Linville Gorge, NC Loop - May 14-16, 2010

[Ken]

This really depends ... yes you can night hike but I wouldn't reccmd it if you're not familiar ... very familiar with certain trails. It could very possibly be dangerous and if you're alone ... even more so.

No the trails are not blazed at all in most cases. After this winter there are a lot of trails that are blocked by debris still.

So simple answer is I really wouldn't reccmd. it.

But THIS guy does it in the dark!

Ken

[Hawk-eye]

But THIS guy does it in the dark!

Ken

Yeah ... and I'm not sure both oars always hit the water when he rows!

[Ken]

Me neither, and I sure don't recommend it. Too rough, and too many unmarked intersections with unpublished trails. We had one guy go down Chimney Creek thinking he was on Cambric.

Ken

[Hawk-eye]

Me neither, and I sure don't recommend it. Too rough, and too many unmarked intersections with unpublished trails. We had one guy go down Chimney Creek thinking he was on Cambric.

Ken

Yeah ... and too many places to step into the void if you're not careful ... even if you are careful!

[cooldays]

Ok Ok ..... seriously thanks for the advice. I want to try a night hike sometime but this wont be it then.

See you saturday am instead

[Hawk-eye]

Happy to have you along for the walk! It's our favorite place ... right Ken?

[slowhike]

Tim ... depending on how your job situation goes ... you can always get a ride with me Saturday morning! Just a thought.

Man ... the clock is counting down ... already getting giddy with thoughts of the Big Ditch!!!

Car pooling is good! I'd be more than glad to hitch a ride (if all else allows) & share the fuel bill!

and we aim to find ya'll down there.
We would sneak up on ya' but ya'll southern fellers are armed and ready.
I may anyways......
Shug

Can ya squeel like a pig???

[JerryW]

Here's another updated re-post of the pertinent trip data. I'll do this every so often so newcomers won't have to sort through the entire thread:

I am planning to do a loop backpacking trip around Linville Gorge starting Friday May 14th and ending Sunday the 16th.

The trip will cover about 22-25 miles. I am planning an easy pace to allow for plenty of sightseeing and picture taking, but a lot of the trails are officially listed as "Most Difficult".

Others hikers would be welcome. If anyone wants to join us for Saturday night, we will be on the Linville Gorge Trail, somewhere between Pinch-in and Conley Cove. Likely closer to Conley.

Plans are to meet at the Spence Ridge trailhead(time TBD), head south and pick up the Mountains to Sea Trail, camp Friday night in the vicinity of Shortoff Mountain, continue across the Linville River, Saturday, on the MST, turn north on the Leadmine Trail and pick up the Linville Gorge Trail. We'll make our Saturday camp along the river and welcome any overnighters. Sunday we'll continue north on the LGT, head across the river on the Spence Ridge Trail and make our way up to the trailhead.

Route map is attached below.

Linville Gorge Wilderness pamphlet from the Forest Service.

Ken's website - Linville Gorge Hiking and Trail Data

There's a good chance I might hang around(pun intended) for another night or two, either before or after these dates, based on the best weather.

Backcountry permits are required for weekend camping in the wilderness area, but they are free. Currently, I have a permit, Running Feather has one and Hawk-eye has one. These should cover everyone that shows up.

Confirmed Loop Hikers:
Tinker(Jerry)
MacEntyre
skippy
Hangin' Burrito
Running Feather
Hedcase
Yuri
Nooner
Cookie
mtncmpr

Saturday Night Hangers
Hawk-eye
slowhike
cooldays

Maybe:
CapitalBill
hang um high
stormcrow
wisenber

Post or PM and I'll keep this list up to date.


Jerry

[JerryW]

17 days and counting!

Weather for the week before looks like highs in the 60's and lows around 50. Nice!

First question for the group - How early can everyone be at the trailhead Friday morning?

I understand folks will be driving from home, but I'd like to get moving by 10 a.m. or so. I don't see a problem making it to the Shotoff area by supper time. I'd just like to have plenty of cushion for lollygagging along the way. If anyone will be coming later they could make arrangements to meet MacEntyre and hike with him to catch up Friday night.


Jerry

[slowhike]

Assuming nothing gets in the way, I can be there when ever HawkEye can.
10am should be no prob.