Appalachian Trail Backpacking - Roan Highlands (TN/NC) - April 2016

"The Appalachian Trail"... the 'AT'... The 'Grand Daddy' of North America's Long Trails.

A thru hike of the AT has long been near the top of my 'bucket list. I didn't get to do a thru-hike but at least I was able to start the 2016 backpacking season with an incredible 4-day, 50-mile section hike on one of the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail south of New England - the Roan Highlands.

This trip was always intended to be a learning experience for me, to set the stage for bigger AT adventures to follow, and in that respect this trip more than accomplished my objective. I came away from the trip feeling confident that I can take it on, even the whole thing at some time in the (hopefully near) future.

The Appalachian Trail is not like some of the trips I've taken out west. The vistas are fewer and farther between, and even when you do find the openings or balds to get 'the views' they aren't as breathtaking as what you get out west. But there is something special, majestic, and even regal about the AT . You feel and sense the history with each step, and if, like me, you've read your fair share of AT trail books and journals - hiking on the trail makes you feel a part of that history and it's legend, even if you're just doing a small chunk as I did. It brings it to life.

I chose to do the Roan Highlands section not only because it is packed with well-known landmarks - Beauty Spot, Unaka Mountain, Roan Mountain, Hump Mountain, Overmountain Shelter - but also to capture what is called in various places 'The Best Breakfast on the AT' at Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel. If you're interested in Mountain Harbour, or their well-known breakfast, that sequence is captured at the end of the video. Yum!

For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little over an hour in length total, intended to bring the audience along for the ride, and with a 10 minute still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes just skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.

Equipment / Gear List:

Still Camera: Nikon D700 with Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens
Video Camera: Canon Vixia G30 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro
Video Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 13
HDR Software: SNS-HDR Pro

Pack: ZPacks Arc Blast 52l
Shelter: ZPacks Hexamid Solo Plus

Видео Appalachian Trail Backpacking - Roan Highlands (TN/NC) - April 2016 канала David Gray