Smoky Mountains Backpacking: Campsites 20, 27, 23 & 30
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- Опубликовано: 29 окт 2024
- • Smoky Mountains Backpa...
A four night solo backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning at Elkmont and taking Jakes Creek Trail and Meigs Mountain Trail to Campsite #20. On day two it's backtracking to Jakes Creek Trail and up to Campsite #27. Then is back down Jakes Creek Trail on day 3 to Cucumber Gap Trail, to Little River Trail and up Goshen Prong Trail up to Campsite #23. Day four I backtrack down Goshen Prong Trail and then take Little River Trail up to Campsite #30. The last day it's down the Little River Trail back to Elkmont.
Thanks for watching!
Backpacking With Bryan DeLay: bryandelay.com/
• Smoky Mountains Backpa...
Thank you for sharing your adventure sir, great video.
Thanks Scott! Glad you enjoyed the video.
There’s not a # 20 on my map of the smokies. I’ve got a # 21 back country site I think they rotate some spots because of over use . My bad that an old map 2016 lol . I need a new one I guess . I’ve got several more in my collection I can look for a more recent one. Awesome video you really captured the smokies I could smell the leaves and river water . God bless you brother and keep on hiking
Thanks Tim! Glad you enjoyed the video. Back country campsite #20 is just west of Elkmont on the Meigs Mountain Trail and has been there since I've been hiking in the GSMNP in the late 80's.
@@BryanDeLay yeah I seen it afterwards I was looking in wrong direction. I didn’t realize you doubled back . Hopefully next weekend I’ll get to come up for a couple of days. Thanks for your time and response.
RE: rotate spots. According to my older map #21 was further away from Little river trail back in the 90's. Same map shows a CS #25 off of Goshen Prong that is not on my newest map.
Thanks, Sir! That's where I'm heading!
Have fun!
Great video
U do an excellent job at filming
Absolutely beautiful scenery
Thanks Lisa! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great hiking and a great tip concerning the frozen socks.
Thanks Nicholas! That's a tip you hope not to have to use.:)
Another great video!
Thanks Bob! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Nice job Bryan. I enjoyed the video.
Thanks Chad!
Gotta love those Smoky Mountains. Love those creek crossings. 😁👍👍
Thanks Jason!
Awesome video!
Thanks Ross!
I cannot imagine having to share campsites. Is that ever uncomfortable? I tend to go to places in Idaho and Wyoming that a lot of people just don’t know about. Once you get past the few day hikers and horse back riders it’s rare to see someone and sometimes you don’t see that as you probably well know. Just me, my kids and the Bigfoots. :). I love the way some of those streams sheet over the rocks and waterfalls in your videos. Definitely unique area. Beautifully done, Bryan.
Thanks Chad! Most national parks have designated campsites and sometimes they can be a little crowded, but fortunately on this trip the other people camping at the sites were far a way and it wasn't an issue. There are lots of places in the Southern Appalachians outside the GSMNP that offer solitude and you may not see any one the entire trip.
Me and my cousin hiked to site 27 back last July but man to say it was a crazy trip is an understatement 😂 his first hike not to mention campingy first overnight and man did we learn a loooot... From mistakes 😂. Beautiful scenery though
Hopefully you've had a chance to apply some of that experience in other trips since then.
Wonderful - Thanks from Denmark 🙏
Thank you JoyEze! Really glad you enjoyed the video.
Awesome….I would love to see those waterfalls rivers myself. Thank you 😊
Thanks for watching! Hope you get to sometime.
Another excellent video with great narration with glimpses of your map route which is always appreciated. Just wanting to see how far back you go in the Smokies - when you were at CS23 there used to another CS just 0.9 mi along a trail that hopped across the creek just below the confluence of Fish Camp Prong & Goshen Prong. As you hiked up the last half mile of this trail you were paralleling Buckeye Gap Prong and the trail ended at CS25. This CS was closed around 1995-1996 and at the time I asked the Chief Ranger why, but was not given a proper reason. Anyway, it was a very secluded CS much like CS30 which has always been a favorite in that area of mine. That was a special surprise to see Nathan and I bet his stay at Derrick Knob that night was a cold one. Enjoyed all the water shots on this trip. Greetings from KY.
Thanks Mark! Yes, I've actually camped at #25. Although I didn't mention it in the video, when my son and I met Johnny Molloy at #23 in 1991, the next day we hiked with Johnny up to #25 then bushwacked up to Buckeye Gap. Then we took Miry Ridge Trail, then the Bent Arm Manway to Cucumber Gap Trail. According to Johnny they closed #25 and the trail up to it because too many people were going up there and illegally fishing. In 1997, I finished hiking all 900 miles in the park and I'm member #84 in the 900 Miler Club. My son said it was cold at Derrick Knob Shelter, mostly because of the wind.
Excellent. Always enjoy your trips.
Thanks Steve!
Thank-you, much Bryan DeLay! I made it to 27 recently. Was surprised to have cell signal ! Any guesses on what other back country campsites have service??? CS 19 and 27 are the only two that I have personally experienced having signal.
You're welcome Lt. JAS 1953! Glad you enjoyed the video. Normally I put my phone in Airplane mode when I start a trip and don't turn Airplane mode off until I get back. However, I do know that you can get a signal on certain sections of the AT.
Full streams = Beautiful.
Great video.
Thanks Vonzolicious! The water levels are very high for this time of the year.
Always great to see your videos in the Smokys. 👍
Thanks Tom! It's always great to get back to the GSMNP.
Great video. Love the smokies.
Thank you Daphne!
Bryan, you inspired me to hike the Big Sandy Loop in The Winds. Followed your path thru Jackass & Texas Passes to the CDT. We did it in 4 days/3 nights. I posted videos on my channel. Thanks! Stay on the path! Monk
It's a great loop! I'll check out your video.
Wonderful video sir! Thanks for sharing
Thanks Fly Rod Hiker!
Loved it Bryan, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Hey Bryan,
Enjoyed the video! Myself and a friend plan on doing this in July or August. I see that the length of the trails 1&4 are very reasonable. What is the distance between 27-23 and then to 30? I plan on using a hammock. I really like your tarp set up.
Thanks for the video man!
Thanks Robert! From 27 to 23 us about 8.8 miles and from 23 to 30 is 5.9 miles. Here is a link to a trail map that shows the distances between intersections: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm
I know the area and sites you stayed at so ...... I paid pretty close attention to your camera work . Well done ! I like the extra effort . The crossing of the downed tree, you set up both sides of the crossing and edited together 👍👍. Also the software you use lets you make it appear that you are panning the camera while crossing the River 👍👍 and I’m not forgetting that you crossed ALL THE WAY back across the River to get that shot!👍👍 thanks a lot ! Will strive to make my videos better! Great inspiration!!
Thank you so much Michael. The editing software I use is Adobe Premiere Elements 20 and it's a pan and zoom function that creates that effect. Sometimes crossing a creek three times instead of only once just to get the shot can be a little challenging. About a year ago someone commented that I was not solo backpacking because of the editing.
Another lovely trip! Fun to see your son visit. That last creek crossing looked a bit sketchy for fall- I’m assuming the water was pretty cold! 🥾🥾
Thank you Jennifer! The water was a little bit cold.
Geez.. the entire vlog is absolutely breathtaking. Great job on the video!! I look forward to camping soon in the smokies!
Thanks Pissedoffpotato! Really glad you enjoyed the video and hope you get to the Smoky's very soon.
When I was hiking in the Smokies we always found a way to ford a creek. That water is cold! How can you stand it!
Maybe it's because I've crossed so many streams or the cold water does not effect me as much as others. I know cold creek crossings effects my son more than it does me.
Amazing place. So beautiful trip. I want to hike with you. Thanks for great share. ..Full watched and supported. Stay connected, my friend
Thanks Vietnam Walking TV! The Smoky Mountains are very beautiful. Glad you enjoyed the video.
You are in my neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the video Hiker Gal! East Tennessee is home.
I believe you have hiked with my brother, Carl Monin! We live in Townsend. Enjoy your videos!
Yes, I did a trip with Carl and I guess your husband and some of his friends last fall in the Smoky's.
@@BryanDeLay YES! Next time stop for breakfast at the house!
Great video! I'm taking my family backingpacking to that area in 2 weeks. We're taking hammocks. I'd like to go to 30 or 23. Do you think those campsites would support the ability to find space to hang 3 hammocks with tarps? Thanks!
Thanks Key West Salt Life! Three hammocks may be an issue at #30, but should not be a problem at #23.
Bryan I really enjoyed your video. I’m assuming you’re from that area and if so do you have any experience or suggestions regarding weather during mid March? I’m planning on hiking this area with a friend we are both from Florida and altitude and weather are our primary issues. Thanks in advance.
Thanks Viva el Outdoors! Yes, I live near the GSMNP. March can be a tricky month. Typically it's a wet month and can get snow in the higher elevations. So I'd check the weather and the snow depth at the higher elevations.
@@BryanDeLay thanks for the quick reply. Will def keep an eye on that. Great content in your channel. 👍🏼
Holy Smokes...the Smoky's are beautiful!! I'd love to do this trip. I thought that the trees with just a few colorful leaves looked pretty. I can only imagine what it would look like with full fall color. So cool that Nathan came out to meet you. Great video Bryan.
Thank you Catherine! The Smoky's are very beautiful. You should come visit sometime.
Really enjoyed your video. The creeks you hiked by were absolutely beautiful. Your video and other video's of the smokies proves why it is a National Park...just stunning.
Thanks Jason! The GSMNP is a great place to backpack.
Nice to meet your son. Great that he’s carrying on the backpacking tradition. One of the really nice things about your videos is the daily trail directions you give. A person can take the video and their trip is planned! Thank you so much for your detail and great video work! Stay safe!
Thanks Chris! My son has been backpacking with me since he was five. Now days he has to wait on me.:)
Bryan - do you recall if 23 has trees suitable for hammock camping?
There are many trees at #23, but I didn't consider whether or not a hammock would work. However, I would think you could make a hammock work.
Hope you’re doing well Bryan! Hope to backpack with you soon.
Thanks Jeremy! Hope you are doing well too. Yes we should put together a trip in the near future.
Welcome to my part of the country! Glad you're hiking/camping here.
East Tennessee is my home also.
So cool you got to enjoy a bit of time with your son on the trail. Always love your beautiful quality videos and the narratives😊
Thank you Brooke! Really glad you enjoyed the video.
Great video Bryan. Thank you for bringing entertaining and informative media into our home. We don’t watch fake Hollywood.
I hope to find you on the trail again!
Thank you Ronald! Glad you enjoyed the video and it was nice meeting you on this trip.
Bryan, that is one of my favorite areas in the park. We have camped in our travel trailer many times at Elkmont and day hiked the trails around there. The Little River trail is always beautiful and you did another great job on this video. Thanks for taking us along!
Thanks Copycat Carlton! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Pleasant video of Fall in the Smokies on some familiar trails. On the rare occasion when I don't go over to the Cataloochee Valley I've stayed at Elkmont and day hiked with a fly rod in hand. Very enjoyable part of the park. Does your son have a "competing" channel?
Thanks John! No my son doesn't have a channel.
I did the Little River trail a few weeks ago and was surprised how great the scenery was. I definitely want to go back and backpack it after watching this video. Well done!
Thanks Chris! It's a beautiful section of the park.
Interesting route to say the least. I would have never thought of it! Just finished your video--it was either that or get some more work done on the house. You still look like Speedo Gonzalas on the trail... Keep them coming.
Thanks Brian! Glad the video gave you an excuse to take a break from the house work.
Where are u getting that detailed trail map that you keep referencing the image of, it looks like exactly what I need to plan out where to go
It's the park trail map, which you can download here: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/upload/GSMNP-Map_JULY19-4.pdf. Or you can buy one at a ranger's office for $1.00. However for hiking I use the Trails Illustrated Map #229.
Hi Bryan, how long have you and your son been into camping?
My first backpack was a Boy Scout trip when I was 12 years old (1964), but I didn't starting backpacking a lot until the late 1980's. I took my son on his first trip when he was five.
I was just at campsite 30 yesterday. That and 24 are two of my faves on the Tennessee side of the park.
Thanks flatiron! Both 24 and 30 are great campsites.
@@BryanDeLay hopefully I’ll run into you out there on the trail one day
I just love all that rushing water. So beautiful. Your son should have his own channel. It seems like he hikes a lot as well.
Thanks Leon! He does backpack a lot, but doesn't have much interest in doing RUclips videos. He's been backpacking with me since he was five.
Great video Bryan. I’m jealous to see you out in the woods this late in the year. I purchased a Trailstar and can’t wait to try it out next year. What kind of food to you like to eat while backpacking?
Thanks Kyle! Living in east Tennessee allows me to backpack 12 months a year. My food is pretty bland. I eat the same things for breakfast which is granola (dry) homemade trail mix (almonds, walnuts, Crasins, raisins and dried cherries) and a protein bar. Lunch is generally a tortilla wrap with peanut butter and a dried fruit or salmon and mustard, or summer sausage and mustard. Or sometimes I eat some kind of jerky with a protein bar. Dinner is usually some freeze dried food.
Are those 2 or 3 liter Cnoc bags?
Doug, it's a 3 liter Cnoc bag with dirty water filtering into a 3 liter Platypus Hoser bag.
Thanks Brian
Hey Bryan, great video! I have been missing the Smokies a lot lately as I grew up backpacking there but in the past twenty years or so I have been trying to discover new areas that are less crowded in the southern Appalachians. It seemed like all the campsites in GSMP were becoming so compacted with trash and hacked green trees and it had become sad to see. There is still no place quite like it and it’s magic still compels me (love #30). The Big Creek loop used to be go to trip for many years until Walnut Bottoms became so worn out. Curious as to wether you change to heavier or more weather proof footwear for winter hiking, or do you just tromp on through the streams and try to dry out your socks? Thanks again for your wonderful videos Bryan.
Thanks Dony! The Smoky's are beautiful, but dealing with people and permits can be a little frustrating, especially after hiking in surrounding wilderness areas so much. Regarding shoes for winter, it just depends on the weather and the particular trip. If highs are going to be in the 30's or colder and with a good chance of rain or snow, I would wear water proof boots and maybe do a trip will little or no creek crossings.
How far was this loop?
It's not actually a loop, but the total miles was only a little over 28.
Ok what was your pack weight on this trip
John, my total pack weigh was 27.8 lbs, which includes 1.1 lbs of camera equipment.
Bryan DeLay we were watching your video my wife oh probably eight pound base weight I don’t feel to bad now we were in the park recently our weight was about the same.
Since I was anticipating temperatures in the low 20's on the third night, I had to carry some winter gear, so my base weight was 14.1 lbs. Depending on weather my base weight varies from 11.5 lbs to 16.5 lbs. I could easily get my summer base weight down to 10 lbs, but some things I'm not willing to give up.