Big Creek, Mt Sterling...

“Saturday, 12.10.05 thru Monday 12.12.05. Could be done in one night, but we'll see.

May be one of the best 2 night trips in the park. We spend the first night at campsite 37, one of the most appealing backcountry sites in the park. Second night is campsite 38 at the summit of Mt. Sterling where it will be, most probably, cold and windy. The view from the tower is one of the finest in the park.

Interested?
Jim
jim_harris at fastmail dot fm
Home/ 704.664.7258
cell/ 704.657.8454”

“where is this big creek?”

“jimh - As you walk west away from the tower and past the playing rabbits, look to your left side of the trail for a sheltered camp area. There should be some good trees that will protect your tent or tarp from the wind. Have fun. The first site will be seen quickly. Look in the trees to the south of it. Have a great trip.

fingerlakeshiker - It is near I-40 in GSMNP.
last edited: 11/20/05 10:38:51 AM”

“nice loop, did that same trip with my son a few years ago in March and got a couple of inches of snow overnight on Mt. Sterling. It was COLD that night.”

“Expect cold and snow. Hope to be down if Fires Creek at same time. If you get a early start consider overnight at Laurel Gap, 2nd night at Sterling, have fun”

“thats a great hike. hike from big creek trl head up to 37 is along the creek...very scenic. 37 is one of the nicest camps in the park. mt sterling would be blistery this time of the yr. just get a bit off the summit. if you can take to time stay at laurel gap shelter. its not on the AT. has a fire place i believe. nice loop”

“did that hike over July 4th. It got cold and windy when a storm pushed through”

“If you have 2 cars consider starting at Mt Sterling Gap, over to Laurel Gap. Backtrack and spend 2nd night at Mt Sterling and return to Big Creek. Or with one car begin and end at Mt Sterling Gap.

A few years ago in January a group of 5 went from Mt Sterling Gap to Laurel Gap shelter. Two stayed at shelter and myself and 2 others went and bagged Luftee. Sunday two headed back to Big Creek via Baxter Creek, while myself and the other two bagged Cataloochee then back to Mt Sterling Gap.

If your really ambitious do a Big Creek loop. First night at Laurel Gap and second night around Deer Creek Gap. Did that last year (October), including side trips to Cataloochee, Luftee and Marks. If there is alot of snow that will be a major slog.

Personally I don't think you can firm up plans until about a week before trip. Snow (or lack thereof) will dictate plans.Look at snow amounts on LeConte. Be careful”

“...and you're right Ewker, it was chilly.

I like your idea edoc, but since the weather IS a big question, I'd rather stay a bit closer to an exit. I also have to agree with you on firming up plans. I'll wait until several days out before finalizing.

You guys ARE invited...”

“Laurel Gap Shelter was closed recently. They may have updated it like they're doing to most of the shelters. Please let us know if you find out anything. I just did a check and it is not listed among the "closures."”

“edoc - Please give me some insight about the following:

- bagged Cataloochee
- bagged Luftee
- Deer Creek Gap
- Marks.

Thanks.
Paul
last edited: 11/22/05 2:38:18 PM”