Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - May 2023
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2023
- View and purchase my photos at: davidcgray.smugmug.com/
Immerse yourself in my written words on my website at davidgraymedia.com. There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced.
The 2023 hiking season got off to a very late start, the latest I've ever done a first hike since I started backpacking. Like 2022 I started the year with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately, Travis couldn't join us for this hike, but Carl was able to make it as well as Christian, who was home from Colorado.
This trip was another in the western section of Great Smoky Mountains NP. Our intent was to experience the many streams, creeks, and waterfalls in that area of the Park, as well as immerse ourselves in the unique 'primordial' forests you find in the backcountry of the Smokies.
Like our 2022 hike we started and ended at the Elkmont Campground. The hike was entirely along the Little River on the Little River Trail with nights in campsites 21 and 24. It was the lowest mileage backpacking trip I've ever done - 3-days, 2-night, and just over 10 miles with some additional day hiking. The miles were low but the smiles were plentiful! As always the Park was gorgeous, the campsites and campfires were wonderful, and the ever-present sound of mountain streams soothed the soul.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3Q3Gsco
Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/3znpOP7
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
![Sean Rii, Karyon, Sharzkii - Taungule [My Love] (Official Visualizer)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eJoMuypbSzQ/mqdefault.jpg)
When the gentleman came up and asked to shake hands, your son stood up immediately. That shows how he was brought up and how he respected the man. It’s a blessing to see that now a days!
It was so cool to meet you! Glad we made it into the video:) - campsite 21 crew
Never clicked on a video so fast 😂
I'm so glad Christian is with you! It feels like we've watched him grow up. 😊
Love going to the Log Cabin Pancake House, that's a place we always go to at least once every time we go to Gatlinburg.
So good to see you out there. Love Gaitlinburg and the Smokies. That traffic you drove in is called welcome to the new world where there is terrible traffic all day ever day. I’m in Dawsonville GA not far away but haven’t made it there yet this year. Great to see you and your son hiking together
David Gray so glad to see you again my friend!! Another great video!!
Enjoyed another Smokies outing with you, Christian and Carl who can always be relied on for the Spam 😉
Great to see you again! You were practically in our backyard. We were watching your most recent trip to Glacier when RUclips notified me that you had a new video up (I subscribed years ago) so we finished the Glacier video and watched this one!
So o much fun seeing Christian. He’s a grown man wow.
It’s really pretty out there! Looks very relaxing! Love the sound of the water! ❤️
I still eat Spam and love brussels sprouts, but never paired the two on a backpacking trip. You guys might be onto something. Thanks for the content guys!
watching Dave's videos always makes me go back to backpacking
I'm so glad to finally see your start to the 2023 backpacking season. Awesome video!
Always great to see one of your videos, espicially the Smokies.
Fabulous to feature a very doable trip for almost all physical and skill levels. Great intro hike for newbies, to test their skills, passion and gear.
Hope one day you plan to backpacking the Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah Forest. It’s not too far from Gatlinburg and it will not disappoint you. The other one I recommended is a section of AT on Roan Mountains to Hwy 19E.
Yes, I agree with your choices. Awesome hiking. I am planning a section of the art loeb this fall. Black Balsam up to cold mountain.
@@jasonmears4393
That is the best section of the Art Loeb. There is a water pipe on way to Cold Mountain from the Deep Gap.
Man….wish I had know you were there then…I was in Gatlinburg too doing some hiking. Would have enjoyed meeting you. We did the Rainbow Falls trail.
Again! Thank you for sharing David Gray that was awesome
Great trip, looks like a lot of fun in an awesome national park.
Saw Gatlinburg passing by on loads of AT videos and that city must be one heck of an experience!
I’ve been waiting for this!!!! 😀👍
Yeah. New one...I feel peace when I watch your videos. I think more people should live like you.
I got my David Gray fix.... soo satisfying! 🥾⛺⛰
Bout time old man 💪
Correct on both counts! Been way too long and I'm getting old.
@@davidgrayin a warm and lovely old man.
Glad David is back..thanks for taking us along.❤😊
Great to see another video from you. I was just in the smokies a couple of weeks ago doing a section of the Appalachain Trail. Campsite 21 was really beautiful. Im glad Christian got to join you on this trip. Cant wait to see more of your adventures for this year.
Glad to have you back:)
Loved seeing Christian! Handsome fella! Great trip with dad and friends! This is beautiful country! Thank you for sharing! Can't wait to hear about Yellowstone!
Nice to see the 2023 hiking season videos going up.
Been waiting eagerly.
So happy to see a new video pop up! Cheers to another great backpacking season David!
Good to see you on the trail again. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Your son is lucky to have you. I remember my father went fishing with his friends and brought me along when I was 4 years old.
Great video David! This looked like an enjoyable trip. Looking forward to see what the rest of the season has on store for us.
One more amazing video ! Thank you so much for sharing with us ! :) I cant wait to see the next one. :)
Nice to see you back. Wonderful Video, too!
The gang back together again!!! Man, it was good to see you all out in the woods! Great video, David.
Your videos are great. Keep hiking and filming.
What a great video. Sometimes, it is nice to have short miles. It looks like you all had so much fun!!!
Great to see another video David ! Back in 2017 I watch your Mt LeConte video with Travis and that video was a big inspiration for me when I hike Mt LeConte for the first time later that year . Thank you !
I love your content! I too are from Indiana , live near Bloomington
really enjoyed your first trip of the year. Very nice to see Christian again. Looking forward to your Yellowstone trip. Yellowstone and Tetons are the top of my list of parks not yet visyted. Thanks so much for sharing.
It's so exciting seeing another new trip posted by you! We are planning a trip to the Titcomb Basin in the Wind River Range and will be pretty much following the route you took when you went, including a night at the Log Cabin motel! Thank you for the inspiring videos over the years! It will also be our first time to take our dog with us as well....we are all so excited!
I love this. Smiles not miles for sure. I still need to get to the smokies. This year I’m at 3 trips so way ahead of normal. 3 ridges loop, Red River Gorge and just got back from the Grayson Highlands.
I have watched your videos for years but somehow my computer wouldn't let me comment on any RUclips videos. My son got it to work somehow. We backpacked with our sons when they were growing up like you have with Christian and they both love it. We have used your videos as reference material when planning trips. And, of course we ordered some of the cheddar cheese spread to try and love it. We usually backpack as a couple now and use it for a lunch. We also have switched from Tabasco to Tapatio - I'm sure you have influenced many other backpackers over the years and I wanted to thank you for your channel.
I hope you can post more videos when you have more time to visit nature. Very calming for me.
Great trail video David. I travel through that area at least 3X a year to see 2 of my children in Charleston, SC. . . . . I'll have to stop off the beaten trail one of these days and take a hike myself. Maybe once I retire.
Glad to see you back, was worried about you! Lol😅
Yes glad to see this! I think the rules state if the next morning you have Duncan Donuts coffee then it considered back packing
Hell yeah Dave .. glad to a great choice ! A suggestion -- NC AT up thru Burkes Garden VA -- anywhere from Fontana to Hot springs to Roan Mt up thru Va is killer --
Yessssssss
Loved this video! Please do a trip back up North in The Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Area! That was my favorite video so far!
I'd love to get back to the Adirondacks. That trip was awesome but it almost killed me! I had no idea how tough the trails up there were. My preparation for that trip was terrible - physically, mentally, and tactically - I just had no idea what we would be getting in to. But what an amazing place to hike. I'll be back!
Paradise on earth.
Hiking is addictive.
You are warm to dogs, family and friends. It's rare for a grown up son to enjoy hiking with daddy. You must be a wonderful person.
Looking forward to more videos especially the upcoming one to Yellowstone. 💕
I just like to share this with you...I always feel an urge within me whenever I watch your video...I would have easily fallen for you if I was a guy...I don't know why...just like your demeanor very much. I always have this feeling whenever I watch a new video from you. Never to anyone else but the funny thing is i always imagine myself as a guy enjoying a hike with you and your friends. I may never meet you but it's sweet to be able to enjoy your virtual presence in beautiful settings. I love Wyoming and the Idaho area. Any plans for that?
My deepest condolences about Jaden, David. I know you all are heart broken.
Yellowstone trip about now? Have fun, can't wait to see it. Will hopefully be there in about a month+.
Yep, Yellowstone coming up at the end of June. Can't wait!
Good to see you out hiking with Christian again! I remember one of your first videos I ever watched was when you guys went to Glacier way back in 2013! I found that video after our first visit there and got hooked on your backpacking videos. My husband has encouraged me to start a channel, do you have any advice? aka...Julie M.
Just how did you fix those Brussel Sprouts? My wife and I have enjoyed watching this trip! We've missed seeing your hiking vlogs!
I bet that cheese spread would be good on that hotdog
We thought about that after the fact, but didn't time it right... next time. We also discussed using some Packit Gourmet All-American Burger concoction to make it into chili dogs. It's scary when we're upping our 'real food' backpacking to 'gourmet' heights! :-)
Really enjoyed watching your trip I’m just getting into backpacking .
How are you making your coffee ?
I use an MSR drip filter gizmo for the coffee. The one I'm still using is my original one that I bought in 2009. It's now pretty beat up (but still perfectly useable) so I ended up getting a new one for this year. They still make the same filter but there are other brands that do basically the same thing.
2:00 isn't the Uniden R7 amazing? it is my daily driver.
I didnt think the np service was allowing filming any longer.
If it is for monetary you can't film. I don't think David has this channel monetized in which case film away.
First to hit like on a David Gray video!!!
I have to ask, where do you get your cheddar cheese spread:? I have looked online and can't find it. thanks,
I purchase it from Packit Gourmet (www.packitgourmet.com). You can find it under 'View All Trail Meals' and its called Cheddar-Jack Cheese Spread. Fair warning... it's expensive! I just checked and they raised the price again - now at $11.99 per package. To put that in perspective, when I first found out about it (through a Backpacker Magazine 'annual awards issue - 2009?) the cost was $3.99 per package. Ahh... inflation. But I still buy it because I don't use much of it and I've never found anything even remotely comparable.
Don't worry dad, the brussel sprouts are just Boulder rubbing off on Christian. Next is micro greens...
How is Jayden I hope he's ok
Sadly, Jaden passed away on April 30, 2023. He was 17 years old and lived a great life. It's left a huge void, especially when it comes to backpacking since he was there from the beginning, and shared so many trail memories with me. But I can't help smiling when I think of the life he had and all the joy he brought into my life but many others as well.
I have followed your videos for many years! Are you still a Dunkin Donuts coffee guy? 😊 ☕️ 🏕️
If you ever have a chance to play Jack Nicholson in a movie you’ll be a shoe in for the part. Or Ted Nugent.
Is Jaden still with us?
Hi Kevin. Sadly, no. Jaden passed away at 17 years old on April 30, 2023. I plan to make a short video sharing that news and Jaden's amazing trail life story but I'm still having a hard time, emotionally, putting it together.
It's so sad to hear of Jaden's passing. Most people will never understand the relationship you build with a pet. One of the things that drew me to watching your channel was your dogs. Definitely could see the special bond you shared. I am so sorry for your loss, prayers.
@@davidgrayin so sorry David. I have always believed that a beloved dogs spirit stays with his owner. Talk to him, it helps. And I believe he hears you. You gave him an incredible life and he gave you everything he had and boy did he live a long life. My condolences to your family.
@@davidgrayin take your time for as long as you need. Mommy dearest passed away suddenly from lung fibrosis after just 3 days in the hospital. I only managed to stop crying last month after 16 months of intense grieving. Mom left too soon. Tears have started welling as I write...
@@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287 yeah, talk to Jaden. Do whatever you wish. It will help heal the pain. I did that for 16 months after mom passed away on 22 Jan 2022. I have just started to be able to think of the memorable years we had together without crying.
Say Jack Huff's 10 times real fast
I'm gonna guess that you are a Sagittarius.
Great stuff, David. Here’s a tip I found helpful - you can split wood without an axe using only a saw:
ruclips.net/video/9LkpFKneIeM/видео.html
Please stop with the baby talk.
If you are filming in the GSMNP without a permit, I suggest you look up the new federal laws on filming in national park. Might save you a big fine. Our over reaching government got even greedier. The tyrant king wants more…
We were there in March. I was filming in Tremont on the Middle Prong bridge while wife was talking and laughing with 2 park rangers about the bear that crossed the road in front of us a 1/4 mile up the road. Neither one of the rangers said anything about my camera or asked any questions. I think some of that is overblown by other RUclipsrs. There are literally thousands of videos from our National Parks on RUclips from just the last 3 months alone.
So you were able to get a permit from the National Park service to film there? I've heard of people getting banned for not getting those and some have had to pay thousands of dollars in fines. If you're making videos for RUclips you have to have a permit in a national park now! I hope you got one otherwise you could be in big trouble.
That is no longer a thing.
@@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287 Yes it is, the original ruling which said that it was okay to film in a national park was overturned last year. It is now law that you have to have a permit to film any sort of social media content in a national park. Some RUclipsrs have been banned from national parks for life and others have had to pay fines. Jailtime is a possibility according to the regulations.
David is a smart man ! I’m sure he took all the necessary precautions
@@user-cn3de1sz6v I sure he did, all it would take is one person to turn him in and if he didn't he could be in big trouble.
The law is all about politics and money , as long as the videos are not for profit , he will be just fine