited passage. So after the next big … [Read more...]
Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter
December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Out with the old ... and in with the new: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Nantahala Hiking Club, and a local company - Goshen Timber Frames - teamed up for the construction of Long Branch Shelter near Glassmine Gap. The new structure is located north of Standing Indian on the Appalachian Trail and about 17 miles from Franklin, N.C. The new two-story Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter (shown below), which was built just north of Albert Mountain. The Big Springs … [Read more...]
Tennessee Appalachian Trail Buffer: Rocky Fork Into Public Ownership
December 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Nashville Business Journal reported last month that there is a new State Park in Tennessee. The 2036 acre park is located near the A.T. in the Northeastern part of the State and provides an additional buffer against development in this area. The transfer of Rocky Fork into public ownership has been a goal of the Appalachian Trail Conference since at least 1983: Tennessee_State_Park_-_AT_ReRoute_Nov_2012.pdf Download this file Gov. Bill Haslam and other Tennessee officials … [Read more...]
October Superstorm “Sandy” Hits The Smokies
November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Snow in The Smokies is a common occurance in the winter - especially in the higher elevations - but snow drifts of 5 feet? And before Halloween? Unbelievable. Here's an Associated Press quote from a local newspaper describing a man that got caught on the Appalachian Trail between Pecks Corner and Tri-Corner Knob Shelter: GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — A man trying to hike the entire 2,180 miles of the Appalachian Trail was rescued Friday after calling 911 to say he didn’t think he’d be able … [Read more...]
