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Level 2 Backpack: Big Creek (Smoky Mnts)

Presented by Team Green Adventures

September 3-September 5, 2011

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Join Team Green Adventures for a two night backpacking trip through the Smoky Mountains. This is a Level 2 backpacking trip for individuals who have personal experience with backpacking trips on difficult terrain.

BACKPACKING STATS
When: September 3-5th, 2011 at 6am (Saturday carpool, returning on Labor Day)
Where: Big Creek to Mt Sterling Loop Trails
Hike Mileage: Approximately 17.1 miles (5-6 miles per day)
Drive Time: about
Maximum Group Size: 8 People
Cost: Team Green Members: FREE (sign in using member account)
Non-Members: $5

Trip Leader:Joseph Broome joseph.r.broome@gmail.com) 615.293.4464)
Co-Trip Leader: TBD

Difficulty: Level 2 Backpacking. See Backpacking Rating below. The first day of hiking will be a steady accent 4000+ feet of elevation change in 6 miles. The first night’s campsite is a cold campsite.... it is close to the top of a mountain (5,820’). The second night’s campsite is close to an area that has heightened bear activity.
Children Policy: This is an 18 and up event
Dog Policy: Dogs are not permitted in the Smoky National Park
Please check out the Backpacking Checklist available on the Resources Page. Team Green practices Leave No Trace guidelines. Follow this link to see what you can do to keep our trails clean and safe.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION
We will be starting from the Big Creek Trailhead, on the Baxter Creek Trail, taking 6.1 miles of STEADY ASCENT to Campsite #38. This portion of the hike will begin around 1700 ft in elevation and end around 5800 ft. There is a spring head .25 miles from the campsite to refill hydration packs and water bottles. There is a lookout tower at the top of the mountain that we will climb the first day. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Cammerer, Max Patch, Clingman’s Dome, Mt. Pisgah, and Mt. Mitchell. The Campsite that we will be using on the second night typically is covered in wild flowers in the month of April.The rest of the trip is mostly downhill. The second day is the least strenuous (only around 5.5 miles along Mount Sterling Ridge Trail and the Shallow Fork Trail to campsite # 37. There is a Creek Crossing near the campsite,
The last day is about 5 miles all downhill on the Big Creek Trail back to the trailhead. After returning to the cars we can discuss what we want to do. My vote is a hamburger in Gatlinburg. We will then return to Nashville, should be there by 6 pm.

BACKPACKER RATING GUIDE

What is the difference between day hiking, car camping, back country camping, and backpacking?
Day Hiking is when a hiker takes a day trip on a trail of any length. A day hiker's backpack is relatively light weight consisting of extra clothing layers, a meal or two, hydration, and a first aid kit.
Car Camping is when your vehicle is parked within only a few feet from your tent. This means you can over pack and keep extra gear stashed in your vehicle. Car Camping sites often have restrooms, running water and electricity nearby.
Back country Camping is when your vehicle is far enough away from your campsite that you cannot make easy trips out to your car (one half mile or more). A back country camper will need a backpacking pack to carry all camping gear, food, clothing, and hydration for the duration of the time. A back country camper will set up camp and explore the nearby area, always returning to the same site in the evening.
Backpacking is a linear trip. The purpose of backpacking is to get from point A to point B in a set period of time. Camping is just a means to the end, not the highlight of the trip. With backpacking, the hike (landscape) itself and the challenge of accomplishing the hike with bare needs is the pinnacle of the trip. A backpackers pack weights roughly 20% of the hikers body weight.
Level 2 Backpack: You have prior experience with backpacking 5-8 miles per day, know your abilities, have adequate equipment, and would like the added challenge of a longer backpacking trip. These trips include moderate distances (7-10 miles per day) on mostly strenuous terrain. These are often one or two night backpacking trips. It is recommended that you attend a refresher backpacking clinic.