18 - APPALACHIAN TRAIL - NORTH CAROLINA - Sección 2.2 - Great Smoky Mountains - Derrick Knob Shelter a Double Spring Gap
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 7.35 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,909 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation loss
- 1,453 ft
- Max elevation
- 5,607 ft
- TrailRank
-
99
5
- Min elevation
- 4,705 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 4 hours 12 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1097
- Uploaded
- May 6, 2016
- Recorded
- May 2016
near Tremont, Tennessee (United States)
Viewed 5812 times, downloaded 42 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
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Stage 18
⇐ Link to previous stage: 17 - APPALACHIAN TRAIL - NORTH CAROLINA - Section 2.3 - Great Smoky Mountains - Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter
⇒ Link to the next stage: 19 - APPALACHIAN TRAIL - NORTH CAROLINA - Section 2.1 - Great Smoky Mountains - Double Spring Gap Shelter to Newfound Gap
⇒ Link to the complete itinerary in North Carolina: 257.5 km - Appalachian Trail in the State of North Carolina (complete itinerary)
Tour of the Appalachian Trail , as it passes through the states of North Carolina and Tennessee (United States), from south to north, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , which With its 2,108 square kilometers (a surface larger than that of the entire province of Guipúzcoa, and very similar to that of the entire province of Vizcaya, in Spain), it represents one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States, and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco (1976) and a World Heritage Site (1983).
The Appalachian Trail runs through this great National Park, along about 115 km, between the Little Tennessee River, at Fontana Dam, and Davenport Gap, being necessary to complete this route, six to seven days of walking, with very few options exit for provisioning in towns close to the route.
To spend the night in the park it is mandatory to do so in the existing shelters, with prior reservation, obtaining in advance a permit issued by the National Park Service. Camping is only allowed for "thru-hikers", also subject to prior permission and certain restrictions.
Today's stage starts from the Derrick Knob Shelter, ending at the Double Spring Gap Shelter, and corresponds to section 2.2 of the trail, according to the official distribution of stages in Georgia and North Carolina, although it is also identified in the official guides. as section 18.2 of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Preparations for the day. Start of the stage at the Derrick Knob Shelter
This duplicity is due to the difficulty in determining through which state the Appalachian Trail runs in this border area between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, since most of the route through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park follows precisely the dividing line between both states, through the crest of the mountain range.
The day woke up a bit cloudy, but with a lot of desire for the sun to come out, as if wanting to vindicate the light and colors of spring; and the journey seemed relatively easy, with a short journey, although uphill.
We started the march from the Derrick Knob Shelter , early, among the first. At a calm and regular pace. There was no rush to get there, and it was the occasion to calmly savor every foot of the trail.
The first three kilometers of the AT run below an elevation of 5,000 feet, with its short descents and ascents (Mount Davis: 4,856 feet, and Hemlock Knob: 4,751 feet), but finally on relatively flat terrain, until reaching the base of the Cold Spring Knob , located at 4,776 feet (approximately equivalent to 1,450 meters), the lowest point of this day's route.
From this point, the trail ascends rapidly up the side of Cold Spring Knob, and in a kilometer of ascent it reaches its summit (5,220 feet, approximately equivalent to 1,591 meters), to descend again, for another kilometer, until the Buckeye Gap (4,817 ft) .
From this col we ascend a small hill, with no known name, followed by its corresponding descent, until the elevation of 4,955 feet, and from there and for three and a half kilometers, we follow the crest of the mountain range, until the top of Silers Bald (5,607 ft) . Along the way, you can see a section of the recently traced path, with a much more gradual slope than the original one, and with a much less eroded surface than that. This reduction in slope is appreciated, even if it means a few more meters of detour.
This top of Silers Bald, and its surroundings, were montane pastures during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and were home to significant livestock (mainly cows, horses, sheep and goats). In the desire to preserve the forest in its primitive state, the forest services have allowed the trees to recover these grazing lands, where dense grass grew, considering that before the arrival of the settlers, this summit, and other neighboring areas were occupied by the forest. Even so, small bald patches of grass are still observed on the very summit and on the western slope of the mountain.
The descent of Silers Bald is short: just half a kilometer of gradual descent and without difficulty, and after the pass that follows, we begin the final climb of just under two kilometers, towards the Jenkins Knob (5,564 feet) and the Double Spring Gap (5,507 ft) . On the way we cross the area known as The Narrows, a ridge with little density of trees and with extraordinary panoramic views to the north and south of the trail.
The Narrows. Spectacular view towards the two slopes. South slope, towards North Carolina
As we approach the Double Spring Gap, there is a sudden change in the trees, and conifers (mainly firs) begin to populate the forest.
At the end of the stage, the Double Spring Gap Shelter awaits us, built on a bald spot, in a wide area of the mountain crest, with two springs at a very short distance, one on each slope (hence the name of the place). Although both have good flow, the most convenient for capturing water is on the south side, with views of the North Carolina valleys.
The journey has been short, but very interesting, and the day was very sunny, so we took the opportunity to dry our clothes, rest, and walk in a relaxed way through the woods near the refuge, capturing beautiful images of the place.
Already in the afternoon, more hikers began to arrive at the refuge, which, as expected, ended up full.
The night was calm, without storms, but it did not stop raining for a single minute. Mentally, everyone was getting used to the idea of finding the trails completely flooded the next day, but at least we had been able to rest comfortably and regain strength for the next day.
PPI Index: 71 HKG
Total distance: 11.81 km
Desn. cumulative ascent: 639.97 m
Desn. accumulated descent: 445.83 m
Maximum height: 1701.45 m
Minimum height: 1429.18 m
Total time: 4:12:15 h
Moving time: 3:57:26 h
Stopped time: 0:14:49 h
Total average speed: 2.81 km/h
Average moving speed: 2.98 km/h
IBP index. IBP index is an automatic assessment system that rates the difficulty of a route traveled
⇐ Link to previous stage: 17 - APPALACHIAN TRAIL - NORTH CAROLINA - Section 2.3 - Great Smoky Mountains - Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter
⇒ Link to the next stage: 19 - APPALACHIAN TRAIL - NORTH CAROLINA - Section 2.1 - Great Smoky Mountains - Double Spring Gap Shelter to Newfound Gap
⇒ Link to the complete itinerary in North Carolina: 257.5 km - Appalachian Trail in the State of North Carolina (complete itinerary)
Tour of the Appalachian Trail , as it passes through the states of North Carolina and Tennessee (United States), from south to north, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , which With its 2,108 square kilometers (a surface larger than that of the entire province of Guipúzcoa, and very similar to that of the entire province of Vizcaya, in Spain), it represents one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States, and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco (1976) and a World Heritage Site (1983).
The Appalachian Trail runs through this great National Park, along about 115 km, between the Little Tennessee River, at Fontana Dam, and Davenport Gap, being necessary to complete this route, six to seven days of walking, with very few options exit for provisioning in towns close to the route.
To spend the night in the park it is mandatory to do so in the existing shelters, with prior reservation, obtaining in advance a permit issued by the National Park Service. Camping is only allowed for "thru-hikers", also subject to prior permission and certain restrictions.
Today's stage starts from the Derrick Knob Shelter, ending at the Double Spring Gap Shelter, and corresponds to section 2.2 of the trail, according to the official distribution of stages in Georgia and North Carolina, although it is also identified in the official guides. as section 18.2 of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Preparations for the day. Start of the stage at the Derrick Knob Shelter
This duplicity is due to the difficulty in determining through which state the Appalachian Trail runs in this border area between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, since most of the route through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park follows precisely the dividing line between both states, through the crest of the mountain range.
The day woke up a bit cloudy, but with a lot of desire for the sun to come out, as if wanting to vindicate the light and colors of spring; and the journey seemed relatively easy, with a short journey, although uphill.
We started the march from the Derrick Knob Shelter , early, among the first. At a calm and regular pace. There was no rush to get there, and it was the occasion to calmly savor every foot of the trail.
The first three kilometers of the AT run below an elevation of 5,000 feet, with its short descents and ascents (Mount Davis: 4,856 feet, and Hemlock Knob: 4,751 feet), but finally on relatively flat terrain, until reaching the base of the Cold Spring Knob , located at 4,776 feet (approximately equivalent to 1,450 meters), the lowest point of this day's route.
From this point, the trail ascends rapidly up the side of Cold Spring Knob, and in a kilometer of ascent it reaches its summit (5,220 feet, approximately equivalent to 1,591 meters), to descend again, for another kilometer, until the Buckeye Gap (4,817 ft) .
From this col we ascend a small hill, with no known name, followed by its corresponding descent, until the elevation of 4,955 feet, and from there and for three and a half kilometers, we follow the crest of the mountain range, until the top of Silers Bald (5,607 ft) . Along the way, you can see a section of the recently traced path, with a much more gradual slope than the original one, and with a much less eroded surface than that. This reduction in slope is appreciated, even if it means a few more meters of detour.
This top of Silers Bald, and its surroundings, were montane pastures during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and were home to significant livestock (mainly cows, horses, sheep and goats). In the desire to preserve the forest in its primitive state, the forest services have allowed the trees to recover these grazing lands, where dense grass grew, considering that before the arrival of the settlers, this summit, and other neighboring areas were occupied by the forest. Even so, small bald patches of grass are still observed on the very summit and on the western slope of the mountain.
The descent of Silers Bald is short: just half a kilometer of gradual descent and without difficulty, and after the pass that follows, we begin the final climb of just under two kilometers, towards the Jenkins Knob (5,564 feet) and the Double Spring Gap (5,507 ft) . On the way we cross the area known as The Narrows, a ridge with little density of trees and with extraordinary panoramic views to the north and south of the trail.
The Narrows. Spectacular view towards the two slopes. South slope, towards North Carolina
As we approach the Double Spring Gap, there is a sudden change in the trees, and conifers (mainly firs) begin to populate the forest.
At the end of the stage, the Double Spring Gap Shelter awaits us, built on a bald spot, in a wide area of the mountain crest, with two springs at a very short distance, one on each slope (hence the name of the place). Although both have good flow, the most convenient for capturing water is on the south side, with views of the North Carolina valleys.
The journey has been short, but very interesting, and the day was very sunny, so we took the opportunity to dry our clothes, rest, and walk in a relaxed way through the woods near the refuge, capturing beautiful images of the place.
Already in the afternoon, more hikers began to arrive at the refuge, which, as expected, ended up full.
The night was calm, without storms, but it did not stop raining for a single minute. Mentally, everyone was getting used to the idea of finding the trails completely flooded the next day, but at least we had been able to rest comfortably and regain strength for the next day.
PPI Index: 71 HKG
Total distance: 11.81 km
Desn. cumulative ascent: 639.97 m
Desn. accumulated descent: 445.83 m
Maximum height: 1701.45 m
Minimum height: 1429.18 m
Total time: 4:12:15 h
Moving time: 3:57:26 h
Stopped time: 0:14:49 h
Total average speed: 2.81 km/h
Average moving speed: 2.98 km/h
IBP index. IBP index is an automatic assessment system that rates the difficulty of a route traveled
Waypoints
Wilderness hut
4,889 ft
Inicio de la etapa en el Derrick Knob Shelter
Inicio de la etapa en el Derrick Knob Shelter
Intersection
4,873 ft
Sams Gap (4.840 pies). Intersección del AT con el Greenbrier Ridge Trail
Sams Gap (4,840 feet). Intersection of the AT with the Greenbrier Ridge Trail
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Panorama
5,176 ft
Muy cerca de la cima de Cold Spring Knob (5.220 pies)
Muy cerca de la cima de Cold Spring Knob (5.220 pies)
Intersection
4,979 ft
Intersección del AT con el Miry Ridge Trail
Intersección del AT con el Miry Ridge Trail
Photo
Summit
Intersection
5,424 ft
Intersección del AT con el Welch Ridge Trail y vista lateral
Intersección del AT con el Welch Ridge Trail y vista lateral
Panorama
5,389 ft
La que parecía ser la última subida del dia, y resultó ser la penúltima. The Narrows. Vistas
The one that seemed to be the last climb of the day, and it turned out to be the penultimate one. The Narrows. Views
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Panorama
5,446 ft
The Narrows. Espectacular vista hacia las dos laderas
The Narrows. Espectacular vista hacia las dos laderas
Campsite
5,486 ft
A medida que nos aproximamos a Double Spring Gap, la presencia de coníferas es cada vez mayor
As we approach Double Spring Gap, the presence of conifers is increasing
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Wilderness hut
5,478 ft
Double Spring Gap Shelter y fin de etapa
Double Spring Gap Shelter y fin de etapa
Comments (17)
You can add a comment or review this trail
Encantador sendero !!! https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-outdoor/18-appalachian-trail-north-carolina-seccion-2-2-great-smoky-mountains-derrick-knob-shelter-a-double-13207815#wp-13207818/photo-8147626
Muchísimas gracias.
El Parque Nacional de las Smoky Mountains, por el que transita el Appalachian Trail durante un trayecto de 115 km (entre 6 y 7 días de marcha) es realmente espectacular en todos los sentidos. Tiene una fauna y una flora muy rica, y ahora en primavera se puede disfrutar mucho de sus impresionantes paisajes.
Por estos senderos que ahora comienzan a verdecer, hace tan sólo dos meses había un metro de nieve (el clima de estas montañas, situadas entre North Carolina y Tennessee, es similar al de algunas regiones de Canadá).
Toda la zona fue territorio de los indios Cheroqui, y aún hoy en día hay una importante reserva india (o mejor dicho, un fideicomiso de tierras, conocido como Qualla Boundary ) que abarca muchos kilómetros cuadrados, en la que habitan los descendientes de la tribu cheroqui de la banda oriental.
Un gran abrazo https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-outdoor/18-appalachian-trail-north-carolina-seccion-2-2-great-smoky-mountains-derrick-knob-shelter-a-double-13207815#wp-13207818/photo-8147626
Impresionante tu comentario, del que ya había leído sobre la Tribu Cheroqui. Esos senderos sí que son brotes verdes reales y no como algún tunante nos quiere hacer ver. Solo de imaginar lo que estarás disfrutando, ya se me ponen los dientes largos. Un abrazo. https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-outdoor/18-appalachian-trail-north-carolina-seccion-2-2-great-smoky-mountains-derrick-knob-shelter-a-double-13207815#wp-13207818/photo-8147626
Soberbio sendero con toda una nueva vida !!! https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-outdoor/18-appalachian-trail-north-carolina-seccion-2-2-great-smoky-mountains-derrick-knob-shelter-a-double-13207815#wp-13207820/photo-8147633
Solo viendo esos brotes verdes reales se me abren los ojos, ante tanto sendero lindo y relajante 100%, una maravilla que año tras año revive la naturaleza, un abrazo y continuara disfrutando de tu Aventurón .....
¡¡Estupenda foto!! :) https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-outdoor/18-appalachian-trail-north-carolina-seccion-2-2-great-smoky-mountains-derrick-knob-shelter-a-double-13207815#wp-13207831/photo-8147687
Muchas gracias por tu comentario y tu valoración, querido amigo.
Es un placer compartir estas etapas con quienes aprecian. como tú, la naturaleza y la actividad al aire libre.
En España tenemos también senderos y rutas maravillosas, aunque a veces siento envidia de estos gigantescos y bien cuidados parques nacionales estadounidenses, y sobre todo, de la implicación que tienen en su conservación los miles de voluntarios que gestionan su mantenimiento a través de cientos de asociaciones.
En España nos falta cultura de asociacionismo, y tendemos demasiado a esperar que sean las instituciones las que se encarguen de todo.
Creo que una mayor implicación individual, canalizada a través de clubs y asociaciones, haría sentir a la ciudadanía que los espacios naturales son de todos, y que su conservación es también cosa de todos.
Totalmente de acuerdo y con mucho sentido común en tu comentario, majestuosos bosques y parques donde disfrutar con todos los sentidos, sobre todo con el de la vista.
Un fuerte abrazo.
Nice designed desert. https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/18-appalachian-trail-north-carolina-seccion-2-2-great-smoky-mountains-derrick-knob-shelter-a-double-13207815/photo-8147571
Wonderful path!
Hola Pablo, tengo una curiosidad, te has encontrado en USA o en alguna otra parte, con un anival salvave? Oso u otro? que has hecho? gracias,
Si. En muchas ocasiones.
A modo de ejemplo, te diré que en toda la cordillera pirenaica (tanto en la parte española, como en la francesa) viven aproximadamente 40 osos (que incluso tienen nombres), mientras que un estado como New Jersey, de los más pequeños de la costa este, la población de osos es de aproximadamente 8.000 ejemplares.
Es frecuente encontrarse con osos negros, en todo el recorrido del AT, pero por lo general, el oso negro es un animal que trata de evitar el encuentro con humanos, y si oye o huele nuestra presencia, se alejará. Con frecuencia los puedes ver pasar a lo lejos.
El peligro está en el "encontronazo"; en algún recodo de la montaña, sin que el animal se haya percatado de nuestra proximidad. En esos casos, y más aún en la primavera en que están criando sus cachorros, el encuentro puede resultar peligroso si no se adoptan las precauciones adecuadas. Yo suelo llevar en mi mochila tres cascabeles (mi apodo del AT es Three bells), para advertir de mi presencia,.... pero también un aerosol especial para repeler el eventual ataque de un oso (que por supuesto, nunca tuve que utilizar). Las armas de fuego o grandes cuchillos no están bien vistos en el AT, y no se suelen llevar.
Por supuesto, es fundamental mantener la comida y cualquier otro producto que despida olor (incluido pasta de dientes, desodorantes, etc.) fuera del refugio o de la tienda de campaña, alejado del alcance de los osos (generalmente colgado con cuerdas o cables de los árboles, o en cajas de acero que hay en muchos refugios). Recuerda que para el oso negro (a diferencia de lo que ocurre con los pardos y los blancos), los humanos no somos su comida, pero sí que buscan nuestra comida, y pueden aproximarse mientras dormimos, guiados por su finísimo olfato.
Además de osos, es frecuente encontrar serpientes de varios tipos, incluida la cascabel, y claro está, muchísimos ciervos, y en la parte norte (especialmente Vermont y Maine) algunos renos.
Un gran abrazo
Waho Pablo que interesante, la verdad, es que si había escuchado de que en los pirineos hay osos, le he preguntado a muchos que la han hecho la GR11 pero nadie los vé pero si los veo en la tele y en las noticias.
Veo tus fotos y me llaman mucho la atención la flora y fauna que hay en ellas.
Gracias de verdad por la explicación, y en USA has visto los Puma ( wild Cats ) ?
No, Jordi. No he visto pumas.
En los Estados Unidos no hay pumas en la zona este (excepto en alguna parte de Florida), pero están presentes en el oeste y en casi todo el resto del continente americano.
Un gran abrazo
Siiiii en Florida, yo no lo sabía hasta el año pasado, yo te cuento, soy dominicano pero vivo enn Barcelona y voy mucho a Miami, y en una ocasión nos dijeron en medio de un Hike por el Norte de Miami, que tengamos cuidado con los Wild Cats, y la verdad es que no me lo creía! hoy en 20minutos.es salió un video de un sendrista que se encontró con uno en Utah, que impactante sería eso.
Y te pregunto para tí cúales más duro el AT o el GR11?, ambos me gustaría hacerlos algún día.
Pablo te he empezado a seguir pues tus rutas son súper interesantes, ojala que me puedas seguir, sería un honor es la verdad.
Un abrazo
Hola, Jordi.
Yo creo que la dificultad técnica del GR11 - Senda Pirenaica, es mayor, ya que el recorrido discurre también a mayor altitud. Las cimas más altas del AT apenas superan los 2.000 m., mientras que el GR11 alcanza los 2.800 m., y eso se traduce en mucha más roca, nieve, y desniveles más importantes.
La mayor dificultad del AT es la distancia (más de 3.500 km., frente a los 800 km. de la GR11), con grandes extensiones despobladas, especialmente en New Hampshire y Maine, y un clima más variado e inestable.
Pero en todo caso, estas dos grandes rutas son extraordinariamente bellas, y vale la pena conocerlas.
Un gran abrazo
Graciassssssssss Pablo la verdad es que es súper interesante leerte, gracias por las explicaciones !