Attention Western North Carolina BPers

“I'm new on this board. I've been backpacking and hiking for about 8 years. I'm looking for some people to backpack with over the summer.”

“Humanpackmule just got back from a weeklong trip in the Smokies, from Fontana dam to Smokemont campground. I do believe he's looking for some new trails soon.”

“I'm from SC, but as you prolly know, there isn't much in SC, so most of my hikes that I consider local are in NC. I don't backpack every weekend, but I wouldn't mind backpacking "local" once in a while. Usually I drive at least 7 or more hours for a backpacking trip.”

“I live in Franklin (Nantahala Mountains) and do a lot on the AT. That's pretty much all there is there. I spend a lot of time in the Smokys too. I'm looking to go to the Linville Gorge in a couple weeks. I don't know much about that area. Would ya be intrested?”

“I would be very interested but I live in Florida and I doubt I'll be able to get back up there before June.

Did you check the trips page? There was a Linville Gorge trip on there I thought. Just sign up for one and you will meet some cool people guaranteed.”

“heck yeah, I had to cancel linville twice now. I really want to go back. in a couple of weeks? do you have a exact day yet?”

“I'm thinking the First weekend in April. 2-4 I believe. I don't know what length of trip to take yet. The only info i have right now is that it's really steep and cold in the gorge at night. I do have a map however, and I must agree that it looks very steep, I'm not scared to climb a little though. Let me know if you can go on this trip. Where in SC do you live. I go to school in Charlotte, so we may be closer than we think.

What trip were you going to take in Linville? I'm up for suggestions.”

“I think I could squeeze in april 2 to 4th. I can bring the kids to school in the morning, then drive up and meet ya somewhere.

I am in Columbia, SC, it's about 2 hours from Charlotte.

I was already packed, map printed out for the last weekend, but had to cancel because a client of mine needed some work done quickly. NOt sure what they hiked, I know the did babel tower, that's not too difficult. Never hiked it though. I did cabin trail, part of linville gorge trail, and did sandy flat trail a while back. Some of the trails, like cabin trail I did during snow, so I really don't mind doing them again. there was a couple more trails I hiked, but I can't remember right now.

I don't think I did the pinch em trail yet. This one is really high on my list, but if you don't want to, we don't have to. I am okay with whatever you like to do.

Anyway, I have a map of the area and compass. Let's just plan it...what ya think?”

“Sounds good to me. if ya wanna give me a call we can start to plan a little more. I'm up for anything I've not been out all year, but I'm going to Morrow Mt this weekend for a Wilderness Trip Leadership Training class. My cell is 828-421-4509 you can call me tonight if you want. I'll be up for a while”

“Welcome wnchiker, you're gonna like it here. I don't live there now, but grew up in the Asheville area. Likely will wind up there someday, so see ya then.”

“I have hosted a trip to the Linville Gorge every year for the last 4 years I am interested in going but don't know for sure just yet. I'll keep ya posted as I figure out my schedule.I also use to be the U.S. Army rep in Franklin and most of your area.”

“Hey wnchiker!

I was just down your way last weekend. I went to the Shining Rock Wilderness solo. The weather was great. I'm in Baltimore and ususally go to WV but I'd love to join up for a hike down there. Email me sometime or post here.”