trip Planning

“Hello,I am planning a trip this april from Newfound gap to Davenport gap. Anyone with tips advice or any comments would be greatly appreciated. Like can I stay at icewater shelter, where shoud I leave my vehicle at davenport gap. Thank you.”

“Icewater is not that far from Newfound Gap. I seem to remember the shelters not being spaced like we would have liked when I did the AT through the Smokies.

We started at Fontana, and stayed at either Russell or Spence Field, I can't remember. The second night we stayed at Mt. Collins, and headed down to Newfound Gap the next morning.

That day we stayed at Tri-Corner Knob, which is about 21 miles from Newfound Gap I think. Staying at Icewater would be a pretty short first day. I think it's only a couple miles in from Newfound Gap.

We parked our car at the Big Creek ranger station. It meant we didn't actually hike to Davenport Gap, but it was easier. I can't remember the name of the trail, but it felt like it went straight down off the AT to the ranger station. We exited the AT pretty shortly before Davenport Gap, so I didn't feel like we didn't finish the hike or anything.”

“Icewater is about 3 miles up the AT from NFG. Assuming the rain/snow continues to fall like it has, you should find water along the AT by April. I suggest you monitor that situation however as it was dry as a powder house up there almost all year in '07.

I would leave the vehicle at Big Creek Ranger station.

Also, make sure you get the latest weather information before you take off on this one. It is not unusual or out of the question for snow/ice storms to hit high elevation in early spring. A few of us did this route in summer '06 in June and the high was about 50 for the trip and it rained almost the whole time.

Make sure you get reservations in the shelters that you will be using.”

“You will be right in the middle of the AT thruhiker hordes.”

“Thank you for your advice and help, Iam a section hiker so a short first day sounds nice.”

“sleep with a pound of bacon in your sleeping bag to repel the bears...or was that attract bears? i cant ever keep that straight

some serious advice: something i learned the hard way. many (or most, if not all) the smokies shelters have dirt floors. they also tend to get overcrowded and you may have to sleep on the floor (unless you decide to tent it). anyways, if you do end up on a dirt floor, dont think youre immune from the rain. put a groundsheet down and hang your stuff. i stayed at tri-corner knob shelter in 04, and didnt do either. woke up to 2 inches of standing water, and everything was soaked. it had rained during the night and saturated the ground (there was a spring nearby). all my gear was soaked, including my sleeping bag. i was not a happy camper”

“If you are not in a hurry, there ae a few things to see along the way:
The Drop-off on The Boulevard Trail, near Icewaterspring Shelter.
Charlies Bunion, 1.3 miles east of Icewater Spring Shelter. Follow the trail to the north side of the mountain top for the best views in the Park. Continue in the same direction to return to the Appalachian Trail(AT).
The Sawteeth, mountain peaks, which remind one of a sawblade. About 1.2 miles past Charlies Bunion. You can see it from the AT, looking back after you hike past it.
One half mile south of Pecks Corner Shelter is a Park Maintenance/Sleeping Building.
Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower, restored. 0.6 miles on a spur road, 2.1 miles past Low Gap.

Newfound Gap has a large, parking lot.
Yes, the Ranger Station at Big Creek has a good, parking lot.
Do not park on the road at the Davonport Gap end. It is very risky for break-ins.
last edited: 1/16/08 8:39:44 PM”

“Thanks crashbang thats the kind of advice anyone can use. And thank you bonecrusher I had thought of The Drop off and Charles Bunion because of the short first day. Thank you so much for your time.”

“charles bunion was completely socked in by fog when i was there. bummer”