Shuttle Need from Cosby Campground

“I am desperately looking for a shuttle from Cosby Campground to Mt. Sterling Gap on the morning of October 1st. Let me know if anyone can help, I'm hoping to find someone who lives relatively close. I'd be willing to give you some money for your time too!”

“I've used these folks in the past.
I recommend them.
A Walk In The Woods”

“Theyre too far away from where I need the shuttle service, so theyre charging $60. I'd rather take my chances hitchhiking. I'm looking for $30.”

“1. Mount Sterling Gap Road (between Big Creek and Cataloochee) is currently closed. Roads Closed

2. Check at Mountain Mama's for a shuttle. (Just outside Deep Creek.)

3. Why so desperate? There is plenty of good backpacking there with loops back to the starting place.

I have backpacked in that area many times. I only used a shuttle once. That was so that I could more easily experience the Mt. Sterling Trail from the Gap to the junction with the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail.”

“Mountain Mama's

1981 Waterville Road - map
Newport, TN 37821
828.486.5995

Hours
Closed Sundays in Winter, otherwise Daily 8am-6:30pm”

“might be a tad bit risky hitchin around the Cosby area. the road from Cosby to Mt. Sterling would be lightly traveled, and the locals may or may not be real friendly.

But if the leafs are changin there would be more "tourist" traffic.

They might think it was novel to pick up a hiker with a pack.”

“Phantomd, if you'll e-mail me.. bailer@backpacker.com is the email that is working at the moment..
I will zip you my phone # and we can hash out details. I"m off that day and want to hike Gabes Mtn Trail. I was considering hiking out there that day anyhow and going to Carvers Orchard for apples.
If you go with me, you won't have to be skeert of the Cosbyians. LOL”

“Dana,

emailing you now..

slimmer: i wouldnt mind climbing every mountain around there and doing a loop at all, nor would it be hard to plan out, but I'm bringing a friend along and she's not quite the climber. I'm trying to take a lot of the intial climb out of the hike by starting high at the gap and then having to go downhill the last day to Cosby. Just trying to accomodate the both of us, I have several peaks I want to climb in that stretch and I promised her a hike that won't kill her. After a 1500 foot climb out of the gap, Mt Sterling trail is essentially flat all the way to Laurel Gap, and then Balsam Mountain Trail is quite pleasant to TriCorner.

The last day will be about 11 miles and steep downhill, not quite so easy, but I know she'll be able to handle that as opposed to a 4000 foot climb on Snake Den or other trails. :)”

“slimmer, i know that the road is closed, but park rangers told me it will reopen soon, definitely by october 1, because people live on the road, and the main problem is downed power lines.

I've been trying to get a hold of Mountain Mama all morning but cannot.”

“lol Nigal”

“Somebody's gotta be the degeneration police around here.”

“Phantom, I'll check my email later.
Respond with my Ph. # so's we don't have to peck out 100 notes to settle the details.

”

“phantomd - I love those trails. Be aware that there may be storm damage remaining from Ivan, especially on the Balsam Mtn.
Trail. That first stretch of trail can be rough on a hot day. And going down the Snake Ridge Trail is not easy for many of us.

danababy - What was the name of your recent trip report string from the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, please? Thanks.

Both of you - If you have an opportunity in Cosby, please stop at the Creekside Market. It is a block or so north of the Foothills Parkway on 32 and 321 and has three gas pumps in the front. While there please say "hello" to Bill or Alice from Paul in Florida(me). They were always very good to me when they operated Earnest Cook's Cook and Sons Campground and Motel, now the Fox Den, just outside the Park entrance to the Cosby Campground. They provided me with free transportation to and from the trailheads, free parking, shopping trips when I was without a car, etc. Thanks much.”

“Ok hon. I will try to do that.”

“Still looking for a shuttle from Cosby Campground to Mt. Sterling Gap on October 1st. Would be willing to pay at least $35 for the help, let me know if anyone can help me out.”