Roan Mountain Question

“It looks like a trip has unexpectadly come up for me. I still can't believe my wife is ok with this. Anyway, I'm going on a 4 day trip later this month and have a few questions. I'm trying to get around 40 miles on the AT and not sure where the best areas are. It looks like the Roan High Knob to US19E is the best part of the trip. That section is only about 13 miles. Where should I put the rest of my mileage, north or south of this area. North seems to have a really nice gorge at Laurel Gorge, and south seems to possibly have more balds. The trail descriptions leave alot to be designed.

Thanks.”

“PS. This trip is Aug 22-25. I'm actually heading up there Wed after work and crashing at the trailhead.

Pretty short notice, but the trip only has 3 going if anyone is interested.”

“I've heard you shouldn't park your vehicle anywhere on US19E, in case you were thinking of doing that.”

“It turns out there is a B&B just 1/4 mile from there that will let you park for free. Thanks for giving me a heads up though.”

“You should stay home with your wife instead of going on this trip. She's using psychology on you dude! Four days! Wow! No telling what she'll get into while your gone.

Nevermind, go hiking.”

“It's time for baby pics again, and she couldn't get an appoinment of Friday. She had to settle for Thursday. She uses a photographer near where we grew up, which is 2:30 hours away. She'll head out Wed night and spend some time at her folks and at my folks. The grandparents are going to love it. I'll head out Wed. night and crash at the trailhead.”

“Who's going with you this time?”

“Jeremy, Paul, and I guy from here in town.”

“Roan High Knob to US 19 is 15 miles I thought!

atleast thats what the map say!”

“You are correct. So, I have 25 miles instead of 27 to decide on. Anyone familiar with whether the good stuff is north or south of this main area?”

“You might want to read our trip report from last year also. We did that whole section in October.

About nine people went.”

“I checked out your page, it was helpful.”

“oh... and to answer your question.. we did Carvers Gap to US19E.. absolutely incredible..

and we are going BACK this October.. the next best passage is the 19 miles from US321 to 19E.

but.. read our trip report.. AS for trail descriptions.. jeEez.. which book you got.. I got several.. but this one I have is d'bomb.. we got one of the crappy books.”

“Since it has happened so quickly, I only have a map and faxed portion of an AT manual(thanks MDS). Last night I was looking at going north and seeing Laurel Gorge, maybe even going as far as Watauga.

I'm still jealous about last years trip. You and I talked on the phone several times about it. My wife was 8 months preg at the time, so no go. I then hoped I could attend TD Roan Moutain Extravaganza 2003, but am already committed to another trip that weekend. Then, my wife had to go out of town. I finally get to go to ROAN! I am excited, but want to get the most bang for the buck.

Sounds like your vote it to start at Roan High Knob and then go as far north as a can. It looks all down hill, except the big climb up and over to 321.”

“leave ALL prescribed meds at home!

Ill be damned if some thing happens to you my friend!”

“So far it doesn't look like there are any TT takers on the invite. That means there won't be anyone there to bite my head off if I bonk, j/k. I had a trip last year where I should have changed some decisions and it was a big pain on my wife and 1 year old. No one could have beaten me up worse than I did myself. Of course I didn't have people jumping on me in a public forum. I'm so impressed that you and Prowler are still posting. Alot of people would've said screw this. Thanks for sticking around.

The plan I put together last night is as follows:

Thurs. 9 miles, Roan High Knob to Little Hump Mtn.
Fri. 14.3, Little Hump to Laurel Fork
Sat. 11.5, Laurel Fork to Dennis Cove
Sun. Drop off gear in vehicle and dayhike into Laurel Fork Gorge.

We'll probably be in Knoxville by lunch. Any thoughts on lunch stops TD. Obviously, a good UA alum, such as myself is unfamiliar with the UT area.”

“Kym is me , I just was on her computer!”

“have fun and tell Jeremy i said what's up.”

“You do realize that you can't drive to Roan High knob?.. how are you planning on starting there?.. its a nearly vertical climb from the south side, and a stupid walk on pavement most of the north side..”

“by the way.. (you cheap blankety-blank).. if you want to call me.. I will gladly read the trail books I got to you over the phone.. or if you promise to return them, I can lend them to you.

:) :)”

“the falls in Laurel Gorge are cool..If you need any help with a shuttle or anythign let me know..Roan Mtn is about 30 mins from me..Ill be glad to help..I might even join you..”

“I didn't know that you couldn't drive there. The AT guide lists it as a parking area. The map shows that if you're heading from Roan SP you can hang a right at the peak and drive over there. I didn't remember a right hand turn from being there for the afternoon last year. Thanks for the heads up. I'll relook at how to handle that. I would love to borrow the book. I'll email you the address and return it just after I get back from the trip, with postage $$$. Thanks for the offer.

Evergreen - the more the merrier.

I might be adjusting the plans to a 3 day trip. I just found out that the local Structural Engieers Assoc, that I'm a member of, has a meeting on the 22nd. The speaker is a SE that was involved with the rescue effort at the Twin Towers. Should be a very impressive meeting. I cannot fathom having to make such quick decisions on which buildings and areas are safe for the firefighters to be in, and which are in immenent(sp?) collapse. No room for error, and no room to analyse. Just gut intuition and experience.”