I recently endured somewhat of a beat down when I went backpacking into the Deep Creek backcountry. And yet, I started my 7-day camping adventure at Newfound Gap Road, right at the upper Deep Creek trailhead, feeling completely refreshed, upbeat, and as strong as an ox. But soon, my troubles began. Because there were some … Read more
During my last trip to Grayson Highlands, I camped at one of the highest elevation campsites around the entire park. Better still, this campsite provided me with some stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Glorious. But if those panoramic views were a serious sight to behold. Well then, you should’ve seen the breathtaking sunset … Read more
I’m very familiar with backpacking Grayson Highlands in Southwest Virginia. More so than most people. That’s a fact. Simply because I usually backpack Grayson Highlands about two to five times per year. Moreover, I’ve been backpacking Grayson Highlands, like this, for several years now. So I know the trails, campsites, locations of most of the … Read more
Recently, I embarked on a backcountry fly fishing trip to Deep Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See, I’d hiked there, once, many years ago. Back when I was a whitewater raft guide, residing near Bryson City, North Carolina. But, about a year, or so, ago, I’d reluctantly come to the undeniable conclusion that … Read more
The Grayson Highlands Backpacking Dream? Yeah, well, what’s that? I can explain. Easy. First, when you backpack Grayson Highlands, you’re living the dream. Right from the very moment when you step out of your car and breathe in that fresh pine scented mountain air. Already, it’s restoring your soul. Teaching you things, if you’ll listen. … Read more
So section hiking Sam’s Gap to 19E on the Appalachian Trail. I bet you want to know what it’s like… Well, I suppose that I could tell you exactly what you’d discover on this scenic and isolated part of the A.T. However, my 75-mile section hike through this remote region was rather strange, scary, and … Read more
This article is all about what you should do if you ever have a close encounter with a bear in the great outdoors. And more specifically, what you can do to stay alive in that situation. That said, I’m no bear expert. But I’ve had LOTS of close encounters with black bears in my life. … Read more
So fly fishing Rocky Fork, Tennessee? Or even hiking. I bet you want to know what it’s like. Well, why don’t you just hike in there sometime and find out? Seriously, though, I’d be glad to tell you all about my experiences fly fishing Rocky Fork State Park in Tennessee. It’s just that you should … Read more
So do you want to lighten up your backpacking load? I have some experience doing this. But I’m not an ultralight backpacker. Nor am I an Appalachian Trail thru hiker. So I don’t count ounces, or even grams, when I’m backpacking. But I am a guy who likes to continually lighten up my base weight, … Read more
So how can I see the wild ponies in Grayson Highlands? That, of course, is the most common question that I’ve been asked whenever I’ve backpacked in Grayson Highlands State Park. And this last time that I visited the park in the late summer and early fall of 2021, it was no different. As lots … Read more
So here’s my quick guide to hiking Buffalo Mountain near my home in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast TN. In it, I’ll explain the reasons why I enjoy hiking this mountain so much. I’ll share with you some local tips for hiking this fine mountain. And finally, I’ll leave you with some directions and advise … Read more
So you want to come to Southwest Virginia to backpack Grayson Highlands State Park? Why? To see the wild ponies the park is famous for. Of course. Or maybe you just want to day hike it. After all, it’s supposed to be one of the best hiking areas in the country. Then, there’s the gorgeous … Read more