Just east of Chattanooga, along the Tennessee-Georgia border, resides some of the oldest known mountains in the world. Today, protecting these ancient peaks is the Cohutta and Big Frog Mountain Wilderness Areas. The majority of the Big Frog Wilderness lies within Tennessee, while the largest portion of the Cohutta Wilderness resides in Georgia.

This trip was a moderate hike and had some amazing views. One of the places we found to camp was at the intersection of Grassy Gap Trail  and Yellow Stand Lead Trail.  At that intersection there is a ridge that  you can climb and camp in a nice flat spot. Almost in a bathtub type setting. (Unless it’s raining)

Big Creek Trail #68 (5.6 miles) Popular camping area along trail.

Grassy Gap #67 (3.5 miles) Also known as Barkleggin Trail, this hike offers seclusion as it meanders through the wilderness. The trail ends at the intersection of the Yellow Stand Lead and Big Frog trails.

Yellow Stand Lead #73 (2.9 miles) Hikers will enjoy several mountain views along this hike, as well as a few good fishing holes.

This loop hike offers some really nice campsites, creek crossings, and views. 

We started at FF221 that you can get to by Hwy 64 (in TN) right behind the Power Plant hovering over the Ocoee River  The FF road will take you all the way up to the trail head of Big Creek Trail.  Follow the Big Creek Trail (#68) to the Grassy Gap Trail (#67) (The intersection is tricky here) Becareful you don’t end up hiking up to Big Frog Mountain.  Work your way around to Yellow Stand Trail and at the intersection climb up the ridge where you will find a great camp spot. NO WATER however. The next morning it’s all down hill back to the Yellow Stand Trail Head. Follow the old road to the gravel road to complete the loop. This FF is now closed. You used to be able to park at the Yellow Stand Trail Head, but no more.

The nearly 300 mile Benton MacKaye Trail traverses the Big Frog Wilderness, providing a long distance thru-hike, or a backbone to loop with other trails for overnight backpacking opportunities. The Big Frog Trail provides access to several other trails that cross the Wilderness along ridges and streams. From the top of Big Frog Mountain you can hike south into Cohutta Wilderness on the Hemp Top Trail (eight-tenths of a mile). Even in the wet season (spring and early summer), water may be hard to find, so carry plenty.

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

A network of fifteen trails totaling 87 miles penetrates this rugged wilderness, where elevations range from 950 to 4,200 feet. All but three of these trails lead to or follow the scenic Jacks and Conasauga Rivers, whose headwaters are protected by National Forest land in and around the wilderness. These two rivers are among the few larger streams in North Georgia that still offer quality wild-trout fishing.

Penitentiary Branch requires a 2.3-mile walk on Hemp Top Trail to reach its upper elevation junction. The hiking is easy-it gains approximately 470 feet on a former Forest Service road, now Hemp Top Trail.

Like the other trails leading to the Jacks River, Penitentiary Branch loses elevation along the way. But even though it loses 1,370 feet, compared to most of the others, especially Rough Ridge and Hickory Ridge, the descent is mild. The trail, beginning at 3,050 feet, is wide and easily walked. As long as you stay on the former jeep road and ignore the ?side paths, you should have no difficulty following the trail down to the river.

After 3.2 miles, the trail rock-steps across the normally inches-deep Penitentiary Branch and follows it toward the river. In the moist coves near Jacks River. Penitentiary Branch ties into the blue-blazed Jacks River Trail at a large campsite clearing. Stay LEFT. The old Trail sign is gone. You will see the blue blaze across the river. You will have to cross Jacks River to get on the Jacks River Trail. Iit is 7.2 ?miles to Dally Gap, the southeastern terminus of the Jacks River Trail.

Watch TheBackpackerTV’s Jacks River Trail from 2009

A weekend backpacking trip into Tray Mountain Wilderness. At 4,430 feet, Tray Mountain dominates the southern portion of this rugged Wilderness, which straddles the crest of the Blue Ridge. From up high, fast-flowing streams tumble down narrow gorges and over many waterfalls. Second-growth hardwoods at least 60 years old are the primary forest cover. Deer, squirrels, grouse, and wild turkeys make common appearances, along with the ever-elusive black bear, raccoons, doves, quail, and woodcocks. About 41 miles of trout streams produce rainbows and browns. You’ll see remnants of past logging operations, mostly abandoned roads.

Bryan Delay and myself found a loop trail on Sherpaguides and decided to backpack this loop. Finding any information on anyone else who had hiked this loop before become almost impossible. The sherpaguides map had no topography or real direction as to where this loop was. There are two places you can park and try to do this loop. One is on Tray Mountain Rd (79) and park your car literally on the side of the road. There are no signs, no parking area. The trailhead is right before the turn West on 79 (see map) The trail goes straight up. There you find an intersection. One goes to Chimney Mountain, and one drops down into the gorge. This trail has not been kept up and is mostly is disarray. Bring a compass, and a topo map. The other side of the Trail Head is on an old abandoned road. The road ends and there are 3 choices of trails. One to the Left, and one to the Right, and one we’re not sure of where it goes. On the map below, you can see where the cars are parked (Circles) the trail we hiked (Yellow) where we camped (triangles) and the trail we couldn’t find (red) If you have any questions, e-mail me and I’ll help direct you where we parked.

The Appalachian Trail (AT) follows the crest of the Blue Ridge for 16.5 unusually level miles from Unicoi Gap to Dick’s Creek Gap, with a shelter at Tray Mountain. The High Shoals Trail leads about 1.5 miles to the High Shoals Scenic Area, where a waterfall drops over dramatic cliffs. Hunters and anglers come often to this area, but the AT attracts the most visitors.

Scott Janz

Since starting this website, I’ve gotten to backpack all over the Country. So many more places I want to go, but just can’t find the time. But each year I compile a video on some of my favorite places I went that year. Of course being going back and editing my video’s reminds me of what a great time I have being out in the Wilderness.

Hear is a video of the 2010 year.

See you on the Trail

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

Last year I had the pleasure of organizing a group called the Peoria Backpackers Group through Meetup.com Met some really great people, and although we didn’t get to many far away backpacking destinations, we did manage to up to the Porcupine Wilderness State Park. One of my favorite places to go.

We drove the 10 hours North up to the U.P of Michigan where are first night was at one of the Cabins you can rent from the MDNR. Our route took us from the Little Carp River Trailhead and up a few miles to the cabin.

The next day we headed off North up the Cross Trail (4.5) miles to camp next to the Shinning Cloud Falls. We were going to have to bushwhack our way across the Big Carp River and on to the Big Carp River Trail. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. We got to our campsite and took a quick dip into the Big Carp River. Although it was freezing cold.

Day 2 we headed down Big Carp Trail and connected with the Lake Superior Trail. Heading West for about 6 miles. We were going to watch the sunset by Speakers Cabin. We found a great campsite on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Watched the sunset!

Day 3 we headed back on the Speakers (Spur Trail) back to one of our cars. What a great trip.

Think of Iowa and chances are good that you would never think of thick dense forest. But consider this: You’re perched atop a 400-foot-high ledge called Big Paint Overlook in Iowa’s Yellow River State Forest. Eagles circle overhead as you gaze at Big Paint Creek below and a broad landscape of surrounding bluffs.

Not quite the flat-as-a-tabletop land most people expect, is it?

Yellow River Forest contains more than 25 miles of trails that wind through its thick woods, around limestone outcroppings, and up steep slopes. One sparsely marked trail on the north face of Heffern’s Hill feels more like Colorado foothills than Iowa plains as it leads through a densely wooded and rocky run-off that spills into a deep ravine.

Yellow River’s trails are generally well marked and cared for, which is one reason the forest’s four backcountry campsites fill up quickly. But you can pitch a tent almost anywhere, and-better yet-there’s no entrance fee or camping charge, so you get it all free. But be ready for some hill climbing. In Iowa, no less.

This Fall, I went with 3 friends to Yellow River and had a great time. We hiked about 11 miles out and back. The only downside was water. Not much to choose from, and couldn’t get to camp next to the Yellow River.

Where: 200 miles southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul and 245 miles west of Chicago. The trailhead is 12 miles southeast of Waukon on State Forest Road off IA 76.

Maps: A trail map is available free at forest headquarters (see below).

Trail Info: Yellow River State Forest, (319) 586-2254.

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is a United States National Recreation Area located in southwestern Virginia near the border with Tennessee and North Carolina. The centerpiece of the recreation area is Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state of Virginia with a summit elevation of 5,729 feet (1746 m). Most of the recreation area is under the jurisdiction of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, except for a 5,000 acres (20 km2) section near Mount Rogers that is managed by Grayson Highlands State Park. The recreation area was established by an act of the United States Congress on May 31, 1966.

The Appalachian Trail runs right through the Grayson Highlands State Park. This is one of the most scenic parts of the whole AT. Wild Ponies graze through the park, and the odds are good you will encounter one. I did a 22 mile loop hike in and around the Park which included the Appalachian Trail

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

The Charles C. Deam Wilderness was designated by Congress in December 1982. It was named for the first State Forester in Indiana, who was a pioneer in the forest conservation and an author of books on the trees and flora of Indiana.

The area is a fine example of Karst topography, with its flat-topped ridges, geode-laden streambeds, and occasional caves. Squirrels, deer, and other game are plentiful, attracting many hunters every fall. Hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders are also drawn to the wilderness and its 39 miles of trails.

In contrast to relatively virgin wilderness areas elsewhere in the country, the entire area now known as the “Deam” was once inhabited by white settlers. Most of the trails follow old roadbeds, and a bit of exploration off the main trails will bring visitors past other shadows of the past, including house foundations, domestic plants, old fences, and the occasional cemetery (five cemeteries exist within the wilderness boundary). The narrow, rocky ridges made for marginally productive farmland, but the inhabitants were able to scrape by until the Great Depression. As the economy forced them out, the U.S. Forest Service acquired their property and, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, began rehabilitating the area and managing it for recreation. “Improvements” included constructing ponds, replanting trees, and building the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower that still stands, open to the public, at the Hickory Ridge Trailhead. After it was designated as wilderness under Ronald Reagan, the only improvements came in the form of trail maintenance and nature’s own management plan.

I did a 13 mile loop including a 5 mile loop on the Sycamore Trail. The trailhead starts at the Firetower on Firetower Road. I looped back, then drove to the other trailhead and did an out and back.

Admin

I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

Affectionately known by the lightweight hiking underground as the “PCT Method” (presumably because it was first used by long distance hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail), a bear bag hanging method exists that is lighter, requires less rope, offers the benefits of counterbalancing, is easier to set up, and offers simple and quick hanging and retrieval of your food.

You can make your own system quite easily by assembling the following components:

* Food storage bag
* 40 feet of hanging rope
* Keychain carabiner
* Small stuff sack for a rock (“rock sack”)
* Pencil-sized twig about 4-6 inches long.

Bryan DeLay has 30 years experience in the backcountry and shows us in this exclusive video (produced by TheBackpackerTV), the PCT method of properly hanging a bear bag. Bryan also is a lightweight backpacker and understands that the PCT method can sometimes be the most effective way. and quickest way when your looking for the perfect limb to hang your bag.

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

I'm Gonna Die from thebackpackertv on Vimeo.

Last weekend I had the great pleasure of hiking with 2 good friends of mine. Richard, and Steven. I’ve hiked with Richard before, but Steven had never put on a backpack. We planned this trip for what seemed like a year. We had a blast! Everyone did great. All of us realized we weren’t kids anymore, but we sure did like acting like one.

I wanted to take a video of our trip, but also show that I just enjoy going out and enjoying the outdoors. I’m not sure if anyone ever really watches any of my videos, but there is a part of me that has so much fun making them, I just like to share. I can look back someday and see all the places, and people I got to meet along the trail. So this video was just having fun.

This video was a lot of fun to make, and I laughed the whole time editing it. We hiked 20 miles on the North/South Trail in Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. We started at the North Visitors Center and hiked 2 days to Jenny Ridge where we staged a car. We had awesome weather. The high on Monday was 72 degrees. On Tuesday morning we hiked out early and got to the car, only to see it start raining.

We laughed the whole trip. Hope you enjoy.

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.

 

Encompassing 250,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features

Hiking Big South Fork will not let you down as far as scenery. I was really impressed on how much there was to see. The campsites, the rock formations, were all very cool. On this hike I had the pleasure of hiking with a good friend of mine, Bryan Delay. I originally met Bryan on Hikers Journal, but now he’s a Member of TheBackpackerTV.

We started our hike late on Thursday and immediately had to cross Laurel Creek. There was no option for rock jumping. Had to take off our shoes and put sandals on and brace for some cold water. We only hiked a mile or so before we set up camp for the night. We camped right along Laurel Creek. Then on Friday we hike to Charit Creek Lodge, which consist of some cabins and a dining hall. People can stay here with a reservation and the food is prepared for them. The only way to get to Charit Lodge is to hike to it. (or on Horseback) Then we hike to Twin Arches and then Jake’s Place, which would be a good place to camp on Friday night. Jake’s Place is an old homestead and there is plenty of space to camp. On Saturday we would hike to Slave Falls and then to Laurel Fork Creek, where we found a place to camp on Saturday night. We change our plans on hiking back to the car. We opted to hike Yellow Cliff Trail and only have to cross Laurel Fork Creek once. We found an excellent camp site along Laurel Creek. Then on Sunday we hiked out of the gorge to West Entrance TH where one of our cars would be parked.

A little about the Park Map. Don’t trust some of the Trail Heads. Most of them our accurate, but some of the places to jump into the park have been privately developed and no longer exist. We had a heck of a time starting our hike because of this, and had to change our starting point.

The Eastern/Central Time Line runs through the middle of the park. Most park offices and concessionaires operate on Eastern Time. If, however, your travels do take you across the time line, make sure you plan your time accordingly.

Bandy Creek Visitor Center is open daily, except Christmas. Center staff is available to provide visitors with information they need for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and region. In addition to maps and park specific information, backcountry permits are available. Eastern National maintains an outlet in the Center.

Visitor Center hours May through September are 8:00 to 6:00 Sunday thru Saturday. October thru April the hours are 8:00 to 4:00 (Eastern Time). For additional information call (423) 286-7275.

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.

 

Best of TheBackpackerTV 2009 from thebackpackertv on Vimeo.

I had a great time in 2009 Backpacking. Some of my favorite places in 09 was hiking at the Point Reyes National Park along the Tomales Trail on the coast of California. Hiking right through a National Elk Preserve was really cool.

I also enjoyed my trip to New Hampshire. I signed up for a 3 day Mountaineering Class. Met some great people, camped, and then hiked up Mt. Washington with wind gusts close to 80 mph. It was my first experience hiking with Crampons on.

Another one of my favorites was the Cohutta Wilderness in Northern Georgia. The Jacks River Trail was an awesome summer hike. You ford the river over 40 times. However, the down side was when I caught Viral Meningitis right after the trip.

My trip to Kentucky and the Red River Gorge was awesome. Great campsites, and plenty of scenery. I hope to get back there in 2010.

Spending time in the Shawnee National Forest in downstate Illinois was also fun. I never knew they had a swamp river and a Kayak trail. The things you don’t know about your own State.

My favorite moments however, was going to Trail Days 09, where I shot my first documentary. I got to spend time with a bunch of great people, hikers, and friends. I will never forget camping in tent city. I was also able to go on a 10 mile hike out of Damascus on the AT.

You can also watch the best of 2008.

Hope to see all of you on the trail in 2010.

When Spring arrives, I can’t think of a better town to trek through than Damascus, Virginia. Why Spring? One reason is Trail Days. Trail Days (documentary) is an even that brings thousands of Appalachian Trail Hikers together. While I was there last May, I took opportunity to go on a short backpacking trip.

I wanted to start in town, follow the white blaze out of town and hike North. Hiking through town is the best part of an AT thru-hike. The friendly people of Damascus will make you feel right at home. Not only are you appreciated, but hikers help with an important issue to Damascus, the economy. With a population of less than a thousand people, a steady flow of backpackers help shops, restaurants, Bed & Breakfasts, and Damascus loves it.

Even if you are not Thru-Hiking, it would be worth your while and stop in. Park your car, and head off on the AT.

My plan was to hike 10 miles, including through town, and then up on the AT. Oh, well I did stop for breakfast at MoJo’s. Once I started on the AT, it was pretty much uphill. Plenty of water in the Spring, so don’t weigh down your pack coming out of Damascus. I stayed at Saunders Shelter which is a pretty nice shelter with plenty of places to pitch a tent. Water is below the shelter down hill. There is a trail that will take you right to the water.

The AT follows the Virginia Creeper Trail. In fact, you can see the trail parallel as you climb on the AT.

Scott Janz

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to backpack in the Badlands National Park. There are no trails in the Wilderness Areas, and there’s no water. But my hike in and around the Sage Creek Wilderness Area was well worth it.

I started my research by downloading this GPS Trail Route from Trimble Outdoors. Since I didn’t have a GPS unit, I printed out the way points, packed my map, and got my compass out. The route seemed easy enough. What I didn’t expect was the 50 mph wind gust. It was windy.

The Route started at the Conata Picnic Area. There is a sign at the very end of the picnic area. The Trail starts out like a normal trail for about 200 yards and then disappears. You are on your own after that. You follow Southwest for about 2 miles then turn Northwest towards a large open grassy field. Deer Haven is way in the background. I headed right towards Deer Haven. You can’t miss it. I ducked under a Cattle Fence and I was off to climb up and over Deer Haven.

Climbing Deer Haven is pretty simple. Follow Deer Trails. They almost look like a regular trail, and they won’t let you down. They will take you right up to the top exactly where you need to start your decent. From there, it’s all creek bed. After a few miles into the creek bed, I noticed I had lost my GPS guide. I had no idea where to get out of the creek bed. Followed some amazing Buffalo hoof prints and saw some spectacular scenery. My hike was cut short. But I did manage to get some awesome backpacking in. I camped at Deer Haven for the night, and it was the best decision I made. What a wonderful place to camp. NO FIRES ALLOWED.

You can see my photos of my Badlands Hike on “Our Gallery“.

After battling the winds for most of the day, the night became calm. Full Moon and not a cloud in the sky. You can download this route from Trimble and follow it on a GPS.

The Badlands climate is variable and unpredictable with temperatures ranging from -40 F to 116 F. The summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall. Extremely high winds are common year-round. Sudden and dramatic weather changes are common. Dress in layers. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate water are recommended for hiking.

The park’s main visitor center, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, is open daily all year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. During the summer months, ranger-led programs are offered throughout the day. Check at the visitor center for more information on these programs.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is located at Cedar Pass on the Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240), 9 miles South of I-90, exit 131 Phone (605) 455-2878

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.

 

Backpacking and Kayaking Southern Illinois from thebackpackertv on Vimeo.

When you live in the Midwest, sometimes your access to a National Park is limited without driving 10 hours. However, one of the gems that barely get’s regongition in the National Park System, is the diverse ecological system in Southern Illinois. One of the gems I missed, was the Cache River Wetlands area with 1000 year old Cypress trees. I never knew Southern Illinois had a Wetlands area, not alone a Kayak trail that you could trek. The Cache River was a spectacular trip and offered many diverse and flora. The cypress were absolutely cool, and kind a spooky at the same time. I went early in the morning (sunrise) and felt like I was on a Si-Fi set. Very cool to see the water totally topped with alge.

So, with some planning and a quick escape, I drove 5 hours South to Cypress, IL and put my Kayak in the Cache River. Along with my Kayak trip, I brought my backpack to do a section of the River to River trail the runs across the entire southern part of the State (186 miles) through the Shawnee National Forest.

It was hot, muggy, but a great weekend. Hope you enjoy the video.

Scott Janz

Hiking the Jacks River Trail in the Cohutta Wilderness was a real adventure. With all the research I did before the hike, one thing was certain, I knew I would be crossing the Jacks River quite a few times. Little did I realize just how many times. The Jacks River Trail is approximately 16 miles, and although you could probably do this in one day, why would you want to? Not to mention the fact the 40 plus river crossings you will have to encounter may hold you back from your normal fast pace. The campsites are worth making this a two day hike.

Within the Cohutta Mountains are peaks that rise to 4,200 feet and more than a hundred miles of hiking trails. Within the Wilderness Area itself are 13 trails that total more than 87 miles of unusual remote hiking. Other than on the popular Jacks River Trail, it is possible to hike in this area for days during the Spring and Fall and not see other backpackers.

Two rivers (Conasauga and Jacks) flow through the Cohuttas, forming the major valleys on the east and west sides of the Wilderness Areas. In the river valleys the flora is prolific. It is not uncommon to see a wide array of plant life, thickly covering any land that gets available sunlight. As the trails climb the mountains the plants lessen, mostly because the trees block the sun.

I saw just about every kind of Mushroom that grows. If you study Fungi, this is the trail for you. The terrain is pretty easy. Since you are hiking along the river, you never really do any strenuous ups and downs.

You can see the rest of my pics on our Gallery Page

The Jacks River Trail offers a chance to dip in some watering holes and cool off if you plan on hiking this trail in the summer. DO NOT take this river for granted. Plan ahead carefully. This is a river that when it rains more than an inch, you may find yourself stranded. Knowing how to ford a river will come in handy. The bottom of the river is filled with big rocks and rough terrain. It would be easy to sprain and ankle. Very slippery. DO NOT hike this trail on or before a heavy rain fall. I would plan on taking two pair of hiking shoes also. One pair of water hiking shoes, and one pair of sandals. Your feet will be wet most of the day. This softens your skin on your feet. You can tear skin much easier when you skin is soft and wet. Make sure you have a dry pair of sandals to wear at camp.

Jacks River – According to tradition, this trail is named for a Cherokee Indian who lived in the Cohutta Mountains. By far the most popular of the trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, Jacks River crosses the entire wilderness and intersects most of the other trails. The trail begins at Dally Gap and ends almost 17 miles later in the Alacusy Valley. Jacks River Falls at 9.2 miles is a highlight.

Directions: Once you get on “Old Hwy 2″, you will drive on Hwy 2 until it turns into gravel. Keep going up until you see a clearing with the Cohutta Wilderness sign. Your map will tell you, (or just about every web site) will say turn right on “Road Access 22″. Good luck finding that sign. When you get to the clearing look for the sign that says: “Dally Gap”. this is 22. Go up 3 miles to you get to the Jacks River Trail Head. There is enough room for about 10-15 cars.

Have fun, and I will see you on the Trail.

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.

 

Trail Days Documentary from thebackpackertv on Vimeo.

This short Trail Days documentary gives you a real feel of what goes on in Damascus Virginia every May. Who puts it on, and the Volunteers that give of themselves to help Hikers.

Meet people like Gypsy who works at MoJo’s cafe, or Linda Austin who helps bring “Church” to the Hikers to hike the Appalachian Trail by feeding, and making sure they are taken care of. Get a first hand account from real Thru-Hikers and their journey to Trail Days. Meet Outdoor Author Johnny Molloy and get his take on what Trail Days means to him. See Tent City and what it looks like in a real time perspective.

Trail Days takes place in a small mountain town in Virginia. The population in Damascus, Virginia in 2007 was a little over 1,000 residents. In one weekend in May, (Trail Days) over 15,000 people mostly hikers, come to pay a visit in what the “trail” calls the “Friendliest Town on the Trail”. See what Trail Days is all about.

This video was filmed by Broadcast Your Adventure Films and is the first documentary of it’s kind.

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny Molloy at Trail Days 09 in Damascuss, VA this year. Not only was he great to talk with, but you can hear the excitement in his voice when he talks about his trail books, and being in the outdoors. His books have everything you need to make good decisions about where to hike, camp, and paddle to. Very informative! Great guy, great books. Here is a short video about what Johnny Molloy spends his time doing.

Johnny Molloy is a self-employed outdoor writer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. A native Tennessean and free-market capitalist, he was born in Memphis and moved to Knoxville in 1980 to attend the University of Tennessee. It is here in Knoxville, where he developed his love of the natural world that has since become the primary focus of his life.

It all started on a backpacking foray into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That first trip, though a disaster, unleashed an innate love of the outdoors that has led to his spending over 100 nights in the wild per year, over the past 20 years, backpacking and canoe camping throughout our country and abroad. Specifically, he has spent over 650 nights in the Smokies alone, where he cultivated his woodsmanship and expertise on those lofty mountains.

In 1987, after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Economics, he continued to spend an ever increasing time in the natural places, becoming more skilled in a variety of environments. Friends enjoyed his adventure stories, one even suggested he write a book. Soon he was parlaying his love of the outdoors into an occupation.

The Day & Overnight Hikes books are guidebooks, each containing 42 recommended hikes that takes the reader on a detailed journey to infrequently visited sites, from highland meadows and open vistas to pristine mountain streams and pioneer farms in three of the most popular national parks and forests in the East.

The Best in Tent Camping books parlay his vast camping experiences throughout the Southern Appalachians, Colorado, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida into concise guides of the 50 best tent campgrounds in each area offering the finest scenery and recreational opportunities the South, Appalachians and Rockies have to offer.

Johnny teamed up with Countrymen Press and wrote 50 Hikes in the North Georgia Mountains, and 50 Hikes in South Carolina and 50 Hikes in the Ozarks. Both places are underutilized hiking destinations. He is now writing 50 Hikes in Alabama for the outfit.

The latest adventure story book, his 3rd, is Hiking the Florida Trail: 1,100 Miles, 78 Days, Two pairs of Boots and One Heck of An Adventure. It is the first narrative book detailing a thru hike of the Florida Trail.

Visit Johnny’s Web Site to buy his trail books. Or just visit and say hello.

Admin

I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

First, let me say that I wanted to spend a lot more time in this awesome display of nature. I feel I was cheeted by only being able to hike the short 10 – 12 mile loop I did. Having said that, Red River Gorge is now in my top 20 places I’ve ever hiked in. The Red River Gorge is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest Red River Gorge Geological Area – 29,000 acres, designated in 1974.

Rock Arches are the celebrity at this park. If you live in the Midwest and want to see Arches without traveling to Utah, this is the place to visit. With deep gorges, and caves, this is one place you need to visit if you are in Kentucky.

Many arches in the Gorge can be found or viewed from the 60 miles of backpacking trails. The number, size, and variety of natural stone arches in the Gorge contribuite to the beauty of this park. Becareful however, some the cliffs are steep and dangerous. There are over 100 arches in this park.

There are some definate rules and regulations while backpacking in this park. Make sure you understand the camping situation. There are NO formal campgrounds but many are out there. You WILL need a permit to camp overnight. You can get permits at the Gladie Center. But you can also get permits at the Shell Gas Station located right on Hwy 15. It might save you a drive if you are going to hike and camp on th South end of the park.

The Sheltowee Trail runs through the Red River Park, but also runs Natural Bridge State Park, and the Clifty Wilderness. The trail is 278 miles long.

If you have a Kayak or Canoe, this is the place to trek down the Red River. Runs right through the Park.

Most of the Trails are easy to moderate, but there are a few sections that you will be climbing up or down hand over foot.

Backpack to Grays Arch. Worth the extra hike. It’s a nice loop hike if you take #205 trail to #221 to #203 back to your car. 10 – 12 mile loop.

The Trail Map is located HERE. For more information call the Gladie Cultural Center at (606)663-8100. They are open from 9:00 to 5:30 from Mid March to November.

Check out some photos of the Red River Gorge

See you on the Trail

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.

 

There are times when I’m out for days in the backcountry and look in my food bag and think, “Do I have to eat this”? What a pleasant surprise when I met Christopher Pheiffer at Trail Days this year. Not only was he a great guy to talk to, but he presented me with some alternatives to my diet in the backcountry. Only a day after I bought six meals from Chris, but I went out on a overnight and cooked one his meals. Wow! what a difference. What? Salt and Pepper comes with? What? It tasted really good.

The Enertia Team loves the outdoors as much as we love food, and believes that taste shouldn’t be sacrificed on the trail. That’s why we are committed to making meals packed with the nutrition you need and the homemade taste you crave. We strive to provide fellow outdoor enthusiasts with the ultimate wilderness dining experience.

Enertia meals are specially designed for wilderness adventurers who want great tasting, lightweight, high-energy food. ETF meals are based on real kitchen recipes and made with the best quality, dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients. Loaded with protein and good calories, Enertia Trail Foods® provide the best tasting, highest value, and most convenient meals available.

The unique, re-sealable waterproof packaging serves as a pack-in, cook-in, eat-from and pack-out companion. ETF meals are packaged to withstand the rigors of extended outdoor travel, conserve space, save fuel, and provide Leave No Trace efficiency.

ETF meals are geared toward various experience levels, from the serious thru-hike backpacker to the weekend family camper. To ensure the best-tasting meals, our products are made with the freshest ingredients under high standard production practices. For guaranteed quality and freshness, all Enertia single serve products have a one year shelf life, and ETF/Coleman® meals are shelf stable for two years.

For more information on their food products, visit their Web Site at Trail Foods

Admin

I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!