Backpacking Trip

It is a great hike for beginners as well as experienced backpackers, at least in the direction that we are taking (mostly downhill).

We would take advantage of the teacher workday on Friday to drive up to Carver's Gap and drop folks off. The drivers would then go park down at Mountain Harbour B&B (https://www.mountainharbour.info/home/shuttle-service/) on US-19E and take their shuttle back up to the top. That day's hike is about 6 miles, and it starts with some up and down over a few balds with great views. Those climbs are not difficult, and once we complete the balds (maybe 1.5 miles), it's all downhill to the Overmountain Shelter. That's an old barn that was used as an AT shelter, but it's now closed due to safety concerns. However, there is a field with great camping right next to it, beautiful views, an excellent water source, and even a privy.

Saturday is the more challenging day, but it's really not too bad. You leave Overmountain Shelter to climb up Little Hump Mountain. It's a little shock to the system to climb up and somewhat steep at times, but it's not very long. Then you go down the other side and up Hump Mountain, which is the only big climb of the hike. I don't think it is terribly steep, but it will work us a bit. Again fabulous views on Little Hump and Hump, and that part is maybe 4 miles and then you are completely done climbing. Then there are another 2 miles downhill to a very nice camping area called Doll Flats, where again you have a great water source.

On Sunday morning, we only have 3 more miles to go, all downhill to US-19E. We walk a short distance along the road to get to our cars at Mountain Harbour B&B. So roughly 15 miles total over three days.