novice backpacker

“I'm thinking about planning a trip to the Nantahala to go kayaking and backpacking. Nothing too serious, but I've never kayaked and the longest hike I've been on was a few hours. I'm looking for any advice or suggestions as to where to start and how to go about it! I'm thinking about camping at the Standing Indian campground....”

“great area. Nice hiking, awesome water for kayaking..”

“That descent into the NOC sucks. :) But it's a gorgeous area!”

“first I suggest you go kayaking on day trips at first.


get a feel for the yak.
travle lighter then you would backpacking, because you do not want your butt heavy in a yak.

I could tell you your nuts to do this for your first time alone, but I am the biggest fool and have gone alone for my first time


kayaking alone
backpacking alone
winter backpacking (down to 12) alone
kayak/camping alone

so go and have fun....your going to make tons of mistakes and you will learn from them. trust me on this!”

“that was my thought too. the NOC is pretty much known everywhere.”