[at-l] Backpacking Trip

[janl2@mindspring.com (Jan Leitschuh)]

This area is special:
 
> You could go the 37 miles from Indian Grave Gap outside of Erwin to the 19E 
> trailhead at Roan Mountain/Elk Park.  Without a doubt it's one of the most 
> beautiful and challenging sections on the entire trail.
> 
> Some of the highlights are Beauty Spot, Unaka Mountain, Roan Mountain, Round 
> Bald, Little Hump and Hump Mountain. 

I agree with Sly. Roan Mountain and the Humps are some of the prettiest 
parts of the Trail I've yet been on in the south. 

Hope for clear weather (the view from the Humps is vast) but prepare for the
worst. A friend of mine got pulled of Roan Mountain (6K-plus elevation) in a
snowstorm in May two years ago, hypothermic. It was chilly up there in June.

Overmountain Shelter is FINE! A huge red barn with a magical vista. The
weather unrolls into the valley before you. Look for wild turkey, which are
plentiful.
Lucky you, wherever you choose.

. Nightly stays could be Beauty Spot at 4 
> miles, Cherry Gap Shelter 10m, Clyde Smith Shelter 8 1/2, and OverMountain 
> Shelter  at 11 miles leaving 9 miles to the 19E trailhead.  The only drawback 
> to hiking south to north would be leaving a car at the 19E trailhead which 
> has a high rate of vandalism.  It's best to arrange a shuttle. With an early 
> start you could do it north to south.
> 
> You can thank me later.  : )
> 
> Sly

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