Trace Notes - January 2016 - Section One

2016 TRACE NOTES
Helpful information for your adventure
on Section 1 of the Hiker Challenge.
Start Point— Burnt Mill Bridge Trail Head
End Point— Charit Lodge Parking Lot 26 miles
WEATHER DECISION Please check our Facebook,
Twitter pages and your email for any last minute
weather decisions.
Journey North Begins in the Big South Fork
Section 1, as we head north on the Trace, is perhaps one of the most scenic
sections of the Trace. The route leaves Burnt Mill Bridge trail head and follows the river for several miles til you climb up to a ridge. This section features great water, spectacular views just steps off the Trace.
The river is your guide for most of this section. As you descend into the gorge
at O & W Bridge you’ll cross the old railroad ties bridge that is still in service.
You turn left and head up river for the next few miles till you popout at Leatherwood Ford trail head. Right before the trail head there are several large camping areas where we’ll stop for the
night so you can take advantage of the facilities at Leatherwood.
Sunday, you cross the river and again for several miles it will be on your left till you turn and climb up to the ridge
that takes you over to Bandy Creek. From there it is a mix of trail and forest road to your destination at Charit Lodge
parking lot.
2016Hiker Challenge—Elevation Profile Section Nine
Elevation diagram courtesy of Kaner “Rudy” Davis, Class of 2014
Section One Trace Notes:
Burnt Mill Bridge to Charit Lodge Trailhead
Challenge participants please note the shuttle pick up is at 7 AM at Charit Parking Lot
FRIDAY NIGHT CAMPOUT: Friday night early arrival camp out is at Bandy Creek campground. If you are so inclined there are
several hotels / motels in the Oneida Tennessee area. Please do not arrive before 6 pm and look for STA Event sign to direct you
to the camping area. There are heated bathrooms in the campground.
Shuttle Info: The shuttle will leave from Charit Lodge Trail Head at 7 a.m. . It is about 1 hour ride back to Burnt Mill Bridge. If
you are running late or miss the shuttle, please text 606.386.3636 and go direct to Burnt Mill Bridge. To get to shuttle point and
Big South Fork you can either go all the way down I-75 to exit 11 and turn right onto Rt 92 or you can take I-75 south to exit 62
and turn right and follow Rt 25 til it intersect 421. Take 421 toward Somerset over to Rt 27. Google the route and you can find a
few short cuts. Once you are on Rt 27 you follow it south to Oneida Tennessee. In Oneida look for the right turn onto Rt. 297.
Follow 297 all the way into the Park. You will pass the Headquarters and descend a steep hill into the Gorge. Be careful here. At
the bottom of the hill you will pass Leatherwood Ford at the bridge, climb up the hill and pass, on the right the turn into Bandy
Creek. Stay on 297 for several more miles til it intersects Rt 154. Turn right and follow signs to Pickett State Park. Look for our
Event Sign at the turn to Divide Road, a gravel road. For about 5 miles you will follow Divide Road until it intersects with the
right turn into Charit Lodge area. AGAIN LOOK FOR OUR SIGN. If you are coming from Tennessee and need directions please
give us a call.
Trace Tips for Section 1: This is a great section to get your hike started. There are outstanding views or the river, a few steep
hills to climb, one great downhill into the O&W Bridge area. Lots of rolling and flat trail across ridges and over to Leatherwood
Ford. Enjoy the first hike if the weather permits. Take lots of pictures. Lunch if the weather permits on Sunday at Angel Falls
Overlook.
Water: You should start with at least two liters of water. Water is plentiful all along the trail. Treat all water. There is wate r
at Leatherwood Ford restrooms.
Water Obstacles / other Obstacles: Water shoes are optional. There is one large stream that will require you to take your
boots off and there are several small streams that may require you to change into water shoes.
5 lb. Drop: The 5 lb. drop is in effect. Please DO NOT put your drop in a black garbage bag. White is prefer and if possible
mark the items with your name. You will put your drop in the STA van at the start point. BEAR IN MIND—YOU WILL PICK UP
YOUR FIVE POUND DROP AT LEATHERWOOD FORD AND HAVE TO CARRY IT IN TO CAMP FROM THERE. ON SUNDAY MORNING
YOU WILL HAVE TO CARRY IT OUT TO THE SUPPORT VEHICLE. PACK ACCORDINGLY.
Maps: The south map set covers this section.
Good luck. Wishing each one of you “clear skies and mostly clear trails” for Section 1
Please visit our webpage, go to STA Adventures page, 2016 Hiker Challenge and download the required Release of Liability,
the Media Release and review the Code of Conduct please. Forms should be signed and either scan and sent in to the office or
brought with you to first hike.