[at-l] Section hike in NC

[Phil Heffington <phil.heffington@oc.edu>]

Obviously the trail goes by the Shelton graves whether or not you are going
north or south, so that is not really a consideration.  I like the location
of the shelters going north from Hot Springs if you spend the night in Hot
Springs and head out early the next day.  It would be better going south,
however, if you are planning to hike to the first available shelter at the
end of a day's drive .  It is about 11 miles from Hot Springs to Spring Mtn.
Shelter.  It is about 2 miles (if I remember correctly) from Sam's Gap to
Hogback Ridge Shelter.

You can find suitable parking at either place, and you will either end your
hike at Hot Springs, or will end up in Hot Springs to get your car, so it
wouldn't make much difference about going to the Spa.  You should make
reservations for the Spa, though.

Consider this,  the elevation at Sam's Gap is about 4,000 feet and Hot
Springs is about 1,200 feet.  Do you want to hike mostly up or down?  I
prefer going uphill myself (it is easier on the knees).

Call Bluff Mtn. Outfitters in Hot Springs if you want to arrange a shuttle
(if you can't get a mailing list angel to do it for free).  Their number is
828-622-7162.  Elmer's Sunnybank Inn is 828-622-7206.

There is a campground by the river at Hot Springs which will keep your car
for $1 per day.  You can also leave it at one of the restaurants near Sam's
Gap, but they are located a mile or so south of the trailhead.
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