Thoughts on Rock Gap to Fontanna Dam?

“Any thoughts or must do areas. Planning on doing the section in late March. First trip to the AT, so am giddy to go. How does one go about finding a shuttle?”

“Make sure you allow some time for the short/steep side trail to Silar Bald. Give yourself an hour for this place.”

“I am assuming that by Rock Gap you are referring to the one near Wallace Gap (Old US64)

The section from there to Fontana Dam is a really nice section. I went from Winding Stair Gap (US64) to Fontana Dam last April.

If old trees interest you a side trip to the Wasilik Poplar might be worth it. The tree is now dead, but it's huge trunk remains standing. That Blue Blaze is right at Rock Gap. The side trip up Siler Bald is worth it if it is a pretty day. It is only about a tenth of a mile off the trail. You will have observation towers on Wayah Bald and Wesser Bald the one on Wesser Bald is a few hundred feet from the trail.

You should have a great view from Cheoah Bald though it was foggy when I was there, so hopefully you will have better luck. There is supposed to be a Blue Blaze side trail to Wauchecha Bald but I never saw it (of course I was post holing through 10" of snow by then) so I couldn't tell you if that was worth it.

I have used and like Jeff at the Hike Inn for shuttles. He is on 28 near Fontana Dam and can pick you up at the parking lot there at the Dam.

http://www.thehikeinn.netfirms.com/”

“On some of my backpacking I have have found loops to return to my starting point. On most of my backpacking I have gone both directions. Hiking a traii in just a single direction is like going to a restaurant without trying out the food!

Likewise, it is nice to do some repeats on a trail. Get acquainted with your trail.”