Can anyone tell me if it’s conceivable to hike from Len Foote Hike Inn to Three Forks if we are not experienced hikers, but are athletic? And, what about getting shuttle service to pick us up at Three Forks?
(We need to hike north, not south.) It’s suppose to be about 8.4 miles…how long might this take, asssuming we don’t dilly-dally around. Appreciate comments.
Newathiking
New At Hiking,
What you are talking about is called a slack pack in which you start at one end with a light pack of just what you are going to eat, water, first aid kit, and maybe something to put on when it rains.
To begin with, your numbers are wrong. It is about 16 to 17 miles from Len Foote Hike Inn to Three Forks. The approach trail is not included in the AT miles, so you are correct with the AT miles.
It would be good if you have your crew meet you at the FS42 Parking lot after you summit Springer to see if you feel up to the next 7 miles. All the difficult miles are up to Springer, the rest is a breeze. So, the driver if you are feeling tired could meet you down the trail at Three Forks.
But you should have a bail out point at the mid point to make sure you are not too tire. There is a Forest Service Bulletin Board at the parking lot at FS42 where you can leave a message for the driver to meet you at three forks if you wish to press on and the driver is not there yet. Have fun.
Mr. Boo
you are correct, the mileage from the hike inn to three forks is about 8.5 miles. i obviously don’t know your hiking pace; a hiker of average ability could safely estimate a hike of 4 to 5 hours or so.
i assume you are aware that the hike inn is NOT at the start of the trail; it is about 5 miles north of amicalola. i would NOT recommend a day hike from amicalola to three forks by a beginner.
also; it is best to hike to your car rather than to have the shuttler pick you up. day one you should leave you car at three forks (in the morning) and have the shuttler take you to the park for your hike to the hike inn. day two should be your hike from the hike inn to three forks.
steve oneal 1988
you also asked about shuttlers.
i would start with hacksaw who probably shuttles more hikers around here than everyone else combined. his email address is:
steve oneal 1988