Overnighter with a newbie...

GregB

GregB

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2000
Messages
3,437
Camping with some friends a few weeks back and a friend of mine who's a LEO said he'd never been backpacking and he'd love to go. He seems pretty serious and we've tentatively scheduled it for September, maybe October. Were in Western NC. He said he wants to tent camp and have a fire, so that limits us somewhat. Also, since we both work M-F 8-5, we want to keep the drive time to a minimum. I'm trying to find something that would let us do a couple of miles on Friday to get to camp or even camp at a campground, then hit the trail Saturday for @5 hours of hiking, nothing too crazy, then make camp that evening hang around the fire, maybe swim or wade then hike out 2 to 3 hours on Sunday. Would rather not backtrack, but would consider it. Can take two cars or can be dropped off and picked up. Suggestions?

Thanks,

GregB
 
RedbeAR15 said:
Not sure if Graveyard Fields up in Pisgah is too far, but sounds like what you may be looking for.

http://hikewnc.info/trailheads/pisgah/pisgah/graveyard.html

If you wait until October, you may be competing with all the leaf lookers
Click to expand...

You've got to admit though, there's nothing like leaf looking that time of year out that way. I may be making a trip down that way in October, to do some of that & to visit some friends of mine about an hour from Cherokee and also over near Rutherfordton. An overnight may be something worth looking into while I'm out there.
 
We both live in Lenoir. I work in Boone. The options are staggering, that's why I'm asking for input.

Thanks,

GregB
 
I know it is almost too much at times. We live in one of the greatest places in the lower 48. Go to an outdoor store and buy a map of one of the areas. I bought one of Pisgah since that is closer to me. Pick a spot and go. Mark that spot off and pick another and go. Just keep doing it til you find a favorite or you knock them all off and start the next area. Just my 2 cents worth if its that much :).
 
Linville Gorge is a cool area too Greg - lots of unique botanical diversity

Panther Mountain - Might be a little too long for a day trip - but a beautiful area
 
TheZenful1 said:
You've got to admit though, there's nothing like leaf looking that time of year out that way. I may be making a trip down that way in October, to do some of that & to visit some friends of mine about an hour from Cherokee and also over near Rutherfordton. An overnight may be something worth looking into while I'm out there.
Click to expand...

Definitely a great area - anytime of the year!
 
Talked to my friend the other day, he voted for Linville Gorge. Guess I need to pour over the maps & dig out my compass. Most of my week long backpacking experience has been on the AT.

My friend did spend some time in the Army and is a LEO (with @15 years experience), so hopefully I won't have to carry him, literally or figuratively. His land nav. skills are probably better than mine. I'm just not really all that comfortable taking a first timer down in the Gorge, so I may try to steer him to something a little more laid back for a first time or may just plan a little more carefully...

Any suggestions on trails in the Gorge?

GregB
 
Deep Creek outside bryson City is in the GSMNP. It has a park service campground at the entrance to the park and bc sites starting abt 2.5 mi. up the trail. it's a beautiful creek. good fishing and a lot of history. Horace kephart's last cabin was up Deep Creek, I believe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top