(video) GSMNP - Big Creek / Mt. Sterling loop - part 1

[TallPaul]

I had the opportunity this past weekend to spend 3 days in Great Smokey Mountains National Park on a 2 night backpacking loop with my friend Kirk.

Our trip took us on the Big Creek trail to campsite 37 (night one), then up Gunter Trail to Laurel Gap shelter (lunch) and then onto Mt. Sterling (night two). We finished up coming down the Baxter trail on day 3.

This video shows day 1 along Big Creek, which turned out to be a pretty lazy day compared to the others.

I do go into a bit of "how to" on the filming of the video... hope that isn't too boring.

[ashed]

Thanks for the video, I didn't find the tips boring at all (have two young kids and need all the advice I can for filming them when we take them on the trails).

I'll have to add this place to my list next time I visit my parents in SC!

[MedicineMan]

Kirk has a most serious ruck! He could put me inside of it!
Did you say slow hiking? I can do that. Cool new gadgets! Wonderful water features...remember we were denied this trail not long ago, I see we missed a beautiful stretch. The underwater shot was totally neat! GoPro for that one? Wringing out water...nice. Thanks for showing the storm damage that stopped us.
Of course enjoyed-hurry up with part 2 and the climb up Sterling....I want to see you in the tower!

[yooz85]

Great video, i really liked the looks of that swimming hole!

[TallPaul]

Thanks for the video, I didn't find the tips boring at all (have two young kids and need all the advice I can for filming them when we take them on the trails).

I'll have to add this place to my list next time I visit my parents in SC!

Thanks Ashed - definitely a place to consider.

Kirk has a most serious ruck! He could put me inside of it!
Did you say slow hiking? I can do that. Cool new gadgets! Wonderful water features...remember we were denied this trail not long ago, I see we missed a beautiful stretch. The underwater shot was totally neat! GoPro for that one? Wringing out water...nice. Thanks for showing the storm damage that stopped us.
Of course enjoyed-hurry up with part 2 and the climb up Sterling....I want to see you in the tower!

His ruck came in at 35lbs, and that was after I gave him some lighter weight items. He wanted to try his pack... Now he's seen the benefits of UL.

Underwater was the GoPro. Used most of the trip due to rain.
The storm damage was at least 100 yards of downed trees...it was impressive.

Part 2 should be up soon!

[TallPaul]

Great video, i really liked the looks of that swimming hole!

Thx yooz85... It was in the 70s so a bit chilly but great once I got used to it.

[OutandBack]

What a great 5 minute break from my day. Thank you.

[Acer]

Great video as I really enjoyed it,,waiting on Part 2.. Might have to do that trail in Oct.

[TallPaul]

What a great 5 minute break from my day. Thank you.

Thanks OutandBack... It was a relaxing day.

Great video as I really enjoyed it,,waiting on Part 2.. Might have to do that trail in Oct.

It was very picturesque.
Swimming might be a bit much then

Part 2 is coming up as soon as I clean the dust from my CPU.. It's overheating when rendering these.

[Ewker]

Of course enjoyed-hurry up with part 2 and the climb up Sterling....I want to see you in the tower!

climb up Sterling and see him in the tower? That is easy. I want him to show us a pic of him sleeping on top of the tower