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Post by peakbagger93 on Oct 24, 2016 6:47:48 GMT -8
Hey guys!
I'm heading out for a weekend trip to thru-hike the Art Loeb trail this weekend and I was wondering if someone had any advice on the trail? I cannot find a trail guide or anything anywhere online. I have heard people say that it is tricky at the northern end and I would like some info on that like what to look out for and all. Also any help with water sources, campsites and other knowledge from experience would be great! thank you so much! PS: I will be bringing along a hammock so info on hammock friendly campsites etc would be greatly appreciated!
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Oct 24, 2016 7:43:29 GMT -8
The entire thing? like from the davidson river campground to the boy scout camp? It will be a stretch to do it in a regular 2 day 2 night weekend.
Water is scarce due to the current drought conditions. I would say any elevation point above Farlow Gap on the south side and Deep Gap on the north side will be completely dry. Even the spring at Shining Rock Gap will probably be dry.
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Post by kevinumberger on Oct 24, 2016 9:57:21 GMT -8
also----if you camp in shining rock----you will need a bear canister...
and yeah.....springs will be dry....
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Post by peakbagger93 on Oct 24, 2016 10:35:50 GMT -8
Hmm good to know about the bear canister. Would a bear bag not work? Also, I'm going for 3 days, 2 nights. 12 miles Friday and Saturday, and an easy 6 miles on Sunday is the plan. I have already planned to travel light so that I can carry a little extra water. I think we will be starting on the North end at the Boy Scout camp rather that the South end. Anyone have a map of this thing? a decent non-google image map?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2016 10:41:58 GMT -8
The Nat-Geo map of Pisgah is decent enough and should do the trick. If you don't have it I could scan that section and email it to you.
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Post by peakbagger93 on Oct 24, 2016 10:54:54 GMT -8
If you could scan it to me you would be the coolest person on earth! The closest place that I can buy good quality maps that would have that section is an hour away and with work, I can't make it before I leave.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Oct 24, 2016 11:05:39 GMT -8
I was just about to mention not putting your email out in the open, but I see you left out a vowel. Good for you!
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Oct 24, 2016 11:19:16 GMT -8
In my opinion, The Nat Geo map is not helpful between Flower Gap & just south of the parkway. No fault of its own. People have trodden paths all over the place. The good thing is, heading North to South is less confusing than heading South to North, imo. Flower Gap is a popular rest/lunch/sleep spot, so you could wait there for someone heading south (that knows the way) and tag along with them. There are no blazes or trail markers in this section, as it is all designated wilderness. 12 miles Friday is going to be a beast of a day. Don't have the map in front of me, but you're probably looking at a 2500 climb right out of the gate. I don't know your fitness levels or speed, but I couldn't do it. Also, 12 miles on the first day puts you well past the best parts of the ALT on the first day. IMO, cut your first day mileage and extend the 3rd day.
The bear bag is a regulation, not a recommendation.
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Post by peakbagger93 on Oct 24, 2016 11:46:57 GMT -8
What are the best camp spots for a 3 day 2 night? I know on the balds would be nice but i'm taking a hammock. I've had a bad experience on Balds as well so I don't plan to camp there if I can help it. Starting on the North end.
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Post by kevinumberger on Oct 24, 2016 12:00:34 GMT -8
no....
canister only in shining rock.......
and they do hand out tickets.....
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Post by peakbagger93 on Oct 24, 2016 12:35:21 GMT -8
Got it. I will bring along my bear canister! As heavy as it is
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Oct 24, 2016 12:43:07 GMT -8
Yes, Kevin is correct. I meant to say bear canisters (not bags) are required. Best camping spots for hammocks, in my opinion are at shining rock gap, flower gap, and down the grassy cove trail. Grassy cove ridge is a great place to hang a hammock if you dont mind the little side trip to get down there. Section 2 you can pretty much hang a hammock anywhere. I have never done section 1 from davidson river to glouchester gap, but I would assume as far as hammock hanging, it is similar to section 2. This is the most accurate map I've found of the confusing area. Ivestor Gap is where people usually make a wrong turn. Even this map doesn't have all the little footpaths that have been made. www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/pisgah-national-forest/long-distance/art-loeb-trail/use the "WNC outdoors base" overlay
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2016 16:14:48 GMT -8
Very easy to take a wrong turn. I use avenza on iPhone and downloaded trails illustrated map. Shows exactly where you are. Did a loop a couple of weeks ago and very dry.
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Post by Jerry E on Oct 25, 2016 17:25:25 GMT -8
I was hiking in the Northern part of Art Loeb about a week ago. The spring 2/3rds up Cold Mountain was dry, but the spring at Shining Rock Gap was running, albeit slowly. There was plenty of water near Black Balsam parking area.
i have gotten hassled by a bear a Shining Rock Gap before, but this time I saw far more bear hunters than bears.
edit: I also use AllTrails, and the map of Art Loeb is quite good.
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Post by peakbagger93 on Oct 26, 2016 10:17:28 GMT -8
Thanks for all of the advice! I've got a great map of the area now and I have planned with my hiking partner to stash some water. Just to be clear, Beard canisters are only required in the Shining Rock Wilderness correct?
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