Smokies H20

“I saw a press release from NPS.

Water Problems - No water available at the following areas:
• Water sources are dry on the Appalachian Trail from Shuckstack Mountain to Derrick Knob, a distance of 18 miles.
• Backcountry Campsites 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 26, 42, 113
• Mollies Ridge Shelter
• Russell Field Shelter
• Spence Field Shelter
• Low water at Double Spring Gap, Icewater Springs, and Silers Bald shelters.

With Double Springs and Silers low, there may be no water from Shuckstack to Clingmans; a distance of 26+ miles (except Derrick Knob, if there is still water there)
last edited: 8/20/07 9:00:09 PM”

“Thats not good at all. The bad part is that there will always be some folks that just assume there will be water and get into some trouble.”

“I usually summer hike above 5000 feet. This year, no hiking. I have never seen it as dry as it is right now.”

“hopefully, the rangers will make an effort to inform people at the trailheads and at the visitor centers/ranger stations”

“It's posted everywhere and most of the gear shops in three counties have the information posted.”

“The smokies are dry??????? I'm there!”

“When I hiked the AT through the Smokies in August a few years ago, there was no water between Silers Bald and Fontana. There was a mud puddle at Russell Field and I filtered about 14oz there and made it to Fontana. Thank goodness it was downhill.”

“wow. this is amazing to me. water was not an issue for me when i went thru, other than too much.

what is a typical summer like? are there usually one or two sources that dry up?”

“It is extremely dry, CB. No, this is not normal.”

“Thats not good at all. The bad part is that there will always be some folks that just assume there will be water and get into some trouble.”

Never underestimate the stupidity of the average american
last edited: 8/21/07 8:41:52 AM”

“I can't imagine hiking in the Smokies without getting the rangers report first.

Usually, I am wanting the bear warnings. This summer, it is the water advisories.”

“I'd never have imagined that the smokies would have water issues - very out of character. I used to only carry a litre of water at a time coz the stuff was just dripping and running everywhere.

Next will be the fires....

watch out!

Have the rangers put fire bans in effect yet?”

“I wonder how the springs along Hazel Creek are doing?”

“I haven't been over there this year, NS. But the next time I am at the gear store, I will find out if anyone knows.”

“I will be heading up thru Townsend in a couple of weeks for some hiking in the park. Is there a particular gear store that is a must stop chili? Will they have more up to date information than the Park Service website?”

“Little River Trading Co

865-681-4141 Fax: 865-681-3140

2408 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804

They are just out of Maryville (toward Townsend) on the right. Usually, they are getting more in depth feedback from hikers that what normally appears on the website. It is right on 321, so it is a quick stop. I have always found them to be current on park conditions.”

“Thanks chili, I will have to make them a stop on the way up!”