CAMPNPOST

Appalachian Trail - North Carolina - Betty Creek Gap to Winding Stairs Gap

Nearest Town: Hayesville, North Carolina

Trailhead Location: USFS 67

Trail Length: Approx. 13 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Marker: White Blaze

Directions: Take US 64. Right on Old US Hwy 64. Right on US 67.

Well, I am finally getting around to posting another section of the Appalachian Trail. A couple of friends and I backpacked from Winding Stairs Gap Southbound to the Sassafras Ridge area. The original plan on this trip was to backtrack all the way back to our last stopping point along the A.T. around Betty Creek Gap. Unfortunately, that weekend it poured almost the whole time with only a few short breaks. We ended up cutting the trip short and setting up camp early.

The spot we camped had great views off to the Northwest. According to my map we were likely looking at Foster Knob and Rockyface Mtn.

Recently, I went back up and completed the section on a long day hike and other than it being a little colder the weather wasn’t any different. Hiking in the rain seems to be my M.O.

Tags: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking, betty creek gap, Camping, hiking + north carolina, southeast, winding stairs gap

Nearest Town: Dawsonville, Ga

Directions to take-out at Old Federal:

1. From 575,  take Ga. 20 towards Cumming
2. Turn left onto Ga-369
3. Turn left onto Old Federal Rd
4. Slight right onto Nicholson Rd
5. Take an immediate left into dirt parking  area

____

1. From 400, left onto 369
2. Right on Old Federal Rd
3. Slight right onto Nicholson Rd
4. Turn left - dirt parking at Old Federal Rd take-out

Directions from take-out to Kelly Bridge put-in:

1. Head northwest on Nicholson Rd toward Montclair Hills Dr
2. Turn left onto Coltrane Rd
3. Slight right onto Old Kelly Farm Rd
4. Take the 1st left onto Kelly Bridge Rd

The River

Distance: 7.1

River Difficulty: Beginner (Class I)

This short section of the Etowah River is a calm and fairly quiet float with only minor shoals. The put-in at Kelly Bridge has plenty of room to park with a $3 charge and a concrete boat launch leading down to the river. The take-out at Old Federal is a little less desirable. The only options are a muddy bank about 10-15 feet high to load the kayaks up or under the bridge just beyond it.

The river, like much of the upper Etowah is canopied by large trees lining its banks on either side for most of the float. Its a nice section and would be perfect for those just getting started.

I kayaked this section by myself and although I don’t remember many specific facts about the river itself I did have a little encounter with the local wildlife I thought was pretty interesting.

I was getting closer to the end of my trip and noticed two, extremely large greyish-black birds on the bank so I quickly got out my camera to take a picture as I floated closer. As I was taking the picture one of them let out what sounded more like a growl from a rabid dog than a bird chirping. Feeling unwelcome, I quickly reversed direction and took off down the river.

I had made it a few hundred feet but couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t over, constantly looking back to see if they were flying after me. Ha, I was right, here came the first one after me diving down just over my head. As it flew by I could have sworn I heard it laugh with a series of quick squawks. Narrowly escaping El Diablo’s wrath, it took about a half mile before I stopped looking over my shoulder for the second bird to come looking for me.

Additional posts on the Etowah River:

• Old Federal to Yellow Creek
• Yellow Creek to 372
• 372 to East Cherokee
• East Cherokee to Boling Park
• Boling Park to Lake Allatoona at Knox Bridge

Tags: etowah river, kayak, kayak canton, Kayaking, kayaking near canton, kayaking north georgia, rivers near canton

Here is an updated version on my backpack-pack list from Nov 3rd, 2010:

My recent update was from a Therm-A-Rest Trail Lite to a Therm-A-Rest Neo Air shaving several ounces off my overall weight. I am currently waiting for Backcountry.com to restock some of their hammocks which I’ll be using on warmer trips.

Tags: backpack check list, pack list, thermarest neo air, thermarest trail lite

My wife and I have used the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray kayak paddles for more than four years now with our two person recreation kayak. One thing that stands out is how durable they are. Needless to say they are still going strong and I’m sure we will be using these for years to come! In addition to touring and rec kayaking I have even brought along one of them for some of my whitewater excursions and have never been disappointed. Other than being a bit too long for my smaller one man kayak they have held their own in all sorts of conditions.

These Sting Ray paddles are considered an all purpose paddle suited best for recreational and touring

• Precision balanced
• Easy storage four-piece construction
• Drip rings to keep your hands your hands and lap dry
• Lightweight aluminum shaft
• ABX resin blade material, a blend of fiberglass reinforced thermoplastics, provides excellent durability when pushing off rocks
• Grooves on the ferrules prevent sand and sludge build-up, maintaining tight, trouble-free ferrules for years of use
• Provides a flutter-free stroke with superior directional control; feathering is adjustable from 60-degrees right or unfeathered

Specs:

Shaft Material - Aluminum

Blade Material - Fiberglass-reinforced nylon blend

Shaft Style - Straight

Blade Style - Asymmetrical dihedral

Blade Size - 18 x 6.25 inches

Feather Angle - 0 / 60 degrees

Weight - 36.5 ounces (220cm)

Negatives: It can be difficult to separate the sections of the paddle due to the water creating a suction

Bottom Line: A well designed paddle that is worth the $100 or so you’ll spend. I would definitely recommend this product for touring, recreation and Class I - II river runs.

Related Products:
www.Backcountry.com | Aqua-Bound Shred Fiberglass Shaft Paddle | $83.97*
RockCreek.com | Sting Ray Aluminum Shaft Two-Piece Kayak Paddle | $89.90
NOC.com | Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Aluminum Paddle | $89.95
EMS.com | Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Paddle, Aluminum | $90.00
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Fiberglass 2-Piece Small Shaft | $109.95
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Fiberglass 2-Piece Kayak Paddle | $129.95
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Kayak Paddle | $129.95
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Small Shaft | $129.95
RamseyOutdoor.com | Sting Ray Hybrid - 230 - Small Shaft | $129.99*
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Hybrid 4-Piece Kayak Paddle | $139.95

Tags: aqua bound, kayak gear, kayak paddles, paddles, sting ray

Sandy Bottom Campground is a small 4 site campground along the Toccoa River in North Georgia. The sites are spacious and flat each with a fire pit, picnic table, and lamppost. Its a small campground so the sites fill quickly with local fishermen. If your lucky enough to snag a spot it is great for easy access to the Toccoa and Sandy Bottom is a good place for a takeout  when kayaking from Deep Hole Campground.

Nearest Town: Blue Ridge, Georgia

Sites: 4

Reservations: First com, first serve

Restrooms: Yes (Vault)

Parking: Along street or at boat launch

Amenities: Boat Launch, Day Use area

Activities:

Kayaking/Canoeing:The Toccoa River Canoe Trail starts at the Deep Hole Recreation area and flows 13.8 miles to the takeout at Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area.

Fishing - Fish Species (Rock and Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow and Brown Trout)

Hiking:

1. The Benton MacKaye Trail crosses Old Dial Road 0.75 miles north of the campground at the intersection of Old Dial Road and Shallowford Bridge Road.
2. The Aska Trail System is approximately 6.0 miles north of the campground and provides approximately 17.0 miles of recreational trails for bicyclists and hikers.

Fees:
Campground - $8 per night
Day Use - $3 parking fee at boat launch

Restrictions:

• 14 day stay limit
• Maximum 2 vehicles per campsite
• Dogs must be leashed at all times

Open: All year

Directions: 575 N to Blue Ridge, right on Windy Ridge Circle (Checkers on corner), left on Old Hwy 76, right on Aska Road. Once you reach Shallowford Brdige take a left and go over the bridge. Take a right on Shallowford Bridge Ln on the other side of the river. Right on Old Dial Road. Campsites just 0.6 miles on left just before boat launch parking.

Latitude : 34.78675
Longitude : -84.23888

Additional Information: Please contact the Blue Ridge Ranger District office at    706-745-6928 or Chattahoochee Outdoor Adventures at 1-800-251-4800.

Tags: Camping, Kayaking, north georgia campgrounds, sandy bottom campground, toccoa river

Harmony Clearwater TTD Spray Skirt

I bought the Harmony Clearwater TTD Spray Skirt last spring through Backcountry.com because it came recommended as a good fit for use with my crossover kayak - a LiquidLogic Remix XP9 but it didn’t take long to realize that although it is a decent product its not going to cut it for any real whitewater.

I was hoping I could use it as a multi purpose skirt in different conditions. I’ve used it several times down the Cartecay, Toccoa and Etowah rivers. All in all it’s a decent product if used in a more tame setting. Needless to say I had the skirt pop off the rim of the cockpit a couple times in heavy rapids.

I went with the large skirt to choose from which was closest fit for the xp9 cockpit dimensions. It has a bungee chord which can be used to adjust to the size of the cockpit. I could probably tie it a little tighter but it would just make it harder when setting up. Best to just stick to the easy stuff with this skirt.

Positives:

1. Tunnel Tie Down or (TTD) for easy access
2. Easy reach grap loop
3. Comes with small mesh sack for packing

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a skirt to use on Class I rivers or flatwater this would work out well and the TTD provides easy access to inside the boat while also allowing for ventilation on those warmer days.

For an alternative to use for whitewater check out our gear shop or this Seals skirt for the XP9, Xp10

Tags: Harmony, Harmony Clearwater TTD Spray Skirt, Harmony Clearwater TTD Spray Skirt Review, kayak gear, kayak gear reviews, Kayaking, Seals, spray skirt reviews

Josh Headley Softshell Jacket

Hooded Softshell from Moosejaw.

Moosejaw’s Josh Headley Softshell Jacket is a combination of 86% Poly/14% spandex exterior and a bonded crushed fleece interior great for all kinds of outdoor activities. It has a water repellent coating that’s extremely durable stopping wind, water and snow in its tracks while still remaining light and breathable.

Similar Product

Tags: hoodies, moosejaw, outdoor gear review, softshell hoodies, softshell jacket review

Nearest Town: Ellijay, Ga

County: Gilmer

Directions: From Ellijay take 52 East. You can either stop at  Woody’s Reservations: 706-889-1108 on the right side and rent kayaks there or if you have your own you can either offer to pay for a ride up to Lower Cartecay  and then their shuttle service can pick you up at Stegall Mill or drive up on your own and park at the DNR and Ellijay Outfitters parking lot (River Left). Note: If you go the Woody’s route be sure and to leave a generous donation for the ride.

Put In: Lower Cartecay Rd. at bridge.

Take Out: DNR

Note: Shuttle runs to additional take out options - Stegall Mill Bridge and Woody’s which we did this particular trip.

River Information:

• Class: I-III
• Distance: Approx. 8 miles
• Time: 5 Hours
• Gauge: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?02379500
• Gradient: 24 fpm (Feet Per Mile)
• Minimum Suggested Level: 1.2′ (1.4′ or higher preferred)

The Cartecay is by far one of the best rivers in Georgia for kayaking and its located just outside Ellijay so it also happens to be one of the more accessible. I have been down this river several times taking out in multiple spots all the way from Stegall Mill, DNR, Woody’s and even downtown Ellijay on Father’s Day this year. For the most ideal trip and to hit all the available rapids I recommend Upper Cartecay to the DNR take out. Below is a basic layout of the river and the rapids you’ll encounter along the way.

Sexton’s Rapid (Class II) (1 Mile)
The first of the rapids from the put-in at Lower Cartecay Rd which is a narrow chute (river right) that you’ll want to run down the right side and you can eddy out at the bottom on either the left or right side.

Rock Garden (Class II) (1.3 Miles)
Here there is a channel you’ll want to follow but keep an eye out for a pinning rock on the way down. Some more small shoals here before the next rapid.

Surfing Rapid (Class II) (1.5 Miles)
This is a shelf running the width of the river basically. Its a popular spot to surf with smaller play boats.

S-Turn (Class II+) (1.8 Miles)

Just after the S-Turn rapid there is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping off a rock outcropping river right.

Whirlpool Rapid (Class II+) (2 Miles)
The whirlpool rapid named for the swirling eddy at the bottom of the chute can be a bit tricky depending on the line you take and you have to be sure to paddle out quickly.

The next rapid comes up after a short flat section a few hundred feet long. The top of the falls are here are eerily calm as you prepare for the drop which basically just a big slide. This is one of the larger rapids known as Blackberry Falls just before the first main take out. Can get more technical when water levels are higher like we had pictured in this post.

Blackberry Falls (Class II+) (2.3 Miles)

Below the main rapid there is another smaller rapid on the right side of the river before the bridge and the first official take out. (River Right)

Typically, most people will end here but IMO some of the best parts of the river are still ahead!

There are several shoals and smaller rapids spanning from Stegall Mill to the next big rapid.

Mr Twister (Class II+)

The final rapid is one of the most difficult especially when the water levels are high. A huge hole and a 4ft hydraulic forms with heavy rain as it did with this particular trip. You will most likely want to run this river left and can avoid popping back up out of the hole and slitting the hydraulic by sticking far left but may still get sucked in by the headless horseman!

Clear Creek Falls (Aka- The Headless Horseman) (Class III III+ with higher water levels)

Note: These pictures really do not do it justice.

Beyond this there are several smaller rapids and shoals before leveling to a calm float.

This section of the Cartecay River is great for most skill levels but should only attempted with the proper gear. Once the river levels continue to look on your right for the DNR Take-Out or Woody’s and enjoy!

Here are a few kayaking gear coupons from a regional kayak retailer Nantahala Outdoor Center | Noc.com

Tags: Blackberry Falls, camping near cartecay, Cartecay, cartecay rapids, cartecay river, DNR cartecay river, georgia kayaking, headless horseman rapid, kayak, Kayaking, kayaking cartecay, mr twister rapid, s-turn rapids, sexton rapid, surfing rapid, whirlpool rapid

Nearest Town: Bradenton, FL
Directions: From I-75 Take exit 220 SR 64/Manatee Ave, Gulf Beaches exit. Travel west on SR 64 for approximately 12 miles to 75th St. W. Turn right onto 75th St. W. travel north 2 miles and it dead ends into the park.

Fee: Free

While on vacation in Florida we spent an afternoon at De Soto on Tampa Bay. We went for a hike on the nature trail that winds along the shoreline and through the mangrove forest. The trail passes by several small beaches and has some interpretive signs along the way. The trail is a short loop with another section that branches off and continues to the big memorial cross that can be seen from De Soto point. Watch out for natives and Spanish soldiers! I was startled more than once by life-sized cutouts of men strategically placed along the trail. It was kind of funny.
This is not a long hike but it makes for a nice relaxing walk and is dog friendly. It also has a lot of nice scenery starting with the giant Gumbo Limbo tree at the visitor’s center.

The park also offers a short film, a historic armor exhibit, a bookstore & seasonal re-enactments of the De Soto landing.

Tags: dog friendly hike sarasota, florida hikes, florida history, hikes in the south, hikes near bradenton

Here are a few of the best hand-picked deals on outdoor apparel & gear for Cyber Monday!

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Tags: cyber monday, Cyber Monday Coupons, cyber monday outdoor gear, Cyber Monday Sale, hiking socks, Patagonia