argus
Trail Ready!
Posts: 13
|
Post by argus on Jan 20, 2017 23:43:20 GMT -8
My name is Cory! Im from a nowhere town in South Carolina. I've always done a lot of day hiking and even tackled a few more difficult challenges like a Danish Contingent (25km) while deployed with the SC National Guard. Lately ive been wanting to add some more adventure to my days by getting into some multi-day backpacking trips pretty much anywhere in the continental US but have no idea where to even start. So i'm here in the hopes that I can find the knowledge and advice to get started!
Thanks in advance
|
|
RumiDude
Trail Wise!
Marmota olympus
Posts: 2,361
|
Post by RumiDude on Jan 21, 2017 2:34:42 GMT -8
Welcome Cory!
I am living out on the Olympic Peninsula in the PNW. If you ever think about backpacking in ONP, let me know and I will give the best advice I can.
As to not knowing where to start, well everyone was there at one time. So sit by the campfire and listen in on the conversation. And when you get a chance, join in.
Rumi
|
|
toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
|
Post by toejam on Jan 21, 2017 7:26:09 GMT -8
Welcome & thanks for your service. Start easy and have fun. You'll meet a lot of interesting characters on the AT, but the best backpacking is in California.
|
|
mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
|
Post by mk on Jan 21, 2017 7:34:05 GMT -8
Welcome from North Texas, Cory. There's definitely a wealth of info to be found on this forum -- for backpacking and more.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,711
|
Post by rebeccad on Jan 21, 2017 9:34:17 GMT -8
Welcome, Cory! I think if you nose around here enough, you'll pick up some ideas of where to start.
|
|
|
Post by hikerjer on Jan 21, 2017 11:38:39 GMT -8
Welcome from the Big Sky County (Montana). This a good place to hangout. A little crazy and weird at times, but still good.
|
|
argus
Trail Ready!
Posts: 13
|
Post by argus on Jan 21, 2017 16:28:47 GMT -8
Thanks! I'm thinking of trying out the Linville Gorge Wilderness loop. 22 miles and just a few hours from the house so familiar terrain. Figured I'd step up to some hard day hikes a bit first though. Get some of my conditioning back.
|
|
|
Post by rwtb123 on Jan 21, 2017 18:01:08 GMT -8
Linville Gorge Wilderness loop That would be quite a challenge and one that is on my list.Linville Gorge has a reputation as rugged and great for advanced exploration both on trail and off,as even the trails are not well maintained or marked so have an off-trail feel.Which explains the high number of lost people requiring rescue in that wilderness. But, sounds like while you are a newbie to backpacking not necessarily to hiking and challenges following trails/terrain.So it may be an appropriate place to start unless you wanted something less challenging like the Foothills Trail in S.C. to get your feet wet. In any event,perhaps you could follow that with some of the 6ers in N.C, then head out to Co. for some 16ers... (check out or post in the southern forum for more on southeastern options)
|
|
argus
Trail Ready!
Posts: 13
|
Post by argus on Jan 21, 2017 18:36:55 GMT -8
thanks for the advice rwtb123!
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Jan 23, 2017 16:19:51 GMT -8
Howdee Cory! I too thank you for your service but California sux, the best backpacking and hiking is in........... Heeh heeh.
Keep your stick on theice and have a wonderful time man.
|
|
null
Trail Wise!
Posts: 578
|
Post by null on Jan 24, 2017 3:51:04 GMT -8
unless you wanted something less challenging like the Foothills Trail in S.C. to get your feet wet. You could start by going from Whitewater Falls to Sassafras Mountain, or for a shorter excursion you could end at Lake Jocassee (although you'd need to charter a boat to get back across the lake.
|
|
kenv
Trail Wise!
Posts: 974
|
Post by kenv on Jan 24, 2017 10:40:56 GMT -8
Welcome to the campfire. I was a Navy type myself, but that was a while ago now. I'm in south central Texas and not familiar with your neck of the woods, but happy to provide whatever generic advice I can offer.
|
|
amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
|
Post by amaruq on Jan 24, 2017 10:54:27 GMT -8
Welcome, Cory! I think if you nose around here enough, you'll pick up some ideas of where to start. I see what you've done there. Welcome to the forum from America's hat!
|
|
|
Post by hikingtiger on Jan 24, 2017 14:33:30 GMT -8
Welcome.
|
|
reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,215
|
Post by reuben on Jan 24, 2017 17:10:11 GMT -8
Im from a nowhere town in South Carolina. That sounds good. Welcome to the Pleasure Dome.
|
|