Learning to hike

[Shortbus]

i have always enjoyed being outdoors and camping so when i found this forum i went out and bought a eno dbl nest then i got a wbbb and a hammockgear tq and uq and all the gear associated with backpacking but i have yet to do any real hiking or backpacking aside from the occasional geocaching on some trails. my question is where is a good place to get started hiking and where am i allowed to camp overnight? i live in asheboro but i dont have anybody to hike with so i will probably have to do small day trips till i find someone to go witth me.

[Teegs]

Call, or go to your local ranger station. Typically they are more than happy to tell you where good places to go are, whether you can have fires, camp overnight, need a bear can, etc.

At least around here (Wa) they're very accommodating, polite, and informative.

[Pipsissewa]

OK, I'll pop my 1,000th post for this. Why don't you try to get together with these guys. Click: Uwharri Trail Club

They can share their experience in hiking as well as hammocking and some of them are pretty near you.

[mfury]

Asheboro is not far from Uwharrie National Forest. I have hiked quite a bit there and the ranger station in troy is very helpful and has maps. You can camp anywhere in the National Forest and there are even several areas with established fire rings and good hanging trees. A good start might be the jumping off rock trail head off Flint Hill Rd between Flint Hill and Ophir. It is a two mile hike each way to and from SR 109 over Dark Mountain. If you are up for a longer hike there are 12 mile and 20 mile loops from the southern end just west of Troy off 24-27. Give me a shout if you have any other questions about the area.

[crashvandicoot]

I might be in the minority here, but I'll chime in nonetheless. I wasn't much of an outdoors person before this year. You seem to be resourceful enough in choosing your gear, and you've already been geocaching.

My advice: pack a bag, go into the woods a couple miles, and spend the night. Use common sense. Figure out what made you uncomfortable, and fix it for next time. That's it.

Don't worry; you'll be uncomfortable, but you'll live.

[!wrass!]

Looks like you are close to Uwharrie National Forest? They say the have 1600 miles of trails. That should get you started.

[HamMike]

Yeah what Crash said! Go out for 1 night at a time at first if that makes you feel better. My guess it won't take you long before your one nighters turn into extended stays. My first night out was at a local wildlife area and it got down to mid 40's and I bailed about 3am because I didnt know about pads or anything.

[Les Rust]

It doesn't cover the hiking part, but a couple of backyard hangs to dial in the equipment is always a good idea. Sounds like there are plenty of places nearby from what others have posted. Check out the ranger station and website for the nearby national forests. Talk with some other hangers in the area. It will all start to come together. Good luck and enjoy--sounds like you've got a great kit to get started with.

[NCPatrick]

Morrow Mountain State Park is right near you too. The backcountry sites are ok, or at least they were a couple of years ago.

[Miguel]

First off, It's always a great idea to try your gear in the backyard. Camping in the woods solo, especially if you haven't done it, can be a little intimidating for many. Instead, after the backyard test, you may wish to try an established state or private campgound for your first time out....always comforting knowing others are around. I almost always enjoy hiking and camping with someone but solo trips have their own attraction and reward. I've come to embrace them. I think the club idea is great...you'll have opportunities to camp with others and compare gear.

Whatever you do....congratulations for doing it....and welcome to the hammock camping world.

Miguel