I'm doing this hike June 10-12. I was going to invest in a hammock but wasn't sure if I'd be aloud to strap one to a tree. Then I saw you had one, so I think buying a hammock is a go :) I've never used a hammock while backpacking so this will be an adventure.
Wow. Watching an older video. I laughed out loud. You said you had a long day and hiked 11 miles. Lol. You have come a long, long way. It’s fun to go back and watch older videos.
@@ArbitraryLifestyle granted… it was tough terrain, but Evan usually does 20 to 30 miles a day. I think I commented on this before I hiked mt sterling. That is a tough trail and steep. I’ll eat my crow now.
I think I'm getting back to you after you did Mt. Sterling--hope it went well! At the moment there are fires everywhere, so maybe you got there just in time . . .
That looks like a really fun hike. All of the fire towers around here or locked up. It's nice that they let you go up in that one. Thank you for sharing.
+SoutheastBackpacker Good luck with the trip! I'll be up there again in April, assuming I make it from the start of the Benton MacKaye Trail all the way to the finish!
What a beautiful forest. The view from the tower is incredible. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the sub. I do enjoy watching vids from around the world. It is very interesting to see the different conditions and hazards that are encountered. I look forward to seeing more of your vids. Keep on keeping on.
+Just Go Backpacking Thanks for watching! Hope you get to the Smokies--great place! Please subscribe and you can keep up with my other videos--thanks . . .
Hi, Evan! I just stumbled across your channel while doing some research for my upcoming trip to the Smoky Mountains this June with my husband. We are currently trying to decide which backpacking loop we want to go on. We are looking to stay out 3-5 days. I had some interest in Mt Sterling, but was wondering what you would recommend for that time of year. We have backpacked previously in Alaska and are very active. We don't mind a slight challenge, but would also like to be able to relax and enjoy the sights. We are also looking for some breathtaking panorama views with as minimal other people as possible. Thank you, and I'm very much enjoying your videos!
I never have a good answer for the very good question, "What loop should I do in the Smokies?" A person's hiking style and abilities vary a lot from person to person. One thing I always say, though -- get a book like Hiking Trails of the Smokies that gives the elevation up and downs for every trail. There is as much elevation gain on some of the trails in the Smokies as mountain trails in the west -- a good thing, of course, but one that I've seen people overlook completely when they plan their trip looking at a two-dimensional flat map. As for avoiding the crowds, try to hike during the week as opposed to the weekends. I've been out all week without seeing anyone else, which is unbelievable considering that the GSMNP is the country's most-visited national park. I did a video that is in my playlist about the Smokies that gives some hints for avoiding crowds -- in addition to going during the week, you can use the backcountry reservation system to see how many people are registered at each campsite on a particular day. Wish I could be more specific, but I can't. Good luck with your hike!
I went up to Mt. Sterling in May 2015. It was a great trail! Looking out that tower at dusk was really cool! Thanks for the cool video, keep the awesome videos coming.
Ha, for some reason I don't remember this video being fresh in my memory! We did a loop this past weekend including Cammerer and Sterling. After Cammerer coming up Baxter Creek and heading up Sterling was probably one of the toughest hikes I've ever done. In retrospect I probably shouldn't have done both on the same loop!
What a view from the tower! I’m very much looking forward to exploring in the Smokies this coming summer while on the AT. Thanks for keeping this posted... very much enjoyed the journey. Your videos are informative👍🏿 JW from AK
Really nice campsites. You never said how hard you thought Baxter Creek Trail was after going up, what did you think? I hear the difficulty is overrated, only difficult by GSMNP standards.
I thought it was a hard climb. 4,000 feet is a lot over that distance. Also, I didn't manage my water very well and ran out before I reached the top. I won't make that mistake again!
Zachary Robbins I forgot to mention an important point--it was a very hot day when I hiked the trail. It might not have been so brutal otherwise. If you hike it this weekend, tell me your thoughts about its difficulty ...
+mike prout Thanks for watching! Yes, it's a hennessy . . . I've been using a tarp and sleeping on the ground lately, but I'll return to the hammock later in the year . . .
Wow, beautiful views from the fire tower! You are really good at speaking to everyone with the camera! Great job. Love the smokies! I was just there in June (going be putting those videos up soon) if you wanted to stop over and check it out!
Thanks! Taking a group of friends who aren't so experienced up and just trying to decide if it'd be best to take them there or 39 (which I know is more spacious and has the creeks). I've just been dying to see the tower and those views.
+Eric J You mean at night? I think sleeping outside takes some practice, especially where there are bears. I've had nights when it's been difficult for me to relax enough to fall asleep. I used to pack some whiskey, which always helped, lol. Now I don't bring alcohol in order to save weight. I've been sleeping pretty well lately, but I certainly understand the feeling!
+Evan's Backpacking Videos Its the bores and bears to spook me most. it night or in the daytime. my last big day hike i was on my friend and I was attacked by a turkey when her young crossed the trail infront of us. Im glad it wasnt a bear or I would be dead. it happend so fast that momma turkey was all up in my face
+Eric J Last year, I thought all turkeys would run away . . . I didn't know there were aggressive turkeys. But then I was running one morning in my neighborhood, where we have sort of a wild turkey problem (lots of them around), and one took off after me. I had to run to get away from it. I was shocked. But anyway, as for camping, I suppose you could pack bear spray like people use in the west to protect themselves from grizzlies. Easy to say, but still hard to relax if you're too nervous to fall asleep . . .
+Evan's Backpacking Videos Ya turkeys can get mighty mean. lookup the vids on here of turkey attacks mail man!! Luckly I have a hiking partner ill be taking along for this years trips. I have ran into bear many times in the smokys and they run away when they see me even mommas with cubs. I just dont want to get mauled lol. If i go alone I will take at the minimum a 357 magnum.
+Andrew Elekes I don't recall specifically how long it took me to hike the Baxter Creek Trail from the parking lot to the top of Mt. Sterling, where the fire tower is, but it's about 6.5 miles. That would normally take me about 3.5 hours, but the Baxter Creek Trail has a lot of elevation gain, so I was going more slowly. I'd say it probably took me about 4.5 hours.
Great video! My son and I are planning on making this same trip this July. I have been wondering about the temperature at night though? Was you high enough for it to get cold at night when you slept? I really enjoy your channel. Thanks again
I don't remember the details exactly, but I think it's always pretty chilly on top of Mt. Sterling, even in the summer. Try this site: www.mountain-forecast.com I don't know if Mt. Sterling is in its database, so look at the weather on Mt. LeConte or some other mountain in the Smokies . . .
snoopy2themoon I parked at the Big Creek campsite and began the hike and ended it on the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads up to Mt. Sterling. Once at Mt Sterling I did a loop and hit the campsites I mentioned in the video. Thanks for watching!
Did you ever come across any moonshiners on your Trail
I went down to the spring at night and saw Knoxville all lit up!
Nice!
I'm doing this hike June 10-12. I was going to invest in a hammock but wasn't sure if I'd be aloud to strap one to a tree. Then I saw you had one, so I think buying a hammock is a go :) I've never used a hammock while backpacking so this will be an adventure.
Yes you can use hammocks in the park. There are plenty of trees on top of Mt. Sterling. It can get chilly up there even in the summer ...
What a great adventure. Thanks for taking me along .
Thanks handi! I see that you watched one of my old videos lol!!
Wow. Watching an older video. I laughed out loud. You said you had a long day and hiked 11 miles. Lol. You have come a long, long way. It’s fun to go back and watch older videos.
You saying 11 miles in steep terrain is a short day??
@@ArbitraryLifestyle granted… it was tough terrain, but Evan usually does 20 to 30 miles a day. I think I commented on this before I hiked mt sterling. That is a tough trail and steep. I’ll eat my crow now.
Has Evan read the translation? It's hilarious.
Very cool! I'm gonna hit sterling this weekend
I think I'm getting back to you after you did Mt. Sterling--hope it went well! At the moment there are fires everywhere, so maybe you got there just in time . . .
Hiking this with two friends next week! We're doing the trail in the other direction though. Can't wait!
+BarefootMonkey23 Have a great trip! I'm going to be back on Mt. Sterling in early May. That's a great loop . . .
Nice video! Yea, that fire tower was a little sketchy, I did one past summer in Northern Ontario it was fun! Cool that you hammock it.
+Crazy Camper (Crusader) In the summer, I sometimes take a hammock. Other times, a tarp ...
That looks like a really fun hike. All of the fire towers around here or locked up. It's nice that they let you go up in that one. Thank you for sharing.
+Gary Thompson Yeah, it's wide open! Thanks for watching . . .
loving this. Green, warm, nice trees.. great trip thanks for making the film.
+potatothorn Thanks very much for watching!
Nice brother.. I'm going to check out the fire tower (again) soon. Never been up there in February so it will be interesting to see how it goes.
+SoutheastBackpacker Good luck with the trip! I'll be up there again in April, assuming I make it from the start of the Benton MacKaye Trail all the way to the finish!
What a beautiful forest. The view from the tower is incredible. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the sub. I do enjoy watching vids from around the world. It is very interesting to see the different conditions and hazards that are encountered. I look forward to seeing more of your vids. Keep on keeping on.
+Dale Skidmore Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and comment. I'm glad you liked the video, please watch some others!
I will be, Evan.
Great video. Thanks for posting. Hoping to get to the Smokies some day...
+Just Go Backpacking Thanks for watching! Hope you get to the Smokies--great place! Please subscribe and you can keep up with my other videos--thanks . . .
+Evan's Backpacking Videos yup we are subscribed!
+Just Go Backpacking Great, thanks!
Hi, Evan! I just stumbled across your channel while doing some research for my upcoming trip to the Smoky Mountains this June with my husband. We are currently trying to decide which backpacking loop we want to go on. We are looking to stay out 3-5 days. I had some interest in Mt Sterling, but was wondering what you would recommend for that time of year. We have backpacked previously in Alaska and are very active. We don't mind a slight challenge, but would also like to be able to relax and enjoy the sights. We are also looking for some breathtaking panorama views with as minimal other people as possible. Thank you, and I'm very much enjoying your videos!
I never have a good answer for the very good question, "What loop should I do in the Smokies?" A person's hiking style and abilities vary a lot from person to person. One thing I always say, though -- get a book like Hiking Trails of the Smokies that gives the elevation up and downs for every trail. There is as much elevation gain on some of the trails in the Smokies as mountain trails in the west -- a good thing, of course, but one that I've seen people overlook completely when they plan their trip looking at a two-dimensional flat map. As for avoiding the crowds, try to hike during the week as opposed to the weekends. I've been out all week without seeing anyone else, which is unbelievable considering that the GSMNP is the country's most-visited national park. I did a video that is in my playlist about the Smokies that gives some hints for avoiding crowds -- in addition to going during the week, you can use the backcountry reservation system to see how many people are registered at each campsite on a particular day. Wish I could be more specific, but I can't. Good luck with your hike!
Evan's Backpacking Videos Thanks for the advice! I just watched your tip videos and they helped a lot.
Great, glad to know!
I went up to Mt. Sterling in May 2015. It was a great trail! Looking out that tower at dusk was really cool!
Thanks for the cool video, keep the awesome videos coming.
+jjholmen Thanks for watching and commenting -- I really appreciate it!
Hey there wanted to see if you or anyone knows about water availability at #39 on Mt. Sterling. Thanks!
This is very late, sorry, but there's a spring near the top of Mt. Sterling that serves as its water source.
@@EvansBackpackingVideos thanks! I found it a bit down the trail :)
Some friends and I are doing this hike in November, 18. Congrats again Evan on your AT Thru hike
finish. Enjoyed your vids so much.
gonna be cold! enjoy your hike!
Thanks!
Ha, for some reason I don't remember this video being fresh in my memory! We did a loop this past weekend including Cammerer and Sterling. After Cammerer coming up Baxter Creek and heading up Sterling was probably one of the toughest hikes I've ever done. In retrospect I probably shouldn't have done both on the same loop!
Yes Baxter Creek is a tough one! Thanks for watching . . .
Just found your channel. Great video. Love the Smokies.
Ronnie Meadows Me too. Thanks for watching!
What a view from the tower! I’m very much looking forward to exploring in the Smokies this coming summer while on the AT.
Thanks for keeping this posted... very much enjoyed the journey.
Your videos are informative👍🏿
JW from AK
The Smokies are great ..
💪 😎 👍 just going to the beginning of your adventures...your a very entertaining and interesting trail dude..cheers
Really nice campsites. You never said how hard you thought Baxter Creek Trail was after going up, what did you think? I hear the difficulty is overrated, only difficult by GSMNP standards.
I thought it was a hard climb. 4,000 feet is a lot over that distance. Also, I didn't manage my water very well and ran out before I reached the top. I won't make that mistake again!
Yeah that's the worst, just curious because I might do that this weekend if I drive that far.
Zachary Robbins I forgot to mention an important point--it was a very hot day when I hiked the trail. It might not have been so brutal otherwise. If you hike it this weekend, tell me your thoughts about its difficulty ...
Oh ok that makes sense. I'll let you know once I do it, mulling a few options this weekend depending on the forecast.
great video! amazing scenery! is that a hennessy hammock?
+mike prout Thanks for watching! Yes, it's a hennessy . . . I've been using a tarp and sleeping on the ground lately, but I'll return to the hammock later in the year . . .
Wow, beautiful views from the fire tower! You are really good at speaking to everyone with the camera! Great job. Love the smokies! I was just there in June (going be putting those videos up soon) if you wanted to stop over and check it out!
Yes, the Smokies are great. I'll check out your videos . . .
Was campsite 38 particularly windy, and was there a bear pulley system?
RedandBlackJack Yes there are bear pulleys. Depending on the weather it can be very windy. Just depends on the weather.
Thanks! Taking a group of friends who aren't so experienced up and just trying to decide if it'd be best to take them there or 39 (which I know is more spacious and has the creeks). I've just been dying to see the tower and those views.
you did this solo? I want to solo but get kinda spooked lol
+Eric J You mean at night? I think sleeping outside takes some practice, especially where there are bears. I've had nights when it's been difficult for me to relax enough to fall asleep. I used to pack some whiskey, which always helped, lol. Now I don't bring alcohol in order to save weight. I've been sleeping pretty well lately, but I certainly understand the feeling!
+Evan's Backpacking Videos Its the bores and bears to spook me most. it night or in the daytime. my last big day hike i was on my friend and I was attacked by a turkey when her young crossed the trail infront of us. Im glad it wasnt a bear or I would be dead. it happend so fast that momma turkey was all up in my face
+Eric J Last year, I thought all turkeys would run away . . . I didn't know there were aggressive turkeys. But then I was running one morning in my neighborhood, where we have sort of a wild turkey problem (lots of them around), and one took off after me. I had to run to get away from it. I was shocked. But anyway, as for camping, I suppose you could pack bear spray like people use in the west to protect themselves from grizzlies. Easy to say, but still hard to relax if you're too nervous to fall asleep . . .
+Evan's Backpacking Videos Ya turkeys can get mighty mean. lookup the vids on here of turkey attacks mail man!! Luckly I have a hiking partner ill be taking along for this years trips. I have ran into bear many times in the smokys and they run away when they see me even mommas with cubs. I just dont want to get mauled lol. If i go alone I will take at the minimum a 357 magnum.
+Eric J Better than spray for sure!
How long did it take you to get from the parking lot to the fire tower? On the way up.
+Andrew Elekes I don't recall specifically how long it took me to hike the Baxter Creek Trail from the parking lot to the top of Mt. Sterling, where the fire tower is, but it's about 6.5 miles. That would normally take me about 3.5 hours, but the Baxter Creek Trail has a lot of elevation gain, so I was going more slowly. I'd say it probably took me about 4.5 hours.
Great video! My son and I are planning on making this same trip this July. I have been wondering about the temperature at night though? Was you high enough for it to get cold at night when you slept? I really enjoy your channel. Thanks again
I don't remember the details exactly, but I think it's always pretty chilly on top of Mt. Sterling, even in the summer. Try this site: www.mountain-forecast.com I don't know if Mt. Sterling is in its database, so look at the weather on Mt. LeConte or some other mountain in the Smokies . . .
Doing the same with my son in June!
Definitely chilly,wasn't ready for that!
Hey, could you possibly email me about the route you took? I am looking to hike this soon, and I know you have a lot of great knowledge.
snoopy2themoon I parked at the Big Creek campsite and began the hike and ended it on the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads up to Mt. Sterling. Once at Mt Sterling I did a loop and hit the campsites I mentioned in the video. Thanks for watching!
Thanks, I figured it out when I watched. Love the vids. I am an Eagle Scout and the outdoors is where home is for me! Safe travels mate!
No problem -- have a good outing!