Dicks creek to Fontana

imported
#1

Just wondering how long it took some of you guys and gals to complete the hike from dicks creek to fontana dam. TY

SmokeEater

#2

SmokeEater - It took me 8 days, the last one being pretty short. I went to Muskrat Creek Shelter, Carter Gap Shelter, Rainbow Springs Campground (now closed - but Wallace Gap), Wayah Bald, the NOC, Cheoah Bald, Cable Gap Shelter, then a short hike into the Fontana Dam area the next morning. I’m a section hiker, so I was only on a 2 week hike and not in “Thru” shape. This was in 2002 and you can read the specifics in my TJ journal if you like - CBiscuit

CBiscuit

#3

Originally, I had planned to hike that stretch in 8 days. Because of the rain and some long climbs, I ended up hitch hiking from the NOC to Fontana Dam (bypassing 28 miles, which I’ll come back next time and do). I felt I needed the zero days to allow my body and mind an opportunity to recuperate before I got to the Smokies. I completed all 70 some miles of the Smokies, which I found tough and challenging too. I like utilizing the shelters. Because of the rain, the trail was slippery. I fell 3 times, only minor cuts and bruises, so as a solo hiker my mind was a little frazzled by the time I got to NOC in the pouring rain. If your next section hike is Dick’s Creek to Fontana Dam, 7 or 8 days may be sufficient. If you want to be cautious, I’d allow 9 or 10 with planned zero days. Utilize Ron Haven’s Budget Inn in Franklin and the NOC as food drops. There is no reason to carry more than 3 days of food at any time. Read my journal. When you do your section hike, the weather may be better or worse. I felt Springer to Dick’s Creek Gap was a little bit easier than Dick’s Creek Gap to Fontana Dam.

Steamer

#4

Another factor I forgot to mention, are you on a restricted schedule? I am still employed, have vacation limits and also work commitments. For this last section hike, I used 2 weeks of vacation. I drove down to Franklin with my son-in-law and flew back to Chicago from the Knoxville airport. I have determined that my body recuperates best when hiking fewer than 100 miles at a time unless I can be very liberal in taking zero days (most likely when I retire).

Steamer

#5

Did that trip this past May. 8 days but it was fairly tough. Not impossible tough just worn out on the 8th day. Did a mail drop at Fontana and a 1/2 day there. Don’t sweat the climb out of the NOC it wasn’t as bad as everyone claims. The 2 days before the NOC were much worse. I averaged 12 miles a day. Don’t camp at Sassafras Shelter, go to Cheoah Bald and camp there. The best campsite south of the Smokies and its only a mile further.

l0ngterm

l0ngterm

#6

Hey Guy,

I just emailed you a more detailed accounting of this leg of my trip. I covered these miles in 8 days, two of them being half days. Didn’t take any zeros. I agree with the poster above, the climb out of NOC wasn’t all that bad, just psych yourself up for it and have fun. Guess it helped that I had excellent weather that day, but did have to contend with many blow-downs from the previous day’s intense storm.

I found the climb out of Bly Gap tough, Albert Mountain was interesting and the section between Sassafras Gap Shelter and Brown Fork Gap shelter was very tiring, multiple steep climbs.

Hope to see you on the trail again!

Lyle