I hiked this stretch this weekend and wanted to pass along a few observations that may assist others that pass through this area.
- I left my car at the VA 603/Fox Creek parking area for two nights with no problems.
- There is an area just behind the VA 603/Fox Creek parking area that could hold at least eight tents.
- Hurricane Mountain Shelter: The shelter has a very nice roof that covers the picnic table area. The shelter is 1/10th mile up the hill and is not flat enough to support tenting. Both the tenting and water is down the hill by the trail along the stream.
- Trimpi Shelter: Plenty of room to tent. I was surprised at how little flow there was from the spring at this time of year, especially compared to the other water sources we encountered. If I were coming through here in the summer or early fall I would ask on the trail about the flow at this shelter before counting on the water.
- Crossing at VA 670 at the South Holston River: There is room to park three cars at this location and no more.
- Partnership Shelter: This shelter is pretty well documented. There is no camping allowed ¼ mile each side of the shelter, even though there appears to be many established campsites. Going northbound there is a spot for a few tents on the ridge just after the no camping sign. There are larger established campsites on the east side of the trail about 1 ½ and 2 miles north of the shelter.
- Chatfield Shelter: I thought this shelter had a picturesque setting down by the stream that was flowing very well. The trail just south of the shelter is pretty rocky. There is no flat area to camp by the shelter, but there are a few spots ¼ mile north of the shelter where the trail crosses a fire road.