OVERVIEW: The ruggedly beautiful mountains of the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness are a mecca for all who love the outdoors. The 85-year old Swan Cabin is a historic log home owned and managed by the U. S. Forest Service on the shoulder of Stratton Bald, the highest peak in the wilderness. We guests can conveniently park our vehicles just 30 yards up the hill from the Cabin. On past AOC trips most of us have preferred putting up tents in the spacious adjoining National Forest meadow, although several sleep in the Cabin's rustic bunks on each trip, and we've never had a problem with too little bunk space.
This time we actually have the Cabin fully reserved and available at no charge to AOCers from midday Wednesday thru midday Sunday, although the "standard advertised option" (above) is Friday thru Sunday. We hope you can drive up early (as several of us definitely plan to do) and enjoy a nice long weekend! David, Robert, Matthew, DeAnna and I plan to do a Thu noon - Fri PM backpacking overnighter from the Cabin and you're welcome to join us for that (see details below). As worked well last year, we can leave our heavier gear and vehicles at the Cabin and in about 2 hours backpack up to rhe scenic campsite atop Stratton Bald.
The Cabin serves as a convenient base for a wide variety of fabulous hikes and excursions in the area. It's about a 4-hour drive each way (180 miles) from Atlanta—see detailed directions below. Although a high-clearance chassis is preferred, ordinary 2-wheel-drive cars normally do fine on the final nine miles of gravel Forest Service roads to the cabin's private parking area just a few yards from the Cabin. Feel free to bring the same luxurious camping gear that you might take on any other carside camping trip, including a large iced-down cooler of food and beverages, a plush air mattress, a camp chair, several gallons of jugged water, etc. (See suggested items below.)
On our agenda will be sumptuous shared cookouts and breakfasts, big nightly campfires, optional group dayhikes, waterfall walks, and scenic driving excursions. There are dozens of nice hikes in the area, including an easy 5-minute walk from the Cabin to its own "private waterfall" complete with a hidden GPS "geocache."
Each person or party has the option of sleeping either in your tent in the adjoining meadow (preferred) or on your camping pad on a rustic rope-frame bunk inside the Cabin, which officially can sleep up to ten. Year-round, figure on it being at least 10 degrees cooler at the Cabin than in Atlanta, and dress & pack accordingly.
For the AOC archival writeup of our August 2010 Swan Cabin trip with its links to some nice photo albums go to:
http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/archivedetails.asp?eventid=2555
For the AOC archival writeup of our first Club trip to the Swan cabin in October 2007 with links to some incredible fall photos go to:
http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/archivedetails.asp?eventid=662
CABIN AMENITIES, MEALS, etc. As mentioned above we can park within a few feet of the rustic Cabin, so think of this trip as “wilderness carside camping” – with an optional rustic bunk and roof over your head inside the Cabin if you prefer. It’s appropriate to bring big ice-filled coolers with cold beverages and fresh or frozen food, 2-burner Coleman stoves, lanterns, lounge chairs, fold-up tables, full-size inflatable mattresses, multiple large jugs of water, etc.—but ultra-light backpacking gear and a small cooler, etc. are also OK if you prefer making do with less stuff and therefore having more room for passengers in your vehicle.
Inside the Cabin there’s a nice woodburning stove, a few chairs and tables, and "dorm-style" sleeping space for up to ten in rustic rope-frame bunks in its three rooms plus loft. In the interest of privacy and more assurance of a quiet night's sleep, most AOCers have chosen to bring their tents on these trips and put them up in the adjoining spacious meadow.
We always enjoy preparing and sharing our meals “potluck” style. For each of these meals you'd like to participate in, simply contribute a food item of your choice (typically something that might serve about 4 or 5 people) and pitch in with the cooking (if any), serving and cleaning.
There’s no electricity or piped water but we bring plenty of jugged water and always do fine with our Coleman stoves, lanterns, solar showers, personal headlamps etc. (See checklist of suggested gear to bring below.) We often make good use the woodburning stove inside the Cabin - not only for heat but also for cooking, and for boiling a big pot of hot water and keeping it hot. Feel free to use this group hot water (with its provided dipper) for dishwashing, adding to your "solar shower bag," making hot chocolate, oatmeal, etc. For outdoor cookouts we often make good use two permanent Charcoal Grills on the patio - also often use the campfire coals with hand-held grills, etc. for cooking.
For personal hygiene there’s a “high-tech” $36,000 government-installed toilet in the meadow just 25 paces from the Cabin.
Cell phone service is normally unavailable in this remote area, but a couple of “bars” can sometimes be found at high points on the nearby Skyway, etc.
SUGGESTED GROUP SCHEDULE:
WED-FRI EARLY ARRIVAL OPTIONS: As discussed above, all who are able to get away from Atlanta on Wed or Thu are encouraged to take advantage of these extra days and night, and take your pick of the following two options for Thu-Fri:
A: Stay at the Cabin from your arrival thru Sunday: Feel free to sleep in the Cabin or pitch your tents in its adjoining meadow.
B: Backpack Thu midday thru Fri afternoon from the Cabin up to the summit of Bob Stratton Bald - then spend the rest of the weekend with us "carside-camping" or sleeping inside the Swan Cabin. See "Backpacking Option Details" below
FRI JUNE 7: We encourage everyone to take at least Friday off from work if possible and drive up early (per pre-arranged "custom" carpools). The I-85 Indian Trail lot NE of Atlanta (directions below) is suggested as a convenient meeting point for carpoolers. For all who have arrived at the Cabin by about 7:00 PM we'll celebrate Happy Hour together followed by a group cookout and campfire on the patio.
SAT JUNE 8: After a big “potluck” breakfast Charlie will lead a brief dayhike to the Cabin’s nearby waterfall – those of you with GPS units will enjoy locating its hidden geocached box. Then between about 10:30 and 3:30 we’ll offer an adventurous series of scenic hikes, all within about 5 miles of the Cabin as the crow flies and whose trailheads conveniently adjoin the spectacular Cherohala Skyway: These will likely include Falls Branch Falls in the "Citico Wilderness," Hooper Bald, and Huckleberry Knob.
Beginning at about 6:00 PM Saturday we’ll cap off our adventures with another happy hour on the Cabin patio & porch followed by our "biggest and rowdiest of the weekend" group cookout and campfire.
SUN JUNE 9: After another big group breakfast we can take our time breaking camp and loading our vehicles—then relax awhile and gather by the Cabin for group photos and goodbyes.
For all parties who prefer a different westerly route back to Atlanta there's a beautiful drive via the Cherohala Skyway, Bald River Falls & Tellico Plains, TN. (It's about the same distance back: Re-enters GA near McCaysville, then continues south to Atlanta via GA-5, GA-515, I-575 and I-75).
SUN. OPTIONAL NANTAHALA RIVER WHITEWATER EXCURSION in RENTAL "DUCKS"! Again this year I've arranged this exciting and fun 3-hour option while en route home on Sunday (1PM-4PM). On several previous summer Swan Cabin trips we've greatly enjoyed doing it together through "Endless River," and they have us down for the 1-4 PM time slot on June 9. Their great group-discounted rate is just $25 per person including an easy-to-paddle rental "single duck" for each paddler + wetsuit, lifejacket & paddle. Call them at 1-800-224-7238 to reserve yourself a boat (as I have). To take advantage of our discount mention that you're in the "Cottingham Atlanta Outdoor Club" group at 1:00 PM on Sun June 9.
THU - FRI OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING DETAILS:
IN A NUTSHELL: The late-spring wildflowers should be nice for a 1-night backpacking adventure from the Cabin up into the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness (suggested for Thu-Fri). It's just a 2-mile relatively easy climb from the Cabin up to the summit of Bob Stratton Bald, the highest mountain in the Wilderness. We'll set up camp for the night on the beautiful "bald" western end of the summit ridge, 5300 feet above sea level. After breakfast on Friday all who are interested can enjoy a ridgetop dayhike out to spectacular "Hangover" before we break camp back at the Bald and head back down to the Cabin - see more details below.
This 1-nighter is suitable for AOCers of all levels of backpacking experience, provided you're in good physical condition and have a basic backpack plus a lightweight backpacking tent (or hammock) and a warm sleeping bag.
PLAN for THU JUNE 6: Those backpackers who aren't already up at the Cabin can gather for carpooling at 7:30 AM Thursday in the I-85 Indian Trail Parking lot just NE of Atlanta (see below). It's about a 4-hour drive to the Swan Cabin (directions below). En route we can stop briefly for an early lunch in Robbinsville, NC.
At about 1:00 PM we'll all rendezvous at the Cabin to begin our 2-mile backpack up the mountain and can leave any unneeded gear there at the Cabin. Feel free to take a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery if you like. We'll set up camp in or near the open meadow on the west end of the Bob Stratton Bald summit ridge. Good clear easily treatable water is normally available at a spring in the adjoining woods.
Before dinner we'll have plenty of time to explore the huge relatively flat bald meadow near our campsite and the trail that descends southwestward along the NC/TN state line toward the Cherohala Skyway. After dinner we'll enjoy a blazing campfire, then some nice stargazing, weather permitting, with Saturn and the Milky Way brilliant overhead.
PLAN for FRI JUNE 7: After breakfast we can enjoy a 7-mile round-trip dayhike to incredible "Hangover" by way of the famous broad saddle point called "Naked Ground" and the craggy ridge that crests at both "Haoe" and Hangover. Our 360-degree view of the Smokies, lakes and surrounding wilderness should be spectacular from the high crag at Hangover. We'll break camp at Stratton Bald at about 2:00 PM Friday and backpack back down to the Swan Cabin parking area where we'll greet the other AOCers who will be arriving for the remainder of the weekend.
MAY 14 OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP HAPPY HOUR & PLANNING MEETING – 6:30-7:30 PM PRIOR to the AOC SOCIAL at TACO MAC:
You're sure to enjoy this “drop-in” gathering, so please attend if it's convenient. We'll grab a couple of tables in same covered area where AOCers will be gathering for the May Social. We’ll introduce one another and discuss our planned activities for the Swan Cabin weekend including group "potluck meals," gear sharing, carpooling, and optional hikes & excursions. We'll give out and discuss detailed maps & directions and answer all your questions about the trip.
Charlie will follow up on the pre-trip meeting with group emails that further summarize and coordinate our meals and activity plans—also assist our forming convenient "custom carpool groups" via "reply-all" email messages, etc. |
Required Items to Bring:
NOTE THAT MANY LISTED ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL.
SLEEPING GEAR:
- Sleeping Bag (or Sheets & Blankets)
- Pillow
- Sleeping Pad, Air Mattress or Hammock
- Tent or Hammock (Optional but recommended for extra privacy)
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES: (Adjust according to weather forecast.)
- Exercise Pants or other comfortable long pants (2 pair)
- Hiking Shorts (1 pair)
- Longsleeve Shirt (2)
- T-Shirt (1)
- Swimsuit (for warm-weather trips)
- Socks & Underwear (2 pair each - synthetic preferable)
- Comfortable Hiking Boots or Athletic Shoes
- Light Sandals or Slippers for leisure & night use, etc.
- Jacket, Sweater or Sweatshirt (per weather forecast)
- RainCoat, Poncho, Umbrella, etc. if showers are likely.
- Cap or Hat
- Sunglasses
SUGGESTED PERSONAL ITEMS:
- About 2 Gallons of Jug Water per Person per 24-hr Day while at the Cabin
(i.e. perhaps 5 gallons total for a Fri-Sun weekend).
- Collapsible Water Bag (with tap) or “Solar Shower” (if you have)
- Personal HeadLamp and/or Flashlight/ Lantern & Extra Batteries
- Camera & Extra Battery/Memory
- Towel & WashCloth
- Toothbrush & Paste, Soap & Shampoo
- Insect Repellant
- Lip Balm & SunScreen
FOR HAPPY HOURS, “POTLUCK” MEALS, LUNCHES, etc:*
- Misc. Items to Share for “Potluck-style” Group Meals
- Any small entree items you’d like to cook on BBQ grill
- Cooler with plenty of ice, favorite beverages & food.
(In addition to crushed ice, pre-freeze plastic bottles/jugs of water
for long-lasting solid ice and cold drinking water as it melts.)
- Insulated Personal Drinking Mug
- Misc. Daypack Lunch Items (See “Hiking” below.)
- Covered Box or “Action Packer” (recommended to protect
perishable food items, etc. from critters & rain.)
- Compact Fold-up Table (if you have and can bring conveniently)
- Large Covered Pot & Frying Pan or Griddle (preferably Non-Stick
for easy cleanup) + a Spatula, Spoon, Sharp Knife or two.
- Gas Stove (preferably 2-burner)+ Fuel & Lighter if you have
- Lantern if you have + Fuel or extra Batteries.
*CHARLIE will provide the following Group-use Equipment & Supplies:
- Medium size Coffee Percolator, Ground Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, etc.
- Charcoal & Starter for the Barbecue Grills, Butane Lighter, Tongs
- 2-Burner Coleman Stove
- Large Water Pot & Ladle for group hot water,
- A few disposable Paper Plates, Cups, & Eating Utensils
- A few Cooking Utensils and a few steel Knives, Forks, Spoons,
- Plastic Wash Basins, Dish Detergent & Scouring Pads for Cleanup,
- Napkins, Paper Towels, Aluminum Foil, Garbage Bags, ZipLocs
- Butter, Cooking Oil, Salt, Pepper, Misc. Spices
FOR CAMPFIRES, COMFORT & LEISURE, ETC:
- Lounge Chair
- Rain Fly or Canopy Tent (if you have and rain looks likely)
- Light Nylon Cord for clothesline, tarp, etc.
- 1 or 2 Packaged “FireLogs” (or several sticks of Firewood if you have
on hand and can conveniently bring) + Saw or Hatchet if you have.
OTHER OPTIONAL PERSONAL ITEMS:
- Nature Guides to Tree/Wildflowers/Birds/Stars, etc.
- Musical Instrument if you have and like to play.
- Reading Material, Frisbee, Ball, Binoculars, etc.
FOR HIKING:
- Day Pack or Fanny Pack
- Items for your Day Pack:
Beverage Bottles (or "Camelbak" Hydration System), Map & Compass,
Trail Mix, Apple, Cheese, Sandwich, Chips, etc., Sunscreen
- Trekking Poles or Hiking Stick (if you have and like to use)
- Personal Handheld GPS Unit (if you have)
FOR THU-FRI BACKPACKING OPTION: Appropriate BACKPACKING GEAR, FOOD & SUPPLIES. Two essentials for this one-nighter are a lightweight tent or hammock and a lightweight compact sleeping bag. |  | Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
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| Event Directions: | |
FROM I-85/ I-285 "SPAGHETTI JCN" INTERCHANGE in NE Atlanta to SWAN CABIN (~185 miles, ~4 hours):
SUGGESTION: THESE DIRECTIONS are PRECISE and I urge you to use them. RELYING ONLY ON GPS has been shown to have SERIOUS PITFALLS in the wilderness near the Cabin! Re-zero your odometer at each numbered instruction and pay close attention to the mileages given and driven. The following Lat/Lon coordinates of the Cabin are intended to be used only in conjunction with these directions as your entered GPS or Google Maps Destination : 35.3578,-84.0043
1. From the "Spaghetti Junction" I-85/ I-285 Interchange in NE metro Atlanta take I-85 North about 17 miles to I-985, Exit #113.
2. Bear Left onto I-985 and stay on it and its continuation 4-lane highways for about 96 miles northward all the way to Dillsboro, NC.
(En route, beyond Gainesville I-985 becomes US-23 North, then US-23 is concurrent with US-441 North through Tallulah Falls and Clayton, GA. After taking a single Right turn to bypass Franklin, NC, you reach Dillsboro about 20 miles beyond Franklin via US-23/441.)
3. About 1 mile north of Dillsboro, merge (straight ahead) from 441 North onto US-74 West and stay on it for about 22 miles to the NC-28 right-turn junction near the town of Luada, NC. (Caution! This is 3 miles BEYOND the "NC-28-South" left turn jcn toward Franklin.)
4. Turn Right onto NC-28 North and follow it about 11 miles to the NC-143 left turn jcn toward Robbinsville, NC.
5. Turn Left onto NC-143 West and follow it about 9 miles to the traffic light at US-129/NC-143 in Robbinsville.
6. Turn Right at this traffic light onto US-129/ NC-143 and follow it 1.4 miles (avoiding NC-143-Business) and look for the NC-143 turn sign.
7. Turn Left onto NC-143, and follow it about 4 miles to a stop sign. (Along this leg you may wish to stop at the “Cheoah” Nantahala Nat’l Forest Office on your right—it's open weekdays ~8AM-4:30PM. They have free up-to-date Joyce Kilmer/ Cherohala Skyway materials and clean restrooms. It’s a good idea to call them at 828-479-6431 for latest Nat'l Forest road conditions, weather, etc. - also perhaps store that number in your cell phone in case of emergencies.)
8. Turn Right to stay on NC-143 and continue about 7 more miles, passing a stone “Snowbird Mountain Lodge” entrance sign on your left. About 200 yards past the Snowbird Lodge you'll reach a big leftward curve where the “Cherohala Skyway” begins.
9. IMPORTANT: As this left curve begins, avoid the Skyway by bearing Rightward off NC-143 for just a few yards (toward the “Joyce Kilmer Memorial”) then turn immediately Left onto the paved road that parallels the Cherohala Skyway's guardrail. This is Forest Svc. Road #81. In about 200 yards the pavement ends and FS-81 becomes a good quality gravel road.
10. Follow FS-81 down the hill about 1.3 miles, cross a bridge, turn Left, then continue for about 5.0 more miles beyond the bridge on FS-81 (westward, parallel to Santeetlah Creek) to Forest Svc. Road #81F on your right. (There is normally a “Wolf Laurel / Swan Cabin” sign visible here in the middle of the "Y" fork.)
11. Bear Right (northward) onto FS 81-F and take this winding road uphill for about 2.5 miles (toward the “Wolf Laurel” trailhead). Look for a “Swan Cabin” sign at a small gravel spur road that branches to your left.
12. Turn Left at this Swan Cabin sign (a bit steeply uphill at first) onto the slightly rougher spur road. Pass immediately through a steel gate (which should be unlocked) and continue about 0.2 mile to the gravel parking area(s) just uphill of the Cabin before a second steel gate. Congratulations—you made it! Please try to park in such a way that all other vehicles can also easily park and get out without your having to move your vehicle!
IF "CUSTOM CARPOOLING" with another AOCer: Don't Forget to chip in generously to cover your driver's gas & vehicle expenses!
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