I want to do a week section hike to prepare for my thru-hike the last week of September or first week of October. I want to bring my wife so she can experience the trail with me, but i have no idea what section of the trail would be best. I’m from Florida, so something in the southern end would be preferable. I though maybe the smokies, but would greatly appreciate sugestions on where to hike. (start point and end point)
Thanks
Bigfoot
Roan to Damascus would be pretty. You could call Bob Peoples at Kincora. He’d prob shuttle you down to Roan, hike back to his place and then drop you in Damascus and hike south back to his place. or just do it north and pretend you’re on the trail. Send a “mail drop” with correct food to Dam to his place. You need a day and half for food from Roan so the wife won’t be overloaded if that’s a problem. Pick up the drop at Bob’s and head north. Around three days food to town. Just tell him that your thru hiking in '04 and properly repay for the shuttle and a little clean up around the hostel(sweep up for him with being asked, always cool to help out without being told). Leave a good impression. Kincora Hiker’s Hostel, 1278 Dennis Cove Road, Hampton, TN 37658 423-725-4409
Bushwhack
Hi: I’m from Florida too, Tallahassee. I would suggest the following. Drive up to Dahlonega Georgia, spend the night, arrange for a shuttle to meet you at Unicoi Gap, leave your car there and have shuttle take you to Neels Gap (they have shuttle service but don’t know to or from where (706)745-5111 (actually you good spend the night at Goose Creek Cabins (same number).
Your hike would be from Neels Gap to Unicoi Gap whcih would be a 20 mile trip. You could spend your first night on the trail at the Whitly Gap Shelter, nice water and use to be a grassy small area slightly beyond shelter. This would be about a 6.3 hike, not very long, which may be something to consider since you sound like this may the first hike out and not knowing you or your wife’s hiking history or fitness.
Once you get to Unicoi Gap, take highway south to Helen and enjoy a neat little town.
Have hiked this section many times in late September and water and weather and views have always been good. Plus this section provides some good climbs along with numerous level spots.
Good luck, I will be out in October duing the Dick’s Creek Gap to Unicoi Gap section also, may see you there
Penscal
I hiked a 30mile section in Nov.2002 from Woody Gap to Unicoi to test my gear and then section hiked from Springer Mtn. to Winding Stair Gap (Franklin N.C.) this April. I’d recommend starting at Neel’s Gap and hiking to Dick’s Creek Gap (Hiawassee GA). This will be between 35-40 miles and a good 4-5 day hike at an easy pace. Most people in reasonably good shape can average 10 miles a day through this section without pushing themselves too hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are some pretty steep climbs and decents in this section but if you take the downhills slow you will be fine (take care of your knees!). The best way is to bring two cars and drop one off at Dick’s Creek Gap and then drive to Neel’s Gap and park. At Neel’s Gap, the Walisi Yi center has great parking and you may be able to get them to adjust your pack and give advice on your upcoming hike next year.
Good Luck!
Nooga
I also am planning a section hike during the last week of September. I am planning to hike the Roan Mtn to Watauga lake or beyond area. It is close to my home and offers some of the better views in this area. Hope to see you there.
Slipped Disk