TN>Roan High Knob>July 11,12,13 Summer Cooler Hang

[Pipsissewa]

There is a big parking lot where the old Cloudland Hotel was. From the parking lot is approx. 1/2 mile to the shelter

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.1...hl=en&t=m&z=12

Directions: Take Route 19E to the town of Roan Mountain, turn onto Route 143 and travel 12.8 miles to the TN/NC state line (Carver's Gap). On your way up the mountain, you'll pass through the Roan Mountain State Park. Eventually, you leave the state park and enter the national forest. Option 1: Park at Carver's Gap and take the AT approx. 1.5 miles up (heading south on the AT, away from the Balds) -- or (Option 2) turn right at Carver's Gap and continue driving to the Old Cloudland Hotel Site (this road is closed during the winter months). Park at the end of the lot nearest the bathrooms, climb the stairs and venture to your left. You'll soon run into the AT. Turn right to hike north on the AT (toward the balds) for a short distance (approx. 1/2 mile) -- on the way you'll pass by an old chimney. The shelter is located one tenth of a mile off the AT on well-marked, blue-blazed trail.

Good description, but I'm pretty sure overnight parking in the second parking lot described (at the gardens) is prohibited. Also, there's a $3.00 entrance fee at that parking lot. Plan accordingly. See: Pisgah NF The walk from Carver's Gap parking lot (where overnight parking is allowed) to the Shelter is not too tough, but longer as Ewker says. A lot of it is an old road bed. There are quite a few long switchbacks. It'd be a challenge for 5-year olds, but they could do it if not weighed down too heavily. Have fun!

[FireInMyBones]

... Thinking back to the February hang there, I have memories of FIMB skiing down long sections of the ice encased trail with a full backpack on and navigating with only his trekking poles. His tennis shoes was his skis (no spikes) and he wore shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Seeing this, Roache later on got brave and decided to remove the microspikes from one of his boots, leaving spikes on the other boot. I never quite understood why. He paid for that one. Funny stuff seeing those two going down the trail that day. Glad no one got hurt.

I'm glad that no one got hurt either. That was a great trip. I hope that this coming year is colder and that there is more snow. I'm sorry that I have to choose between the two hangs.

[Rockdawg69]

I was there two weeks ago, the temps I would guess went down to the upper 40's. Hung near the top of Grassy bald and watch an incredible sun set and rise with my daughter. One of the best hike ever. Enjoy your trip.

Best view in the southern Appalachians IMHO! Check my Avatar.

MM - still planning to make this but I am working trying to get a disc back in place. Maybe another 3 weeks PT will get me there. Planning on bringing a friend if I can make it.

[TheFirePitGuy]

I'm glad that no one got hurt either. That was a great trip. I hope that this coming year is colder and that there is more snow. I'm sorry that I have to choose between the two hangs.

I attached a pic of a section that you skied down in your tennis shoes. I will never forget that. Also, for those who've never been there, I've included a pic of the shelter at Roan High Knob where everybody will be meeting at next month.

[Roche]

Seeing this, Roache later on got brave and decided to remove the microspikes from one of his boots, leaving spikes on the other boot. I never quite understood why. He paid for that one. Funny stuff seeing those two going down the trail that day. Glad no one got hurt.

Actually one came off and as the worse of the ice and snow was behind us I figured I'd be good with one (too lazy to put it on). Karma took offense to that and I took a hitter...

I'll be Cub Scouting that weekend and will miss RHK or JR.

[TheFirePitGuy]

Roche, you will be missed. I really enjoy campfire chat with you.

[MedicineMan]

RockDawg fingers crossed.
Just talked to Neutron, he's trying to make it too.
As far as overnight parking at the gardens I'm willing to shuttle folks from Carvers up to the garden-those wanting a 'flatter' walk, hey it's still the AT
Looks like a good collaboration of hangers is to assemble-even in 'summer' (currently 66F here in the city) it's a great place to explore gear.

[TheFirePitGuy]

Has anyone sent in a special request for good weather on this hang?

[Rivendell Refugee]

Currently Requesting Snow....Per presenting Hammocks superior to seasonal weather capabilities,,seriously though,,would 65F daytime temp be too much to ask for?

[twotrees]

Im looking forward to one of those steaks MM cooks on the little grill. With that on my belly I could care less about rocking and rolling as is normal for ol' high top. My luck MM will have gout from all the red meat he ate in Africa and will be eating green soybeans on titanium skewers!