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Post by jhaveman on Jan 27, 2016 12:02:39 GMT -8
well there is a loop that i have been wanting to try. I was going to do it this past month but a family emergency happened. Its a loop in cosby. You take gabes mountain trail to campsite 34. then from there continue, take maddron bald trail to 29 then hike out on snake den ridge trail. somewhere in the area of 16 miles and not too difficult (from what i hear) in that direction described.
I think we are going to try the Maddron Bald loop. Does it make sense to go in the direction described above or the other direction? I am actually thinking of going in the opposite direction (campsite 29 first, then 34). That way we get the climb out of the way on day 1 then basically descents on day 2 and 3?? Thoughts?? Thanks for all of the help and suggestions thus far.
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VAN
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Post by VAN on Jan 28, 2016 12:33:44 GMT -8
I think either way, you better be ready for your knees to hurt. Coming down Snake Den was brutal. Going up to the Bald was also tough. But I am a flat lander Floridian Loved that hike so much! Even though we got caught in a hail storm at campsite 29 (higher elevation).
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 29, 2016 4:13:35 GMT -8
Even though we got caught in a hail storm Not trying to discourage you, but this is the kind of variable weather you should be prepared for in the NC high country spring break time.While it looks like the latest epic blizzard has already occurred earlier this year, I do recall the epic spring break time blizzard of '93.And,even in May after backpacking up to Roan Highlands off of US19E(if there is a steeper trail in NC I haven't hiked it yet),I encountered a mix of snow/sleet/hail and high winds causing whiteout conditions that left me feeling more like I was mountaineering than backpacking.Luckily, I was wearing mountaineering quality boots and had a tent suitable to withstand such conditions...
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null
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Post by null on Jan 29, 2016 10:50:03 GMT -8
You might also consider the Foothills Trail. Somewhat similar to the Smokies with far fewer crowds. Table Rock State Park is great, plus you can tag the highest peak in SC.
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Post by jhaveman on Feb 10, 2016 10:49:30 GMT -8
I think either way, you better be ready for your knees to hurt. Coming down Snake Den was brutal. Going up to the Bald was also tough. But I am a flat lander Floridian Loved that hike so much! Even though we got caught in a hail storm at campsite 29 (higher elevation). So, which direction would you recommend? Which direction did you do it?
Thanks!
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VAN
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Post by VAN on Feb 28, 2016 16:21:14 GMT -8
I went from Cosby to 34, then 29 and then down Snake den.
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Post by gcsaylor on Mar 3, 2016 12:57:28 GMT -8
Linville Gorge Wilderness could be a good destination
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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 Mar 8, 2016 12:30:07 GMT -8
Big South Fork Natl Rec Area in north-central TN. It has terrain similar to the Smokies without the crowds. TONS of trail, plus you can mountain bike, whitewater raft, ride horses, etc.
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