Hazel Creek/Forney Creek Loop Hike

OVERVIEW

This challenging six day five-night, 56.7-mile loop packs in long days, steep climbs, and tricky creek crossings to bring you deep into the heart of the last true Eastern wilderness. Get ready to kiss civilization good-bye: The North Carolina side of the Smokies sees just 15 percent of the park’s total visitors, and you’ll be wandering the area’s most remote miles, where red fox and bobcat linger beneath more than 100 different types of trees.

The loose itenerary for right now looks something like this:
3/8-Drive to Ashville NC on Friday (6 hr drive) and sleep at the first campsite
3/9-Drive to the Oconaluftee visitor center to get our backcountry permits (free); drive to Clingman’s Dome (starting point) and begin hike.
3/9-3/14-Hike the 5 day trip as planned out online; each day ranges from 5.5 to 13 miles of hiking including river crossings, fly fishing, and camping out each night.
3/14- finish back at Clingman’s Dome and head back to Charlottesville

Interested member must be prepared for 5 days of slightly strenuous hiking with around 50 lbs of weight. Temperatures may drop in the low 30’s so many non-cotton layers are recommended as well as rain gear should the weather take a turn for the worse.

The trip will have the opportunity of fly fishing on Hazel Creek. Interested members must obtain a valid North Carolina fishing license if interested. They can be obtained online at http://www.ncwildlife.org/default.aspx.

We plan on renting tents, mess kits, sleeping bags, headlamps, backpacks, and a waterfilter from the club and I will be purchasing food for the group. Individuals should bring many layers, a good pair of boots, lots of socks, personal snacks, and raingear.

Right now the trip is limited to 4 people as thats all that can fit in my car. We can expand numbers if other interested members are willing to drive as well. Join the waitlist and email me (mrr7ry@virginia.edu) if you’re able to drive and we can expand the group.