What we’re about
This group is for anyone interested in backpacking. ALL skills levels are WELCOME. This group is primarily overnight/multi-day backpacking adventures... with possibly some social gathering for members throughout the year \
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. We want everyone who attends our Meetup trips to have a great time! Of course, being sore will inevitably be part of it sometimes ;). So, to help ensure this, there are a couple “ground rules” to follow. \
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. - No drugs permitted on group trips. If anyone is found using these, they will be removed from the group. \
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- Act responsibly/Safety first. Do not put yourself, or others in danger while on group outings. \
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- Be respectful/Courteous. Everyone has different skill levels and/or methods. We all have lots to learn from, and teach others. We can do this in a polite, respectful manner. Acting in a belligerent way towards others will not be tolerated. \
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- Know your capability. Please do not sign up to attend trips that are outside your capability. While we only truly grow when we push ourselves past our “comfort zone”, you should understand which trips you can confidently push yourself to handle, and which ones you should pass on until another time...
- Use and keep your RSVP current. Some trips have a size limit. If you sign up for a trip and for whatever reason cannot make it, please update your RSVP so people on the waitlist can join/attend. No shows on trips may not affect you, but they affect the group, so please keep your RSVP’s current.
There will be trips through out the year of various intensities for different skill levels. The host will give a brief description of each trip and the level of intensity.
ADVANCED/STRENUOUS Trips: These more advanced trips will typically require the host speaking with each of you about the demands of the route.
Let's Have Fun ! So grab your gear, sign up, and let’s hit the trail !!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Panthertown Valley – Modified Base Camp with Day Hikes to WaterfallsWest end parking nantahala forest, Glenville, NC
Please join us for a modified backpack / base camp and day hike to waterfall whirlwind in the lovely Panthertown Valley. This is an easy/moderate 1-night backpacking trip.
Saturday
From the Salt Rock Gap parking area, we’ll hike with our full packs on 2 miles to find a good camp site at coordinates: 35.16861, -83.01228, off Panthertown Valley Trail 474. If that site is taken, we will hike approximately 2 more miles to find a site or else hike back to Green Valley Trail and look there.Once we’ve set up camp, we’ll start our day pack adventure. We’ll hike to Jawbone and Riding Ford Falls, Elbow Falls, hike back to School House Falls, hike up to Tranquility point on Little Green Mountain, and then hike back to base camp. With a possible hike to Warden Falls. Our route will be approximately 12+ miles 2300 ft elevation depending on what we decide to do.
Sunday
Pack up and then hike to Granny Burrell Falls, to the Great Wall, and then to Frolictown Falls, where we will probably will have to ford a creek.Details
Meet at Salt Rock Gap parking area 9:00 AM https://goo.gl/maps/H6FjPmvapyjma58C6 Type into Google Maps - West End Parking Nantahala Forest. Parking is limited so arrive early, roughly 15-20 spaces with extra on the side of the road entrance to the parking area.Out Sunday around 12:00 PM.
Bear resistant containers are required. https://panthertown.org/
Maps can be purchased here if you want one https://www.panthertownmap.com/
Tents are recommended as it can be difficult finding the right tree spacing for hammocks but hammocks are doable.
Note that we might have to ford a small creek or two.
On the first day we will hike 2-4 miles and set up base camp, after that we will spend the rest of the day exploring without packs. Please be prepared to carry your backpack for longer than 4 miles in case we have to try a few different areas to find a nice large group site. We want to go with the flow on this trip so the exact plans for what we will see and do over the two days could change depending on where we camp and how we feel.
Routes
This link has all the routes for the trip https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/folder/e6e3b973-303f-4047-ac96-b880bd19b861We hope you'll want to join us!
