Backpacking Lost Cove in the Smokies - Sat, May 29 2010, Sun, May 30 2010, Mon, May 31 2010

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Backpacking Lost Cove in the Smokies

The Basics:

Event Type:

Backpacking

Event Location:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, May 29 2010, Sun, May 30 2010, Mon, May 31 2010 11:00 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 6:45 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Wed, May 5 2010 9:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, May 27 2010 10:00 pm

Event Duration:

3 days

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Michael Johnson
Bob Bunner
Kristi

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

We're going to try again to camp at one of the premier campsites in all of the Southeast - Lost Cove - in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a loop hike that will begin on the AT at Fontana Dam. I have rated this hike a D5 because we will ascend 2100 feet for 3.7 miles up Shuckstack Ridge along the AT to the Shuckstack Firetower. It's a challenging climb, but once you reach the top, the views to the South, including Fontana Lake, are spectacular from atop the firetower. From there, we will mostly descend for 4.0 miles along the Lost Cove Trail until we reach campsite # 90 at Lost Cove. What makes this campsite special is we will be camping in a giant meadow surrounded by a bending creek. In addition, there is a circle of "chairs" made of stones that make a sweet spot to hang out with your fellow backpackers during the evening.
The second day, you have your choice of hanging out at this beautiful confluence of rivers at the campsite, walking a short distance to Fontana Lake for a swim, or day hike along several different trails, your pick. We've camped here many times, and always feel rushed to leave, so this year we're doing it right and staying another day.
On Monday day we will hike 5.7 miles along the rolling terrain of the Lakeshore Trail back to Fontana Dam.

Note: There are several water crossings close together just before reaching camp, so if you want to keep your boots dry, remember to bring lightweight footware that can get wet. Hiking poles are very helpful on these crossings.

Required Items to Bring:
Tent, backpack, sleeping pad, raingear, warm coat, warm hat, flashlight, toilet paper, utensils, cookware, 2-3 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking poles, stove, water filter, snacks, matches, change of clothes.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Meet at the Carpool.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

300Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

6:45 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $120.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

If you don't have all the essentials needed for camping in the backcountry, like a
water filter, please coordinate with a TL or someone on the trip to share.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.