Hi all,
I’m progressing through a northbound thru-hike currently and am taking a break after getting to Wallace Gap - having completed the Georgia section of the trail.
I wanted to share some “lessons learned” thus far on the trail that might be useful to those of you planning to start a northbound hike shortly. Of course these are only my opinions and observations:
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The first couple of days of hiking are indeed rough - especially if you opt for the approach trail. But it does get better and more satisfying. Hang in there.
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Don’t worry about the signs on the approach trail that say how long it will take to get to Springer Mountain - it shouldn’t take you that long - I did it in about 4 hours with stops - and I am 48 years old and did not “train” in advance.
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You might want to shoot for the Stover Gap shelter for your first night - avoid some of the crowds at Springer Mountain shelter and it has a nice stream behind it.
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You will really be at Neal’s Gap in 3-4 days - so don’t carry more food than that to start. Keep your initial pack weight down and get used to the weight.
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I started with a 32 degree down bag to save weight. Most others had bags rated for 20 degrees. I was cold a couple of nights but think it was worth it to have a lighter load. You can compromise by carrying a silk liner or sleeping in your clothes.
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I only slept in a shelter one night - not a good sleep due to snoring and I sleep very lightly. My Sierra Design CD Light Year tent weighs 3 lbs and well worth it to me.
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Flies and mosquitoes not very noticeable first few days. Around Neal’s Gap begain to notice a lot of flies - probably will not bother you at night.
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I carried one liter of water while hiking. This helps a lot in keeping weight down - but be careful to refill as you cross water sources. Weather folks are saying it is going to be another dry spring in the Southeast and streams may begin to dry up. I would camp almost exclusively in spots with a water source and found that having a full 2 liter bottle was enough for dinner and breakfast.
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The climb up Blood Mountain did not seem that difficult to me. It was cool and windy on top. The stone shelter has window openings without anything to stop the wind - be prepared.
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For those who use an alcohol stove, the Walassi Center in Neal’s Gap sells a new type of alcohol stove that you might want to try - it is supposed to conserve fuel use and have some degree of simmer capacity.
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There is no phone available at Unicoi or Dick’s Gap. There are trash receptacles at both locations to dump your trash.
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At Dick’s Gap - if you plan on going into Hiawassee, you can probably catch the shuttle going back and forth to the Hiawassee Inn without hitching a ride.
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The Hiawassee Inn is under new owners and they are the first to admit it is taking time to get things set up. But they have a wonderful attitude and seemed to bend over backwards to shuttle or help as needed. A single room cost me $35 and the room had a phone and shower/tub. They did have trouble with their phones getting an outside line, though. With time, I think they will get the place going a lot better.
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I had very positive comments about the Blueberry Patch for those considering an alternative to Hiawassee Inn. Also, the Holiday Inn Select in Hiawassee - which I think has a spa or hot tub.
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The climb upward right after Tesnatee Gap (several miles beyond Neal’s Gap seemed to be a real kicker - perhaps because I had just resupplied. Also, the next shelter after that climb is more than one mile off the trail - something a lot of folks didn’t care for. But there are some nice camping spots at the top of the mountain after the climb. Just make sure you have enough water to last you for the night.
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I have been told the food store in Fontana is not open until April 1st and resupplies had to be gotten at a more expensive outfitters there. THis is moot, I guess, since tomorrow is April 1st.
Hope this helps - good luck!!!
Brutus