Would anyone know good, SAFE points to keep 2 cars (one on each end) for a 3 day section hike north - starting somewhere before Overmountain Shelter and ending past the Hump Mtns? Preferably under 25 miles, since some of us have not been out in a while 
Much thanks for any help!
HikeErr
Hey HkeErr:
try leaving your cars either in the town of Roan Mtn. or Hampton,TN & grab a shuttle from Sutton Brown (Browns hardware store in Hampton,TN)to top of Carvers Gapā¦head north over the Humps & have someone pick you up.
The Browns only charged $40 for 2 hikers.
āJaybirdā
Last fall, when I section hiked through that area (Erwin to Damascus), I left my car for one day at Hughes Gap, just south of Roan Mt, and had no problem at all. The ATC Guide for TN/NC lists the directions to get there on pg. 108 - but does say that āVandalism to cars parked overnight at Hughes Gap is common.ā Maybe itās the overnight issue thatās the problem, but I was fine. Thereās room for only 3-4 cars there and itās pretty remote so I wasnāt worried.
From there, youād have a nice 9-1/2 mile hike up and over Roan High Knob and the Humps to Overmountain Shelter and the next day, 8.2 miles to Applehouse Shelter. On the 3rd day, you could walk down to 19E and get to your car stashed in town somewhere (NOT at the trail crossing.) Or you could have a short 1st day and stay at the Roan Mt. Shelter, then OverMountain, with a longer 3rd day from Overmountain to the car.
The parking problem on the north end of the section seems to be a lot more serious than the south end but there is more ācivilizationā there and presumably you could make an arrangement with a local business down the road from the trail along 19E.
Using a shuttle driver defeats the benefit of having two cars, but if you were to go that method: Bob Peoples at Kincora Hostel at Dennis Cove Road is closer to where you want to end up. Both Bob and Sutton are fine gentlemen and you wouldnāt go wrong working with either.
Have a good hike - thatās a really nice section.
Happy Trails -
Capt. Bly
Capt. Bly
that is one heck of a climb right out of the gates if you start at hughes gap. about 2300 feet in 2.6 miles. (a steep 2300 feet at that).
grizzly adam
Well, there is that side of the issue, but thereās always a climb up and out of the gaps and road crossings. I didnāt find it that bad getting up on top. My journal notes say that I took 2 hours and 45 minutes to get up to Roan High Knob from Hughes Gap, so I wasnāt moving too fast (or slow) and was carrying a 45# pack. The trail was pretty nice as I remember - and graded decently. I did that section in late September though, and when I got up on top, hypothermia was more of a concern than anything else (wind and rain, and standing in the clouds.) This time of year, the heat might be more of an issue - but the views should be much better!
Besides, what would the AT be without an early morning climb up another mountain? Isnāt that the menu for ANY day on the trail?
Best of Luck and Happy Trails,
Capt. Bly
Capt. Bly
I have always parked at the Times Square Inn in Elk Park. I just asked for permission at the restaurant in front. I think the place has since closed, but there are plenty of business in town that you could ask
FreeBird
There is a little known bed and breakfast less than .2 of a mile north on 19E at the AT crossing (turn right if NOBO). Mountain Harbour B&B. They shuttle and let you park (maybe for a fee). Itās a really nice place. When I was there in early March they were working on a hostel in the barn. The locals at the area restaurant and gas stations either didnāt know about it or didnāt want to promote it. The owners (super nice)are from California and you got the idea that the locals didnāt like others moving in and making money. They were supposed to be in the Companion and Wingfoots, but apparently they got overlooked. Whadda ya do.
Officer Taco
I can second the recommendations on the place. I used them to shuttle me to Erwin for a section, and it was no problem. They let me park on their property in a place not seen from the road, and I suggested they consider a hiker hostel there to improve the relations with the AT community. At that time (a couple years ago) they didnt seem to interested in the hiking crown staying there, as they were trying to promote the upscale (translation=$$$$) b&b at their main house. They were hiker friendly however, and I suspected that over time they would see the benefit of a low cost hostel type arrangement so close to the trail at 19E. I hope they succeed, the area there could use something hiker friendly to offset the general ābad ambienceā of that locale especially when you hike on and see the junkyard/dump the locals have made of the area just north of there on the trail.
Cutman11
HikerErr
That is a tough hike, right now with all the rain. I was only able to make a mile an hour in the pouring rain. And the views were not there. However, Iām going back out at the end of the month to hike Hot Springs north to 19E.
Bilko
Hi All, Iām new to this site.You can find me on White Blaze.com most of the time. Wanted to let everyone know that I offer parking for AT hikers. I live above Roan mnt. TN next to the trail at US19E. I have private access extremely close to the AT(as close as it gets-- 200ft. from my property line) and a very secure place to park out of site from the locals.We have a very long private drive with one way in and one way out and no nosey neighbors. Feel free to contact me at 423 772 3425 or email at dremamorris@earthlink.net anytime.If you log in to White Blaze and search for posts by Geoffrey Morris you will see that I have been offering parking since the begining of this years hiking season. I have been doing some shuttling locally lately. The parking is free and donations are nice but not required.We also have a very nice place to camp that is just of the trail with a awsome view of the roan to the hump and much more.Water and fire wood are no problem.Would love to hear from you all.
Geoffrey Morris
Geoffrey Morris
