Raven Fork 3 Forks

[fcfly]

This Spring I am thinking about exploring/fishing the
3 Forks region of Raven Fork (also known
as the "big pool"). I have studied the area on
Google maps and am thinking about accessing from either
campsite 47 or 44.
I like to check out the more isolated sections of the
Park and have fished the lower part of Raven Fork known
as "the Gorges"...would not recommend to
faint of heart.
Any info appreciated.

[Speckleman5]

Just as the gorges section, not for the faint of heart. Not likely to be done staying at either of the 2 campsites you mentioned either, would be a very tough day trip from either.

[MtnMike]

I asked a similiar question last year and it seems like nobody wants to talk. That is a remote area I was also specifically interested in campsite #44 at McGee Spring and wondering if you could work your way down to the 3 forks area from there. I'm not familiar with that area at all, but maybe one of these days. Would love to hear if you ever try it. But my guess is that if any of us ever make it we would probably decide not to tell.

Mike

[duckypaddler]

There is also a out of print hiking guide to the Smokies that has the unmaintained Smokies trails and 3 forks is listed. You access it from an old trail that is named Break neck ridge trail. Described as a rudementry manway to 3 forks. You must definately be comfortable with off trail navigation to take this on by yourself. Not impossible by any means, but not something for the Old Geezers. I plan on kayaking this stretch one day. My buddy that did it, who has traveled the world over, said it was one of the most incredible experiences he ever had. Considering fishing gear is much lighter than a boat and gear you may be just fine, but us paddlers can get out much easier by paddling downstream then hiking out at the next campsite having a good trail and only a few miles to my car. Without a trail, I would have several days food and shelter with me if I did it as a fishing trip.

There was a video posted here or on SE Fly Fishing fourm a few months back of people hiking up from Lower campsite. They never mentioned where they were, but I doubt they got all the way to 3 forks. While I don't have the hiking book I mentioned, I did scan this part and can e-mail to you if you are going to take it on.

Ooh and the "Gorges" section below the Lower campsite get boated frequently, but is extreme Class 5+, and I wouldn't try fishing it without good rapelling gear. Here is a link to some video of some of easier, yes easier rapids in this section: http://vimeo.com/2667017

Good Luck,
James

[fcfly]

Thanks to all replys especially James with
the video.Unless you have been
thru the Gorges its unlike any place I've
been in the Smokys... incredible beauty and awesome power
...takes some real skill and kahunas to pull that off!
I day hiked to McGee Springs last summer
and bushwacked a short distance towards
Right Fork...very thick laurel **** and
decided not a good idea solo.
Also, have heard about the old Breakneck Ridge
manway thru a website by a fella
named Griztrax.
Would appreciate the guide...send to fffc160@hotmail.com.
Thanks again!

[bugg]

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[duckypaddler]

Originally Posted by bugg

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I'm a newby here, and please clarify if I'm missing something, but why should I not answer this guys questions? It's not like I didn't talk about the difficulties of access, or extreme nature of this trek. I would think if the guy is smart enough to be on a fourm asking questions he's already smarter than most people in these parts. He had mentioned he had done the "gorges" which I know is even more difficult, so obviously this guy has some mountain experience. Is it that you want it all to yourself? If so, then that's pretty sad. If it's some good reason that I'm just ignorant of, then please enlighten me and I'll be happy to be quiet, otherwise you shhhhhhhhhhh!

[Speckleman5]

I believe that may have been a sarcastic jab as to how little response the thread got.

[BlueRaiderFan]

Originally Posted by fcfly

This Spring I am thinking about exploring/fishing the
3 Forks region of Raven Fork (also known
as the "big pool"). I have studied the area on
Google maps and am thinking about accessing from either
campsite 47 or 44.
I like to check out the more isolated sections of the
Park and have fished the lower part of Raven Fork known
as "the Gorges"...would not recommend to
faint of heart.
Any info appreciated.

Any one got a link to a map?

[pineman19]

Here is a link to topo maps of the Smokies. They also show the older trails that are no longer maintained by the Park


http://www.dlia.org/atbi/science/park_quad_maps.shtml