GSMNP - Campsite 90 via canoe

“Question for those who are familiar with the area: Planning a trip in October in which we'll paddle the ~3.5 miles from the marina across Fontana to campsite 90 with the intent of stashing the canoe for the return trip across the lake after a 3 day backpack up Lost Cove to the AT, over to Spence and down Eagle Creek back to the lake. What is the water access like from the campsite and how difficult would it be to stash the canoe out of sight so that no one will mess with it while we are gone? I know that most folks wouldn't do such a thing but there's always the chance. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

TIA”

“sounds like a really cool way to do it to me.”

“As long as the weather is good anyway ;) The cool part is that it'll enable us to stay at camp 87 one night which appears to be on an island from all I can tell...”

“When is lake drawdown this month? Will that affect your plans?”

“Good question but don't know...judging by the avg precip this time of year & the previous couple of months I would think it *should* be fine right now.”

“the park rangers, or someone at the dam, could probably answer that for you. Might make a diff in your trip plan if you've gotta hike up a muddy bank - it's steep in places once the water drops. Used to be though, that Fontana didn't drop anything like Cheoah or Santeetlah did.”

“Campsite 90 is at the mouth of Eagle Creek. Shouldn't have any problem accessing it by canoe, not sure about how well you can stash the canoe without leaf cover though.

If I remember correctly there were 13+ water crossings on Lost Cove Trail...lots of fun:)
last edited: 9/03/08 11:13:06 PM”

“If they draw down the lake as usual, the water line can be 20 yards down hill (or more) from the treeline.
last edited: 9/04/08 5:24:59 AM”

“Yes, lots of wet creek crossings on Eagle. 16 is the number I recall. Regardless of the actual number, it's lots.

Here's a creek crossing on Eagle from a trip about 5 years ago:

”

“Ah, I was not aware that they will intentionally draw the lake down. Good to know.

I knew about all the crossings on the Eagle Creek Trail but didn't realize there are almost as many on Lost Cove as well. So much for keeping dry feet until the last day!”

“Yes, CS#87 is a small, nice site on an island. It is a short hike up to the site at the top of the island. The normal entrance is at the north end of the island. If the water is down, there will be a rocky extension there, somewhat like a breakwater.

There should not be a problem getting to CS#90. At the entrance to the river, there will be a turn to the left of about 90 degrees. Then the river will lead you to the right, in a "U" turn. On your left there should be a rocky area, where you can land. The campsite will be just beyond the treeline. I usually camp in the open area, up a little from the water, where there is some sand and grass. When landing, you will likely have to get your feet wet and will appreciate some type of footwear for protection from the rocks.

If you continue around the rocky area and start into Lost Creek, there may be a landing site there. Or, working together you may be able to unload your gear there. It will be the closest landing to the official campsites.

From the campsite a trail goes southward toward the lake and along the creek. I believe that it leads to several, low-water landing sites. It may be a good area to hide and lock your canoe(s).

Unless it has just rained, you can step across most of the water crossings of Lost Cove Creek Trail or use a small bridge to cross. The first crossing is an exception; you will have to wade. Most of the crossings along Eagle Creek will require wading. The water should not get over your knees. I believe there are 19 crossings. An additional crossing over Lost Creek to CS#90 should have a log bridge for crossing.

Take a lock and chain for securing each canoe.

Have fun.
last edited: 9/04/08 6:24:06 AM”

“Good information...thanks.

Followup question, would you do the aforementioned loop clockwise staying at 113 and Spence or counterclockwise staying at 97 and Mollies?”

“This is only an answer and is not a recommendation. We all do our own thing.

I would require more time for the trip and would not use the canoe. I would use the canoe for a separate trip to CS#87.

Thus, I would hike up the AT and down Eagle Creek.”

“Last year we had the severe drought and the lake was down over 50 feet. I don't know for sure about this year, but some bank climbing may be required. I just used a bike lock to a tree for the canoe and it was so far up the bank that no one would have bothered it anyway. Don't go up Hazel Ck., there is nothing to see there!”

“karo - Guess the fishing was not too good, while you were there. I found a lot to do and see along Hazel Creek.

Also, the rocky area at CS#90 should not require bank climbing. If the lake is down 50 or more feet, it may require some strength to canoe upstream in the final stretch of the creek.”