RE: [at-l] smokies question

> The biggest problem you might have is if they enforce
> "thru-hiker only"
> at Icewater shelter. They will send you down to Kephart, down Sweat
> Heifer Trail (been there, steep hill down, and steeper back
> up). If so,
> you might just want the shuttle to take you to the Kephart Prong Trail
> on 441 and walk up the branch 2 miles. You could either go up Sweat
> Heifer or climb a bit more leisurely up Grassy Branch Tr and
> Dry Sluice
> to Charlies Bunion (total of 3.8 miles and 1200 ft climb).
> Then about 6
> miles to Pecks Corner Shelter. Otherwise, day 1 would be 10+ miles to
> Pecks Corner or stealth at Icewater.

It is an "easy" 10 miles though. What you didn't mention is the "0.2" mile
drop to Pecks Corner...it seem more like 0.4 miles. Otherwise Pecks is
fairly nice. Pecks is open to horses, but the tethering area is on the other
side of the ridge.

Just past Charlies Bunion there is a section of trail that crosses in front
of an enormous east facing rock bluff. Even when it is cold out this spot,
although exposed, is amazingly warm with a great view, its a nice spot for
lunch. If you are making good time then about a mile or so farther you will
find Eagle Rock atop a ridge line with equally great views and somewhat more
room to spread out and take a lunch time nap.

Lee I Joe

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