Day 1 of the North Bound Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike with Mischief and Chuck (Point). We start at the Davidson Campground and head north on the ALT. I had envisioned the first day would be "easy" and "mostly flat". It turns out I was pretty wrong about this. Right away the climb starts from the Terminus. Nothing crazy, but greater than I had expected. With the warmer temperatures we each find ourselves sweaty and hot, rather unexpected for a December 31st day on trail. The miles aren't too difficult though and we soon find ourselves at the Butter Gap Shelter. A young couple is occuping it and invites us in, but we simply use it for a social area while we all cook and eat dinner. As we are wrapping up dinner the overhanging clouds finally releases rain upon us and it rains for several hours allowing me a good, long nap. Late into the night I climb up to the top of CEdar Rock Mountain to get signal, send out a few message ringing in the new year of 2022 and make it back to camp just as the rain starts again and lasts almost until morning.
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Trail Notes
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I've heard a lot of people either underestimate or do not enjoy the first 1/2 of the trail.
Knowing what I do now I'd suggest the following:
1. The first 8 miles is pretty moderate, imo, and not a lot of views. Enjoy the pine, rhodo and mountain laurel for what they are. Maybe plan to side trail up to Cedar Rock Mountain for a gander? I hear you can even camp up there (verify that first though)
2. The shelters are in serious disrepair. It is what it is. There was water and plenty of tent sites at both shelters and they also had bear-hang cables at the first shelter (might have been at the second one, but didn't personally see them). The 2nd shelter definitely has a leaky roof...and mice.
3. If at all possible plan a lunch on top of Pilot Mountain, but beware, it's a good climb to get there. Look at the weather before hanging out at any of the balds/mtns.
4. Once over Pilot Mtn, sorry, but you're not done with the climbs. :-) Sassafras Knob and Silvermine Bald are "fun" climbs too.
5. Black Balsam Trail Head has LOTS of camping, but be aware the water source is 1/2 mile away on the MST. Plan accordingly.
6. Ensure there's time to enjoy Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. Lots of views here, don't rush through it.
7. Fun little ups and downs until the next water source at Shining Creek Path (right before Shining Rock Gap).
8. If lots of free time, somehow go camp up at Shining Rock and see the views from up there (I wouldn't consider this a must, but a neat to do).
9. Trail on parts of Stairs Mountain to the Narrows wasn't as intuitive at times for following (at least for me). Prepare to take your time through here. Surprisingly there was lots of camping in various places between Stairs Mountain and the Narrows.
10. Go up to Cold Mountain. I haven't been in a while (you'll see why I didn't go on day 4 if you watch the vid :-D). It was definitely worth the views the last time I went, and I remember there even being some campsites up there.
11. Three easy stream crossings coming down the last three miles. All hoppable without getting your feet wet. If icy, be careful.
5 сен 2024
