[at-l] Re: AT trail crossing at future I-26

[mtnstream73 at eufaula.rr.com (Bett Middleton)]

Felix, I can't answer that exactly, since I haven't hiked that section yet, and don't really know the local roads in that area.  Miss Janet who shuttles her guests in this area could answer it in more detail.

All I know is that in 2002, I rode with Janet up to Sam's Gap to drop off a group of WomenHikers.  I had gotten sick and wasn't able to hike, but went on up for the fun at the hostel.  The new section was not open at this point and Janet was able to pull off the side of the road right where the trail crossed at Sam's Gap and drop off our group.  I watched them start up the trail north of the road .

The last time I had a chance to ride out to this area with Janet it was to drop off another hiker staying at her hostel.  We did not even get on I-181 (or I-26) to get to Sam's Gap.  We pulled into some trail head parking in the area, but not visually in sight of the previous drop off point.  The hiker got out and walked north on some pavement and underneath the interstate, then went out of sight.  Exactly how the hiker reached that narrow path going up Big Bald (I think), I could not see.  I 'm guessing that there was a short re-route in that area to bring the trail by the parking and under this particular bridge of the interstate.   And I could not return here, if I tried by myself.  I was totally dis-oriented as to how the new parking area related to the old crossing at Sam's Gap.  I guess when I hike that area, I'll figure it out, or get Janet to shuttle me there one.

Bett