Episode 21: Great Smoky Mountain National Park

In Episode 21, JD (aka Trail Hard) tells us about his passion for hiking and backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – the most visited national park in the United States.

On the show, we discuss his quest for a third map in the “Smokies” – or the completion of every trail in the Park.  While a “map” is technically ~900 miles, a hiker walks roughly 1500 miles to complete it.  And JD is on his third map – dang!  Fewer than 400 can even claim one!

So he definitely knows the Park and JD offers up some of his favorite trails, vistas, campsites, and hidden treasures in the Smokies.  He also shares some weather, wildlife, and comaraderie in the backcountry and gives some tips to those that are out for a day, weekend, or multi-day trip in the Park.

For more on JD, you can click to his Trail Hard website to find some cool gear or hook up with him for one of his “meet up” hikes with the Great Smokies Hiking And Adventure Group.

Subject: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Interviewees: JD (Trail Hard)
Interview Date: February 4, 2014
Runtime: 1:20:16

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Comments

  1. Mark says:

    I was greatly inspired by the podcast that you recorded and described your hiking experiences in the GSMNP. I share your podcast stories with my wife and youngest daughter virtually every evening. I commute 1.5 hours one-way to Nashville, so I have a lot of podcast time. I’ve listened to every podcast on N2 Backpacking and have started them over for a second run through. No matter what kind of a day I’ve had at work, your podcasts can place me on the AT, PCT, CDT, and others trails around the world. Thank you for such a high quality podcast.

  2. BirdShooter says:

    Great to hear Mark. It’s always nice to know that your podcast is valued since it is a true labor of love. Best wishes

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