Great Smoky Mountain National Park – And The Machoists Got Pelted

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Since the early 90's, some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers that I know have continued 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 got pelted by hail for 30 … [Read more...]

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

Appalachian Trail/Bartram Trail – Wayah Bald to Cheoah Bald – Trip Video (January 2002)

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This video recaps a winter hike we did in January 2002 over 34.6 miles with 8766' of elevation gain, and 12,114' of elevation loss. The route follows the Appalachian Trail with climbs over Wayah Bald, Wesser Bald, and Cheoah Bald, then finishes with a descent along the Bartram Trail and back down to U.S. 19.  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Trails, Videos, 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:

Appalachian Trail, Sabbath Day Pond – Trip Video (September 2009)

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This is a video of a hike I did with the Camel and the Operator in September of 2009. This overnight backpacking trip follows the Appalachian Trail and starts at State Route 17 near Rangeley, Maine. The route has outstanding views across a vast lake and to Bemis Mountain from the trailhead. From here, the scenery continues as the A.T. heads northbound from ME 17 past Moxie, Sabbath Day, Little Swift River, and South Ponds. A shelter is located about 200 yards from Sabbath Day Pond and a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Videos

Appalachian Trail, Smarts Mountain – Trip Video (October 2010)

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This is a video of a route I hiked with The Camel in late October headed northbound on the A.T. in New Hampshire.  There are scenic views from Lamberts Ridge to Smarts Mountain and of the valley floor to the east in this 14 mile section.  The summit of Mount Cube, at 2,909 feet, and rock outcroppings at Holts Ledge also offer impressive views if the weather cooperates during your hike.  Unfortunately, we spent most of our time in clouds with swirling mists of rain - which is not uncommon for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Trails, Videos

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mt. LeConte – Trip Video (February 2005)

December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This is a video of a backpacking trip we did through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in February 2005. The 32.2 mile hike has 29,000 feet of total elevation change, so make sure you are in good shape before you take it on - especially in the winter time. On this hike, we started at US 441 and climbed to the Mount Collins Shelter via the Husky Gap and Sugarland Mountain Trails. Once on the ridge, we followed the Appalachian Trail across Newfound Gap and up to the Boulevard Trail which … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, National Parks, Videos, Winter Backpacking
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