NC>Joyce Kilmer - Slickrock Creek Wilderness - July 12-14, 2013

**Rain Man** · 07-15-2013, 21:03

Did a little more hiking in this rugged and beautiful area sort of between the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon (U.S. Hwy 129) this weekend. We started around midnight Friday at the Cheoah Dam along the Little Tennessee River and hiked a couple of miles to a campsite along Slickrock Creek.

Then Saturday we finished the 13.3-mile Slickrock Creek Trail (3,700 feet of climb) to Naked Ground and camped Saturday night.

Sunday we hiked down 4.5-mile Naked Ground Trail and did the Joyce Kilmer Trail (two loops forming a 2-mile figure-8).

What a great place is Citico Creek, Slickrock Creek, and Joyce Kilmer wilderness/forest along the TN/NC border!

Here is a link to the photo album I posted. Each photo has a caption, which compose my trip report. I'm guessing others may add photos to the album. I think I have two pics of my hammock, one each night.

Photo Album link. Warning, if you're a true-blue vegetarian, don't look at the very first photo. It may turn your stomach.

Saw a big bear crossing the road just before the Rattler Ford Campground on Friday evening. I was driving, so no photo. Saw a rattle snake Saturday and a black snake Sunday. Photos of each beautiful creature.

Rain Man

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**MedicineMan** · 07-15-2013, 21:24

Awesome pics Rainman....uh I ain't no veggie

First pic was just fine.

**STinGa** · 07-16-2013, 00:56

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

Awesome pics Rainman....uh I ain't no veggie

First pic was just fine.

That hunk of meat looks about perfect. Thanks for the link to the pictures. It looks like it was a great trip.

STinGa

**Rain Man** · 07-16-2013, 08:49

Yep, it was a great trip! I'm falling in love with Citico/Slickrock.

Most of the pics from this trip are of folks standing in water. The book said a dozen fords, but I sure counted more than that! Made it a fun summer hike, actually.

And yes, that piece of prime rib was just about perfect. Our three daughters are all vegetarians and my wife and I don't always eat meat. But when she and I do at a restaurant, our favorite (which we always share) is prime rib.

Rain Man

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**BillyBob58** · 07-16-2013, 09:53

Once again, what a great trip report and pictures, what a great place!

**LFCRed** · 07-16-2013, 11:08

Great pictures Rainman - thanks for sharing.

Whats up with all of the abandoned tents? I found one on the SC Foothills Trail last week too.

**Doctari** · 07-16-2013, 12:23

Sweet trip report. Nice pictures,,,,, mostly: Ever notice how most of our on trail pictures make us look like we should be on a wanted poster somewhere? Happy, but possibly at least mildly insane, with a touch of criminal intent!

I do include ME in that category.

I am thinking that Mr Kilmer would be proud of the wilderness that bears his name. In spite of the criminal (looking) element that visit

**nothermark** · 07-16-2013, 14:26

Looked like a fun trip. Thanks!

**Rain Man** · 07-16-2013, 18:47

Originally Posted by LFCRed

Whats up with all of the abandoned tents? I found one on the SC Foothills Trail last week too.

We saw some folks upstream a mile or two at some waterfalls. I suspect they were the owners of the tents, probably staying in one spot for the weekend and taking mini-day-hikes.

Rain Man

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