Nashville Backpacker Meetup

Let's hike the Conasauga River Trail! A favorite trail of mine because the difficulty keeps most people away.

The difficulty: Lots of deadfall and brush, no trail markers, many river crossings up to waist deep, and some elevation especially on the first mile.

The good: This trail and river are beautiful and largely untouched. Probably will not see another person out here.

Probably about 6-12 river crossings till we find a spot we'd like to camp, it'll be only 3 or 4 miles but it's very slow going. Sunday hike farther down the trail, fish, swim, relax, whatever you want. Return back on Monday. Early start time at 10:30 central/11:30 eastern so we have plenty of time to hike and play in the water.

Preparation:
-- Black bear country so plan food storage accordingly
-- You WILL take an unintentional swim so everything important should be in dry bags
-- Bring swimwear or a change of clothes for playing in the water
-- Pack as small as possible you won't regret it. Leave the kitchen sink at home.
-- Hiking poles recommended for stability in crossings
-- Read the "How to Find Us" for directions

Iceland is famous in the backpacking community for its Laugevegur Trail, trekking ~ 40 miles across glaciers, volcanic rock, and steppeland with often harsh conditions. From the southern terminus, the Fimmvörðuháls Trail continues from Pórsmörk to Baldvinsskáli and the Skógafoss waterfall.

Iceland Itinerary
Arrive Reykjavik 8/20, book bus ride to northern end of Laugavegur for morning of 8/21. We can stay at a hotel or hostel and do a bit of exploring around Reykjavik.
8/21 take bus to Laugavegur, soak in thermal pools before beginning our trek (bring swimsuit). Grab last minute supplies at hut shop. Camp fees are ~ $18-19 per person at each hut and include access to water and basic bathroom facilities. Showers cost extra.
Trek ~ 10km/6.2m to first hut to camp
8/22 trek 11.5 km/7.15m
8/23 trek 16km/10m
8/24 trek 18km/11.2 miles to Þórsmörk. Celebrate completion of the Laugavegur!
8/25 begin the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, which begins at Þórsmörk. Trek 12km/7.5 mi to Baldvinsskáli. This is the only hut we stay in instead of camping, due to the highest likelihood of inclement weather and extreme exposure. Cost ~$45
8/26 trek 12km to Skogár and it's famous waterfall, camp for the night. Our trek is complete!
8/27 morning, take bus back to Reykjavik, settle into our lodgings (we can discuss whether to book as a group or individually), shower etc. I plan on renting a car for other exploring before my return flight the evening of 8/31.

*NOTE: By signing up for, and participating in this trip, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your health and safety, and indemnify the host along with other leadership of the Nashville Backpacker Meetup from any liability.

My flights are already booked; if you are interested in joining me, please message me directly via Meetup.