Backpacking: Stecoah Gap to the Nantahala River on the AT

sponsor

Print-Friendly Version

Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)

Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

Backpacking: Stecoah Gap to the Nantahala River on the AT

The Basics:

Event Type:

Backpacking

Event Location:

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Wesser NC

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Aug 28 2010, Sun, Aug 29 2010 11:30 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 7:45 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Wed, Aug 18 2010 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Aug 27 2010 11:55 pm

Event Duration:

Two days, for a distance of 14 miles.

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Richard A. Zalik

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

We will leave some cars at the Nantahala Outdoor Center parking and drive about 17 miles to the trailhead at Stecoah Gap. This section of the Appalachain Trail climbs about 1,900 ft, reaching the summit of Cheoah Bald (elev. 5,062 ft.) after 5.5 miles. This is the terminus of the Bartram trail. From here one can see one of the most splendid panoramas in the Southern Appalachians. The trail now starts a 3,300 ft. descent into Nantahala Gorge. After 1.2 miles we will reach Sassafras Gap Shelter, where we will spend the night. The next day we will continue our descent into the gorge. At one point the AT follows a knife-edge ridge which, if there are no clouds, offers a wonderful view of the Nantahala River, more than half a mile below.

Required Items to Bring:
Don’t forget to bring sleeping bag, mattress, cooking and eating utensils, headlamp, personal medication and toiletries, food for lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday (lunch should be cold), trail snacks, stove, at least one quart of water, and suitable clothing. We will probably be able to sleep in the shelter, but you may want to bring a tent just in case. I will bring filtration equipment to treat water and a first aid kit.

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

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

From the Park and Ride go north on I 85 and take the I 985 exit. I 985 becomes GA 365/US 23, which then merges with US 441. Proceed on US 441 until Franklin, NC (the driving distance from downtown Atlanta is 130 miles). Continue North on NC 28 19 miles and turn left on US 19/US 74. Continue about 4 miles. The Nantahala Outdoor Center will be on your right, crossing a bridge over the Nantahala River.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

340Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:45 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $136.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

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

Cost Includes:

Share fuel cost with driver.

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