Solo Backpacking in the Smokies: a How-To in Real Time

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In this video, I go backpacking alone in the Smoky Mountains while describing my methods for finding trails to do in the Smokies. I discuss my planning methods, including the books I use to plan my hikes. I describe the pros and cons of hiking in the Smoky Mountains and explain why it's not *all" about the Appalachian Trail. The video is a sort of introduction to the Smoky Mountains for backpackers, including tips for backpacking in the Smokies and my best advice for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

My route includes the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower, the Mt. Sterling Fire Tower, Campsite 35 and Campsite 38. I parked at the Big Creek front country camping area (at the Big Creek Ranger Station) and hiked on the following trails: Chestnut Branch, the Appalachian Trail, Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail, Low Gap Trail, Big Creek Trail, Swallow Fork Trail, Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail, Mt. Sterling Trail, and the Baxter Creek Trail.

More details about the video:

The books I list are (1) The Hiking Trails of the Smokies by the Great Smoky Mountains Association ("the little brown book") and (2) Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Kevin Adams.

Maps, which I forgot to talk about in the video. Here's a good one online: http://npmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/great-smoky-mountains-trail-map.gif Find more information about maps, including the National Geographic maps, here: http://npmaps.com/great-smoky-mountains/

Why I use a tarp, explained in this prior video -- https://youtu.be/-_KkaW4d6Ek

An explanation of the hows and why of the sandals I wear on the trail -- https://youtu.be/WcrR7wwJPpI

Why I don't use trekking poles, explained in this prior video -- https://youtu.be/PARdo7aRcjs

 ****WHAT I DO WHEN I'M NOT BACKPACKING****

http://www.evanschaeffer.com

****CAMERA EQUIPMENT AND EDITING SOFTWARE*****

Filmed with a Canon G7 X and edited on my computer with Cyberlink PowerDirector 14.

**** MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

@Backpacker_Comics (backpacking humor; personal stories)
@Evan.Schaeffer (drawings and paintings)

****MUSIC****

The music is this video was produced by me, Evan Schaeffer. As with all my video music, I allow others to use it for free. See http://www.evanschaeffermusic.com and, after reading the information there, download my music from SoundCloud or the Free Music Archive. You can also listen to my two albums of video music (Glow and Big Splash) at Spotify or at Apple Music--just search for "Evan Schaeffer."

The song that concludes the video, "Bonita," is available to stream at Spotify or to buy at just about any online music outlet.

 **** SEND ME EMAIL ****

email: Evan.Schaeffer@gmail.com

Видео Solo Backpacking in the Smokies: a How-To in Real Time канала Evan's Backpacking Videos