Enormous changes at the last minute have caused my hiking buddy and me to switch our plans. We were going to Virginia, now we really need somewhere closer to Alabama. Both of us have hiked a fair amount. I think that we want to avoid Springer and perhaps most or all of Georgia.
Also, it would be very helpful to end near a town or trailhead where we could find a ride or shuttle.
Anyone have any advice?
goodwillhiker
I’d suggest starting at Erwin and ending in Damascus. It’s just slightly more than 100 miles. Very pretty section… Beauty Spot, Roan Mt., Humps. Might be able to leave a car in Erwin at one of the hostels. Mt. Rogers Outfitters in Damascus will shuttle you just about anywhere you want to go.
Moose
Davenport Gap to Erwin is another section to consider also. Max Patch is along this route, Hot Springs, Jerry Cabin shelter, Flint Mountain, Big Bald and some other wonderful surprises. So it is a pretty section too.
This route allows you an easy bail out in Hot Springs after three days if your target is 10 miles a day whereas the Erwin to Damascus bail out is Kincorra which would be 5 or 6 days away at a 10 miles a day average.
The Davenport Gap to Erwin route is 103.7 miles. The Erwin to Damascus route is 116.6 miles.
I40 is easy to get to and you can use the outfitter in Hot Springs to shuttle you along with Uncle Johnny at the end in Erwin.
Of course, a southern trek from Damascus gives you an early bail out in Hampton, another in Kincorra.
Mr. Boo