Backpacking the Great Smoky Mountains - 4 days 64 miles
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- Join me on a 4 day backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which offers tons of trails, beautiful views, excellent wildlife, streams galore, and most importantly solitude. With plenty of backcountry campsites spread out all over the park, it's no wonder why this is one of the most visited parks in the country.
Parking lot: 35.456218, -83.526071 (Lakeview Drive)
Trails used -
Day 1: 14 miles
Lakeview Drive
Noland Creek Trail
Springhouse Branch Trail
Forney Creek Trail
Stayed at 69
Day 2: 20 miles
Forney Creek Trail
Clingmans Dome walkway (I'd recommend taking the Clingman's Dome bypass trail here as it will get you away from the crowd and keep you in the woods all the way up to the overlook)
Appalachian Trail
Fork Ridge Trail
Deep Creek Trail
Day 3: 23 miles
Deep Creek Trail
Martins Gap Trail
Indian Creek Trail
Juney Whank Falls Trail
Noland Divide Trail
Noland Creek Trail
Day 3: 7 miles
Noland Creek Trail
Lakeview Drive
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Hey Frozen. Go to 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the AT a couple years ago, and how one day....
You made it. Or will, very soon. Good luck on your upcoming adventure. :)
Crazy how I've eluded to it for so long!
This is the best video I've watched in a long time. I love all the obstacles. Bears, bees, snakes and wrong turns. Love it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching
One of my favorite hikes in the Smokies is on the Tennessee side along the Middle Fork of the Little River. It is breath taking! Waterfall after waterfall after waterfall along a dirt road.
Frozen seeing that bear right off of that road is sweet. I drove up that road when we visited the dome and never put a thought to a bear being anywhere there. Awesome stuff.... I like it I like it alot!
It was a really cool experience man
Something good to watch tonight!
The best backpacking UA-cam video from anyone this year! Close call with the rattlesnake.
i doubt that man, but thanks i appreciate it
You don't need fancy editing to make a great video! This video was fantastic!!!
Woo hoo! Evening entertainment! Pumped for this one!
Jason, you were really fortunate re that snake. Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. Using a 120 to 130 cm trekking pole is rather dicey. I use to catch rattlers in AZ along with a herpetologist who taught me how to best catch them with a "snake pole" with a loop, the pole being twice the length of a trekking pole. Either going around it or throwing an object near it might have provoked it to move on. The snake was in defense mode due to being surprised.
Man I hit yes right of the bat even before I watched your quest...so Thank You!..no regrets watching the rest.Keep It Movin Daddy!
You rock!
I've been backpacking in the smoky mountains every weekend for the last 4 months and your channel helped inspire me, let me know next time you come this way
Loving your adventures 👍🏻 My advice on the snake situation: Back away slowly. Find a stick that you can toss just beyond the snake to distract its focus on you. Most likely, the snake will be startled, uncoil, and get out of there. 🐍
Good advice. I wouldn't have tried to hike uphill of it and risk possibly sliding down on top of it. You certainly could hear it before he pointed it out in the video.
That was an awesome adventure. Pretty crazy seeing those bears and rattlesnakes. I'll half to mark that one on my travel list of awesome hikes in the future
This was one of my most memorable trips.
Cool to watch some of your older videos and you convey your desire to thru hike the AT and to know that you are actually doing it right now. Respect the determination.
Thank you for the detailed mapping and trail list I feel like that is the hardest part of planning my hike is trying to pick the trails I wanna take
Awesome adventure 🤠. Always happy to find myself on the correct trail 👍 all the best to you
That's why I like watching your videos, don't get anywhere near those sort of wildlife encounters in England, great vid..
Great video! I love the Smokies! 2 bears in 10 minutes!!! That was awesome. I looked it up, Indian Creek Trail was an old road bed and at least part of it can be used for bicycles. I don't know what to do about the snakes. I walked right up on one last year. The stream was so loud I didn't hear the rattle. The only thing I did differently than you was that I had to take time to clean out my drawers lol. Great video man, thanks for sharing!
Man love these Smokies videos. Started hiking those trails you did in 1986. Been about 7 years. Thanks.
Dude frozen you are an inspiration man, you're the reason I got into backpacking. Always great to watch these vids, keep em coming
That's awesome to hear!
What a great trip. It had it all... Snakes, Bees, and Bears. Thanks for sharing.
Hey
I have snake-proof gaiters. They are recommended for snake territory. I hear bear mace works and pebble, rock, and stick tossing. Maybe, a slingshot to scare him. Can't wait for the pac trial videos. Cya, Kevin. Btw, I have seen 9 foot long snakes. And, had them crawl in my armpit and over my bivi sac. I think bright things keep them away, too.
With the inspiration from this video my 47 year old self and my 27 year old son (from just east of you in Johnstown) set out to do this exact hike this weekend 10/9/2020 to 10/12/2020. We had to modify a little. Day one we stayed at camp 70, as 69 was already booked. Day 2 we ended up cutting of the top mileage and went from Clingmans and road walked to go down Noland Divide then across to camp 55 based simply on the hours of daylight in Oct. and the fact that it rained from midnight day one until about 3pm. We wanted to hit camp a little earlier to attempt to dry out clothing and gear that was packed up in the morning rain. Other than that we accomplished it as planned! Day 3 definitely starts calm and then you pay for it up the Nolan Divide from the bottom. Had a great challenging adventure! The creeks were high and fast with 2 days of rain, and the trails were running water as happens in the Smokies. Thanks for all your great videos, keep the inspiration coming!
Love it! Ty so much for the trip report
Dude, you are so inspiring. I want to do this so bad.
Seth Kingery I said the same thing about a year and a half ago and did my first hike this past April. Totally worth it
I been watching his videos for 2 days back to back. Totally going to do this and get away from the grind.
This was definitely an awesome adventure...great job! That rattlesnake encounter was a close one and glad you got past it without harm. Rattlesnakes can lunge at least half the length of their body so never trust that your trekking pole is long enough. It's best to slowly back away then consider your options as you initially did. Climbing up the hill to get around it might have been an option but you could slip, fall and roll right into it. The drop off on your left was not a good escape path either. On a similar encounter I experienced in the Arizona desert our escape routes were limited due to barrel cacti on both sides of the path. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snake's direction...twice, as the first toss just pissed it off. The second handful of sand prompted it to slither away. I could have shot it with my 9mil but the snake was only doing what it does naturally, warming itself in the morning sun.
Great video.Clingman's Dome= great views for people who like to drive to see them and don't mind people pollution. For the rest of us, views are everywhere when we hike the backcountry.
Holy crap, that second snake! To answer you question I probably would have tried to move it with a really long stick or trekking pole. No idea if that's the right move. I wouldn't beat yourself about it too much, it's easy to second guess but maybe someone will have a better suggestion. Wow, quite the trip this one. As an aside I love my zpacks rain kilt too. Got rid of my tyvek and it's nice to have dry pants.
Can't wait to actually use it. It worked great from a ground sheet under the hammock.
Your videos rock also Tim!
Jay and Jessica Hill thanks! :)
i chuck gravel at them when they wont go away... they can strike pretty far, best to stay back .. they get pelted by some small stuff theyll move away... you dont need to hurt it, jsut lob some small stuff at it...
@@potatothorn I was wondering what I would do, and I would have thrown stuff at it as well to try to make it go away. Interesting encounter. Great video!
I know your video is from 3 years ago, but I'm glad I found it! The Smokies are my weekly stomping grounds. I'm currently working on hiking all the trails in the park (804 miles) and I still have the upper portion of Springhouse and all of Forney Creek to knock out. It was nice to see your footage, so I know what I'm up against.
BTW...CS71 with the chimney used to be a Conservation Corp Camp back in the 30's...that's how long the chimney has stood. I've stayed at that site...and yes, it's an awesome one!
Excellent captures...it warms my heart to know how much you love our mountains! ✌❤🥾
Yay! A Frozen adventure is just what's needed. Thanks man! Good luck on the SHT, that's a lotta miles..should be a blast!
Good to see a video where the hiker takes some time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. I understand that it's just not possible at times due to the miles required, but it's nice when it can be done. Thanks for the video!
I have been following some other backpackers but you sir are my new favorite. Thank you for allowing us to come along for the adventure!
Thanks presto!!
I’ve messed with snakes a lot. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. That far from help, hiking alone I’d probably try to toss it a distance too. Not hard enough to hurt it but you can’t be too careful in that situation. When a rattler is buzzing it’s telling you that it’s threatened and is prepared to defend itself. Snakes only strike at about 1/2 their length but sometimes the best defense is offense and they come to you like that one tried to. I would’ve tried to find a stick at least 8-10 feet and moved it. Moving it with a trekking pole would have you too close, with all the rocks, roots, and steep terrain; one slip and it’s on you.
Wow. Great videos so far. You have the right stuff dialed in, enough face time, enough trail/terrain shots, map details, gear talk, logic/reasoning, edited well, etc.
Videos like yours help me figure out where I am safely hike.
I think you scared it when you lunged past it - rattlesnakes see sudden movements in their direction as threats. The best thing to do is to take a long detour around them, but if the terrain doesn't allow this you could try backing up until it stops rattling, then stomp your feet as a way to encourage it to slither away.
Thank you I will keep that in mind. I was surprised it didn't stop rattling while I was watching it. That's been the behavior the past 3 times I've encountered them.
Yeah, that was intense. I wonder if it was starting to shed; their eyes get cloudy and they get more paranoid/defensive since they can't see as well.
Great suggestion I will have to try this in the future.
i agree he scared it when lunging.. good advice to go around if possible, feet stmping is a good idea illl try that one
I would have used a trekking pole as a guard or to distract it in the other direction as you walk by.
Your at the CCC camp. I think that was the mess hall. Also at that camp the lighting bugs come off and on at the same time. That camp I was a trout hatchery in the 1930s after logging.
This was really awsome !!
Use your walking stick to get the snakes attention by waving it to the oposit direction your going to pass, and quickly pass by. or put a hook on one of your sticks and moove it.
Love Ya ! Thanks for the adventures
For those that want to follow in his footsteps and take the same path he took here in the smokies, Campsite 69 is a very unsafe spot to stay at during rainy weather, it’s surrounded by two big streams on either end that get very high and dangerous when it rains and you could get stranded in that area. My friend and I almost faced that problem and it could’ve ended horribly. Frozen went during dryer weather so the streams were low. Just thought I’d give a warning.
Thanks for the heads up
Man! What a great trip. It's kind of ironic that you decided to not use your spot for the first time and run into two bears and almost get bit by a rattlesnake. Crazy stuff enjoy the videos keep it up!
My parents, who watched the video last night, asked me to reactivate it as well. We shall see.
I’ve hiked all these trails and can attest to the fact that Smokey mountain miles are tough ones, but are rewarding with all the views and streams!
That Garter snake would have scared the hell out of me. I've worked as a bouncer, deputy sheriff. etc.. I have been afraid of snakes since i was kid. Enjoy your videos... Be safe.
I always toss a small stone or twig NEXT to snakes to spook them off. It usually takes only one or two throws to scare it off. Once again another great video!
Thanks! I will definitely try the rock/stick tossing next time.
Frozen, don't beat yourself up over it. Thankfully you got by the snake without any trouble. A snake can only strike half it's length so for a 5 foot snake that's a 2.5' range of strike. Maybe could have bushwacked a little on the side trail or above it but you did great. Your encounters with the bears were handled perfectly. I backpack a lot in the Smokies and bears are a bigger problem then snakes but they both provide certain challenges! Keep safe and I love your vids. Looking forward to your SHT series. Do it in 4 parts that's my 2 cents on that matter. You need to hike Isle Royale too. Awesome life-list trip there do some recon on that while you are up there. - Banker
Thanks man I appreciate that. It's hard not to think of the what if equation while you are out there. It only takes one minor mistake. I'm adding a lot of user based recommendations to the list. The people here are more helpful than searching myself
Hey Frozen, while I got your ear, here's some more unsolicited advice. If you can swing it with work/career/life/family - get the AT done while your young. I don't know your personal situation and no judgements if you can't go but it only gets harder when your middle-aged like me. I wanted to hike it when I graduated college in 91. I got married instead (I'm not saying I don't love my wife though, we still good - ha) and now I have to wait until retirement in 8 long years before I can fulfill a lifelong dream. Thank God for your videos and others to keep me going between section backpacks. DO IT!! Backpacking is addictive! But I don't have to tell you that. Travel safe friend.
+Jeff Supper we shall see how this trail treats me. But I would love to kiss that sign.
I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. Option 2 would be to try to prod or move it with a VERY long stick, but that is still pretty hit-or-miss in my experience (Utah and New Mexico rattlers.) Throwing things at or near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but you lose nothing by trying them. I'll be on some of those same trails next week, thanks for the preview!
I have yet to encounter a rattler on a hike👍Beautiful snakes though, my adrenaline would have been pulsing as well! Using your pack as a block would have been ideal. Awesome mountians though....steller!❤
Great trip. Thanks for taking me with you. The second bear and the second snake almost got us!
Snakes, bees, bears, oh my. Treacherous trip! For such a high traffic park, I'm surprised there's still so much wildlife, then again it might be all the goodies from so many people not respecting LNT that attracts them to the trail. That bee camp sounded especially messy from previous campers.
You came out on top though, even had a little butterfly buddy bidding you goodbye at the end. Each one of these hike videos is better than the last so I can't wait for the SHT, will probably sit down to watch that one tonight.
AWESOME THANK YOU FOR GETTING BACK TO ME. ALSO IF YOU PUT YOUR BACKPACK BETWEEN YOU & THE SNAKE & THE SNAKE STRUCK AT IT MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT DIDN'T LOOSE A FANG / FANGS IN THE MATERIAL & YOU HAPPENED TO RUB AGAINST IT YOU COULD GET SICK OR DIE FROM THE POISON THAT WAS LEFT IN THE FANGS ! I REMEMBER GOING TO A PLACE ON OUR WAY TO FLORIDA MY AUNT & UNCLE TOOK MY COUSIN AND I TO & THE YOUNG MAN THAT WAS DOING THE SHOW HANDLING THE DIFFERENT SNAKES ETC SAID HIS DAD DIED THAT WAY BY THE TIME THE DOCTORS REALIZE WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY FOUND A FANG IN HIS DADS ONE PAIR OF LEATHER BOOTS. THEY WERE USED TO CATCH SNAKES WHEN HIS FATHER WOULD BE CALLED UP TO GET THEM OUT PEOPLES HOUSES, PROPERTY ETC! BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! AWESOME VIDEOS! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! ENJOYED!
Regarding the 2nd snake: Those suckers are fast, really fast. Not just to strike but across the ground as well. If you went up higher than the snake you run the risk of slipping down right into a bite. In almost all encounters the snake would have tracked your movements no matter where you went. If you scare it with a Rock or stick you may loose sight of it and that's not good. If you're not experienced with moving a snake it could go bad. That being said creating a barrier with your pack is a good idea. If you can move the snake away with your pole and create a barrier while passing you should be golden.
Great video!
Fantastic video! Keep up the great work! I hiked the AT from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam last last summer, one of the shelters was also infested with bees there. It was very disconcerting, but they actually completely left us alone. No one got stung while we were there...
Those animal encounters were awesome!! Maybe not for you but for the viewers was spectacular. I couldn’t have been any better even if planned.
That was quite an adventure. Those campsites bear the streams looked pretty great. Can't get any better than clear skies for hiking. I hope you got some good advice and learned from your snake encounter.
Wow, several years of adventure all in one three day trip. Thanks for the vlog and I can't wait to see your adventures on the superior hiking trail.
I love your passion for adventure! It's contagious. As to the snake ... use a 7-8 foot pole or throw rocks/sticks to make it make the first move! I've seen some 5-6 foot lunges, so the farther you can stay away, the better. I would NOT use the trekking poles ... just not long enough to be really safe. And if I solo in the back country, I always make sure I've got contact ... no matter how expensive. No one ever complains about cost after snake-bitten!!😊
Great video ... yours always inspire me!
Loved this video. A friend and I made the same wrong turn at the cemetery a couple years back.we had rattlesnakes out the ying that year. One big sucker was lounging in our fire ring lol. You were right - you dodged a bullet but we learn from our mistakes. Your humility and willingness to learn will serve you well. Blessings on your thru hike
Frozen, I really enjoy all of your videos but, this one really takes the cake thanks to the bear and snake encounters. They really made the experience more realistic. Thanks for doing these to share.
My pleasure. I love sharing with the hiking community.
Awesome video... I applaud your moxy as I probably would have turned tail long before the snake encounter, let alone gone on such a trip solo. Kudos to you! Your videos are always great and full of information. Thanks!
Another awesome video. Sorry you got Clingmans on a day it was crowded with tourists, that's summer for you. I got to see Clingmans on a nice day in late April, not too crowded and great views. When you were talking about the AT you had that same look on your face that you had when you did your first Oil Creek video, that said I am really into this. Doing a thru hike of the AT requires a lot of discipline and self motivation. You have to be able to hike your own hike and that includes listening to your body and setting an appropriate pace, making sure you get appropriate nutrition, hydration, and rest. What takes people off the trail are those repetitive motion injuries. If you don't listen to your body you will be like Meerkat limping off the trail on the Laurel Highlands. So essentially you have to be an egoless hiker and not be distracted by everyone else around. To do that smokies hike you have to be in good condition, so you are in good shape already physically, but you also have to prepare mentally.
+Joe Bletso I totally understand the mental aspect, physically I know I can make it but the mental aspect is something very hard to tackle without doing a longer than 6 day hike. This is why I am hoping to get more insight into myself on the SHT in a few weeks. That being said I have a great group of people behind me via this channel and I know this channel and it's followers may be the extra push to get through a hard stretch of mental exhaustion.
Already subscribed to him. He's really cool, he gets some crazy miles in.
The bees were after the salt in your sweat on the clothes. I've had it happen a few times. They always leave the area in the evening.
RandallW20 wow that's cool and good to know
Great video!! Lots of wildlife and excitement!! We have had to wait out a rattlesnake before. It only took a few minutes but it felt like a lifetime! we backed away and gave it space...it eventually left the trail. So glad you saw it first though...could have been a much different ending to the this story!! Good luck on your big adventure and if you ever do the AT, you will have a cheering section for sure!!! Good luck and thanks for sharing!!
One of my favorite videos now! Just recently did the Forney Creek to clingmans.
Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! That's where I stayed on my first solo backpacking adventure last October! I didn't even know you had video of it! However your videos and Adventure Archives inspired me to check out the Smokies, so thank you!
Cool and a little scary to see the bears. Went to Dolly Sods week before last and saw a HUGE one on Red Creek trail. It took off as soon as it saw us though.
The snake was really rattling continuously. Very angry! Were you singing or something?
Hee hee. There was no hope but to sit and wait, pin it with your hiking pole (n a large pole basket required) or...go for it. The pack shield idea is a good one. Protect the feet and ankles! Thanks for the adventure!
1 bad thing about this trip or any. Going home! Enjoyed another adventure.
I think you just cured me of my desire to hike the Smokies. I am terrified of snakes! But I LOVE watching you!
Don't let me deter you from hiking this beautiful area. If you are afraid of snakes go a little later in the year and you will be fine. I went in one of the hotes months, and snakes love to soak up the sun.
I live in the smokies not too terribly far from the Deep Creek area. It’s fine. Snakes won’t bother you 99% of the time. This one was startled, defensive and getting into a position to strike. I would have stayed back and thrown something in its direction so it will strike and move on. It was scared too.
I live on top of a mountain and grew up playing in the woods. I’m 47 and I’ve never had a scary encounter with a bear. They wonder around my house all spring and summer. Most black bears have zero interest in humans and they are scared of people too. Juvenile bears (the dreaded teenagers) get themselves in to trouble more often but it’s because they don’t know how to properly handle situations. The bear that pretended to charge him was simply saying- Hey! Hey! Hey person! Get out of here!
It’s his mountain.
I’m pretty sure he ran into yellow jackets at the camp site, not honey bees. Honey bees aren’t that aggressive. Yellow jackets on the other hand will chase people for miles. They have underground nests and become incredibly defensive when they are waiting for their larvae to hatch. Yellow jacket larvae is a favorite meal of black bears too. They start digging up the nests and get the yellow jackets good and angry.
2nd time watching, still great video. time well spent.
Really enjoyed this one-- great vid Frozen.. very much looking forward to watching you hike the SHT!
Thanks man. the miniseries for that will probably start today or tomorrow at some point.
It was quite an adventure for me also. I was wondering what we were going to encounter next. Good video thanks for taking us along. Keep hiking man.
Great video as usual. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.
Thanks Patrick!
Great video you got to see allot of wildlife 3 rattlesnakes is unusual. I usually throw rocks at them and they will move I would never use a stick because I dont want to get that close to them. In hiking all the trails in the park I have only seen 3 of them and I know how it feels after seeing them super paranoid for the next mile or so. BTW 20 mile days in the smokey mts. is tough I can only go 10 to 12 miles on a good day.
I ended up getting the black diamond FLZ distance poles. Similar to your old poles but the flip locks let you adjust them a little longer.
+Arcana73 that's what I should have got before. They are great poles. Wish mine wouldn't have broke, don't want them failing on my long hike though.
Frozen, I think this is one of the craziest outdoor video I've seen in a while hahaha! Never seen wildlife so present: bees, bears, snakes, nearly a Wizard of Oz song LOL. Anyway, I think with snakes you can do two things (already mentioned): get a stick and gently poke it by it's sides on close to it so it will move or move back 50 feet, and wait for 10 mins or so.. It will probably have moved by the time you're back.. Going around it is also a good idea, BUT it's not always an option, plus, off the trail there could be more snakes
Sometimes you can toss gravel or sticks they get irritated and move after a while. The problem with going above is the risk of hitting a slick spot and coming down on it. Really hoping to see you on the AT. As always great video. Appreciate the effort.
Just watched and you had an amazing hike all the way. Your encounters with wildlife, snakes and bees made for a bit of a challenge. Looking forward for more great hikes!!!
Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to bring us along. Good luck with the SHT. Take care, Al
I'd have to say, one of your best trips! 2 Bears, 2 Rattle Snakes, deers, turkeys, honey bees, etc... amazing to see so many close calls... only thing missing was a lightening strike 2 feet away from you! 😲 I've been eyeing up that Zpacks pack liner... can't wait to see you review that too!
initial review is it's lighter than an trash compactor back and is completely waterproof and air tight.
Will most certainly be adding that to my Arc Haul! Thanks Jason!
Just finished watching your excellent video from Australia. I loved it, thank you so much for sharing it.
Thanks so much for the video. One of the better backpacking videos I have watched in some time. As for the snake. I know it's been mentioned in various ways. But I would suggested in this order. 1) Stomping the ground. Vibration is your best friend. Snakes want to get away from large animals that can hurt them. 2) tossing rocks, sticks, etc...close to the snake about it on the hill. The goal is to get it to move down hill. Animals always flee better down hill. 3) If it is stubborn (usually cold) a stick would be the last option if you aren't used to handling a snake. Again try to nudge it downhill. As for safety. A snake can strike half it's body length. A 5 foot rattler can strike 2 1/2 feet. Loved the video. Great job with the bear encounter as well. Text book.
+rtucker51 thanks !
Great video cool 😎
so glad it is posted before this weeks episode of Game of Thrones ;-)
Dude, thanks for helping me get started in the hiking world. Your other trip thru the smokies inspired me to plan my own back in 2015. And what-a-ya-know, Im planning an AT thru hike for March 2019. I hope to see ya out there one day man! I just cant say enough about how awesome and helpful your videos are. Thanks homie!
You are so welcome! I haven't announced it officially as it is still up in the air, but you may see me on on the AT with you.
Good job dude. I like your idea to go way around the snake if possible. About those bears I personally never had a bear encounter .But I heard if that was a mama bear and she had babies on the other side of trail , she could attack , feeling the her babies are in danger. Hiking in the summer months is just too scary
+quillyaid yes it would have been more dangerous with a bear with cubs. But I would have acted similar. However i would have backed up quite a bit more and not raised my voice.
Great video! I don't know what would have scared me more the rattle snake strike or the bear charge.
Back in '01 I was hiking in the Big Schloss area by Wolf Gap,,,on the Virginia/West Virginia border. (GREAT hiking there, you should check it out...) I was on my way off the mountain and only a couple miles from my car. My dog always stayed up ahead of me on the trail. Great trail dog. All of a sudden she stopped and her ears perked up, THEN the rattling started. I'm glad my dog warned me. Huge rattler, RIGHT IN THE TRAIL. We backed off, it stopped rattling. We start again, he started again. I threw rocks and sticks in his direction to try to scare him off. No deal. He owned that spot on the trail, he knew it, and he wasn't going anywhere. This went on for about ten minutes. The only way around it was through a bunch of brush and rocks, ya know, prime snake hiding spots. So I went around him slowly, keeping my eye on him, praying I don't stir up another snake. This thing was rattling HARD, non-stop, until I got out of earshot of him. He was PISSED. What was the best approach for you that day? I have no idea. Honestly, I think it's something that can only be assessed on the spot when it happens. Your next encounter won't be like that one was.
I have a quick video question for you though. I have been doing drone video for close to two years and I'm just now branching out into other types of video work. Watching your work and being a hiker myself, I immediately wonder what you do about keeping the batteries to all your gear charged while on extended hikes? I have always been interested in trying a solar panel mounted to my gear somehow. It would be cool if that actually woked well.
Good luck on the SHT!! Speaking as a Minnesotan myself.... You will love it.
Hopefully the weather gets a bit colder lol.
Highly recommend that if you truely want to do the A.T. then start saving up your money, cancel any subscriptions cut any unnecessary costs get the money together and do it i dont know what you do for work but if you have a skill/trade that you are good at you will always be able to find work after you finish your hike dont put off what you can do today
Great videos!! I love the Smokies and you actually got a pretty good view up on top of Clingman's Dome. The three times I've been there it has been solid clouds. The bear encounters though!! Good job with that.
Thanks Cindy!
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Interesting experience with Hammock Gear - I completely agree... I have had only EXCEPTIONAL satisfaction from their service and products.
Great video! Deja vu - on the cemetery trail.
Hello Ive encounter lots of timber and copperhead rattlers in NY. Ive seen them mostly directly on the trail and in many cases without a way around So I have to find a way through and either they move or I move. Ive tried waiting in the beginning but you'll be there forever. Also Im not a snake expert just an hardcore hiker/backpacker. Ive read that striking distance in based on its size. The average striking distance is about 6 - 8 feet. Poking it with a stick will provoke it and it may strike the stick. But i do get a very very long stick min 10 feet + and move the snake yet it WILL get really upset. If it doesn't move then, since Ive aggravated it, i back away just out of eye shot, they always then move in the underbrush. That's when I go back to the location with the stick and probe for it then if its safe cross the area ill proceed carefully. Never attempt to run through the trail if within 6 - 8 feet. If there's a way around I will attempt to go around. But if Im stuck with no way around I will try to move it, its highly dangerous so take ur time and be patient. Always by at least 6 - 8 feet away and the further the better. If you have to back up a lot to get the stick so be it. Try to not lose eye contact they move to the edge of the trail also and you'll have the same issue. Where there is 1 there may be 2
See Bee's are definitely a pain in the ass and will follow you if they catch your scent. Been there a million times welcome to the club brother. Love your shows regardless of the hater's and hackers. Aloha Kekoa.
your videos are awesome. love watching. jealous. need me some woods time like this myself!
Thanks man!
Great vids man. Really enjoying and giving me awesome ideas for future trips. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for another great entertaining video. Keep up the good work!
You are very welcome. Thanks for watching
Super awesome adventure, man! I really enjoyed this one. Looks like you did, too, despite the bears and snakes. I have yet to have a bear encounter but have seen plenty of rattlesnakes. You probably could have moved him away from the trail with a very long stick or even your trekking poles. But, I consider that a last resort and you have to be very careful when doing so.
Really looking forward to your vid(s) on the SHT. I'm more than just a little jealous :-) At least I'm heading back to Red River Gorge in a couple of weeks. Take care!
Great video! Thank you! "hey Bear....bear...bear" - you were like a real life "Revenant"
That movie was so freaky at the one scene.
good video. the snake thing is dangerous. i have encountered many on the trail. give them wide berth
Awesome video! Makes me want to get out and go!
really is one of the best hiking destinations in the U.S. keep it up Frozen!!!!
Love it there man
Hi from Holland. Awesome video. Can't believe 1 person disliked it. Keep up the great work.
I have 2 people that follow me around and dislike every video =P
I’ve heard that bear repellent if sprayed directly in the face and eyes of rattle snakes sometimes is enough of a deterrent to make the snake want to bug out.
I love when people film bear encounters. you did well!
Enjoyed the video. I've hiked parts of the SHT. Great opportunities in Northern MN. You might enjoy a hiker named Fronkey. He did a fun video of his thru hike on the SHT. Lots of laughs.
Yup Trevor is great! Him, Will Wood, and BigFoot.