Appalachian Trail - Rufus Morgan Shelter - Member Hike

Hike Name: Appalachian Trail - Rufus Morgan Shelter
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Nearby Town: Bryson City
Rating: 4 stars
Directions: The Nantahala Outdoor Center is located in the community of Wesser, N.C. The NOC is located in the far western corner of North Carolina on US Highway 19, approximately 12 miles west of Bryson City, on the south side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From east Atlanta -Take I-85 North to I-985 North. At Gainesville, GA take 365 North to 441 North. Just past Dillsboro, NC, 441 merges with US 74. Take 74 West past all Bryson City exits. Continue about 12 miles west of Bryson City. The NOC at Wesser, NC is on both sides of the road and you can't miss it. The A.T. passes right by the main outfitting store in town.
Total Hike Distance: 1.60 miles
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required: No
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Trails Used: Appalachian Trail
Backcountry Campsites: Yes
Backcountry Water Sources: Streams
Management: U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information: Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah District, Route 1, Box 16A
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-6431
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Users: Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions: Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary: This short hike starts at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at Wesser, NC and climbs 500 feet heading southbound on the Appalachian Trail to the Rufus Morgan Shelter. For the most part, it is a steep grade of switchbacks until the last few hundred yards before the shelter. The structure sits about 50 yards off the trail to the east and looks to sleep roughly 6-8 people.
<b>The Rufus Morgan Shelter</b><br> It was a long climb up from Wesser, but we finally made it with at least three kids on our backs.
<b>The A.T. At The NOC</b><br> This sign marks the start of the A.T. southbound out of Wesser, N.C. where the Nantahala Outdoor Center is located.
<b>The End Of The Climb</b><br> Here we are as the trail finally reaches the Rufus Morgan Shelter. The kids were definitely ready to get down and run around.
<b>The NOC</b><br> This is a view of the Nantahala Outdoor Center from the A.T. as you enter the woods headed southbound. It was New Years Day and closed during our visit, so the often bustling area was rather quiet.

Map:

Hiker:

The Weasel


2,800 points

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Trip Reports

  Date Rating Duration Hiker
Appalachian Trail - Rufus Morgan Shelter - January 1, 2008 January 1, 2008 4 stars 1 hour The Weasel

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