Appalachian Trail - Deep Gap to Winding Stair Gap, NC

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Appalachian Trail - Deep Gap to Winding Stair Gap, NC

The Basics:

STATUS:

Cancelled - Hide from Calendar

Event Type:

Backpacking

Event Location:

Winding Stair Gap, NC

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Jun 23 2023 12:00 pm >> Sun, Jun 25 2023 12:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Tue, Jun 20 2023 10:00 am

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Jun 22 2023 8:00 pm

Event Duration:

2 Days

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced

Distance:

24.4 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Laurie M

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Anyone want to backpack on the AT this weekend? I'm planning to park at Winding Stair Gap, NC and get a shuttle ride to Deep Gap, NC, 24.4 trail miles south. Then I will hike north back to the car. Planned daily hikes are:

Friday: Deep Gap to Beech Gap Campsite - 5.3 miles (approx. 1,000 foot climb and 1,000 foot descent) - D5

Saturday: Beech Gap to Long Branch Shelter - 11.9 miles (some ups and downs; nothing major except the approx. 1,000 foot climb up Albert Mountain) - D6

Sunday: Long Branch to Winding Stair Gap - 7.2 miles (some ups and downs) - D5

This section of the AT includes incredible views from Standing Indian Mountain (pictured) and the Albert Mountain fire tower. Rain is possible during this time, which could obscure the views, but I am planning to go anyway. The current forecast is for low temperatures around 58 each night and highs in the 60s. The elevation at Deep Gap is 4,341 feet. Standing Indian Mountain is at 5,435 feet, and Albert Mountain is 5,250 feet. Because of the higher elevation, it will be cooler and possibly windy.

This trip will obviously be quite strenuous with the weight we will be carrying, the elevation changes, and the challenging terrain. To join this trip, you should be an experienced backpacker who is currently in good backpacking shape. You can hike with me or hike at your own pace during the day and meet at the campsites each night. If you want to hike on your own, obviously you need to be comfortable getting yourself to the destination each day.

Please email me if you have questions about this trip.

Required Items to Bring:

All necessary backpacking gear, including backpack, tent/hammock, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear and layers of clothes, good hiking shoes, water filter, bear canister or rope to hang food bag, headlamp, etc.

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and lots of snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking poles

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Winding Stair Gap is on US 64, about 10 miles west of Franklin, NC. I will coordinate directions and/or carpools with anyone going on this trip. The event start and end times do not include driving time. Attendees can share the cost of the shuttle ride from Winding Stair Gap to Deep Gap.

Notes:

There is no carpool listed for this event, but I will coordinate with attendees to see what works for everyone who might want to carpool. The event start and end times do not include driving time. Attendees can share the cost of the shuttle ride from Winding Stair Gap to Deep Gap.

Also, I can probably go on this trip one day earlier or later, so let me know if you want to go but can't go on these dates.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.