Great Escape on a Trail: Jacob's Ladder

Stecoah Gap, NC to Fontana Dam and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)

AT miles hiked - 167.4

AT miles to go - 2,025.6

Wednesday, September 30th, was a beautiful day for hiking. Craig dropped me at Stecoah Gap a few minutes after 8:00 am. It was clear, breezy and quite chilly, probably in the low 50s. I slack packed from Stecocah Gap to Yellow Creek Gap, just 7.67 miles. The first part of the hike included a fairly steep, mile long climb to called "Jacob's Ladder." I last hiked this section over 10 years ago with me son, Jacob, as we were training for our backpacking trip at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Neither of us will ever forgot that day. Soon after topping out of the climb, Jacob was a ways behind me when I heard him yelling. As I turned back to see what the matter was, he came running in my direction. One of us had somehow stirred up a ground nest of yellow jackets and he was being attacked by them. He was stung something like eight times before we could escape them. What a day! Fortunately, no yellow jacket encounters this time through! My right ankle was a little tender, but nothing too serious. I had one partial view through the trees to a branch of Fontana lake. The sky was clear all morning and the mountains looked crisp in the fall weather. I arrived at Yellow Creek Gap at 12:30 and ate my sandwich while waiting for Craig to come pick me up.

A view southeast from Stecoah Gap.

Fontana Lake in the distance.

Cody Gap.

Thursday, I slack packed again. Craig and I dropped my truck at the trailhead entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and then he drove me back to Yellow Creek Gap where I resumed my hike northbound. It was quite cool and misty, but I had a climb right at the beginning, so warmed up quickly. Before long, I had gained enough elevation to be above the mists and the sun was out, but most of the trail was in the trees with no views to speak of. At the about the six mile mark I emerged from the forest into the parking area for the Fontana Village Resort Marina. There was a beautiful Coke machine outside the restrooms and I made beeline for it, only to find it required exact change and I didn't have any. In despair, I turned around and saw a sign advertising snacks, drinks, etc. at the Fontana Marina. Hooray! I walked down to the marina and bought a coke and a hotpocket for lunch. Refreshed, I continue on my way. I passed the famous Fontana Hilton shelter and then crossed the Fontana Dam. Looming off to the right was a great view of Shuckstack mountain and the fire tower at the top - Friday morning's first introduction to the GSMNP.