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View Full Version : Laurel Gap Shelter Re-modeled


SGT Rock
2011-10-05, 13:10
I just found out yesterday that the SMHC and Friends of the Smokies had done a work trip to upgrade the Laurel Gap Shelter on the BMT. As some of you may know, the Laurel Gap Shelter is one of only two shelters on the entire BMT, and has been a mud pit of a shelter for decades. I didn't know they were going to be doing it or I would have tried to go out on the trip myself to help. Wildcat showed me some pictures of the renovated shelter and it looks great. The only thing about it at this point is the roof didn't get finished. Apparently the chopper pilot had to cut sling load on one of the loads, and that was the tin roof for the main part. So until they get the roof finished, the shelter is temporarily listed as closed on the closings page: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

He said the expect to get the new roof on by November 15th, but wasn't sure exactly when it would happen.

Before:
http://hikinghq.net/images/bmt/5436978390105.jpg

After:
http://hikinghq.net/images/bmt/1055388390105.jpg

A big thanks to all the volunteers for the hard work.
Kanga
2011-10-05, 13:14
wow! that looks incredible!
SGT Rock
2011-10-05, 13:15
Yes, I use to recommend people not stay there, but now I need to go up there just to see the new shelter.
Cuffs
2011-10-05, 13:39
Great job!
Hikerhead
2011-10-05, 14:53
pretty nice but it stll looks like it will be a mud hole. CCC boys laid 4 layers of thin flat rock to make a floor on a shelter I helped rebuild in WVA. Nothing had grown thru that floor in 60 years. I know you have to go with what you have available.
sheepdog
2011-10-05, 20:30
Yes, I use to recommend people not stay there, but now I need to go up there just to see the new shelter.

tough work but someone's gotta do it.:beer:
Crikey
2011-10-06, 12:31
I assume the fence was to keep people out?
Gaiter
2011-10-06, 13:34
thats not remodling thats a major addition, looks nice!
Weary
2011-10-06, 16:19
tough work but someone's gotta do it.:beer:
Besides, voluntary work keeps one young and alert to what's happening in the world of the outdoors.
Tin Man
2011-10-06, 16:22
I assume the fence was to keep people out?

i think it was to keep the bears out
Bearpaw
2011-10-06, 21:48
I'll take some pictures when I pass through there in a couple of weeks. Nice to know that shelter is getting opened up.