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Post by jafosho20 on Jul 27, 2017 0:20:50 GMT -8
My boyfriend and I are going on a 3 week-ish road trip from Grand Rapids MI to St Petersburg FL and back. We do not plan on taking a direct route, but instead explore, hike, make pit stops. I am hoping that along the way there is a one to two night mountain summit we could do. Last summer in Big Sky MT myself and 2 friends did a one night, 20 mile-ish (round trip) mountain climb. I do not know the elevation... but the only gear we needed (besides the obvious camping gear) were good boots. The last two miles were steep, and we had to stop frequently to catch our breath because we were not accustomed to the thinner air. But it was amazing and the views were incredible. I understand that we will be in a different are of the US (lol) but if any one has any suggestions to a similar hike I would be SO happy. I think that the furthest east we'd go is Roanoke, although if the hike/climb is exceptional I will make exceptions (see what I did there). Thank you!!
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Hungry Jack
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Living and dying in 3/4 time...
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Post by Hungry Jack on Aug 3, 2017 12:05:55 GMT -8
Some of the balds in the Smokies would be outstanding, though I am unsure of camping options.
I really like the Big South Fork area of TN. It is very rugged and wild, though sparsely used with tons of trail. You certainly won't find solitude in the Smokies.
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Post by topshot on Aug 3, 2017 17:33:01 GMT -8
Agree that Smokies and surrounding area is your best bet. In GSNP you must camp in designated sites/shelters, many of which are along the AT. You could reach some for an overnight and any of them for a 2-nighter. The downside is you must use their reservation system so what you want may not be available at this point.
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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 Aug 3, 2017 18:14:16 GMT -8
At the western end of Virginia (much closer to the route between grand Rapids & Florida) is the Mount Rogers National Recreation area. In mid-late June the mountainside is ablaze with blooming rhododendron (puts Roan Mtn to shame, IMO) and the views are almost endless. To top it off, herds of beautiful wild ponies roam the landscape. You don't have much elevation to gain if you start at Grayson Highlands State Park. |
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Post by yukonron on Nov 30, 2018 6:40:14 GMT -8
In the East, it is Appalachia. There are plenty of places off trail to see, and do not limit yourself to just Tennessee.
If you are peak bagging, try WVa, NC, GA.
All have excellent climbs from day hikes to overnights, to semi technical climbs.
If outstanding Geologic formations is an option, in the area where the World Championships of Rock Climbing is held, try the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. There are many challenging cliffs, overhangs, and other features to test your skills.
It also has more natural stone arches than anywhere in the USA, as well as only one of a very few that actually span water.
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Post by bikehikefish on Nov 30, 2018 7:36:41 GMT -8
If you are going through Missouri you can "peak bag" Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in the state, by walking 100 yards from your car and stepping on top of a 2 foot tall rock.  But seriously, Taum Sauk State Park is a beautiful area to hike. |
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Post by bobcat on May 5, 2019 6:59:44 GMT -8
Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, that whole area of West Virginia might be a good location. It’s the Monongahela National Forest. I also second the idea of Greyson Highlands/Mount Rogers in Virginia.
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chena
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Post by chena on Jul 2, 2019 14:55:19 GMT -8
My Georgia favorite is Tray Mountain along the AT.
My NC Favorite is Albert Mountain, also on the AT. There is a large fire tower there you can climb. Both easy hike ups if you can find your way on the forest service roads. Or park further away and make it an over nighter.
Have fun wherever you go!
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,961
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Post by driftwoody on Jul 2, 2019 15:14:54 GMT -8
I'm sitting on Hawksbill Mountain in North Carolina with a view into Linville Gorge. 3/4 mile hike uphill.  |
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