The Jolly Roger
Two of my backpacking friends had milestone birthdays in 2021, and we had grand plans to celebrate on distant mountains in the western U.S. But after numerous attempts to synchronize schedules, we settled on a road trip to The Camel’s mountain house near Hays, N.C. to celebrate his 60th. Here we are pulling in his driveway after a long drive from Atlanta.
Two of my backpacking friends had milestone birthdays in 2021, and we had grand plans to celebrate on distant mountains in the western U.S. But after numerous attempts to synchronize schedules, we settled on a road trip to The Camel’s mountain house near Hays, N.C. to celebrate his 60th. Here we are pulling in his driveway after a long drive from Atlanta.
Tough Times & Sassafras Mountain
There was a period nearly 20 years ago when times were tough. Airlines stopped flying, people stopped working, and the media spouted doom and gloom on cable TV for 24 hours a day. It was 9/11/01, and my first impulse was to get to the wilderness. So when the weekend came, that is exactly what we did.
There was a period nearly 20 years ago when times were tough. Airlines stopped flying, people stopped working, and the media spouted doom and gloom on cable TV for 24 hours a day. It was 9/11/01, and my first impulse was to get to the wilderness. So when the weekend came, that is exactly what we did.
The Appalachian Trail @ 25 Years
It's been 25 years since I set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Time has moved exponentially since then, and I now appreciate that there are a few pivotal years in your life. 1994 was the year for me.
It's been 25 years since I set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Time has moved exponentially since then, and I now appreciate that there are a few pivotal years in your life. 1994 was the year for me.
3W - Thru-Hiker Rendevous
I have a friend hiking the Appalachian Trail this year and his schedule (and some inclement weather) had him take a zero day in Gatlinburg, TN which gave us an opportunity to catch up with him last weekend. Here is the World Wide Wanderer (aka 3W) relaxing on the balcony of the LeConte View Motel.
I have a friend hiking the Appalachian Trail this year and his schedule (and some inclement weather) had him take a zero day in Gatlinburg, TN which gave us an opportunity to catch up with him last weekend. Here is the World Wide Wanderer (aka 3W) relaxing on the balcony of the LeConte View Motel.
Machu Picchu
In Episode 48, Cardiac and Drone Boy discuss their summer backpacking trip on the Inca Trail in Peru. Their four day hike took them over ~14,000 feet peaks in the legendary Andes Mountains and culminated at the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu – which is one of the most photographed tourist destinations in South America.
In Episode 48, Cardiac and Drone Boy discuss their summer backpacking trip on the Inca Trail in Peru. Their four day hike took them over ~14,000 feet peaks in the legendary Andes Mountains and culminated at the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu – which is one of the most photographed tourist destinations in South America.
The Most Influential Hikers & Backpackers Of All Time
In Episode 35, we discuss the most influential hikers and backpackers of all time as we sit by a campfire in North Georgia on an autumn night with coyotes running wild in the background. First, a shout out to the trail conferences, clubs, maintainers, ridge-runners, trail angels, and financial benefactors to Trail – because you are collectively more important than any individual for your contributions. But tonight we review some of the names that came up the most frequently in hiking and backpacking forums when we posted the question to the trail community.
In Episode 35, we discuss the most influential hikers and backpackers of all time as we sit by a campfire in North Georgia on an autumn night with coyotes running wild in the background. First, a shout out to the trail conferences, clubs, maintainers, ridge-runners, trail angels, and financial benefactors to Trail – because you are collectively more important than any individual for your contributions. But tonight we review some of the names that came up the most frequently in hiking and backpacking forums when we posted the question to the trail community.
50 Hikes 50 States 50 Years
As someone who likes to hike and backpack, I decided a number of years ago that I wanted to hike 50 trails in 50 States before I was 50 years old. I’m certain that I’m not the first to do this – although I made the decision without any outside influence and with two basic rules...
Showers And Flowers In Panthertown...
Panthertown Valley is one of my favorite hiking spots in North Carolina. It is located near Cashiers, NC in the western section of the State and was purchased by the Nature Conservancy from Duke Power in 1989. Panthertown is now part of the Nantahala National Forest and has been growing rapidly in popularity – especially over the last ten years.
Panthertown Valley is one of my favorite hiking spots in North Carolina. It is located near Cashiers, NC in the western section of the State and was purchased by the Nature Conservancy from Duke Power in 1989. Panthertown is now part of the Nantahala National Forest and has been growing rapidly in popularity – especially over the last ten years.
Leaving Las Vegas....
There is nothing better than escaping a trade show in Las Vegas for the backcountry and fresh air of Zion National Park. After a 3 hour drive Fuller and I arrive in Springdale, UT and stay a short distance from the park. Our first mission is to hike the Hidden Canyon Trail.
There is nothing better than escaping a trade show in Las Vegas for the backcountry and fresh air of Zion National Park. After a 3 hour drive Fuller and I arrive in Springdale, UT and stay a short distance from the park. Our first mission is to hike the Hidden Canyon Trail.
A Thru-Hiker Looks At 20
It’s been 20 years since I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. There’s no doubt, it was a different Trail back then – fewer thru-hikers, no cell phones, and no websites to research the A.T. prior to heading out.
It’s been 20 years since I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. There’s no doubt, it was a different Trail back then – fewer thru-hikers, no cell phones, and no websites to research the A.T. prior to heading out.
100% Chance Of Rain? Backpacking To Plum Orchard Shelter
The weatherman said there was a 100% chance of rain today, and he was 100% right! It rained all morning, and all afternoon.....
The weatherman said there was a 100% chance of rain today, and he was 100% right! It rained all morning, and all afternoon.....
Walk In The Woods Premieres To Mixed Reviews
Walk In The Woods premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week to mixed reviews. Here's a sampling. The Guardian "Plenty of silly little incidents ensue along the way, with lots of jokes about advancing years. Most of these episodes are far too low-stakes to carry a movie and the bigger picture..
And The Lackies Return To The Smokies ...
We have a long tradition of backpacking the Smokies in the winter, but Brunn and I sit out the tough stuff this year and hike less than half of the ~35 mile route. While the rest of the crew gets pounded by rain – I fly home from Vegas and Brunn hits the Allman Brothers Tribute show at the Fox in Midtown Atlanta (a worthy choice). Needless to say, we get a late start on the trip. Here’s Brunn packing at noon on Saturday after the show.
We have a long tradition of backpacking the Smokies in the winter, but Brunn and I sit out the tough stuff this year and hike less than half of the ~35 mile route. While the rest of the crew gets pounded by rain – I fly home from Vegas and Brunn hits the Allman Brothers Tribute show at the Fox in Midtown Atlanta (a worthy choice). Needless to say, we get a late start on the trip. Here’s Brunn packing at noon on Saturday after the show.
Baxter State Park Needs Federal Funding, And Soon!
A letter to ATC Executive Director, Ron Tiptop, lays out the current issues – many of which focus on thru-hikers that overwhelm park resources and occasionally don’t follow the rules of Baxter Park (ie. no public consumption of alchohol or drugs, camping only designated areas, no dogs in to the park, etc).
A letter to ATC Executive Director, Ron Tiptop, lays out the current issues – many of which focus on thru-hikers that overwhelm park resources and occasionally don’t follow the rules of Baxter Park (ie. no public consumption of alchohol or drugs, camping only designated areas, no dogs in to the park, etc).
And The Machoists Got Pelted ...
Since the early 90’s, some old Appalachian Trail thru-hikers that I know have maintained the tradition of an annual winter hike. As I detailed in “40 at 40”, the trip is never easy and is typically booked within a few weeks of the MLK holiday. After a four year absence, I made a guest appearance during their three-day ramble of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park this year. It was mid-way through their hike when we met up at the Mt. Collins Shelter after the machoists had gotten pelted by hail for 30 minutes on Mt. LeConte at 6,593 feet. ...
Since the early 90’s, some old Appalachian Trail thru-hikers that I know have maintained the tradition of an annual winter hike. As I detailed in “40 at 40”, the trip is never easy and is typically booked within a few weeks of the MLK holiday. After a four year absence, I made a guest appearance during their three-day ramble of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park this year. It was mid-way through their hike when we met up at the Mt. Collins Shelter after the machoists had gotten pelted by hail for 30 minutes on Mt. LeConte at 6,593 feet. ...
Working Off Thanksgiving Dinner - An Overnight In Panthertown Valley
After fattening up on Thanksgiving dinner, The Camel meets us in North Carolina for a hike in to Panthertown Valley.
After fattening up on Thanksgiving dinner, The Camel meets us in North Carolina for a hike in to Panthertown Valley.
And The Monsoons Came
The kids were out of school for Good Friday recently, so we took them backpacking on the Appalachian Trail near Tray Mountain. Here they are at Tray Gap about a mile from the summit. Even the dog was having a great time at Tray Gap and went straight for a mega muddle puddle at the cross-roads. Three 4×4 Jeeps did the same and entertained the kids before we hit the Trail. All got a good smattering of mud as you can see below… Uh, I gotta sleep with that?
The kids were out of school for Good Friday recently, so we took them backpacking on the Appalachian Trail near Tray Mountain. Here they are at Tray Gap about a mile from the summit. Even the dog was having a great time at Tray Gap and went straight for a mega muddle puddle at the cross-roads. Three 4×4 Jeeps did the same and entertained the kids before we hit the Trail. All got a good smattering of mud as you can see below… Uh, I gotta sleep with that?
We Weathered Rain, Slippery Rocks, Bears, And Put Rebel To Rest
Just returned from a loop hike at Blood Mountain via the Reece Memorial, Freeman, and Appalachian Trails. We were aware that bears were a problem in this area and reminded immediately by a sign at the trailhead. Here’s two of our crew at the junction of the three trails. The 1.8 mile hike along the Freeman Trail was wet and slippery and much harder than I remembered it. There’s not a lot of elevation change, but it’s really rocky in sections.
Just returned from a loop hike at Blood Mountain via the Reece Memorial, Freeman, and Appalachian Trails. We were aware that bears were a problem in this area and reminded immediately by a sign at the trailhead. Here’s two of our crew at the junction of the three trails. The 1.8 mile hike along the Freeman Trail was wet and slippery and much harder than I remembered it. There’s not a lot of elevation change, but it’s really rocky in sections.
Spring Has Sprung, Time For A Hike On The Benton MacKaye Trail
After a unseasonably cool winter, the weather finally broke and we decided to take the kids out for an overnight hike. We did this one on a Friday night to avoid conflicts with spring sports and with spring break. Here we are at the parking area at Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail. The dog is more excited than anyone and is hauling his own food, water, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. All in – the dog’s pack weighs about 8 lbs – nearly the same weight as my empty (and aging) Dana Design backpack!
After a unseasonably cool winter, the weather finally broke and we decided to take the kids out for an overnight hike. We did this one on a Friday night to avoid conflicts with spring sports and with spring break. Here we are at the parking area at Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail. The dog is more excited than anyone and is hauling his own food, water, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. All in – the dog’s pack weighs about 8 lbs – nearly the same weight as my empty (and aging) Dana Design backpack!
From Movie Set To Backcountry Set, A Walk In The Woods On The Appalachian Trail
You may have heard that Walk In The Woods is filming now in the Atlanta area, and Friday I was cast as an extra in a bunkroom scene with actors Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. True to the book, it was set at Rainbow Springs, N.C. after an April snowstorm
You may have heard that Walk In The Woods is filming now in the Atlanta area, and Friday I was cast as an extra in a bunkroom scene with actors Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. True to the book, it was set at Rainbow Springs, N.C. after an April snowstorm
A Spring Hike To Coosa Bald
Sixteen years ago, The Ox and I did a winter ascent of Coosa Bald (4,271 feet) via a spur off the Coosa Backcountry Trail. I remembered a few campsites scattered near the summit and decided to return via a much shorter route this time. Coosa Bald is located near (and approachable from) Vogel State Park, and we stopped at Neel’s Gap a few miles South of the park. The store was busy on this cool and clear weekend, and The Weasel snapped this photo of hiking boots hanging in the trees over the Appalachian Trail hiker hostel. It seems that more than a few thru-hikers have discarded their boots here.
Sixteen years ago, The Ox and I did a winter ascent of Coosa Bald (4,271 feet) via a spur off the Coosa Backcountry Trail. I remembered a few campsites scattered near the summit and decided to return via a much shorter route this time. Coosa Bald is located near (and approachable from) Vogel State Park, and we stopped at Neel’s Gap a few miles South of the park. The store was busy on this cool and clear weekend, and The Weasel snapped this photo of hiking boots hanging in the trees over the Appalachian Trail hiker hostel. It seems that more than a few thru-hikers have discarded their boots here.
When The Trail Gods Smile On Your Thru-Hike...
A stormy start to the day. It rained all morning and into the afternoon. The forecast was for it to continue into the night – but fortunately that didn’t pan out. Zip and WalkAndEats at the Whitley Gap Shelter. Zip is joined by his two dogs Skye and Mojo. So I guess there really is Mojo on the trail (as I wrote in a previous article).
A stormy start to the day. It rained all morning and into the afternoon. The forecast was for it to continue into the night – but fortunately that didn’t pan out. Zip and WalkAndEats at the Whitley Gap Shelter. Zip is joined by his two dogs Skye and Mojo. So I guess there really is Mojo on the trail (as I wrote in a previous article).
There's Rattlesnakes Among Us
Friends of ours camp nearby tonight and have bears wandering in their camp near Preacher Rock. They opt to hike out at midnight, but our encounter is less dramatic. We only find an angry rattlesnake in the middle of the trail that quickly slithers off.
Friends of ours camp nearby tonight and have bears wandering in their camp near Preacher Rock. They opt to hike out at midnight, but our encounter is less dramatic. We only find an angry rattlesnake in the middle of the trail that quickly slithers off.
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Schools out in a week, so we decided to squeeze in one last camping trip with the kids before summer. We had a total of 12 people (5 adults and 7 kids) – so a group site was a necessity. A friend (and fellow Scout leader) recommended Hard Labor Creek State Park and we lucked out with an upgrade to Pioneer Campsite #2 – which was right on the water.
Schools out in a week, so we decided to squeeze in one last camping trip with the kids before summer. We had a total of 12 people (5 adults and 7 kids) – so a group site was a necessity. A friend (and fellow Scout leader) recommended Hard Labor Creek State Park and we lucked out with an upgrade to Pioneer Campsite #2 – which was right on the water.
Hiking/Geocaching At Dunwoody Nature Center
Took the kids for a hike this morning and to try some geocaching after spending $10 on an app for the iPhone. We found the first one quickly, but the second geocache was a challenge. Here we are standing on top of the hidden treasure and we can’t even find it. Turns out it was well camoflauged and the container looked just like a log on the forest floor. But after 30 minutes, we make the discovery. We must have walked by it 20 times this morning.
Took the kids for a hike this morning and to try some geocaching after spending $10 on an app for the iPhone. We found the first one quickly, but the second geocache was a challenge. Here we are standing on top of the hidden treasure and we can’t even find it. Turns out it was well camoflauged and the container looked just like a log on the forest floor. But after 30 minutes, we make the discovery. We must have walked by it 20 times this morning.
Roswell Mill Has It All: Hiking, Geocaching, Burgers, & Brew
It was a beautiful day for a hike last weekend, and we mixed in some geocaching with the boys as we hit the trail. Here’s the view from the Roswell Mill parking area looking down at the bridge over Vickery Creek (which is also called Big Creek on some maps).
It was a beautiful day for a hike last weekend, and we mixed in some geocaching with the boys as we hit the trail. Here’s the view from the Roswell Mill parking area looking down at the bridge over Vickery Creek (which is also called Big Creek on some maps).
Lake Winfield Scott To Jarrard Gap
This is the trailhead for The Jarrard Gap Trail that leads from Lake Winfield Scott to the Appalachain Trail. The Jarrard Gap Trail starts with a hike through a forest and across a small stream, but quickly hits a forest road for about 0.3 miles. After 1.2 miles I reach the Appalachian Trail at Jarrard Gap. I camped here back in 1994 during my thru-hike – so it was cool to see this area again. It looked a lot different with leaves on the trees.
This is the trailhead for The Jarrard Gap Trail that leads from Lake Winfield Scott to the Appalachain Trail. The Jarrard Gap Trail starts with a hike through a forest and across a small stream, but quickly hits a forest road for about 0.3 miles. After 1.2 miles I reach the Appalachian Trail at Jarrard Gap. I camped here back in 1994 during my thru-hike – so it was cool to see this area again. It looked a lot different with leaves on the trees.
Backcountry 101-Rookie Mistakes
In Episode 24, We satisfy a listener request for a show on backcountry basics. Recorded at a remote campsite on the Chattooga River, I speak with Therm Rider and The Camel about some of our rookie mistakes in the backcountry and smart things that we’ve done since our first ventures in to the wilderness.
In Episode 24, We satisfy a listener request for a show on backcountry basics. Recorded at a remote campsite on the Chattooga River, I speak with Therm Rider and The Camel about some of our rookie mistakes in the backcountry and smart things that we’ve done since our first ventures in to the wilderness.
Adventures In Denali
In the mid-90's, I came to Denali National Park somewhat hesitantly. The neighboring Denali State Park had glowing reviews in some of the trail magazines, and I expected it to have fewer people and more peace that the National Park. The NPS ranger disagreed however: “Hike in Denali National Park if you want to see wildlife. Besides, we limit the number of permits we issue in each zone of the park. Once you leave the main road, you won’t see a soul.”
In the mid-90's, I came to Denali National Park somewhat hesitantly. The neighboring Denali State Park had glowing reviews in some of the trail magazines, and I expected it to have fewer people and more peace that the National Park. The NPS ranger disagreed however: “Hike in Denali National Park if you want to see wildlife. Besides, we limit the number of permits we issue in each zone of the park. Once you leave the main road, you won’t see a soul.”
You Want The A.T. Experience? Then Get Distracted.
Take a side hike up Siler Bald, go swimming in the pool at Caledonia State Park, take the gondola ride down to Killington – and yes, stay a night or two in a trail town.
Take a side hike up Siler Bald, go swimming in the pool at Caledonia State Park, take the gondola ride down to Killington – and yes, stay a night or two in a trail town.
Did Earl Shaffer Take A Shortcut On The First Documented Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike?
In the research, McNeely discovered evidence that Earl Shaffer bypassed at least 170 miles of the trail which, if true, will alter the history of the Appalachian Trail forever – much as proving George Mallory didn’t actually summit Mount Everest would forever alter the history of mountain
In the research, McNeely discovered evidence that Earl Shaffer bypassed at least 170 miles of the trail which, if true, will alter the history of the Appalachian Trail forever – much as proving George Mallory didn’t actually summit Mount Everest would forever alter the history of mountain
Backpacking Podcasts
EPISODE 101: THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY 2
In Episode 101, we continue our discussion of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - our best and worst experiences on the Trail. Recorded live on the Chattooga River in northwestern South Carolina, I sit fireside with 3Dub, Mick, Hollywood, and Therm Rider after hiking to Long Creek Falls and … Read More...
EPISODE 100: THE DARWIN AWARDS
In Episode 100, we are back in the studio to celebrate our 100th episode by recapping some interesting things that have happened in the backcountry since the N2Backpacking podcast first aired 12 years ago. In the show, Cardiac, Drone Boy, and Therm Rider join me for the "Darwin Awards" - a recap of … Read More...
EPISODE 99: THINGS THAT RUIN A BACKPACKING TRIP
In Episode 99, I sit fireside with Therm Rider, Beer Run and Sons on the Benton MacKaye Trail in North Georgia to talk about some things that ruin a backpacking trip. In the podcast, we discuss backpackers that camp on top of you, those that make speaker phone calls, crank booty music or even throw … Read More...
