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Post by slammer66 on Jul 6, 2016 8:36:12 GMT -8
So, I'm returning to the trails after a 25 year absence. I'm 49 years old. Fortunately I'm probably in better shape now than I was then, at least from a cardiovascular standpoint. I recently started to gear back up for hiking since most of my stuff did not withstand the winds of time. I've been doing some day hiking and will be doing some overnighters around Central Alabama this fall.
I am going to be in the Pigeon Forge area around new years. I'm hoping (weather permitting) to do a day hike while there. Does anyone have a suggestion for that area.
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Post by ashepabst on Jul 6, 2016 9:16:50 GMT -8
how ambitious are you feeling?
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Post by slammer66 on Jul 6, 2016 9:24:24 GMT -8
I'm actually going to be on a family vacation sort of thing so I can't go as far as I'd like. I'm thinking of something I can start in the morning and finish by around 3pm. I know from my previous experience in the Smokey's that some trails will take your soul and eat it. While others are quite pleasant.
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Post by hikingtiger on Jul 6, 2016 11:59:16 GMT -8
Baskins Creek Falls is a nice destination. About 3 miles round trip. Starts near the beginning of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (which will be closed in winter.) You can park near the gate, walk up the road a short distance, then left on the trail. You'll probably see no one else on the trail as it just doesn't get the attention that other falls do. If you want something more strenuous, you could go up to Rainbow Falls in the same area. Or drive up to the Greenbrier area and hike up Porters Creek. There's also a book that'll be a great help. A.k.a., "the little green book" it has a lot of good day hike info. The "little brown book" is more comprehensive for trails, but not dayhike oriented. Both good choices. |
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Post by ashepabst on Jul 6, 2016 12:00:47 GMT -8
well, you should do a Mt. Leconte summit if you've never. Alum Cave is the most entertaining route, but it's popular and a hairy time because --I think-- they have it closed on weekdays for rehab work this summer. if you can swing it, do a shuttle hike from Newfound Gap out to the Boulevard and down on Alum Cave.
Slightly less ambitious is the hike out to Charlie's Bunion from Newfound Gap. Add on a side trip to the Jumpoff while you're at it.
Ramsey Cascades is a great all-around hike.
For a shorter dayhike consider the hike to Andrews Bald from Clingman's Dome.
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VAN
Trail Wise!
Posts: 133 
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Post by VAN on Jul 6, 2016 16:28:58 GMT -8
We just got back from Cosby area with our two kiddos (3 and 6). We hiked from Cosby to Hen Wallow Falls on the Maddron Bald Trail (about 4 miles round trip). We didn't make it all the way to the waterfall this time due to the kids, but I have been in the past and it was a blast. If you can get away to the Cosby area, it is worth it!
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Post by kevinumberger on Jul 6, 2016 18:05:12 GMT -8
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Post by kevinumberger on Jul 6, 2016 18:05:43 GMT -8
i second the alum cave suggestion.....
its the trail that changed my life (of course, after jerry died)........
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Post by hikingtiger on Jul 7, 2016 8:41:20 GMT -8
Alum Cave is the most entertaining route Especially since he'll be there late December/early January. |
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Post by ashepabst on Jul 7, 2016 13:41:48 GMT -8
even better... no tourists. you might need ice cleats though.
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Post by slammer66 on Jul 12, 2016 11:06:33 GMT -8
Allum Cave looks to be the destination. Hopefully the weather will not be an issue.
A little off subject but I just ordered the last piece of necessary equipment for an overnight hike (1 man tent). I am far from geared up but I've got the basics needed to survive the night and am really pumped about getting back out there. I have some one nighters planned for Oak Mountain which is close by and in the Cheaha wilderness. I'm going to have to wait until my schedule to clear toward the end of August but after that I'll get numerous opportunities.
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Post by ashepabst on Jul 12, 2016 12:34:34 GMT -8
are you familiar with Sipsey Wilderness? that's a fun area with lots of waterfalls and side canyons to explore.
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Post by slammer66 on Jul 13, 2016 9:11:51 GMT -8
I know where it is and have ridden my motorcycle through there. I am definitely going to take a stab at that. I'm working my way from the novice locations (inside state parks) to the more remote wilderness locations. When I hiked in my early 20's I was with a room mate who was more into it than me and was a bit if a techno/survivalist nerd. He had all the knowledge, I just stayed with him. Now most of the people I know are either too out of shape or just too busy to consider hitting a trail. I've got to learn it all myself. The forums a great resource of info though. My lovely wife got a little miffed at my equipment purchases. I've spent 22 years or so NOT doing this, I'm in good shape now but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Good health is certainly not guaranteed. I'm going for it while I can.
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