Where would you go for a week on the Southern AT?

[wisenber]

Oh - and I made a little bag for my bearbag line with a velcro top and the line attached, so I can put a rock in it for the bearbag throw. Pics of it later.

You won't need a bear bag if you are not stealth camping since all of the campsites have bear cables provided.

[williepaul66]

You might try the bertram trail. It makes a full 50 mile circle and goes along the AT at times. Good campsites. By making a circle you won,t have to shuttle. You could also try the AT from the nantahala outdoor center to Fontana Dam. Great Hike, Elevation 1800 to 4500 ft. You would have to shuttle for that. Let me know can recommend shuttle service.

[Just Jeff]

I had an excellent trip, and I had planned to write up the trip report this weekend but Joker's birthday was yesterday and today is Fathers Day, so it's gonna have to wait. I'm going to the skate park with my son to see if I can break my wrist again.

I ended up hiking the length of the Smokies NP (GSMNP). Basically, I looked at the map to see where the waterfalls were, then connected them with trails. My family dropped me off at Mt Sterling Ranger Station just off I-40 at the north end of the park, then hiked a smattering of trails to get to Fontana Dam in the south.

Mt Sterling Trail
Big Creek Trail
Camel Gap Trail
Gunter Fork Trail
Balsam Mtn Trail
Beech Gap Trail
Hyatt Ridge Trail
Enloe Creek Trail
Chasteen Creek Trail
Bradley Fork Trail
Dry Sluice Gap Trail (this was a serious buttkicker and I ran out of water for about 4 miles)
AT from Charlie's Bunyon to Clingman's Dome
Clingman's Dome Bypass Trail
Forney Ridge Trail
Forney Creek Trail
Lakeshore Trail for the final 30-some miles...saw the most wildlife here
Ended at Fontana Dam

The mileage on the ATC map was consistently less than the mileage posted on the trail signs, but all told it was right around 100 miles. Probably 97 or so. Did some night hiking, saw some bears (one walked right thru the campsite and circled us all night), drank water right from springs, got rain-soaked and didn't care, sweated, thought about nothing and everything, used the Bushbuddy with wet wood every day, slept alone most nights, sweated some more, caught a snake, ate free smoked pork chops, bought two ice creams from the Fontana Dam gift shop, where the lady made me eat half her hamburger and most of her fries, and I took a glorious shower...then drove straight to FL for my sister's graduation.

Pics and video to follow...at some point.

[Peg-Leg]

Dry Sluice Gap Trail (this was a serious buttkicker and I ran out of water for about 4 miles)
Pics and video to follow...at some point.

I attempted this trail as the start point of my first real hiking trip many years ago. Gave up at what turned out to be the 3/4 way mark. I lost count of all the switchbacks. Seemed like a never ending climb to nowhere.

I look forward to your trip report.

[Hawk-eye]

Well after that cliff note version .. can't wait to read the full blown version and see the photos/video! Sounds great! Happy BIRTHDAY JOKER!

[slowhike]

caught a snake, ate free
Pics and video to follow...at some point.

Reading to quickly at first, I thought you said "I caught a snake & ate free"
Looking forward to more!!!
And Happy Birth Day to Joker the fire man!!! How old is he... 18???

[Just Jeff]

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

And Tim, the snake wasn't big enough to eat and he smelled like poop after I picked him up. Pretty strong odor he was giving off, and left my hand stinking worse than my armpits so I had to use hand sanitizer. Not very appetizing! But I'd eat a snake if it was worth skinning!

[Just Jeff]

Big thanks to everyone who offered input and encouragement for this trip. It's late in coming, but I finally got around to posting the trip report! I took a whole lot of pictures, but I only posted 121 on the page...

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...930#post294930

Gonna close this page, so please comment at the link above if you have anything to say!