Hiking (1 Viewer)

[BobbyLayne]

Odd question

Any good hikes in the NY-NJ-PA-western CT/MA area which are wheelchair accessible? 

Power wheelchair but just normal tires. I know they make large wheels which are suitable for the beach & presumably wheels for uneven terrain. Anyway, guess I’m basically looking for groomed, paved or relatively smooth trails. Sort of the opposite of what we think about wrt hiking, so yeah, odd question.

 

[Jaysus]

Odd question

Any good hikes in the NY-NJ-PA-western CT/MA area which are wheelchair accessible? 

Power wheelchair but just normal tires. I know they make large wheels which are suitable for the beach & presumably wheels for uneven terrain. Anyway, guess I’m basically looking for groomed, paved or relatively smooth trails. Sort of the opposite of what we think about wrt hiking, so yeah, odd question.

You are probably looking for a rail trail of some sort.  Check out Traillink.com - they have searchable maps and include details like parking locations and trail surfaces. 

 

[zoobird]

Odd question

Any good hikes in the NY-NJ-PA-western CT/MA area which are wheelchair accessible? 

Power wheelchair but just normal tires. I know they make large wheels which are suitable for the beach & presumably wheels for uneven terrain. Anyway, guess I’m basically looking for groomed, paved or relatively smooth trails. Sort of the opposite of what we think about wrt hiking, so yeah, odd question.

I'm in that area and thought about this a lot before my Dad passed away.  Never got around to trying it, but did find a website (don't have the link anymore) that had a list of wheelchain accessible hikes.  One option (which I've never been to, but sounds nice) is Walkway Across the Hudson: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/walkway-over-the-hudson/

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I was looking at Long's but saw that it gets a little rough once you get closer to the top (past the keyhole).  I usually like to err on the side of caution so didn't know if this would be the best choice for my 1st 14er.  

Longs Peak is NOT a safe choice.

Deadliest Mountain in Colorado, 3rd deadliest in America.

Averages 2 deaths per year, 58 people have died.  

-------------------------------------------

The Allure of Longs Peak, Colorado’s “Deadliest” Mountain

 

[zoobird]

I'm in that area and thought about this a lot before my Dad passed away.  Never got around to trying it, but did find a website (don't have the link anymore) that had a list of wheelchain accessible hikes.  One option (which I've never been to, but sounds nice) is Walkway Across the Hudson: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/walkway-over-the-hudson/

I'm also thinking that the paved path to the Skytop Tower at Mohonk MAY be wheelchair accessible, but you should call the Mohonk reserve and ask them...did not find any reliable info one way or the other with one minute of online searching.

Sam thing for Sam's Point...the first part of most hikes there goes to "Sam's Point" and I think was just on a packed gravel road that would have been ok with a wheelchair.  

PM me if you have questions about these

 

[zoobird]

Odd question

Any good hikes in the NY-NJ-PA-western CT/MA area which are wheelchair accessible? 

Power wheelchair but just normal tires. I know they make large wheels which are suitable for the beach & presumably wheels for uneven terrain. Anyway, guess I’m basically looking for groomed, paved or relatively smooth trails. Sort of the opposite of what we think about wrt hiking, so yeah, odd question.

Here we go: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/walkway-over-the-hudson/

Doesn't mention Mohonk or Sam's Point, but Minnewaska State Park (which Sam's Point is now part of) is listed and is beautiful.

 

[kneeshooter]

Odd question

Any good hikes in the NY-NJ-PA-western CT/MA area which are wheelchair accessible? 

Power wheelchair but just normal tires. I know they make large wheels which are suitable for the beach & presumably wheels for uneven terrain. Anyway, guess I’m basically looking for groomed, paved or relatively smooth trails. Sort of the opposite of what we think about wrt hiking, so yeah, odd question.

Check out this link: https://bikenewengland.com/2012/03/06/farmington-river-trail/

Runs from MA down to New Haven, through many little small towns in central CT where you could stop off to grab a drink/bite to eat etc. 

 

[bigbottom]

Odd question

Any good hikes in the NY-NJ-PA-western CT/MA area which are wheelchair accessible? 

Power wheelchair but just normal tires. I know they make large wheels which are suitable for the beach & presumably wheels for uneven terrain. Anyway, guess I’m basically looking for groomed, paved or relatively smooth trails. Sort of the opposite of what we think about wrt hiking, so yeah, odd question.

Download the All Trails app. There are search parameters that include “wheelchair friendly” hikes that you can search by location. By way of example, I just searched wheelchair friendly hikes in NJ and got 250 results. You can also search paved trails (adding that search term reduced it to 56 trails in NJ).

 

[Terminalxylem]

Longs Peak is NOT a safe choice.

Deadliest Mountain in Colorado, 3rd deadliest in America.

Averages 2 deaths per year, 58 people have died.  

-------------------------------------------

The Allure of Longs Peak, Colorado’s “Deadliest” Mountain

To be clear, I wasn't recommending he try it as his first 14er. I liked it and survived though.

ETA It also helped I climbed it with this guy (RIP), mentioned in your article:

One man, Jim Detterline, climbed the mountain 428 times before passing away in a solo climbing accident near his hometown. During the course of his 60 year life, this former park ranger climbed Longs Peak an average of more than 14 times a year (his first climb was age 30). What’s perhaps more spectacular is that Detterline is said to have helped save more than 1,000 people across the Rocky Mountains. This resulted in him earning the US Interior Department’s Valor Award.

 

[shuke]

Didn't realize this thread existed.  Heading to both Rocky Mountain National Park and Smoky Mountain National Park this year.  Anyone have any favorite short trails?  Can't do anything too long as I need surgery on my foot and putting it off until after summer.

 

[NutterButter]

Longs Peak is NOT a safe choice.

Deadliest Mountain in Colorado, 3rd deadliest in America.

Averages 2 deaths per year, 58 people have died.  

-------------------------------------------

The Allure of Longs Peak, Colorado’s “Deadliest” Mountain

Coincidentally was just reading an article that said "We're not going to call climbing a fourteener easy. You need to be physically fit, expect 8 to 12 hours of hiking, be acclimated to the elevation and also carry some common sense to the mountain. Climbing Longs Peak for your first fourteener probably isn't a good idea."   

So we'll rule that one out but I'll will be back for you Longs Peak.  I will be back.  

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Longs Peak is NOT a safe choice.

Deadliest Mountain in Colorado, 3rd deadliest in America.

Averages 2 deaths per year, 58 people have died.  

-------------------------------------------

The Allure of Longs Peak, Colorado’s “Deadliest” Mountain
Expand  

To be clear, I wasn't recommending he try it as his first 14er. I liked it and survived though.

ETA It also helped I climbed it with this guy (RIP), mentioned in your article:

Truly sorry for your loss.

Used to see Longs Peak out my door in Colorado.  One of the people who died on the peak worked across the street from me.  Every time I looked at Longs Peak, I'd feel sad, and a bit creeped out.  

 

[Brony]

Didn't realize this thread existed.  Heading to both Rocky Mountain National Park and Smoky Mountain National Park this year.  Anyone have any favorite short trails?  Can't do anything too long as I need surgery on my foot and putting it off until after summer.

Alum Cave Trail would be my pick for Smoky Mountain (on the Gatlinburg side of the mountains).  You don't have to do the full thing and the scenery starts right from the get go.  Laurel Falls trail is shorter but usually way, way crowded. 

 

[Terminalxylem]

Truly sorry for your loss.

Used to see Longs Peak out my door in Colorado.  One of the people who died on the peak worked across the street from me.  Every time I looked at Longs Peak, I'd feel sad, and a bit creeped out.  

It was Jim’s favorite place in the world. And a majestic mountain, whose upper face, “the Diamond” attracts alpinists from around the globe. I plan on climbing it again someday.

 

[bigbottom]

For those who are familiar with Colorado, I may be doing my first hikes there in July. The two options under consideration are (1) Mt. Sopris trail; and (2) Crested Butte to Aspen hike. Would be interested to know if any of you Coloradans have thoughts on those. 

 

[NutterButter]

For those who are familiar with Colorado, I may be doing my first hikes there in July. The two options under consideration are (1) Mt. Sopris trail; and (2) Crested Butte to Aspen hike. Would be interested to know if any of you Coloradans have thoughts on those. 

This the 2nd one?  https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/crested-butte-to-aspen-via-west-maroon-pass.  If so, you doing an out and back?   I guess colorado has some pretty nice trails.   

 

[Terminalxylem]

For those who are familiar with Colorado, I may be doing my first hikes there in July. The two options under consideration are (1) Mt. Sopris trail; and (2) Crested Butte to Aspen hike. Would be interested to know if any of you Coloradans have thoughts on those. 

I’ve mountain biked in cb (Trail 401) and skied in Aspen. Beautiful area of the world. One of my friends who lives in CO raves about the Maroon Bells, though I think that’s another more technical/dangerous 14er.

 

[bigbottom]

This the 2nd one?  https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/crested-butte-to-aspen-via-west-maroon-pass.  If so, you doing an out and back?   I guess colorado has some pretty nice trails.   

Yes, I think that’s the one. We’ll just do that one way and have someone pick us up in Aspen. I believe it’s a much easier hike than Sopris. We have one person in the group who probably can’t do Sopris, so we’ll do the CB to Aspen hike if she decides that she wants to participate. It’s possible we might end up tackling both. 

 

[Rustoleum]

Didn't realize this thread existed.  Heading to both Rocky Mountain National Park and Smoky Mountain National Park this year.  Anyone have any favorite short trails?  Can't do anything too long as I need surgery on my foot and putting it off until after summer.

Grotto Falls was short and pretty easy, but it’s right off that Roaring Fork motor trail right off of downtown Gatlinburg. Probably need to hit it early or it’ll become more like a parade than a hike. Still mad about my kids mutinying on the Rainbow Falls trail 80% of the way up years ago, but it was a hot day and my daughter gave me one of my most precious memories: on the way down, my 3-4year old little girl is literally skipping past groups of hikers laboring up the trail singing “meow, meow, I’m a cat. Meow”. The defeated looks on their faces were priceless and I wasn’t about to tell any of them she rode most of the way up on my shoulders .

 

[bigbottom]

I’ve mountain biked in cb (Trail 401) and skied in Aspen. Beautiful area of the world. One of my friends who lives in CO raves about the Maroon Bells, though I think that’s another more technical/dangerous 14er.

okay, getting excited! But Sopris is 13k and I’m already nervous about that. 14ers are beyond my comfort level for now 

 

[bigbottom]

Grotto Falls was short and pretty easy, but it’s right off that Roaring Fork motor trail right off of downtown Gatlinburg. Probably need to hit it early or it’ll become more like a parade than a hike. Still mad about my kids mutinying on the Rainbow Falls trail 80% of the way up years ago, but it was a hot day and my daughter gave me one of my most precious memories: on the way down, my 3-4year old little girl is literally skipping past groups of hikers laboring up the trail singing “meow, meow, I’m a cat. Meow”. The defeated looks on their faces were priceless and I wasn’t about to tell any of them she rode most of the way up on my shoulders .

 That is a great memory, thanks for sharing!

The Grand Canyon is an interesting hike because you go down first. Everytime we did the North to South R2R, when we were coming out of the canyon, we would pass people skipping down the trail. People who weren’t carrying water, or dressed appropriately, or even moderately in shape. Once passed a Japanese tourist carrying easily 25 pounds of camera gear and no water. I’m a mind your own business kind of guy, so I never said anything, but we have a couple people in our group that would regularly stop people and warn them that the climb out takes 3-4 times as long and is grueling if you aren’t suitably conditioned. 

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I always try to get a hike in when traveling for business. I'll come in a day earlier than needed in order to have the time to get 10-15 miles in somewhere.

Heading to Houston at the end of the month and am looking for ideas for something that fits. My ultimate destination is Galveston so I don't want to head too far west if possible. Does anyone know of any hiking trails E or S of Houston that are worthy? I was looking at some through Alltrails but wanted to see if there were any FBG recommendations.

 

[AAABatteries]

Timely bump.

Assuming no last-minute changes, I'm heading out for my next section hike on the AT. Plan was originally to do 60 miles - Winding Stair Gap to Fontana Dam but then we changed it back down to 30 and now changed again back up to the 60. Really hoping we can get to Fontana as that will put our next segment in the Smokey Mountains which should be fun.

ETA - leave 3 weeks from today

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

It's way out of the way for virtually everyone in the country, but if you're ever in Central WV, Dolly Sods has some fantastic hiking. Was there over the weekend and put some miles in during ~peak foliage. Just gorgeous, wild, rugged trails. Highly recommend.

 

[Jaysus]

It's way out of the way for virtually everyone in the country, but if you're ever in Central WV, Dolly Sods has some fantastic hiking. Was there over the weekend and put some miles in during ~peak foliage. Just gorgeous, wild, rugged trails. Highly recommend.

I've got a trip planned there for the 1st weekend+ in November. I am going to freeze

 

[AAABatteries]

It's way out of the way for virtually everyone in the country, but if you're ever in Central WV, Dolly Sods has some fantastic hiking. Was there over the weekend and put some miles in during ~peak foliage. Just gorgeous, wild, rugged trails. Highly recommend.

We should do a cornhole and do a FBG meetup at Harpers Ferry and knock out the 2.7 miles of the WV AT!

 

[Jaysus]

It's way out of the way for virtually everyone in the country, but if you're ever in Central WV, Dolly Sods has some fantastic hiking. Was there over the weekend and put some miles in during ~peak foliage. Just gorgeous, wild, rugged trails. Highly recommend.

We should do a cornhole and do a FBG meetup at Harpers Ferry and knock out the 2.7 miles of the WV AT!

I'm in on a 3-state challenge

 

[AAABatteries]

It's way out of the way for virtually everyone in the country, but if you're ever in Central WV, Dolly Sods has some fantastic hiking. Was there over the weekend and put some miles in during ~peak foliage. Just gorgeous, wild, rugged trails. Highly recommend.

We should do a cornhole and do a FBG meetup at Harpers Ferry and knock out the 2.7 miles of the WV AT!

I'm in on a 3-state challenge

WV, MD, PN? We could knock that out in a week!

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

WV, MD, PN?

I'm not familiar with that chunk of the AT, but if there's only 2.7 miles in WV you could knock out a VA-WV-MD hike in less than two hours.

 

[AAABatteries]

WV, MD, PN?

I'm not familiar with that chunk of the AT, but if there's only 2.7 miles in WV you could knock out a VA-WV-MD hike in less than two hours.

Ah, that makes even more sense - I was thinking finishing a complete state. Hell - unless I got 30+ on my back I can do that in an hour as I think that area is mostly flat anyway.

 

[AAABatteries]

Fort Mountain State Park - Gahuti Trail

11.2 miles (more on that in a minute) ; 2,169 ft. elevation gain; 4h 34m; 30 pound pack

As mentioned, I leave for my next AT segment on 11/1. Trying to get my trail legs by doing some longer runs with a fully loaded pack. I grew up going to Fort Mountain - it's a fairly non-descript park but this is a really nice trail to mimic AT hiking. Park is known for bear sightings but didn't see anything. Foliage in Georgia is such a tease - we are on that line where by the time the leaves turn they fall almost immediately. Some decent color but nothing special. Considering the weight we were carrying I was somewhat pleased with 2.5 mi./hr. That's typically our goal on the AT. This was the longest I've been out with that much weight since my ankle surgery and had zero issues.

 

[AAABatteries]

For anybody who cares - here is our current AT itinerary:

11/1 - drive up and catch a shuttle to Winding Stair Gap after leaving car at the NOC - camp at a nearby campsite
11/2 - Up early - depending on our legs our plan is to get to either Wayah Bald Shelter (11.0 mi) or if we are feeling good Cold Spring Shelter (15.8 miles)
11/3 - Do what's left to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) - plan is to leave care here at midway point to refuel
11/4 - Short but tough day - 7 miles but 3,000 feet of elevation, straight up hill out of the NOC to Sassafras Gap
11/5 - Most likely 12 miles to Cody Gap campsite
11/6 - Finish things off hiking to Fontana Dam; shuttle back to the NOC

 

[Jaysus]

30 pound pack

How much beer and food in your 30lb pack?

 

[AAABatteries]

30 pound pack

How much beer and food in your 30lb pack?

I will definitely have my flask with bourbon in it.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Fort Mountain State Park - Gahuti Trail

11.2 miles (more on that in a minute) ; 2,169 ft. elevation gain; 4h 34m; 30 pound pack

As mentioned, I leave for my next AT segment on 11/1. Trying to get my trail legs by doing some longer runs with a fully loaded pack. I grew up going to Fort Mountain - it's a fairly non-descript park but this is a really nice trail to mimic AT hiking. Park is known for bear sightings but didn't see anything. Foliage in Georgia is such a tease - we are on that line where by the time the leaves turn they fall almost immediately. Some decent color but nothing special. Considering the weight we were carrying I was somewhat pleased with 2.5 mi./hr. That's typically our goal on the AT. This was the longest I've been out with that much weight since my ankle surgery and had zero issues.

That's a good pace with weight on your back. I need to up my mileage in preparation for ski season.

I'm headed to Atlanta in early Nov, then driving with friends to Asheville for the weekend. Growing up in GA, I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know much about hiking beyond the metro Atlanta area. Do you have any recommendations for day hikes between Atl and Asheville?

 

[AAABatteries]

Fort Mountain State Park - Gahuti Trail

11.2 miles (more on that in a minute) ; 2,169 ft. elevation gain; 4h 34m; 30 pound pack

As mentioned, I leave for my next AT segment on 11/1. Trying to get my trail legs by doing some longer runs with a fully loaded pack. I grew up going to Fort Mountain - it's a fairly non-descript park but this is a really nice trail to mimic AT hiking. Park is known for bear sightings but didn't see anything. Foliage in Georgia is such a tease - we are on that line where by the time the leaves turn they fall almost immediately. Some decent color but nothing special. Considering the weight we were carrying I was somewhat pleased with 2.5 mi./hr. That's typically our goal on the AT. This was the longest I've been out with that much weight since my ankle surgery and had zero issues.

That's a good pace with weight on your back. I need to up my mileage in preparation for ski season.

I'm headed to Atlanta in early Nov, then driving with friends to Asheville for the weekend. Growing up in GA, I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know much about hiking beyond the metro Atlanta area. Do you have any recommendations for day hikes between Atl and Asheville?

You have a ton of options. Will depend on how many miles you want to get in and how stenuous you want it to be. The trip I'm taking is one of about three routes you can take from Atlanta to Asheville so you could even do some of the AT if you are looking for that. When driving to Asheville I like to take a more scenic route myself.

My recommendation would be to do Blood Mountain - you get to say you did a portion of the AT, it's a tough but rewarding climb. If you park at Byron Herbert Reese you can do a 4 mile out and back with some awesome views (on a clear day) - https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/blood-mountain-via-byron-herbert-reece-trailhead

You will be right by Mountain Crossings in Neels Gap - https://www.mountaincrossings.com/ - this is the outfitter where those who were unprepared for their thru hike end up going to get the correct gear. It's also the place where a lot of folks abandon their hike and toss their shoes out. They have some cool gear you can get if you want a souvenir.

Here's some decent links that will also help in choosing a hike. Asheville itself has some good hiking but I've done very little of it.

North Georgia Hiking Trails: Our Top 10 Favorite Hikes

Follow our top ten favorite North Georgia hiking trails to soaring mountain summits, waterfalls and mossy creek valleys in Georgia's Appalachian mountains.

www.atlantatrails.com

Asheville hiking - our top 10 favorite trails

Explore lush forests, view-packed mountain summits, and tumbling waterfalls on our top ten favorite hikes within 40 miles of downtown Asheville.

ashevilletrails.com

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I always try to get a hike in when traveling for business. I'll come in a day earlier than needed in order to have the time to get 10-15 miles in somewhere.

Heading to Houston at the end of the month and am looking for ideas for something that fits. My ultimate destination is Galveston so I don't want to head too far west if possible. Does anyone know of any hiking trails E or S of Houston that are worthy? I was looking at some through Alltrails but wanted to see if there were any FBG recommendations.

So nothing in or around the Houston area?

 

[Tecumseh]

Blood Mountain is 20mins from my house, but I haven’t hiked it yet. Planned on it for both Labor and Memorial Days, but **** happens and I had to scrub it. This thread has me thinking I might do it this weekend.

 

[AAABatteries]

Blood Mountain is 20mins from my house, but I haven’t hiked it yet. Planned on it for both Labor and Memorial Days, but **** happens and I had to scrub it. This thread has me thinking I might do it this weekend.

It's a great hike but not easy, especially the south side of the mountain (going back down to the parking lot). Just to be clear with this btw, obviously the whole AT trail runs south to north generally but at Blood mountain it's running North to South - and the southside is pretty brutal and can be rough on the knees.

Lots of this - but the payoff is worth it

 

[Tecumseh]

Blood Mountain is 20mins from my house, but I haven’t hiked it yet. Planned on it for both Labor and Memorial Days, but **** happens and I had to scrub it. This thread has me thinking I might do it this weekend.

It's a great hike but not easy, especially the south side of the mountain (going back down to the parking lot). Just to be clear with this btw, obviously the whole AT trail runs south to north generally but at Blood mountain it's running North to South - and the southside is pretty brutal and can be rough on the knees.

Lots of this - but the payoff is worth it

I’ll have to tell the wife to sit this one out.

 

[AAABatteries]

Blood Mountain is 20mins from my house, but I haven’t hiked it yet. Planned on it for both Labor and Memorial Days, but **** happens and I had to scrub it. This thread has me thinking I might do it this weekend.

It's a great hike but not easy, especially the south side of the mountain (going back down to the parking lot). Just to be clear with this btw, obviously the whole AT trail runs south to north generally but at Blood mountain it's running North to South - and the southside is pretty brutal and can be rough on the knees.

Lots of this - but the payoff is worth it

I’ll have to tell the wife to sit this one out.

Win-win??

J/k - yeah, it's not a hike I would recommend to a beginner. It could be done and it's not a huge distance - only 2 miles to the summit. But I try to err on the side of caution, so somebody doesn't get hurt or have a miserable time.

 

[AAABatteries]

Did 7.2 miles from Winding Stair Gap to Long Branch Shelter Friday, spent the night at the shelter and then hiked back Saturday. Was fantastic. Shelter had 8 people, including me and my buddy. I built a fire in the fire ring and we all sat around the fire for two hours getting to know each other. Great time.

 

[In The Zone]

@AAABatteries
Have you ever hiked in or around Tallulah Falls? We're heading to Tallulah Gorge State Park in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide if I want to hike down on the gorge floor. I'm sure the water will be pretty cold at this point. The Mrs already said she won't do it. She doesn't even want to go down all of the steps.

Thanks GB and have fun and be safe on your upcoming hike.

 

[AAABatteries]

@AAABatteries
Have you ever hiked in or around Tallulah Falls? We're heading to Tallulah Gorge State Park in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide if I want to hike down on the gorge floor. I'm sure the water will be pretty cold at this point. The Mrs already said she won't do it. She doesn't even want to go down all of the steps.

Thanks GB and have fun and be safe on your upcoming hike.

Yes! I have and the gorge is awesome. The stairs are brutal if you aren’t in shape and now the water will be frigid (read, you can’t get in unless you are part of the polar bear club) but it’s cool to see. It’s an insane number of steps so be aware.

And thank you - leave Tuesday morning. My son just got Covid so I’m isolating myself in the basement just to be safe.

 

[AAABatteries]

@In The Zone - there’s 1100 steps to the floor if you do the main trail.

Tallulah Gorge State Park: Waterfall Hike and Suspension Bridge

Located NE of Atlanta Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park is the perfect day trip! Hike above Hurricane Falls, cross the suspension bridge and enjoy epic views!

www.ourlittlelifestyle.com

 

[In The Zone]

@AAABatteries
Have you ever hiked in or around Tallulah Falls? We're heading to Tallulah Gorge State Park in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide if I want to hike down on the gorge floor. I'm sure the water will be pretty cold at this point. The Mrs already said she won't do it. She doesn't even want to go down all of the steps.

Thanks GB and have fun and be safe on your upcoming hike.

Yes! I have and the gorge is awesome. The stairs are brutal if you aren’t in shape and now the water will be frigid (read, you can’t get in unless you are part of the polar bear club) but it’s cool to see. It’s an insane number of steps so be aware.

And thank you - leave Tuesday morning. My son just got Covid so I’m isolating myself in the basement just to be safe.

Thanks man. I think we'll just go as far as we can before the gorge floor and hike the North and South Rim Trails.

I see they converted an old section of railroad tracks into a walking and bike path so we're definitely taking the ebikes. I'm thinking about getting some bear spray just for peace of mind but don't know much about it. Is the stuff they sell at Home Depot or Tractor Supply sufficient?

 

[AAABatteries]

@AAABatteries
Have you ever hiked in or around Tallulah Falls? We're heading to Tallulah Gorge State Park in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide if I want to hike down on the gorge floor. I'm sure the water will be pretty cold at this point. The Mrs already said she won't do it. She doesn't even want to go down all of the steps.

Thanks GB and have fun and be safe on your upcoming hike.

Yes! I have and the gorge is awesome. The stairs are brutal if you aren’t in shape and now the water will be frigid (read, you can’t get in unless you are part of the polar bear club) but it’s cool to see. It’s an insane number of steps so be aware.

And thank you - leave Tuesday morning. My son just got Covid so I’m isolating myself in the basement just to be safe.

Thanks man. I think we'll just go as far as we can before the gorge floor and hike the North and South Rim Trails.

I see they converted an old section of railroad tracks into a walking and bike path so we're definitely taking the ebikes. I'm thinking about getting some bear spray just for peace of mind but don't know much about it. Is the stuff they sell at Home Depot or Tractor Supply sufficient?

I don't have any experience with bear spray so can't say. When we backpack we hang our bags away from our shelter so there's never been an issue. Honestly, there's a really good chance you will never get close enough to use it but if it helps you and your wife's peace of mind I get it. Keys are make noise while you are out there so you don't startle them and they will typically avoid you. If you see one, avoid it while always maintaining eye contact with it. Back away slowly, never run. If it gets close, make sure it knows you are there by being loud, yell at it to go away. If you see cubs make sure your kids know to stay away no matter how cute they may be. Do not get near them as the momma will most likely be close by. 99.9% chance you will be fine - the number of black bear encounters with injury is very, very low. The car ride to Tallulah will be more dangerous than the hike.

 

[AAABatteries]

Had a scare with my son getting Covid and daughter seemingly either Covid or Flu but I'm less than 24 hours from leaving for my trip and stayed healthy. Been isolated in the basement for 2 days now

Anyway, really excited now that we are here. All my nagging injuries seem to be good at the moment, my ankle that was kind of reconstructed (and cause a year delay in this trip) feels great. I got down to my fighting hiking weight at 183 (goal was 180 but close enough).

Can't wait to get out on the trail for 6 days. Also, we decided to stay in the bunk house at the NOC so will provide a "review" of it once I'm back in case anyone had thoughts of staying there.

Here's a good link to our trip (with elevation profile) - http://www.wikitrail.org/sections/view/at/3004/franklin-to-fontana-dam

 

[Sand]

@AAABatteries
Have you ever hiked in or around Tallulah Falls? We're heading to Tallulah Gorge State Park in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide if I want to hike down on the gorge floor. I'm sure the water will be pretty cold at this point. The Mrs already said she won't do it. She doesn't even want to go down all of the steps.

Thanks GB and have fun and be safe on your upcoming hike.

Yes! I have and the gorge is awesome. The stairs are brutal if you aren’t in shape and now the water will be frigid (read, you can’t get in unless you are part of the polar bear club) but it’s cool to see. It’s an insane number of steps so be aware.

And thank you - leave Tuesday morning. My son just got Covid so I’m isolating myself in the basement just to be safe.

Thanks man. I think we'll just go as far as we can before the gorge floor and hike the North and South Rim Trails.

I see they converted an old section of railroad tracks into a walking and bike path so we're definitely taking the ebikes. I'm thinking about getting some bear spray just for peace of mind but don't know much about it. Is the stuff they sell at Home Depot or Tractor Supply sufficient?

I don't have any experience with bear spray so can't say. When we backpack we hang our bags away from our shelter so there's never been an issue. Honestly, there's a really good chance you will never get close enough to use it but if it helps you and your wife's peace of mind I get it. Keys are make noise while you are out there so you don't startle them and they will typically avoid you. If you see one, avoid it while always maintaining eye contact with it. Back away slowly, never run. If it gets close, make sure it knows you are there by being loud, yell at it to go away. If you see cubs make sure your kids know to stay away no matter how cute they may be. Do not get near them as the momma will most likely be close by. 99.9% chance you will be fine - the number of black bear encounters with injury is very, very low. The car ride to Tallulah will be more dangerous than the hike.

I'd get and keep bear spray on hand in grizzly country. That mauling in Ovando is a wake up call that anything can happen.

 

[In The Zone]

@AAABatteries
Have you ever hiked in or around Tallulah Falls? We're heading to Tallulah Gorge State Park in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide if I want to hike down on the gorge floor. I'm sure the water will be pretty cold at this point. The Mrs already said she won't do it. She doesn't even want to go down all of the steps.

Thanks GB and have fun and be safe on your upcoming hike.

Yes! I have and the gorge is awesome. The stairs are brutal if you aren’t in shape and now the water will be frigid (read, you can’t get in unless you are part of the polar bear club) but it’s cool to see. It’s an insane number of steps so be aware.

And thank you - leave Tuesday morning. My son just got Covid so I’m isolating myself in the basement just to be safe.

Thanks man. I think we'll just go as far as we can before the gorge floor and hike the North and South Rim Trails.

I see they converted an old section of railroad tracks into a walking and bike path so we're definitely taking the ebikes. I'm thinking about getting some bear spray just for peace of mind but don't know much about it. Is the stuff they sell at Home Depot or Tractor Supply sufficient?

I don't have any experience with bear spray so can't say. When we backpack we hang our bags away from our shelter so there's never been an issue. Honestly, there's a really good chance you will never get close enough to use it but if it helps you and your wife's peace of mind I get it. Keys are make noise while you are out there so you don't startle them and they will typically avoid you. If you see one, avoid it while always maintaining eye contact with it. Back away slowly, never run. If it gets close, make sure it knows you are there by being loud, yell at it to go away. If you see cubs make sure your kids know to stay away no matter how cute they may be. Do not get near them as the momma will most likely be close by. 99.9% chance you will be fine - the number of black bear encounters with injury is very, very low. The car ride to Tallulah will be more dangerous than the hike.

I'd get and keep bear spray on hand in grizzly country. That mauling in Ovando is a wake up call that anything can happen.

I won't be in grizzly country but I'm going to get some anyway.