Scheduled Mountain Blazer Adventures

Available Mountain Blazer Trips

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Sep 25th to Sep 27th

2 Nights

20.6 Mile AT Section Hike

North Carolina & Tennessee

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This is a SOBO section hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Depart Chapin around 2:00pm.

Friday night we will camp at Uncle Johnny's Hostel near Irwin, TN, on the Nolichucky River. We will catch a shuttle ride north to Iron Mtn Gap, early Saturday morning, departing at 7:30am.

Saturday will likely be a 11 to 13 mile hike heading south, and then we'll finish on Sunday at the cars, back at Johnny's Hostel. We might camp near Indian Grave Gap Saturday night, which has parking and a campsite. But it could be crowded with weekenders. We'll decide on Saturday as we hike.

To learn more about this hike, go to this interactive map of the AT:https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/interactive-map/

- Note; you need to turn on the layers for shelter and parking on the Interactive Map. Then find Iron Mtn Gap Parking, and Chestoa Bridge parking (near Irwin, TN). Just like the September 11 to 13 hike, it is not likely we'll be staying at a shelter.

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Oct 9th to Oct 11th

2 Nights

27.3 Mile AT Section Hike

North Carolina

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This is a SOBO hike on the Appalachian Trail. Fontana Dam to Wesser, NC

Leave on Friday around 8:00am from Chapin. Parking at Wesser and catching a shuttle to Fontana Dam. Starting at Fontana Dam, hopefully around 1pm, and hiking approximately 5 to 6 miles. Stay at Cable Gap Shelter.

Day two, Saturday, could be a 15 mile hike. Stay at Sassafras Gap Shelter if we can make the full 15.2 miles.

On Sunday, after a short hike returning to our cars, we will have a beer and lunch at a restaurant on the Nantahala River. This is a great place to end a hike.

To learn more about this hike, go to this interactive map of the AT:https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/interactive-map/

- Note; you need to turn on the layers for shelter and parking on the Interactive Map. Then find Fontana Dam parking and Wesser, NC parking. On night one we will likely stay at Cable Gap Shelter, and night two at Sassafras Gap Shelter.

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October 17th

1 Night

Stargazing

Black Balsam Know

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Spending the night on top of a mountain to enjoy a star-filled evening.

Depart Chapin around 9:00am, Saturday, October 17th.

The idea is to arrive at the parking area by Noon in the hopes of finding a parking place. We will eat lunch at the parking area, evaluate the current temperature, and decide on our final pack-out for the 1.5 mile hike. There will not be a campfire as that will hurt our visibility of the stars.

We should arrive at our campsite no later than 2pm. We'll set up camp and then day hike, or relax.

The weather forecast will be evaluated the evening before, and the trip canceled if there is a significant chance of rain.

If no parking is available at Black Balsam Knob, the plan is for Jerry to drop everyone at the parking lot, and then park the car in another spot. Jerry will then hike 4.5 miles to meet up with the group at the campsite. The next morning the whole group will hike together to the car as it is an easy, slightly downhill hike. Again, this is a backup plan.

More details will be provided once the final group is signed up for this trip.

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Oct 23rd to Oct 25th

2 Nights

31.7 Mile AT Section Hike

Georgia

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This is a NOBO hike on the Appalachian Trail. Springer Mtn, to Neel Gap, GA.

Leave on Friday around 8:00am from Chapin. Meeting at Neel Gap and catching a shuttle ride.

Day one, Friday, about 7.1 for most, but 9.1 for Jerry. The drop off point is 1 mile north of Spring Mtn, so Jerry will walk south to see Springer, then catch up to the crowd at Hawk Mtn Shelter.

Day two, Saturday, could be a 13 to 16 mile hike. Probably no shelter for this night.

On Sunday, up to 10 miles to cars.

To learn more about this hike, go to this interactive map of the AT:https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/interactive-map/

- Note; you need to turn on the layers for shelter and parking on the Interactive Map. Then find USFS42 near Springer Mtn, and Neel Gap, GA parking.

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Nov 6th to Nov 8th

2 nights

21.2 Mile AT Section Hike

Georgia

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This is a NOBO hike on the Appalachian Trail. Neel Gap, to Unicoi Gap, GA.

Leave on Friday around 1:00pm from Chapin. Meeting at Unicoi Gap and catching a shuttle ride.

Day one, Friday, camp overnight at Neel Gap.

Day two, Saturday, approx. a 11.5 mile hike to stay at Low Gap Shelter.

On Sunday, approx. 9.7 miles to cars. If all goes as planned, this section will allow Jerry to complete the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail.

To learn more about this hike, go to this interactive map of the AT:https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/interactive-map/

- Note; you need to turn on the layers for shelter and parking on the Interactive Map. Then find Neel Gap and Unicoi Gap, GA parking.

If all section hikes from Sep to this date go as planned, this will probably be Jerry's last AT Section Hike of 2020.

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Stargazing Trips 2020

October 17th, November 14th, December 12th

these trips are dependent upon weather conditions

signup period will begin in mid-September

Black Balsam Knob in October

October 17th

This is an opportunity for an amazing sunset, some star gazing, and to wake up to a sunrise. We will camp near where this picture was taken. If the weather calls for rain then this trip will be canceled. There is the the logistical concern of finding parking Saturday, which will be addressed via email for those signed up. You will need to carry plenty of water, and it is STRONGLY encouraged you obtain a bear canister. The hike is a bit over a mile. There is no place to hang a food bag on top of Black Balsam Knob. Location:

Max Patch in November

November 14th

This is the second opportunity for an amazing sunset, some star gazing, and to wake up to a sunrise. We will have the same views as this picture. If the weather calls for rain then this trip will be canceled. There is the the logistical concern of finding parking Saturday, which will be addressed via email for those signed up. Parking should be easier at Max Patch. You will need to carry plenty of water, and it is STRONGLY encouraged you obtain a bear canister. The hike is just under a mile. There is no place to hang a food bag at Max Patch. Location:

Max Patch in December

December 12th

This is the third opportunity for stargazing. We will have the same views as this picture. If the weather calls for rain then this trip will be canceled. There is the the logistical concern of finding parking Saturday, which will be addressed via email for those signed up. Parking should be easier at Max Patch. You will need to carry plenty of water, and it is STRONGLY encouraged you obtain a bear canister. The hike is just under a mile. There is no place to hang a food bag at Max Patch. Location:

* Let's Talk 2021 *

Section Hike on the CDT

Rocky Mountains - Colorado

July 2021 (TBD)

This will be an epic trip! CDT stands for Continental Divide Trail. The tentative plan is to hike 51 miles, which will include summiting two peaks above 14k.

Lots of planning to be done. Travel plans to and from Colorado. Total days spent in Colorado and total days hiking. Climate and altitude acclimatization, water sources, and campsite altitudes.

30.1 Mile Art Loeb Trail

TBD

This is one of the toughest hikes in North Carolina. We will begin at the Davison River campsite, and end at Daniel Boone campsite. This requires 3 full days of hiking. This one is more tentative than the others.

Waterfall Loop at Black Balsam Knob

June 2021 (TBD)

Begins via the Art Loeb Spur trail from the Black Balsam Knob parking area. We will hike through Graveyard Fields on our way to our first waterfall. This is a two-night trip with potential swimming opportunities. Potentially a tough hike, but worth it.

Two Nights at Mt. Mitchell

July or August 2021

This is a beautiful area with great campsites, and an easy introduction to our club. This will be a Noon arrival for day one and hike about 2.5 miles to camp Maple Bald. Day two is a leisurely sleep-in morning, followed by 3 miles to Commissary Hill campsite, including a lunch stop. We will arrive at Commissary Hill early, so there will be opportunities for further day hiking on day two if desired. Day three is an easy 1.6 miles back to our vehicles.

Hyke & Byke Zion 2P

Hyke & Byke Zion 1P

Ready for a Backpacking Trip?

Hyke & Byke Eolus 30 Deg

Whether you have never been hiking, or are a member of the team, once you've decided on a scheduled trip listed on this page, simply select "Join us on a Hiking/Camping trip" below, or "I'm ready to choose an Adventure" at the top of this page. You will be taken to a form to complete. Soon after submitting your answers you will receive a personalized email from a group leader or hiking buddy. This email will be tailored to your level of hiking experience, and your contact will communicate with you all the way until meeting at the trailhead. At this point your backpacking experience has begun!

Join us on a Hiking/Camping trip