April 11

On the boarder

Leaving the Lodge, we caught a shuttle back to the trail where we had left off yesterday.  The trail enters the woods for a mile or so, then comes out onto the road, where you actually walk right across Fontana Dam.  The view of Fontana Lake are amazing, the skies are clear, and the sun is shining.  At trail mile 167.1, I officially stepped foot into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The elevation at the Dam was 1700, but I had a big climb over the next several miles to Shuckstack Mnt, at 3800 feet.  There was an old fire tower at the top.  Yes, I climbed up it.  Amazing views.  Mountains in every direction as far as the eyes can see.  And of course, a spectacular view of the lake below.  Good place for a lunch break.  The climb up Shuckstack wasn't as bad as I had anticipated, but I still had to get up Doe Knob a few miles ahead, which climbed up to 4500 feet. At the summit of Doe Knob, you leave NC exclusively, and the AT now travels the border between NC and TN.  We passed the Birch Spring tent sites and continued to Mollies Ridge shelter.  Still feeling good, we continued on to Russell Field shelter for about a 15 mile day.  In the Smokies, you aren't allowed to camp just anywhere.  You have to stay at the shelters.  There are 4 spots for thru hikers, and the rest of the spots are for section hikers that have made reservations.  The shelters usually sleep 10-16 people, and if they get full, then you are allowed to pitch a tent in the vicinity.  The shelters have bear cables, but only some of them have privies.  The 'privy areas' are a really gross minefield.  They all are stone built, and have fireplaces inside next to the bunk platforms.  Not having the option to tent anywhere you please is an adjustment.

Shuckstack fire tower