Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter

December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Out with the old ... and in with the new: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Nantahala Hiking Club, and a local company - Goshen Timber Frames - teamed up for the construction of Long Branch Shelter near Glassmine Gap. The new structure is located north of Standing Indian on the Appalachian Trail and about 17 miles from Franklin, N.C. The new two-story Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter (shown below), which was built just north of Albert Mountain. The Big Springs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking News, National Forest, Photos

Video Of Steven Ainsworth’s Helicopter Rescue In The Smokies

December 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In early November, I posted an article about an Appalachian Trail southbound thru-hiker that was rescued in the Smokies after riding out Hurricane Sandy. Steven Ainsworth battled record snowfall and survived for three days before calling 911 for help. Here's footage and some commentary from the HuffPost on the helicopter rescue: Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Brad Lund and his crew of three had taken to the air after park rangers on foot failed to reach Ainsworth. "We have had numerous … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking News, Long Distance Backpacking, Storms, Videos, Weather

Tennessee Appalachian Trail Buffer: Rocky Fork Into Public Ownership

December 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Nashville Business Journal reported last month that there is a new State Park in Tennessee. The 2036 acre park is located near the A.T. in the Northeastern part of the State and provides an additional buffer against development in this area. The transfer of Rocky Fork into public ownership has been a goal of the Appalachian Trail Conference since at least 1983: Tennessee_State_Park_-_AT_ReRoute_Nov_2012.pdf Download this file Gov. Bill Haslam and other Tennessee officials … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking News, State Parks, Trail Politics

October Superstorm “Sandy” Hits The Smokies

November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Snow in The Smokies is a common occurance in the winter - especially in the higher elevations - but snow drifts of 5 feet? And before Halloween? Unbelievable. Here's an Associated Press quote from a local newspaper describing a man that got caught on the Appalachian Trail between Pecks Corner and Tri-Corner Knob Shelter: GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — A man trying to hike the entire 2,180 miles of the Appalachian Trail was rescued Friday after calling 911 to say he didn’t think he’d be able … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Articles, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Long Distance Backpacking, National Parks, Storms, Winter Hiking

APPALACHIAN TRAIL, NORTH & SOUTH CROCKER MOUNTAIN – TRIP VIDEO (OCTOBER 2012)

October 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This is the John Butler Trio version of a video slideshow that I put together after a recent trip to Maine. It includes both photos and video from the trip. The hike climbs over North & South Crocker Mountain and follows the Appalachian Trail for 8.1 miles near Stratton, Maine. It can be done from either the ME 27 or Caribou Valley Road trailheads but plenty of effort is required to summit regardless of the direction. The Crocker Cirque Campsite is located about a mile from Caribou Valley … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Videos

APPALACHIAN TRAIL, CROCKER CIRQUE CAMPSITE – TRIP VIDEO (OCTOBER 2012)

October 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This is the Outlaw version of a video slideshow that I put together after a recent trip to Maine. It includes only photos from the trip. The hike climbs over North & South Crocker Mountain and follows the Appalachian Trail for 8.1 miles near Stratton, Maine. It can be done from either the ME 27 or Caribou Valley Road trailheads but plenty of effort is required to summit regardless of the direction. The Crocker Cirque Campsite is located about a mile from Caribou Valley Road, and is the best … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Videos

Episode 10: Crocker Mountains (P2)

October 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 10, Brett (aka Therm Rider) talks about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine.  This is the second of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England. In this interview, Brett talks about our travel to the trailhead, our punishing ascent & descent of the Crocker Mountains, and our multi-night stays in the trail town of Stratton. The old thru-hiker adage, "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine" rings true on this hike, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Discussions, Backpacking Trails, Humor, Long Distance Backpacking, National Forest, Podcasts, Storms, Weather
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