Tennessee Backpackers

“What is the average night time temps in Tenn in March? My son has just informed me that he is going to be spending his spring break backpacking in Tenn. He has never backpacked before and I'm trying to make him prepared and trying not to freak out. I don't know the person he is going with or how experienced said person is. But my son is 22yrs old...what ya gonna do? Anyway, he can use most of my gear except my sleeping bag. The boy is 6' 6". So, we're shopping for a bag but need advice as to what temp rating to get. What kind of weather could he expect? Rain? Snow? Heat? Bugs? All of the above?”

“where at in tn? mountains? flatlands? either way, i'd say he'd be ok in a good 20 degree bag. give him your warmest tent. forget heat and bugs, but expect snow and/or rain.”

“Ivygal...here is a link to the average temps,

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/37073?from=month_bottomnav_undeclared

But like CB said Tennessee weather is unpredictable.People is Tennesse say that's why they like living here because if you don't like the weather today it will change tomorrow.Good luck to your son and his friend.
Pat”

“I'd be prepared for anything. There are days you can sweat all day long and freeze all night.”

“I've decided that he'll never be prepared for this trip regardless. When asked where he was going...he said "something 'fork'". I thought Big South Fork...but then he told me near Mississippi..but yeah, "maybe big south fork". ??? The person he's going with has only been packin once before. I suggested they go with a group (you know...like a group of experienced TT'ers). He said, "yeah there are a few other kids at school that have expressed an interest". Good grief. I suggested car camping...ya know...get the feel of the gear,etc. But that's no fun don't ya know. At any rate, we're going to get a 20degree bag and hope for the best. Look out Tennessee!!”

“A good 20 degree bag and a tent to keep it dry and he should be fine, Ivygal. Just make sure that he leaves an itinerary with a responsible person and/or the rangers. Big South Fork now has a permit/registration system that would suffice for this. As it gets closer, post any questions or concerns that you or he might have here and I am sure that someone here will know some additional info for you.”

“Last year it snowed late in March in GSMNP and elsewhere.”

“The worst blizzard I ever experienced was in GSMNP in March.

Near Mississippi? The only backpacking I am aware of anywhere near the MS state line is at Big Hill Pond.

Weather? Well, hell, here in East TN we say if you don't like it just stick around, it will change by dark. West TN doesn't have it any better, when a storm blows across OK and AR, it slams into flat ass hell West TN pretty hard.

I would say the best bet is to do what most people here do. Wait until about 5 days before the trip and get the extended forecast. Having said that, I would say BBill has it nailed. A 20 degree bag should work well. That is all I use most of the time anyway.”

“Thats soo funny. I got the same sort of reaction from my parents when I told them I was going to go backpacking. I think I was... Im only 23 now so it was just a few years ago. They thought for sure I was going to get abducted (being female and all). Why don't you recommend they get on Trail Talk and post a trip. Some experienced people might show up, and I assure you, all the people on TT I've met are cool.”

“we'll steal their livers!”

“sweetpea...all this from the kid that used to worry about me going packin alone or with strangers. Kids these days...no consideration! :)

At times he would express an interest in going with me but then always backed out. I wish now I would have nagged him into going. At least he would have had some experience.

I do feel better about a registration system....if Big South Fork is where he is going. You can bet I will find out! Thanks BB.”

“Listen To Opie.”

“Is it livers ya steal? Wasn't "deliverance" filmed in eastern Tenn?”

“bsf is a good place for him to go. the terrain is not terribly difficult, and despite being in the north, probably one of the warmer places in the state to backpack because of the low elevation. however, they do need to watch the trail carefully. sometimes it is not blazed well and it is easy to lose the trail. if that happens, he needs to backtrack to the last spot he was for sure on the trail, and then carefully look for where the trail goes”

“i believe deliverance was filmed in georgia”

“CB..yeah, your right....thanks”

“I'm assuming it's the same guy that was asking about a shuttle in the Big South Fork area during his spring break -- over on the other board.

A lot of it depends on WHERE they are going, and what elevations they are climbing to. Like a lot have already said -- I've seen it shorts and t-shirt weather at the trailhead, only to turn VERY cold as I made my way up the mountain.

I own a zero degree bag, but do 90% of my backpacking with my 20 degree bag. Don't let them go without carrying a good base layer (Patagonia capilene or similar).”

“The Sipsey is somewhat near MS.”

“Trail 209 is the Sipsey Fork Trail.”

“I recieved a voice mail from the boy. They arrived at the Cumberland trail in
Tenn. He mentioned Indian rock house and signal point. At least I have some reference if he becomes an overdue hiker. I hope he enjoys this trip so much that he'll want to join mom on some of my trips even if that isn't "cool". I can't wait to hear about his trip!”

“Heck, I even enjoy reading second hand trip reports.”