Backpacking
Backpacking Checklist
Here are the basics on what is in my backpack. This is list is variable and greatly depends on such things as weather, how many days I’m staying out, and the difficulty or remoteness of the trail. PRIMARY GEAR Backpack – I have acquired too many, but I currently use two more than the others. … Continue reading
Laurel Fork Trail
The Laurel Fork Trail is located just upstream from the very popular trek on the Appalachian Trail to Laurel Falls. Designated as Cherokee National Forest Trail #39 this hike, however, is much more secluded, adventurous, and extremely remote. It requires numerous and often difficult stream fords, deep and muddy areas dammed up by beavers, some … Continue reading
Grayson Highlands Backpacking: A.T./Pine Mountain Loop
This is a loop hike in the Grayson Highlands that I tend to do about once per year, so I’ve posted it a couple times before, but not with all the snowy conditions that I experienced this time. My daughter Taylor and her boyfriend Cameron joined me over their spring break around the end of March. And … Continue reading
Iron Mtn Backpacking: TN91 to Wilbur Dam Road
I finished up a small section of Appalachian Trail that I had not completed before, covering the Iron Mountain ridgeline from TN91 to Wilburn Dam Road. This was a southbound 16 mile hike, spending one night. About 3 miles into the hike my first stop was the Nick Grindstaff Monument. This is very eerie place with … Continue reading
Rocky Fork Backpacking
Located along the TN/NC border in Unicoi County, TN is the newly purchased U.S. Forest Service property known as Rocky Fork. This 10,000 acre tract is very rugged, with unmarked trails and very limited trail maps. My good friend Jimmy Humston and I decided to do some exploring along the northern-most sections of the tract … Continue reading
Grayson Highlands Backpacking: A.T. – Pine Mtn Loop
I made my first backpacking trip of the year on a loop starting in the Grayson Highlands State Park (at the Backpackers Overnight Parking area). I’ve done this exact trip a couple of times before, and as always I’ve found it to be a great hike if you’re looking for a short, relaxing loop for … Continue reading