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Post by ashepabst on Jan 2, 2016 7:22:35 GMT -8
Any of you guys spent any time here? Any trail recommendations? Good BP routes?
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Jan 3, 2016 6:17:04 GMT -8
I've dayhiked there, the main route down into the canyon and then both splits of the trail at the bottom to the two waterfalls. Very nice area.
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Post by ashepabst on Jan 4, 2016 11:26:26 GMT -8
Thanks JR.
I've learned that you have to pick a campsite and then hike in the short loop trail to the backcountry sites. if anyone has any good beta on which sites are better than others, I'm all ears.
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Post by doggonega on Feb 11, 2016 14:06:42 GMT -8
Depends on how strenuous a backpack you want to do. If you want to take it easy, you could get a walk-in campsite and hike the West Rim Loop Trail from there. There's also the Bear Creek Backcountry trail - which says "by permit only". That one I'm not familiar with. Then there's the 2 mile Backcountry Trail...which goes down towards one of the creeks. I haven't done that one in a couple of years, but the last time I did the campsites looked to be in pretty good condition, but they're mostly right off the trail. So if you're looking for privacy that might not be a good choice. There's also the Cloudland Connector Trail...which I'm also not familiar with, but you can check it out here: www.outdoorchattanooga.com/land/cloudland-canyon-connector-trail-horseback-riding. It goes to Lula Lakes Land Trust, which is a spectacular site...but I don't think you can actually camp there. I'm not sure if they allow camping on the Sitton's Gulch Trail, which goes down into the canyon...but I've hiked most of it and there's not really many good places to set up camp.
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Post by ashepabst on Feb 12, 2016 6:24:32 GMT -8
is West Rim pretty nice? i was thinking about slackpacking from one of the backcountry sites, and doing the Bear Creek Loop from there (or West Rim?). that, or using the Sittons Gulch Trailhead. it looks like the latter two require going through some developed areas. is that worth avoiding or is it not that bad?
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cajun
Trail Wise!
GEAUX TIGERS!!
Posts: 189
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Post by cajun on Feb 14, 2016 8:40:35 GMT -8
Beautiful area! No recommendations, but you're making me want to plan a return trip.
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Post by doggonega on Feb 15, 2016 11:55:33 GMT -8
The West Rim trail is pretty nice. It's been a few years since I did it, so I'm not familiar with any changes that might have happened. The only thing I can remember is that part of it is right on the rim of the canyon and is NOT protected by any kind of railings, except at a viewpoint or two. Scared the crap out of me! All I can say is be careful on that part...people HAVE fallen off it and died. But if I can survive it, anyone can...it just takes being sensible about not getting too close to the unprotected edge.
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