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Post by williamh4 on Jan 21, 2016 14:46:30 GMT -8
Anyone here ever backpacked in Southern Nantahala Wilderness? Based on some brief reading, it looks like a good place to backpack off trail.
I would appreciate any other suggestions. I'm looking to do some off trail backpacking. I'd prefer an area I can perhaps hike a few hours in one direction and not see any civilization. I would also prefer a challenging terrain. I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prefer the destination to be no more than a 8-9 hour drive away.
I know I can look at maps, read up on some areas, etc. I'm sure many of you have been to a place(s) like I want to go, so just looking for some direction.
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 21, 2016 16:30:52 GMT -8
In NC., I've only done on trail trips in the Pisgah(or GSMNP).Most of my off trail has been in Va. and Fl.In general,I like to explore areas on trail before I venture off trail and in NC I have only broken the surface of all the areas to explore.That said, in the Pisgah(and in all of N.C.) my top choice for off trail exploration would be Linville Gorge Wilderness.And,I would also consider Shining Rock Wilderness further south in Pisgah.I'm not as familiar with southern Nantahala but Eric Rudolf managed to stay lost in that area for quite awhile so I am sure there are quite a few remote areas to explore off trail.By the way I shared a shelter with him along the A.T. in the Pisgah NF and he made off with my fig newtons but I didn't know it was him until news broke a few years later and pictures of him were posted...
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jan 22, 2016 5:46:13 GMT -8
The joyce kilmer slickrock wilderness would probably be a better option, as it borders the citico creek wilderness and therefore covers a much larger area. The AT travels through SNW, so you'll probably see more people there.
These are very rugged areas though and i think you'll find the underbrush and rhododendron make certain off trail areas impassable.
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Post by williamh4 on Jan 22, 2016 6:58:18 GMT -8
The joyce kilmer slickrock wilderness would probably be a better option, as it borders the citico creek wilderness and therefore covers a much larger area. The AT travels through SNW, so you'll probably see more people there. These are very rugged areas though and i think you'll find the underbrush and rhododendron make certain off trail areas impassable. Just looked that up. I've been using Google to try and determine where I want to go. Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness isn't even shaded (on the online Google map), so I didn't look at that area. Maybe I need to be looking at other map sources. |
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VAN
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Post by VAN on Jan 22, 2016 7:47:47 GMT -8
I grew up going to summer camp in Clayton, GA and love the SNW area! But it is popular. Standing Indian area (if it is technically part of it?) has some of the best dispersed camping I can remember. The road out to Albert Mountain Firetower was just littered with random places to pull over, hike out and then set up camp. I'd do some looking at some trail maps and consider looking at the Bartram Trail areas too. They are less traveled then the AT.
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Post by ashepabst on Jan 22, 2016 8:00:43 GMT -8
The joyce kilmer slickrock wilderness would probably be a better option, as it borders the citico creek wilderness and therefore covers a much larger area. The AT travels through SNW, so you'll probably see more people there. These are very rugged areas though and i think you'll find the underbrush and rhododendron make certain off trail areas impassable. ditto. Joyce Kilmer/Citico is a great option in that regard. on warm weekends you'll probably see some other folks at the big vistas but i don't think you'll be disappointed in the solitude, even on trail. i'd heed ULB's advice on the offtrail stuff... at least get to know an area a little better before you take off. some of those trails are so obscure that it might still satisfy what you're looking for. checkout wilderness.net for some more ideas. Big South Fork is another idea that's a bit closer to you. |
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jan 22, 2016 8:21:22 GMT -8
i was going to suggest Big South Fork as well Ashepabst.
OP,
Big South Fork would easily cut 2-3 hours off your drive and probably has less visitors than any of the above mentioned places.
better opportunity for off trail navigation as well in most areas, although it can be quite steep in and around the river gorge.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 4:23:23 GMT -8
Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock is some of the most strenuous hiking in the south according to Tim Homan and I definitely concur. Some of the highlights in the summer can be the creeks and streams but the most popular can be Bob'b Bald aka Stratton's Bald and Hangover which has some of the best views of the southern smokies. Please keep in mind that winter storms can be brutal and unforgiving. There are also some bail out trails that will take you out if needed. I'll see if I can post some photos.
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Post by markweth on Jan 25, 2016 9:38:02 GMT -8
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and the Big South Fork are both excellent places for backpacking. Lots of great info posted already, and I would like to echo that several of the trails in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock (North Fork Citico Creek and Deep Creek come immediately to mind) aren't much more than rugged footpaths and should satisfy your desire for a primitive experience while still allowing you to maintain a reasonable pace. I have done some off-trail in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock and it is absolutely brutal . . . and I've done a lot of off-trail in the Red River Gorge and BSF without thinking too much of it in most circumstances.
Big South Fork doesn't get a whole lot of use compared to the Smokies/Joyce Kilmer or the Red River Gorge, especially if you drive to one of the more remote trailhead. If you parked at the Terry Cemetery Trailhead and hiked north towards Difficulty Creek and Troublesome Creek you will have a great shot at solitude. Rough terrain and Troublesome Creek is a cool drainage . . . some rusted out cars there and other signs of habitation during the coal mining/logging/oil boom days. The creek itself is beautiful towards its mouth with some charming pools and HUGE boulders. Also a five-star overlook is a rugged 1/4 off the trail south of Troublesome Creek.
Enjoy your trip!
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