ch
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Post by ch on Mar 28, 2017 8:42:22 GMT -8
Hello, everyone. So looking to do a three day, two night trip in early April. Will be 4 experienced adults, six kids from 4 yrs up. Now, the kids are capable of up to four miles, we have done five day trips with them in the Dolly Sods Wilderness area in WV plus many long day hikes in local state parks. What we are really looking for with this trip is a nice campsite with water 1-3 miles in, maybe set up a base camp, with nice areas to day hike to. They can handle trails of moderate difficulty, so long as we go a little slow. There's a lot of info out there, but getting a little overwhelmed to be honest. Main concern is being able to find a decent campsite once we get there, as it will possibly be dark/late by the time we get to the trail head, and would really prefer to stay away from campgrounds. We have lots of experience night hiking, though. So any recommendations for trails that fit this criteria would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2017 10:11:05 GMT -8
No replys yet I see.....that's a pretty large area.....In Polk County TN, near Benton TN, there's a campground on Chilohowee Mountain....with water, electricity, and bath houses......lake and a play ground. There's also several trails and camping out side of the campground in the national forest is allowed.....Benton Falls is about a 2 mile hike from the campground and quite pretty depending on the flow...... www.recreation.gov/camping/chilhowee-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=127490 |
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ch
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Post by ch on Apr 1, 2017 20:03:47 GMT -8
Hey, thanks for the advice. I believe we've decided on Linville Gorge in NC, the Conley Cove trail down to the river seems to fall into the parameters that the kids could handle, they're real troopers. Should be a great trip as long the weather holds up. Thanks man.
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Post by rwtb123 on Apr 1, 2017 20:33:13 GMT -8
Good choice,as it's on my list of places to explore, a follow up on how it goes might be useful to folks here if you get around to it.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,965
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 2, 2017 13:13:55 GMT -8
I believe we've decided on Linville Gorge in NC In my opinion one of the greatest views in the Southeast is from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain on the east side of Linville Gorge. You have to drive several miles of gravel roads to get there, but any vehicle can easily make it. The trail itself is not the feature; it goes uphill through the woods for 3/4 mile, but the reward is at the end -- expansive views of Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain, and beyond. Be sure to note the spot you emerged from the trail, then go uphill for unobstructed 360 degree views from the expansive open rock summit. |
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ch
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Post by ch on Apr 3, 2017 6:47:44 GMT -8
Sounds awesome! Unfortunately we may have to look for some place a little further south, as much as I hate to add to the already lengthy drive time. The forecasted lows the first two nights exceeds our current gear limitations by too much. Not necessarily for the adults, but for the kids. Sucks, had it all planned out, maps printed/uploaded to my gps app (Gaia). And running out of time to find another spot. Such is life, lol.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,965
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 3, 2017 9:44:14 GMT -8
ch, the summit of Hawksbill is just a short dayhike to a great spot for a picnic (not a place to camp). Most of the trails that actually go down into Linville Gorge are more of a rugged adventure than you're looking for, regardless of weather. Shining Rock Wilderness or Panthertown Valley would be better options for your crew, but they're both in North Carolina as opposed to further south. Shining Rock is high elevation, which would be colder.
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Post by rwtb123 on Apr 3, 2017 20:13:42 GMT -8
I think you are seeing recommendations for group campgrounds because there are way too many group camp/party sites in the southern Appalachian NFs established by use within 1/2 mile from major roads/trailheads or near Natl. Forest roads that become eyesores to those hiking/backpacking/riding by due to overuse/abuse.
A compromise that would get you further south would be to hike in to an A.T. shelter in Ga. The part I have done at the start of the A.T. would be too strenuous but I recall from journals there would be opportunities to meet your requirements or you could base at Vogel SP.(Though thinking more that is peak thru-hiker season so the shelters will be a zoo already leaving Vogel perhaps the better idea or perhaps the S.C. Foothills area)
Of course if you could get to north central Florida Hidden Pond in the Juniper Wilderness of the Ocala NF would work.But I know all too well how long of a drive that is...
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ch
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Post by ch on Apr 4, 2017 6:28:00 GMT -8
I believe we've decided to make some gear changes and continue on with our original plan, hitting the Linville Gorge river via Conley Cove trail. After studying maps/vids, the trail seems doesn't appear to be much more challenging than other trails we've done (Big Stonecoal Run in Dolly Sods Wilderness), so we should be good on that. Would have preferred some warmer nights, but will gear up accordingly. We are a stubborn lot. Thanks again for your recommendations!
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Post by rwtb123 on Apr 4, 2017 8:44:10 GMT -8
With the right gear, cold is not really a problem.You will probably even sleep better.Good luck with your first choice...
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