Biking Distance: 1.7 miles
New Map Miles: 4.9
Total Map Miles: 485.4
After good luck with my bicycle shuttles last week, I used the technique again today. I drove to where the AT leaves the park (Davenport Gap) and parked my car. I hopped on the bike and road down the gravel road to the Big Creek Entrance to the park and left my bike at the 1st parking area which was also equipped with a privy. The bike ride was 1.7 miles and was a bit steep at times on the gravel. I started hiking about 1:50.
From Big Creek, I headed up the Chestnut Branch Trail. It is a 2 mile trail that terminates at the AT. The trail started out wide and eventually narrowed down to a normal Smokies Trail. The trail was well maintained and the footing was good. It did climb up the mountain with an elevation gain of 1300'. The day was hot and as a result I did lots of sweating. I didn't think to pick up a Gatorade on the way out this morning and was regretting it. There was a creek that the trail followed up the mountain, but there were no creek crossing issues.
At the AT, I turned left to get the 1 mile to the Lower Mt Cammerer trail. This portion of the trail continued the uphill climb for another 500' of gain. At the Lower Mt Cammerer Trail, I turned around and followed the AT back to the car. I did walk down and check out the Davenport Gap Shelter as I went by. It is still equipped with a chain link fence. The others I've seen don't have the fence.
There were no great views on this trail, but it was a nice walk in the woods on a Friday Afternoon. I was back at the car about 4:00. I then turned the car around and went back to Big Creek to pick up the bike.
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