Great Smoky Mountain National Park – 40 at 40

January 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Five to ten years ago when I was younger and in better shape, I joined a group of former thru-hikers for a multi-day and often strenuous winter backpacking trip. The hike was appropriately dubbed the MLK trip since it usually occurred on or around the three-day Martin Luther King weekend. The "M.O." of the MLK trip was (and continues to be) a 30-38 mile mega-hike, preferrably in snow, and always spanning four days. Typically we left town after work, fought traffic to some Mexican … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Trails, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Winter Backpacking

You want the A.T. experience? Then get distracted.

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

National Parks Traveler recently published an article titled Hiking The Appalachian National Scenic Trail: It Takes More Heart than Heel". and it was stated that ... the key to success for young people is to keep the distractions down. The more you stay on the trail, the better. If you go into town too much, you're spending money, maybe on alcohol, and you're not hiking. Well - you definitely spend money in town, and some thru-hikers definitely throw back a beer or two while there (this one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Trails, How To Hike & Backpack

Final Backcountry Shelter Renovated In The Smokies

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I just read an article in The Washington Post that the final shelter in the Smokies was renovated at Laurel Gap Shelter which is the last of 15 shelters to be modified: The work involved improved natural lighting, a cooking area to separate food odors from sleeping space; better bunk access; new roofs; masonry repair; and drainage upgrades. Having hiked and stayed in shelters frequently in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park - I applaud the volunteers of the Friends of the Smokies, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Articles Tagged With:

Spectacular North Dakota Hikes – Bring the Dog

November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For those of you longing for a "Best Hikes With Dogs - North Dakota" book, wait no longer. Susan Wefald, recently released her guidebook, "Spectacular North Dakota Hikes - Bring the Dog." No word on why the good folks at Mountaineer Books didn't get to Susan first (as they don't have a North Dakota book yet) but here's an article published in the Bismark Tribune with more details on her latest hiking publication: The book is a profile of the best places to go hiking across the state, covering … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Trails, Backpacking With Your Dog, Camping With Your Dog

The 10 Best Hikes In The Smokies

October 27, 2011 By 2 Comments

By Bob Foster (guest writer) Stretching more than 2,100 miles from Main to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail is the longest trail in the United States. 71 of these miles meander through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, beginning at the Davenport Gap in northeast Tennessee and exiting at the Fontana Dam in southwest North Carolina. Of the numerous hiking trails that follow the Smokies? crest, here are ten particulars that offer some of the most beautiful views of the park. Consider distance … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Trails

12 Tips To Make Backpacking With Your Dog A Great Experience

October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

By Rob Brooking Imagine yourself backpacking with your dog. That would be a great and enjoyable experience for sure. Going on a camping trip is perfect if you need some time to have fun and relax with your best buddy, and it will greatly strengthen your bond. Tips for Backpacking With Your Dog Acquire a proper ID tags and dog license for your dog. Include in the ID tags your pet's name, your name and address and phone number for safety purposes. Consider using a crate in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Articles, Backpacking With Your Dog

The Best Hikes In The Southeastern U.S.

August 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Backpacker Magazine just announced their Reader's Choice picks for the best hikes  of 2011.  Since I am most familiar with the Southeastern U.S. - I'll focus on the top picks in this area: 1. Ramsey Cascades, Great Smokies, TN - I've hiked countless miles in the Smokies and did a 30+ mile trip starting at Elkmont and ending at Laurel Creek Road, but the Ramesey Cascades have somehow escaped me.  Guess it's time to check this one out.  You can follow this link for maps of the Great Smoky … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Trails Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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