Yep … they (the residents/property owners )basically allow right of way. It’s not owned or maintained by the forest service.
The residents have decided to keep it open as long as people play by the rules (follow speed limit, don’t trespass, etc).
I like the REI Magma sleeping bags … no issues taking it into upper 30s and being comfortable. (Mine is the 30deg one)
Zero … Had some things I thought about getting but then went camping and forgot about the sale 😎
I love the REI helix pad … I’ve had several inc. XTherm & Tensor. The Helix is more comfortable by a wide margin! Definitely a great buy especially when discounted!
UQ is year round personally. Just adjust your top quilt.
I love mine … even my mom liked it when she tried it. Of the 4 pads I own (Helix, XTherm, Tensor, Switchback, and XLite (well the XLite got returned due to being uncomfortable)) … the Helix is our favorite by far! Very comfortable, relatively quiet, fantastic price when on sale!! 😀. I’ll note that I’m a stomach/side sleeper.
Tarptent sometimes in their sale/blem category they’ll have the LI’s. I got my DR LI as a blem and it was barely noticeable and didn’t affect the quality of the tent. https://www.tarptent.com/sale/
There's camping there ... it should be in this vlog when I hiked my first section of the Bartram (but we did it from Cheoah past Beechertown) - but should give you an idea of the camping available as well as the trail. https://youtu.be/SMs0C8tMw6o?si=SccJqwLQaqueIgq0&t=1546
Linville… best bang for your effort Table Rock to Shortoff especially if you like views.
Mount Mitchell… I’d recommend going up via the campground. I wouldn’t do the Black Mountain Crest unless you just want a crazy challenge! Since it’s getting warmer I’ve seen more people seeing snakes - so be cautious especially if you have a dog.
Here’s a few vlogs showing some of the trails.
Black Mountain Crest Trail - Day 1 4K https://youtu.be/_KW94iqYhAo
Linville Gorge - ITAYG Loop - Table Rock Parking Area to Shortoff HD 1080p https://youtu.be/TuztpxnIUI4
I’m honestly dreading it. I’m seeing more of a change in my dad (70) - more naps/not doing as much. My mom (69) is starting to slow down - but she still backpacks with me. It brings tears to my eyes to think of them not being around anymore - unfortunately that’s life! 😢🥺.
I typically use either AllTrails pro or my watch app (Coros). Gaia is pretty good as well.
Personal favorites… Bryce Newbold, Justin Outdoors, Eric Hanson, & Jupiter Hikes. IBTAT is great as well but his language is quite “colorful”!
Personal YouTube… youtube.com/@roselee_explores … I’m based in Southeast US and do full length trip videos of hiking & backpacking. 🥾🐾
There’s no permits required for backcountry camping along that trail.
Here’s the Google Map trailhead link … parking is on the left - you then cross the road into the campground and the trail starts there. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkjDh2drmBuyvCbX6?g_st=ic
It’s also worth it to take the side trail to Setrock Falls.
Ruffwear Palisades has been great … bags are removable and tolerates abuse very well!
Honestly I saw it at first and laughed it off - but then I got it and it’s probably one of the most used items in my backpacking gear!
Awesome! Hopefully you & your dog enjoy it! 😎
My 36lb blue heeler usually sleeps in her Dutchware pup tent … sometimes I’ll spoil her and let her in the hammock. And her tent also makes a great place to stash our packs at night 😃
Honestly that’s a nice intro to Linville - not overly difficult other than the climb up Pinch-In. I’ll link a couple of my videos. Use Avenza for campsites & water.
Pinnacle … Linville Gorge Overnight White Oak Stand to Pinnacle Loop Day 2 4K https://youtu.be/VdZqjqnD288
Pinch-in … Linville Gorge (Shortoff/Rock Jock/Pinch In) - Day 3 4K https://youtu.be/a5ckAvBX5fE
Grand Loop doesn’t cross at Spence … the only crossing on the Grand Loop is at the MST. The ITAYG loop crosses both MST & Spence … both are without bridges. Check here … it gives the “safe” crossing data for the crossings. https://www.lgmaps.org/?page_id=3483
I’d recommend Wilson Creek area - pretty quiet with lots of water!
Harpers Creek Loop Overnight 4K https://youtu.be/YJjOQiUD04w
Lost Cove Loop 4K https://youtu.be/0ONENqef1eI
Also like Shining Rock/Middle Prong …
Middle Prong Wilderness Green Mountain Buckeye Gap Day 1 4K https://youtu.be/N2YVwjEJyA0
Sams Knob - Flat Laurel - MST Overnight Loop - Day 1 4K https://youtu.be/Wcs2Ys_qyS4
Also … Mount Mitchell
Black Mountain Crest Trail - Day 1 4K https://youtu.be/_KW94iqYhAo
Backpacking with dog.
NCTrails