Art Loeb trail weather.....

[10-K]

I've made arrangements to hike the Art Loeb trail Thursday and now they're calling for a 90% chance of rain Thursday - clearing Thursday night/Friday.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...&FcstType=text

Question: Would you start this hike Thursday morning at 7:00 AM assuming rain wasn't a problem but ice would be?

Never been up there but weather at 6000' is much different than weather at 3000' - just not sure how to call it and it's a long drive to get there and just have to turn around and come home.

[Gray Blazer]

Prolly be snowing up there. Hard to make the call. I would go for it assuming it'll be snowing. You could always hang out in your vehicle until the precipitation stops. Have fun!

[The Cleaner]

Your biggest problem may be on the road getting there.Sometimes cold air is trapped near the lower elevations causing sleet/snow.Once I was at Jerry's Cabin and it was 40 degrees&raining.Down in the valley(Greeneville) they had a terrible ice storm.Mountian weather is hard to forecast.I guess I'd go but I would take some kind of traction device for icy trails....Or you could go to Jerry's Cabin it's all cleaned up with tarps on the front.....

[1azarus]

I would definitely say the trip was a go!!!

[10-K]

Your biggest problem may be on the road getting there.Sometimes cold air is trapped near the lower elevations causing sleet/snow.Once I was at Jerry's Cabin and it was 40 degrees&raining.Down in the valley(Greeneville) they had a terrible ice storm.Mountian weather is hard to forecast.I guess I'd go but I would take some kind of traction device for icy trails....Or you could go to Jerry's Cabin it's all cleaned up with tarps on the front.....

I'm taking the dog and planning on 10-12 mile days. Well, I hope to get to Deep Gap shelter on day 1 - about 13 miles.

My backup plan is Devil's Fork Gap to Hot Springs - I've hiked that enough times to hike it blindfolded.

So, I'm going hiking somewhere - even if there is a 90% chance of rain.. I'm about back to 100% after 6 months of toxic medications - it's time to get back on the trail...

[10-K]

I would definitely say the trip was a go!!!

You do remember the last time you told me that????

[10-K]

well, at the moment they've removed all the ice/snow from the weekly forecast.

[lissersmith]

I live in the area, and we are expecting a major warmup tomorrow; you may encounter a little snow/ice, but probably not too much. We had some snow this AM. Beware there are many parts of this trail that don't have any signs, so have a good map with you. I lost time at Butter Gap last year by missing the right trail and I wound up on Cedar Rock Mountain. It is a strenuous trip, but a nice one. Take warm gear!

[10-K]

I'm good to go... TI Map 780, compass - even better I have the entire ALT track on my Garmin.

I'm going for it! Only bummer is the 80% chance of rain Thursday but it shows clearing Thursday night, sunny and 52* Friday.

For the moment, subject to change 3-4 more times I'm sure.

[1azarus]

You do remember the last time you told me that????

Exactly! I'm trying for the "consistent bad advice" hall of fame!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[bus]

10-K, if you don't go and you postpone to mid-March or so, I'll go with ya. Moving to Penrose, NC in March

[klattu]

I can't comment on the weather, but I hiked this trail 3 or 4 years ago -- so when I see it's name pop up I like to see what other people are saying. Getting lost seems to be a consistent theme, but my experience was quite the opposite. I only had the Pisgah Forest map and didn't have any problems, and I'm no genius. It's a real nice hike; have a good time!

[4dogHiker]

Weather should be good this weekend. The sun is shining now. You'll probably encounter some ice though. There is water off the trail, to the right down the logging road before the junction with the North Slope Trail. You might want to stock up-there is water at Deep Gap Shelter, but if it's real cold, the pipe may be frozen. have a good time~I love the Art Loeb!

[10-K]

I'm packed up and ready to go! 90% chance of rain too.

[The Cleaner]

I'm packed up and ready to go! 90% chance of rain too.

What kind of rain jacket are you taking?Go-Lite?...

[10-K]

Going Marmot this trip - Marmot precip pants and jacket.

The golite jacket is great but it's better for warmer weather. In order to get the weight down it's basically just a shell with a zipper - no way to cinch it tight or close it up to keep heat in.

[Papa D]

hey 10-K, I assume you are in route or somewhere without phone service - I just tried to call you. My bet is the weather will be fine - there will probably be some snow north of the parkway (esp. around Shining Rock) - the weather looks ok though. You could call Looking Glass Outfitters at (828) 884-5854 for their best guess too. Have fun.

[10-K]

Dang sorry I missed you and LGO was closed by the time I got your message.

I'm headed out here in about 30 minutes.

100% chance of showers today, clear tonight. Sounds like fun.

Trivia: A soaking we German Shepherd will dry in 4 hours!

[10-K]

Rain, wind and fog - several icy spots north of Shining Rock Gap. Didn't get below freezing, even above 6000' it was raining.

Today I could have hiked in shorts and a t-shirt.