I was thinking about driving up to somewhere along the NC/TN border to do a little research before I leave in March, and talk to some fresh thru-hikers. Maybe I’ll bring some pizza’s to pass out.
I might hit some of those late feb thru hikers.
Where would a good place, crossing, or close-to-the-road shelter be for me to go in the smokies area? I am coming from South Carolina. (4-5 hr drive)
James K
There’s a shelter right on the road at Fontana Dam. A lot of hikers might be staying in Fontana Village and then be just passing through once they’re at this shelter (the “Fontana Hilton”). Newfound Gap in the middle of the Smokies might be a good place as it is about halfway through the Smokies (halfway between townstops, besides Gatlinburg) and the pizza might be more appreciated. Then of course Davenport Gap shelter is at the very end of the Smokies. I’m not sure how far it is from the road, but I know it’s pretty close. I’m sure you’ll be much appreciated!
zach-attack
the trail crosses throught the parking lot at newfound gap. newfound is in the middle of the smokies and you could give some thrus a lift to gatlinburg.
Cory
A nice unexpected spot is Stecoah Gap on NC 143. By road, it’s 10miles from Robbinsville NC … by trail it’s 15 miles south of fontana. It has a picnic table, a grassy area, and a small parking lot.
Flowcefus
You may end up waiting for several hours and not see any hikers. Best to bring something that doesn’t need to be eaten hot (or that you can cook on the spot). Fruit, juice, soda, baked goods - these are all appreciated. Pizza works only if you know for sure someone will be along shortly.
Ginny
Agree with Ginny.
It’s pretty early. You might weight for hours and see no one.
The big flock of thru’s doesn’t start until later.
Anyway. Good luck. See you out there.:cheers
Maintain
i love the idea of trail magic. I want to thank you on behalf of all the people that will be recieving it.
an idea might be to try going closer to springer, if you dont mind driving farther, so to get closer to the main flow of hikers.
As to pizza, who can say no to cold pizza? I think you could bring moldy bread and and lindberg cheese and thru-hikers would still eat it. I know I would have. I definately would have eaten cold pizza. No question about it. And if you have a little hibachi, throw it in there for a few minutes over the coals and its warm. Anyway. Thanks again for making this years crop of thru’s day with some magic.
big boy