That Garmin map is sweet!!!

10/22/2012 10:47:38 PM

You should check it out late June/ early July. The grasses on all the balds are knee high and golden and fuzzy...it's awesome to lay in. I have some pics in my gallery!

10/23/2012 4:56:15 PM

I would be way too hot in July! October was even pushing it.

10/23/2012 6:14:40 PM

can you guys give me any info into some of the trails in Brevard, NC? I want to take my girlfriend somewhere for a nice day trip and reading about Brevard's waterfalls it seems the trails are all pretty easy. She's not big into camping/hiking but doesn't mind getting out for a day now and then.

I'm in Charlotte. Would Crowders Mtn be a better choice?

10/25/2012 3:52:32 PM

I've heard Dupont State Forest is the spot for waterfalls. But that's just what I've heard, can't back it up.

10/25/2012 5:35:00 PM

Eh I've been mountain biking there and it's a little too accessible for me.

If you want waterfalls check out Wilson Creek Wilderness Area. There's a bunch of hikes around there with waterfalls.

http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/wilson_creek1.htm

Or just check out that site.

10/25/2012 6:40:07 PM

accessible, meaning trails are not challenging?

i figured they were just by the distance and descriptions.

10/26/2012 8:29:15 AM

going up to shenandoah tonight for some lazy car camping

10/26/2012 9:06:54 AM

If you're looking for easy then skip Wilson Creek and go to Linville Falls. It's a very short hike out to both overlooks. I'm fairly sure you're not going to see any waterfalls in the Wilson Creek Wilderness areas without getting a little dirty and breaking a good sweat. I think the most accessible waterfall is probably the Harper Creek falls, but there's not much you can see without climbing down to the base of the falls via a rope ladder.

10/26/2012 9:07:36 AM

thanks for the info. I was looking into Brevard because of the downtown area as well which would help convince my gf to go.

basically, i don't have very many hiking/camping friends in Charlotte so i'm trying to get her more into it. obviously with winter coming i'll need to plan for spring to get going again.


i was reading back through this thread and saw that march-april seems to be the best time to buy sleeping bags. do daypacks go on sale at any one time? I'm in the market for a new one.

I have been using an old TNF Yavapai for years but it's worn out. the mesh pockets are busted, the back panel isn't very supportive, and it's basically time to upgrade. Can people recommend one? Basically I want it to use it for day hikes and quick overnights. My Yavapai worked as my daypack, standard bookbag, and weekend clothes bag for quick trips out of town for years. Looking for similar results but more targeted toward hikes. The Osprey packs have caught my eye.

10/26/2012 1:03:07 PM

I am trying to do a one night early year camp (March or April).

Looking to park (safe preferably), hike in ~3-5 miles (trail not necessary, I am experienced in trail marking and navigation), set up camp including fire and hike out the next day. Looking for secluded camping where we won't be anywhere near other campers and hopefully on legal land. Somewhere within a few hours of Raleigh with awesome views and good wooded areas.

Any suggestions?

This is going to be a bachelor party trip so there might be some "hooting and hollering" and if there are strip clubs nearby for the night before that is all the better.

10/26/2012 1:23:47 PM

Brevard...

Looking Glass Falls
Rainbow Falls
Graveyard Fields

Lots of trails, less than 5 miles I'd say round trip each. PM me if you want and I can toss you some trail ideas.

10/29/2012 12:40:30 PM

Graveyard Fields looks awesome. Great suggestions. Any others a little closer to Raleigh?

10/29/2012 12:53:41 PM

Anyone been here:

http://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm

http://macstonephoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/congaree-national-park.html

Thinking about doing a kayak trip there soon. Debating whether to tent or hammock. I still need to get a rain/bug fly for my hammock.

10/29/2012 1:06:36 PM

What about Hanging Rock or UWharrie?

10/30/2012 10:08:41 AM

Anyone hammock camp? I've got an eno river and considering investing in the bug/rain fly. What type of pad works best? I tried sleeping in it my last trip but it got way too cold even in my down bag (which I get too hot in - in my tent). I'd try my tent pad but it's a little too thick.

10/30/2012 11:19:25 AM

^I did nothing but hammock this year. I have a Hennessy, though, and believe me...you want the rain fly and a mosquito net. Even if there aren't biters, there are crawlers and creepers. I just use my roll-up Thermarest and a 25*C down bag and am comfy. Summer I switch to a lighter bag and just don't zip it up. It's 100% more comfortable, I love not having to carry around a tent, and I actually feel "safer" having a full view around me.

10/30/2012 11:52:21 AM

Yeah that's what I hear from everyone. Although from the research I've done my 2 person tent weighs the same or less than most hammock+fly+bug combos. Plus our dog stays in the tent with us and it's easier to cook in the vestibule while it's raining. So weight isn't an issue. Plus 2 people in one hammock is a bit too much - so that would be doubling the hammock weight which in the end would be a lot more heavy than my tent.

Although I do want to give it a try. So I won't knock it until I try it. I've got a Thermarest Neo-Air which is by far the most comfortable sleeping pad I've ever been on and it's only 18 ounces. It's just a bit thick but I still need to try it in my hammock first. I might pick up the fly from REI to try it out this weekend.

[Edited on October 30, 2012 at 12:03 PM. Reason : s]

10/30/2012 12:03:04 PM

Quote :

"What about Hanging Rock or UWharrie?"

Is it legal to hike in and camp anywhere at both or is it designated campgrounds?

edit: found it for Uwharrie

Quote :

"Primitive dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Forest, except in those areas that are posted "No Camping"."

Looks like hanging rock is out

Quote :

"Camping and Fires Camping is allowed in designated areas by permit only. In most cases, campers register with a ranger on site or at an on-site registration box. Fires are permitted only in designated areas and must be tended at all times. Gathering firewood is generally prohibited, but may be allowed in some parks. All vehicles left in the park after posted park hours must be registered. Visitors must be 18 years or older to register as campers."

[Edited on October 30, 2012 at 12:34 PM. Reason : rules]

10/30/2012 12:15:30 PM

MeatStick which Hennessy hammock do you have? Been looking at the hyperlite. Would return my Eno to REI and pick it up. Do you use a pad or underquilt?

10/30/2012 4:33:41 PM

Well...since I am a 5'2, 110lb girl...I use the Scout version. It's a little heavier, I think, but it fits my proportions better since I'm small. It has a handy pocket in the inside that slides around above me so I can put some of my stuff.

I use a foam pad. It's less for comfort, it's more for that extra layer of insulation.

10/31/2012 9:33:46 AM

Neato. Exchanged my Eno for a Hennessy hyperlite. Also picked up the Eno River SPE for my Thermarest pad. Going to give it a shot this weekend and see how I sleep. I'm still skeptical about sleeping in a hammock but we'll see. Might bring the tent just in case.

10/31/2012 9:47:02 AM

It may take a few adjustments...I like my hammock really tight, but I know some people like a little bit of sag.

Don't forget to sleep diagonal in the Henessay Hammock. It's made for you to be a bit off center for leg room and better fit.

10/31/2012 1:00:04 PM

Yeah the asymmetrical design lets you sleep flatter. I tried it out last night. Seemed to be comfortable. Still don't think I could sleep on my side though.

10/31/2012 1:05:15 PM

Heading to Linville Gorge this weekend. Does anyone have any advice to get the best views? I want to get a great view of the falls (Which trail is best for that?), then Wiseman's view. Any other suggestions?

11/8/2012 10:12:20 AM

Linville is great. I did this loop earlier in the year:



I'd make sure to either have a GPS or get a detailed map as the last day (south western side) is pretty tough and hard to find if you do it counter clockwise (starting at 1 on this map).

We didn't pass the falls but you can take that de-tour if you want north of the parking lot at the top.

11/8/2012 10:19:04 AM

^^Babel Tower -- Its a tower/buttress that rises from the river at nearly the center of the gorge. Its a reasonable scramble up to a point where you can look both up and down the gorge and see both sides of the gorge at the same time. Best views I've experienced in Linville hands down.

http://www.summitpost.org/babel-tower/558214

[Edited on November 8, 2012 at 10:37 AM. Reason : ermagherd, summitpost with a meaningful post for something east of the mississippi!!!!]

11/8/2012 10:31:11 AM

Which trail has best view of the falls? I keep seeing google images of looking across from the falls up high.

11/8/2012 11:40:15 AM

Plunge basin, erwin's view, and chimney overlook I think all give you views of the falls from up high. Just keep google image searching those + linville falls until you find what you are looking for

[Edited on November 8, 2012 at 12:27 PM. Reason : I'm guessing Chimney View is what you're looking for]

11/8/2012 12:22:49 PM

Anyone have recommendations for a good two-burner camp stove?

11/8/2012 1:05:51 PM

Quote :

"^^Babel Tower -- Its a tower/buttress that rises from the river at nearly the center of the gorge. Its a reasonable scramble up to a point where you can look both up and down the gorge and see both sides of the gorge at the same time. Best views I've experienced in Linville hands down."

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think you can see the falls from Babel Tower. It's still a great view, though.


Anybody involved with any backpacking groups? Since I usually have to beg and plead to get friends to go hiking, I haven't done a single backpacking trip this year. I need to meet new people or join up with a group. Maybe some good Meetup group suggestions?

11/8/2012 11:24:38 PM

na I don't think you can see the falls from Babel either

^^you talking like a coleman fold out propane stove or something similar?


when I was in scouts I'm pretty sure we had the basic coleman Dick's sporting goods/walmart special. They got bashed, rarely cleaned, and left out in the rain routinely and I only remember a few burners ever quitting. I think when you pay more for one you are buying a better regulator (more control of burner heat) and at the next level maybe some stainless parts?

[Edited on November 9, 2012 at 8:16 AM. Reason : .]

11/9/2012 8:12:33 AM

Quote :

"Anybody involved with any backpacking groups? Since I usually have to beg and plead to get friends to go hiking, I haven't done a single backpacking trip this year. I need to meet new people or join up with a group. Maybe some good Meetup group suggestions?"

Same boat. I still make it out enough but would like a larger group to go with. I'm sure there's backpacking meetup groups. I just usually like being in charge of what/far we hike.

11/9/2012 9:28:03 AM

I still think we should start a TDub one...I go out probably every weekend May-August, then at least 2 week long to 10 day trips. And sporatic weekends September-November.

11/9/2012 9:43:24 AM

What about soloing when you can't get a crew? I've only done it a few times, It's not for everyone, but it definitely puts a new spin on your favorite spots/adventures.

11/9/2012 10:12:40 AM

^^That'd be fun. My favorite time to go is September - April. Haha. I usually don't do more than 3-4 day trips though. Not enough vacation time.

^I've only done it once. I enjoyed it. I can push myself a lot more. I feel like if I do a lot of solo trips though I should get one of those spot GPS messengers for emergencies. Not having cell reception and being alone and rolling an ankle 10 miles from a road would be pretty scary.

[Edited on November 9, 2012 at 10:38 AM. Reason : s]

11/9/2012 10:36:17 AM

I always solo...not a lot of backpacking buddies.

11/9/2012 11:11:59 AM

Well lets do a TWW meet up for backpacking. We've got some trips coming up soon. We want to do some snow camping possibly up in the Grayson Highlands again.

Anyone be interested in that? I feel like it might be less weird than a random meetup from meetup.com.

Art Loeb a couple weeks ago:





[Edited on November 9, 2012 at 12:05 PM. Reason : s]

11/9/2012 11:46:54 AM

^Awesome pics! I've only done the Art Loeb in May/June/July to catch black balsam before they mow ...the colors look so amazing!

11/9/2012 1:35:18 PM

I've gone solo a couple of times. It can be relaxing, and I get to go my own pace, but I'd prefer a group for the company and safety.

Quote :

"Well lets do a TWW meet up for backpacking. We've got some trips coming up soon. We want to do some snow camping possibly up in the Grayson Highlands again. Anyone be interested in that? I feel like it might be less weird than a random meetup from meetup.com."

haha, the first and last time I was at the Grayson Highlands was during Snowmaggedon 2010. We hadn't expected anything more than flurries. Still have all of my toes, thankfully. I'd be interested in a TWW trip.

11/9/2012 2:49:15 PM

i am in for the tdub camping/hiking meetup though i dont have much of the fancy gear like you folks do

11/9/2012 3:31:45 PM

^ Same here. Also, have any of you done primitive camping at the beach? Any good places?

11/9/2012 4:46:09 PM

^I've done Cape Look Out. You have to ferry to the island. The ocean side of the island is fantastic, great shells, private (I never see anyone)...and I always have a HUGE bonfire. Best memories.

11/9/2012 4:49:56 PM

I've also done Cape Lookout. We camped on the southern, ocean side of the island during July. It was fun, but the wind was a little much at some points. Apparently July is not the best time to go because of the heat, wind, and fishing.

11/9/2012 5:49:15 PM

Anyone have any good paleo/backpacking sites? I have a feeling trying this new diet out and backpacking is going to screw me over. I usually pack up the carbs when hiking.

11/19/2012 12:58:28 PM

I have a few friends that are vegan and they just eat a shit ton of nuts.

11/19/2012 3:05:48 PM

Vegan would be easy because you still get to eat all the pastas, breads, etc that make backpacking easy. Not to mention there's already a ton of vegan energy bars out there.

I would be eating basically all meat and dehydrated veggies and fruits. Sounds like I need to buy a dehydrator.

-I mean typically i survive on naan bread, salami, pastas, etc. Now that all wheat/grain is out I'm going to have to get creative.

[Edited on November 19, 2012 at 3:14 PM. Reason : s]

11/19/2012 3:11:25 PM

looking to go backpacking in late january or early february, in the mountains of NC or virginia...suggestions?

12/12/2012 3:53:15 PM

I'll be doing quite a few hikes over the next few months. Hopefully in the snow. Probably hitting up the Grayson Highlands again in Virginia. They're beautiful in the snow.

12/12/2012 4:19:16 PM

Oh god, Grayson Highlands + snow brings back nightmares of our backpacking trip there during Snowpocalypse a few years ago. Luckily we all survived with out toes intact.

12/12/2012 5:00:38 PM