argus
Trail Ready!
Posts: 13
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Post by argus on Jan 22, 2017 0:40:47 GMT -8
Hey guys I'm still fairly new the this forum and very new to backpacking in general. I've hiked small day hikes regularly since I was a small child in places like Table Rock State Park and Ceasar's Head. I've also completed some more challenging stuff like a DANCON (Danish Contingent 25km) while deployed. As far as skills go i've done everything from military landnav all the way to a few courses at the Mountain Shepherd Survival School. I've always wanted to get into multi-day backpacking and fortunately just recently got a job that makes it pretty easy to get up to two weeks off at a time several times a year. I've been thinking of attempting the Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop as my first solo (hopefully with my dog) backpacking trip in a month or two after I've gotten my conditioning back up. Based on the plethora of knowledge and experience on this site I was wondering if you guys thought this was good for someone with my experience, if you could recommend some other trails to try, or any other tips or advice you could give me. Thanks in advance! Cory (Argus is actually my dog )
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 22, 2017 6:03:59 GMT -8
Here is the link that I have for that hike. www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/379572It sounds like you have the skills and motivation to try that trip,but generally it is a good idea to dial in your sleep,food and clothing systems,etc. on a shakedown trip or two before trying more ambitious trips. Assuming you continue to learn here(or where ever) while practicing carrying a pack and perfecting the above systems ,for your style, on your dayhikes,I see no reason you can't start with this hike. Disclaimer: Like you this is a hike I want to do but have not done yet.In fact,if I lived close enough Linville Gorge, with it's rugged off-trail scrambles,would be high on my list of places to explore.And,I would start with this loop to get a feel for the area.
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Post by Jerry E on Jan 22, 2017 11:52:20 GMT -8
I have also been really wanting to do this loop. I have done 2 sides of it (Wolf Pit to TR, and Spence Ridge to the River) on day and overnight trips, but I'm not sure how different the conditions of the rest of the trails in the loop are. It certainly sounds like you have adequate background, and can get in the right condition. My main suggestion would be to do a little exploring of the Gorge before jumping into a multiday backpacking trip there. That will give you a better feel for the area, and a chance to test the various, excellent map options for lgmaps.org ( www.lgmaps.org/?page_id=10 ). I started with a car camping trip with some day hikes on a few trails, and I was glad I did.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 22, 2017 11:58:14 GMT -8
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argus
Trail Ready!
Posts: 13
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Post by argus on Jan 22, 2017 13:08:07 GMT -8
Yes impatience is a problem of mine. Once I decide on a trail I wanna do it now haha I only live about 2 hours from it so I may do a few smaller hikes in the area first to get my feet wet like u guys suggested. Thanks for all the links and advice!
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 22, 2017 14:23:24 GMT -8
argus, just east of Linville Gorge is the Wilson Creek Wilderness. It has a trail system with many possibilities to a number of excellent waterfalls.
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argus
Trail Ready!
Posts: 13
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Post by argus on Jan 22, 2017 16:53:58 GMT -8
driftwoody I may check that out in prep for linville so I don't ruin any of the greatest sights during day hikes. No point for me in the multi-day trip if I've already seen all the best views
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,877
Member is Online
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 22, 2017 17:11:57 GMT -8
Just be prepared to ford some creeks in the Wilson Creek Wilderness. There are many great hiking areas in the mountains of North Carolina and the Southeast in general. You have years of great hikes to look forward to.
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 22, 2017 17:27:08 GMT -8
The Mountains-to-Sea trail does run though both wilderness areas and even include a small segment of this loop.It is rather unscenic in this area but might be an option for accessing the scenic areas of Wilson Creek while getting your feet wet in Linville w/o spoiling the most scenic views.
Also,Bob Underwood ,who commented a few times in my link,runs a yahoogroup on Linville Gorge geared towards scramblers.I don't think it has been very active for a few years but perusing through the archives would give you everything you want to know about the Gorge and more as he was very prolific ,in the past,about sharing his knowledge of all things Linville.
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