Need Help finding a trail.

[thepapasmurf]

A friend his brother and I are planning a trip in February to go backpacking and camping for 7 days. I live in upper SC near Charlotte, NC looking for something from here to VA and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on where to start. We are looking for something we can spend a day or 2 hiking in. Prefer a trail with water sources. I have found plenty of trails via the internet but no gps coordinates on where to start or they do not give details like on if there is a creek or river on the trail and if it is possible to camp. So I humbly turn to the people here and hope someone can help me out.

[Meekin]

Throw a rock. You are in a target reach environment. Linville Gorge gets my vote.

[thepapasmurf]

Any suggestion on a specific trail for linville and coords on where the trail head starts? That was one I was thinking about but could not get info on the water situation.

[NJTroutstalker]

Great Smokey Mountain National Park! Just pick a spot and go. Trails cross water like every 10 ft. Pisgah too. I kicked around there a lot in college.

[thepapasmurf]

I think we may hit Benton Mackaye starting at 35.552995,-83.309178 though keep the advice coming want some options.

[4shot]

BMT through the Smokies is a great hike. I also think hiking the AT over Mt. rogers in the Grayson Highland area is another good option. Don't have any specific info but I would invest a few $ in the guidebook for each trail. you will find everything re; water sources, camping spots, etc. in each

[Athens-m50]

Great Smokey Mountain National Park! Just pick a spot and go. Trails cross water like every 10 ft. Pisgah too. I kicked around there a lot in college.

+1. We live about 5 hours south of there..... Lots of water... Great trails

[brooklynkayak]

You mention GPS? Is there a problem using maps?

I wouldn't rely so much on GPS coordinates if you plan on using established trails.

You can use road map or GPS to get to the trailhead, but map and compass are safer and more reliable for trail navigation.

Most established trails have maps with features, elevation, campsites, shelters, ...
Relying on GPS instead of navigation skills can be risky.

If you have map dyslexia, most people do, you can get over it with practice.
Regularly read the map, compare the compass with features and elevation profile and you will not get lost.

I have a cabin near the Appalachian trail and I get way to many people wondering up lost, trying to get around without map and compass.

[SnrMoment]

^^^^What he said.
It is quite easy to get lost in thick timber, especially on cloudy/rainy days.
Invest in a trail guide, bring a map and start learning compass 101 as you go.

The GPS can tell you where you are (lat/long), but unless you have the software installed to show you the way out or to where you're going, it can become a guessing game. Bushwhacking your way from point A to point B can be difficult.

Even well used trails around here are marked.



A map & guide book will help you with travel distance & time to get there.

[Roche]

Start here - 796.5 - it is a Dewey Decimal Classification; you'll find many answers to your questions.