BirdShooter

[BirdShooter]

This site has some pictures from 2007:

http://www.traildays.info/

[BirdShooter]

John Ray would like to share some information on four guides they have available for trails in the Southeastern U.S. We have four trail guides available. Three of these are in 8.5×11 spiral bound booklets. These three guides cover trails that are long enough for backpacking trips of several days. The fourth shorter guide is for the trails in the Appletree Group Campground area. We use the Appletree Camp trails to connect the Chunky Gal/Fires Creek Trail system to the NC Bartram Trail and the Appalachian Trail at either Cheoah Bald near Robbinsville, NC or Wayah Bald near Franklin, NC. The trails are interconnected with one another. A brief description of the guides: 1. GA Bartram Trail Guide. Covers the GA Bartram Trail (37 mi.), GA Chattooga River Trail (11 mi.), GA Three Forks Trail (3 mi.) and SC Chattooga River Trail (20 mi.). These trails are all connected. By doing the SC Chattooga River Trail, part of GA Bartram Trail and GA Chattooga River Trail one has a 40 mile backpacking trip along the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. 2. NC Bartram Trail. Covers the NC Bartram Trail (60 mi. plus 14 mile road walk across Franklin, NC) from its southern end near Highlands, NC to its termination on Cheoah Bald. The southern trailhead is at the termination point of the GA Bartram Trail on Hale RIdge Road. 3. Chunky Gal/Fires Creek Rim Trail Guide. Covers the Chunky Gal Trail (22 mi.) starting near Deep Gap near Standing Indian Mtn. west of Franklin, NC to its termination point on the Fires Creek Rim Trail on Tusquitee Bald (5200 ft.). Also the Fires Creek Rim Trail (26 mi.) and open side trails down into the Fires Creek Basin. The road structure of the main roads in the Basin are also shown to allow for day-hike explorations. Also the Old Road Gap Trail which leads down from County Corners to Junaluska Gap is included. Maps for the Appletree Trails but no detailed discussion is given of the Appletree Trails that are used to connect Fires Creek to the NC Bartram Trail and the Appalachian Trail. 4. This guide contains the maps and detailed discussion for the trail in the Appletree Camp Area (26 mi.). The guides have detailed trail descriptions along with GPS generated TOPO maps (made with Terrain Navigator Pro from maptech.com) of the trail with the mileage denoted along the trail. The mileage is obtained by rolling a wheel. Water sources, campsites, and other features discussed in the guide are tied to the mileage markers on the maps. The maps are on 8.5×11 sheets with between 5 to 10 mi. sections shown on each map. There is a set of overlapping maps to cover the entire trail along with an overview map of the entire trail. Road access points are described to allow for day hike shuttle arrangements. Elevation profiles of the longer trails are included.

[BirdShooter]

I have often seen and been captivated by the alluring photos of Havasu Falls, but had no awareness to the turbulent environment that exists within its boundaries. Anne McGivney just wrote an article on it in Backpacker Magazine (June 2007).

While most adventurers are fully cognizant of the natural dangers that can take their lives, few understand and appreciate the social and political worlds they traverse. This is a wake-up call to all of us, and hopefully to the Supai tribe as well.

[BirdShooter]

A domesticated dog or coyote wouldn’t stand a chance.

[BirdShooter]

I’ve had a Dana since ’94. It’s sad to see them go. Mine has held up well over the years.

[BirdShooter]

We didn’t take either crampons or an ice axe. Most people we met on the trail didn’t take them either. We hiked in early July, so I can speak to the need in June but don’t think you really need them from mid-July on. There’s lots of snow from the U.S./Canada Border to Happy Camp in early July but we didn’t have any difficulty without crampons or an ice axe. The Chilkoot Trail is a great hike. I highly recommend it.

[BirdShooter]

The “upload map and photo” issue is fixed. Thanks for your patience.

[BirdShooter]

Hey, how did the Tusquitee Bald trip go? I have to say, the trail was so difficult the last time I was there that I am extremely curious.

[BirdShooter]

Hmmm….. since it’s winter, you want to stay in the lower elevations. I’m guessing you don’t want to drive more than three hours, but that still leaves a lot of options. So here’s a few suggestions:

1. Chattooga River – Ellicott Rock: https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/georgia/chattooga/ellicott%201_00D.htm

2. Providence Canyon – https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/georgia/providence%206_97D.htm

3. Middle Saluda River – https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/south_carolina/jones%20gap%208_00D.htm

4. Gorges State Park – https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/north_carolina/gorges/ray%20fisher%208_02D.htm

It sounds like you are doing one night in the woods, right? If so, all of these hikes are lower elevation, allow campfires, and have something worthwhile to see. Providence Canyon is the furthest south (which means it will be warmer), and it’s really a great place. There are a lot of day hikers in the canyon, but I don’t expect you will see too many people on the Backcountry Trail where you can camp for the night in one of six sites. Have fun. Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions.

[BirdShooter]

Try this hike in Ceasars Head. It’s close to Greenville, the trails are well marked and there are plenty of campsites on this route. Also, there’s a great waterfall and interesting cable crossing of Matthews Creek which is more fun than anything. https://yourhikes.com/hikes/south-carolina/caesars-head-state-park-gum-gap/

[BirdShooter]

Thanks, and glad you enjoy it. If you are also on the Tusquitee Bald trip .. best wishes. I found the link to the John Ray and Malcolm Skove guidebook on the Fires Creek Trail which is very detailed. There is a link to contact them at: https://n2backpacking.com/long_trails/bt/bt_books.htm They are also authors of the Bartram Trail guides and can probably answer any questions you have.

[BirdShooter]

Let me know how it goes. I hiked here back in ’97 and there were tons of blowdowns. I’m curious how much it imporved since then and if it’s worth a trip back.

https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/north_carolina/tusquitee%208_97D.htm

John Ray, et al. has Tusquitee Bald in one of his guidebooks so maybe enough people have traveled the area now that things are better.

[BirdShooter]

Hi, I saw your note and to my knowledge the best source of information on the Panthertown Valley area is a map a guide put together that is sold in some of the outfitters in the area …. like the Happy Hiker in Cashiers. That is probably your best bet. Good luck. It’s a great place.

BirdShooter

Is there a guidebook out there that covers Panthertown Valley? I saw your photos on the website but have not been able to find a good trail book for the area. Thank You. JE

[BirdShooter]

New book from “Dances With Marmots”…..

[BirdShooter]

If you like Pisgah and particularly the Brevard area, the Shining Rock Wilderness is outstanding. Particularly this hike:

https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/north_carolina/shining%20rock/investor%2010_99D.htm

The only issue is that the area gets a lot of activity (ie. hikers, backpackers) especially on the weekends. If you are a student and can go during the week, then that is your best bet. If you want to get away from the crowds and do a multi-day trip, shoot for Cold Mountain. It’s a tough hike, but worth the effort.

Let me know how it goes.

Best Wishes,

BirdShooter

[Author]

Posts