AT GSMNP

“Will be leaving from Big Creek ranger station and taking Big Creek trail to Cosby Knob for the start of a six day to Fontana (last week of August). Stopping at Cosby, Peck's Corner,Mt. Collins, Derrick Knob and then going down Eagle Creek trail to Fontana, since there is no water at Mollies Ridge. Any current information about lack of, or good water along the route. I've heard there is just a trickle at Icewater Spring. Guess I'll fill everything at Newfound Gap but how about the rest?”

“http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

Scroll down a little. It lists the shelters with water problems.”

“just came from GSMNP this past weekend... lots of rain over the last two weeks... water everywhere!!
last edited: 8/07/07 1:26:18 PM”

“That's a pretty ambitious schedule. I hope all your group is in good shape.
It will be hot in the lower elevations.
Good luck!”

“If you want water you will find it on Eagle Creek. That trail has quite a reputation for stream crossings. I believe its somewhere like 15 of them and if it rains they get quite hairy.

Be careful.”

“Call the Happy Hiker in Gatlinburg. They can fill you in with the latest data.”

“i thru'd the smokies in april of 04. never had any water issues, except too much of it falling from the sky”

“Sure hasn't been that way this summer, CB. About a month ago, it was dry as a powder house up there.”

“Isn't any "group". My son might go with me if he can get his work schedule arranged. I went up there this past weekend (slept in the "Fontana Hilton". Not a soul around anywhere and the hot shower down at the dam was nice Sunday am. Lake looks dried up and I didn't see any rain while I was up there. It looks as if from Clingman's Dome until I find some water in Eagle Creek that it might be a VERY dry trek across there. No water at Derrick Knob and a report of low water at Siler's bald. I guess I better take a sheet of plastic so I can rig up a rain catch for a late afternoon possible shower.”

“Probably a good idea. A month ago, Double Gap was flowing at about 2L/Hr.

At Silars, I imagine the hogs have wallowed out the spring.

Of course, you might get luck if you hike down off the ridge a half mile or so.

When I was at the gear store in Maryville last week, they had dry conditions posted from NFG on across until you fell off the ridgeline.”

“http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

Water Problems - No water available at the following areas:
• Backcountry Campsites 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 26, 42
• Double Springs Shelter
• Mollies Ridge Shelter
• Russell Field Shelter
• Spence Field Shelter
• Low water at Icewater Springs and Silers Bald

Please note that Appalachian Trail backpacking between Derrick Knob Shelter and Birch Spring campsite 113 is not recommended at this time due to scarce water supply.”

“Looks as if I may have to leave my bivvy tent behind and carry a couple extra bottles. Right now I'm planning on a 1.5 liter camelback and four Nalgene's (and my Katahdin Pro filter pump)Still may have to ration water. If I take the side trip off the trail to Clingman's Dome, do they have water there?”

“I believe there is a water fountain down near the parking lot.”

“Yep, a few water fountains there and a restroom.”

“I should be able to fill everything and drink as much as I can when I cross at Newfound Gap parking area. SOBO
If there is still a trickle at Silers Bald, I should be able to filter and pump all my bottles again. Then I'll cut down Eagle Creek instead of going on to Mollies Ridge (no water there). Sound like a plan? I hope eagle creek isn't dry until I get to the lake.”

“water intake is greatly overated.”

“until you pass out from dehydration, the it suddenly becomes under rated”