Live in ATL. Davenport gap to Sams gap logistics?

[PinballATL]

Experienced ~18-20 mile a day section hiker with dialed in gear. Going next month in May 2024. Unable, unwilling to leave my vehicle anywhere.
Taking shuttle/logistics recommendations.

Last resort is girlfriend drops me at Davenport gap (7 hrs round trip Atlanta) and picks me up at Sam’s gap (7+ hrs round trip).
There must be a better way.

Thanks in advance.
-Jingle Bells (aka Pinball)

[WMR]

I live in ATL, have done the trip to Davenport Gap twice, it's about 4 1/4- 4.5 hours via Asheville/I-40. Not wanting to leave your car somewhere makes it hard. If you're worried about security at either end, consider leaving your car at Standing Bear (where the trail crosses I-40, couple miles from Davenport Gap) and shuttle from there. Your car will be safe at Standing Bear, shuttle to Sam's Gap and hike south.

[Tennessee Viking]

Always recommended to walk to your car.

Park at NaturesInn near Sams Gap or Johnnys in Erwin - Add mileage to Erwin, or shuttle into Erwin from Sams Gap.
Reverse trip and park at Standing Bear.

Travelling Lite Shuttles is based in Asheville.
Or Unicoi shuttles in Erwin.

[PinballATL]

This is great. Thank you both. I’m going to call around to get warm fuzzies about where to leave my car.

[Gambit McCrae]

PinballATL this is not the answer you are looking for, but I am curious why you are against the trailside parking? If luxury/ nice vehicle is the case I understand but if its just a daily driver I can attest to parking on the side of the road being as safe as a Walmart parking lot. Over 150 backpacking trips roadside parking, never a doording let alone a broken window etc.

but if you insist on not parking trailside, yes parking at a hostel is your next best bet.

[PinballATL]

Hostel warm fuzzies received. Problem solved. Thanks for the ridiculously quick help and engagement. This is particularly exciting because I feel like it opens a door to continue sectioning North that I really never thought existed.

Indeed Gambit. I have a decent late model vehicle and humorously, curiously bad luck with life’s big2 assets (house/car) be it from vandals, police, weather- you name it.

[HankIV]

Amtrak can get you reasonably close ( long shuttle) in mid to north Virginia and right to it in Harpers Ferry with a connection in DC.

[Gambit McCrae]

Hostel warm fuzzies received. Problem solved. Thanks for the ridiculously quick help and engagement. This is particularly exciting because I feel like it opens a door to continue sectioning North that I really never thought existed.

Indeed Gambit. I have a decent late model vehicle and humorously, curiously bad luck with life’s big2 assets (house/car) be it from vandals, police, weather- you name it.

Hey I get it, sometimes its best to go with your gut/ resolve even if it means a bit more legwork, if it puts your mind at ease its worth it. Same as driving back to the house to check that the garage door is closed...

[Tennessee Viking]

Will add costs but fly into Asheville or TriCities from ATL, shuttle to trail, and shuttle back to airport.

[Gambit McCrae]

Will add costs but fly into Asheville or TriCities from ATL, shuttle to trail, and shuttle back to airport.

A good idea. Especially as a replacement to your wife having to do all that driving. Still not a bad idea likewise

[PinballATL]

Thanks- I’m sure the flights are going to become a thing after this section or the next. I’m pumped about my hike but dreading driving home alone dirty/smelly/sore for 4.5 hours.

While we are at it:
Any highlights of my Davenport to Sam’s section?
-Pass thru Hot Springs will be cool and a first for me. I thought Mountain Crossings going thru building was cool.
-Will take a short break in Max Patch.
-Highly likely trail magic I should count on?
-Is the Cookie Lady in my section? Is she on a side trail?

[Tennessee Viking]

Highlights
Standing Bear Hostel
FAA Beacon
Max Patch
Lovers Leap
Mill Ridge
Rich Mtn Firetower
Viking Mtn - Jones Meadows/Blackstack Cliffs
Exposed Trail
Big Butt meadows
Laurel Shelton Graves
Access to Rocky Fork State Park at Flint Gap

[PinballATL]

Thanks! That’s a longer list than expected.
I’m pumped. I’ve graduated to practicing locally with fully pack weight and will be the most prepared I have ever been for a section. Usually for my sections I train prior with some* weight in pack, but not heavy enough and end up with really challenging soreness during/after.