Question for Hacksaw

imported
#1

Since you’ve been such a wealth of knowledge regarding conditions on USFS 42, I need an honest assessement of the section between Neels Gap and Unicoi. I’ve already done Amicolola to Neels Gap, so I know what the deal is.

I plan on being out there sometime around May 13 for three or so and take it very easy. I assume water will be fine because of all the recent rain (unless it gets real dry out before May). What about Trail conditions, difficulty of climbs, etc. I plan to shelter-hop: Whitley Gap, Low Gap, and Blue Mt. Well, maybe the only exception would be Whitley Gap, which seems too far off the Trail to be worth the effort.

Thanks in advance,

JustHank.

JustHank

#2

Just Hank,

I know that Hacksaw will answer most of your questions. I just slack packed that 20 miles last Saturday. And I took note that Hacksaw might not know that they have recently improved Blue Mountain Shelter. It now has a Nanatahala style roof attachment which has made it a much better shelter. Makes it possible to have more hikers under the roof. At least I don’t remember that coming up in our conversation when he picked me up in Atlanta and took me to Springer.

Enjoy your section hike.

Mr. Boo

#3

What can I say? 16 miles of fun and frolic in the woods!

Trail conditions are generally good that time of year. It’s starting to green over pretty good by then and a few bugs are starting to make an appearance. There should be no problem with water unless we have an unusually dry spring.

I agree that Whitley Gap Shelter is a bit off the trail, and the trail to the shelter is a bit of a climb coming back to the AT. You can camp in that area succesfully without using the shelter.

Since you’ve done Springer to Neel’s Gap you are familiar with the terrain of that area. Neel’s Gap to Unicoi Gap is just more of the same.

That is a fun three day stroll. You’ll like it.

Hacksaw

Hacksaw