Backpacking Lost Cove in the Smokies

Join us for a backpacking trip to one of the premier campsites in all of the Southeast - Lost Cove. This hike will begin on the AT at Fontana Dam. We will walk approximately a mile across the dam and to the trailhead.  I have rated this hike a D5 because we will ascend 2100 feet over the next 3.7 miles up Shuckstack Ridge along the AT to the Shuckstack Firetower. It's a challenging climb, but once you reach the top, the views to the South, including Fontana Lake, are spectacular from atop the firetower. We'll plan on having lunch at the fire tower.

From there, we will mostly descend for 4.0 miles along the Lost Cove Trail until we reach campsite #90 at Lost Cove. For the last mile or so, we will have several creek crossings, so bring water shoes.  When we reach Lost Cove, you can set up your tent in the open meadow with a creek running beside it or in the adjacent forest. Expect a later than normal depature on Sunday morning, between 10-11 a.m.  The hike out is 6.7 miles along the Lakeshore Trail back to Fontana Dam.  We will stop for lunch at the River's End restaurant in Wesser around 2-3 p.m. 

We have a reservation for 8 people at campsite #90. The cost of the reservation permit is $64, which will be divided equally among total participants.  For example, if we have 8 members participating in the trip, you will owe the trip leader $8.  If you do sign up, and for some reason you have to cancel, please have the courtesy to remove yourself as soon as possible so that we can give people on the waiting list sufficient notice that there is a spot for them on this event.

Please be prepared to let me know about your recent fitness level.  I will not let you go on this trip unless I feel comfortable that you are physically fit enough for this event.

Fontana Dam.