This is my first day on the trail. After we leave the hotel this morning, my parents will drive me to Forest Service Road 42, which intersects the AT 1 mile north of Springer Mountain. They’re hiking with me one mile to the summit of Springer where we’ll take photos and then head back North to the car. My parents are getting back in the car and heading to their vacation at a beach condo in Florida, and I’m continuing North. I’ve got two (well, three) options for lodging tonight. Here’s what the AT Thru-hikers’ Guide has to say about my options:
Hawk Mountain Shelter: 7.8 miles from Springer. Built 1993. Sleeps 12. Privy. Army Rangers from nearby Camp Frank D Merril use the area for training exercises and have been spotted all times of the day and night. Food-hoist cables available; bear activity often reported. Water source is located 300 yards on a blue-blazed trail behind the shelter.
Gooch Mountain Shelter: 15.6 miles from Springer. Built 2001. Sleeps 14. Privy. Nearly 2,000 volunteer hours were spent constructing this double-decker shelter and nearby tentpads. Additional tenting space farther north at Gooch Gap, near the old shelter site. Food-hoisting cables. Excellent water source is 10 yards behind the shelter.
So I can walk 8.8 miles (1 mile from car to Springer + 7.8 from Springer to Hawk) and sleep with bears and the army, or I can walk 16.6 miles and sleep in a newer, bigger shelter with nearby “excellent” water, no bears, and no army. I’m definitely shooting for Gooch Mtn.
The third option is to collapse into my tent halfway between the shelters, with no water and unknown bear/army status. Odds are probably about 70% in favour of tenting on the first night.
I hated that we couldn’t do the first 2 miles with you but BOY that drive up there sure took the time. We did manage to get down easier than going up. And we got Holly to the airport on time but not with a lot to spare. I really think it was wise for us to get going when we did. It was great to hear your call that you’d reached Hawk Mt so quickly. It wasn’t so great to lose the connection far more quickly. I’m guessing you made it to Gooch Mt easily today. I hope you don’t get too sore in the next few days. I know the front of my thighs are aching badly after our hike up the falls. Love you!! Be careful and don’t take unnecessary risks.
You should go with the army bears. Builds character.
Your mom told me how to do this, so I thought I’d follow your progress. What an exciting adventure. We just stay at home and hope to avoid the wildfires and tornadoes that have been in TX and OK. Stay safe!