Mollies Ridge

[chiefiepoo]

For me, at age 65, it was 9 hours from the start of crossing the dam to Mollies Ridge. 10.7 miles I think. That included a leisurely lunch and a short trip and 30 minute stay at Birch where I had contemplated staying. Too many flies there so I opted to continue to Mollies. I did the 5.3 from Birch to Mollies in about 3.5 hours.

[MuddyWaters]

Can anyone tell me estimated time from Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge.


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Anywhere from 4-10 hrs depending on person, load, breaks, sidetrip to shuckstack, etc.

In shape, reasonably light (25 lb) pack, and 6 hrs is not hard. If not accustomed to hiking, or carrying heavy pack, plan a full day.

[Kerosene]

I did that section in early October 2011 at age 54 carrying a 25-pound pack. There was wet snow at high elevations the night before but it dawned clear and cold (35F!) which forced me to start across the dam in my lightweight fleece, which is very unusual for me. It took me 5.5 hours to cover the 11 miles to Mollie's Ridge Shelter, including a detour to climb the firetower and a lunch behind a boulder somewhat out of the breeze until I got too cold and had to move on.

While I have osteoarthritis in my knees from decades of playing soccer and basketball, that foundational fitness level also makes it a lot easier for me to climb than most people. I actually enjoyed the climb to the firetower and never had to pause for a rest. YMMV. It's also a lot easier in cooler, less humid temps than it would be in mid-summer.

My daily mileage through the Park was limited by shelter reservations. I stayed a Mollies Ridge (11.0 miles), Derrick Knob (12.5), Mt. Collins (13.5), re-supplied at Newfound Gap through Hike Inn and moved on to Peck's Corner (14.9), Cosby Knob (12.9), Standing Bear Farm (11.0), then out at Max Patch (12.1) to complete my southern AT mileage. I had glorious weather after that brisk first day and night.

[Bronk]

I want to say I left the Fontana Hilton at 7 or 8am and got up there by early afternoon...no later than 2pm. But keep in mind that thruhikers will have walked 160+ miles to get to that point so they will be in good shape by the time they get there. It is a climb.

[LoneRidgeRunner]

Anyone ever see "Molly"?

[LoneRidgeRunner]

Anyone ever see "Mollie"?

[-Rush-]

No, and I've never seen Spiderfoot either.