Camping and Hiking | Really Get Back to the Land
When I think of camping and hiking, the first thing that comes to mind is the Great Smoky Mountains. The abundance of vegetation is amazing. Some scientists think there may be up to 100,000 different species of plants and animals living in the 800 square mile area. While camping and hiking in the Rockies has its own beauty, ruggedness and magnificent peaks, the Smokies provide their own set of challenges. Thick laurel (rhododendron), treacherous bluffs, and soft soils can get you in trouble far off the path.
Plenty of people love camping and hiking is a way to really get away from it all. Taking your RV to a fine state or national park is nice, but to get the best experience camping and hiking is the ultimate experience. Whether it be an overnight hike and camp, or camping and hiking the entire Appalachian trail, you will see mother nature's best when you are off the beaten path.
When I think of camping and hiking, the first thing that comes to mind is the Great Smoky Mountains. The abundance of vegetation is amazing. Some scientists think there may be up to 100,000 different species of plants and animals living in the 800 square mile area. While camping and hiking in the Rockies has its own beauty, ruggedness and magnificent peaks, the Smokies provide their own set of challenges. Thick laurel (rhododendron), treacherous bluffs, and soft soils can get you in trouble far off the path.
The lush streams and creeks filled with huge moss covered rocks create cascading waterfalls and steep valleys. The broad points and leads create natural crossings where you may see some of the more than 300 species of animals and 1,500 species of flowering plants.
I'm not knocking any other wilderness areas but the Smokies are hard to beat. No matter what wilderness area you go camping and hiking, Mother may be beautiful but she can also be dangerous. Like the Boy Scouts say: "Be prepared". Good equipment and accessories are a must to enjoy your experience. You will most likely be far from any assistance so here are some tips for camping and hiking in the wild:
Footwear - a good set of boots or specialty hiking shoes are absolutely essential. If you don't protect your feet and are injured, getting home could be a problem. These RedHead all terrain hiking boats are a good option.
Pack & Frame - the second most important piece of equipment is what your going to carry all your Stuff with. A good pack needs a rigid frame to old shape and fit your back. That used to mean an awkward rectangular frame but now there are composite materials and molded plastics that make the pack easier to carry. I recommend this Coleman Bozeman X 60 with the external frame. I like the external frame because it's easier to lash things on than strap loops.
Tent & Bag - The final essential for camping and hiking is a good sleeping bag and tent. Remind me to tell you a story about Siler's bald sometime. Lesson learned; always carry a decent tent. A double tent doesn't weigh that much more than a single so this Eureka! would have saved my bacon that night high on the Appalachian trail.
The sleeping bag is important as well but you may need two, a light bag for summer and heavy for colder nights. A good sleeping bag will be well made, able to layer in more insulation, and able to "breathe". Click here for a good option that eliminates the need for more than one bag.
Other camping and hiking essentials include a canteen, water filtration system, cook stove, cookware, knife, camp saw, hatchet and first aid kit. Of course you can survive without some of these things but its all about enjoying your fun so being prepared is important if you want to enjoy camping and hiking in your neck of the woods.
Thanks to MFleenor for the beautiful hiking photo from the Smokies