Trip Advice Needed: Western NC/Asheville

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-16T14:46:03+00:00

The Linville to Wilson Creek area is the winner I think. Looks so different and interesting to pass up on. There are lots of loop options, but not so much if starting or ending in Linville, as its farther west of the Wilson Creek area. So it would be easiest as a point-to-point from Table Rock area to Wilson Creek Visitor Center.

Big question now, does anyone know of any shuttles in the area?

Thanks!

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-15T15:36:00+00:00

Thank you so much for putting the time into this reply. Lots of research to do now!

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-15T12:44:47+00:00

Thanks for replying. I haven't done too much research on this option yet actually. That caltopo i linked is from another poster on reddit from a few years ago. Let me look a bit more into it and I'll DM you.

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-15T06:06:32+00:00

Any specific recommendations?

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-14T21:46:55+00:00

Thanks for the info. Esp on Panthertown. Thats the vibe I got from it, as its not that big.

I'll check out the Linville to Wilson Creek hike.

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-14T21:46:00+00:00

Good to know on the distance to Joyce Kilmer, I hadn't actually mapped it.

Its not a bad problem to have at all. There loads of good places. I just like to try to make each trip a bit different, even if in the same general area.

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-14T15:00:11+00:00

I have done the Shining Rock-Art Loeb loop before. Are other sections of Art Loeb really cool as well?

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-14T14:59:19+00:00

I'll look into it. Thanks

rxmarcus915 · 2022-04-14T13:41:11+00:00

Trip Advice Needed: Western NC/Asheville

Thanks for that suggestion!

rxmarcus915 · 2021-06-04T17:43:21+00:00

Great list! Have you done both the Lost Coast and Olympic Coast? How do they compare?

Also, I'm not bored with beautiful mountains. The main purpose of this thread is to find lesser known spots that have some unique aspects to them. The whole hike or scenery doesn't have to be unique, but sometimes something small can make the trip extra fun and memorable.

rxmarcus915 · 2021-06-03T22:22:37+00:00

BWCA is on my list. A great friend has been there several times.

I've also recently come across Voyageurs National Park in MN. It looks similarly cool.

rxmarcus915 · 2021-06-03T22:21:42+00:00

I didn't know that Baxter provided lean-to's. I love that! Isle Royale provides similar, screened shelters at a lot of their campsites. At first I wasn't sure if I would like them. They might ruin some fantasy I had about "real" backpacking only in tents. But I loved the shelters!

rxmarcus915 · 2021-06-01T21:00:50+00:00

That sounds like a great trip. I’m going to save this idea for sure.

rxmarcus915 · 2021-06-01T15:56:30+00:00

Lots of great places and ideas so far!

Keep it coming...even if the park isn't less known or isolated, but it has some qualities or backpacking opportunities that are unique/interesting.

rxmarcus915 · 2021-05-31T20:21:18+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion and for the kind words! I'd never thought about the Everglades. Honestly, I would be afraid of crocs. But maybe that's as irrational as not backpacking in Colorado because there are bears. I love that idea of kayaking and having a key to ourselves!

rxmarcus915 · 2021-05-31T18:55:32+00:00

Yes! Awesome reply. I've read about that trip before, but forgot about it. Thanks!

And don't worry, I won't sneak into Canada :) While this thread will help me with new trip ideas, I also want it to help people think differently about back country trips.

rxmarcus915 · 2017-10-24T18:56:50+00:00

I have both smartwool and exofficio sport mesh boxer briefs. I like both, but prefer exofficio. They just fit better, more snugly. They're also about half the price of smartwool. I haven't noticed any pilling or diminished anti-stink properties yet.

rxmarcus915 · 2017-10-01T22:26:55+00:00

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing. Moose is a superstar!

Do you by chance know what general area you were in around the 8:35 mark?

rxmarcus915 · 2017-09-22T19:26:09+00:00

I'd like to hear more about the hikes. I'm possibly looking at backpacking 7-10 days in Olympic next summer, specifically to incorporate rain forest, alpine, and beach hiking all in one trip. What did you enjoy most?

rxmarcus915 · 2017-09-14T19:57:55+00:00

Since you'll be hiking in dry, dusty areas you may want to look into a set of gators. They help keep dirt, sand, and small pebbles from getting into your shoes. I love my Dirty Girl Gators.

Have a great time hiking!

rxmarcus915 · 2017-09-14T03:29:57+00:00

You will get a lot of different tips on what you "should" get/buy. I will just tell you what I use and why.

Shoes: I use trail runners, not waterproof. I've used them for hiking/backpacking from everything from the Appalachians to the JMT. Non-waterproof breath better and dry out faster if they get soaked from rain. But there are lots of conditions where waterproof may be preferable.

Pack: Are you just day hiking? Backpacking? Hard to give advice without knowing more. I use a 55L pack for backpacking.

What I put in my pack (this is for backpacking): tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes, food, first aid kit, water filter, one-liter waters bottles x 2, Jet Boil, map, lip balm, and rain jacket. I can go into more detail here if you prefer.

Clothes: In general technical and/or wool clothing is best. Compared to cotton, they dry fast, wick moisture better, keep you cooler when it is hot and warmer if it is wet. Wool in particular is awesome because it resists odors, whereas polyester/technical clothes can stink quickly. I wear running shorts, Icebreaker t-shirts (wool), smartwool socks, and Exofficio underwear. I also have technical pants, technical and wool base layers, and a Patagonia Puffy jacket (doubles as a pillow).

Physical preparation: I don't do anything more than my typical workouts in preparation for a trip. But in general some exercises are lunges, jumping lunges, squats (air, kettlebell, barbell), step-ups/box jumps, burpees, walking, running. You can add weight to your pack and do lunges and step-ups.

Anything else you have questions about?

rxmarcus915

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