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There was a dedicated map for the MST at the time that had just come out (which I think has gone away due to FarOut now having the MST on it). Otherwise we used Gaia Maps exclusively for routing and planning our trail.

Thanks! Just a quick little tribute to a fun snow day.

Thanks! It's a great little spot for sure!

I honestly haven't been to the very end of Big Rock, but if you know a place to camp I'd love to hear about it. There's kind of one at Huckleberry Mtn which you could do in a pinch, but otherwise there's a spot just before the turn off for Big Rock that is best for tents and hammocks. 3 Top is another one of those places which I hope stays as a hidden gem. Mountain Tops with views where you can camp are pretty rare, as you know. If you go a little west I strongly recommend Sam's Knob, Black Balsam Knob and Tennet Mtn for great views and camping.

@@markwthompson71 sams knob is on my list. as well as whiteside mountain to devils courthouse. hangover lead trail looks nice.

@@jasonmears4393 I'll have to research Whiteside Mtn; I'm not familiar with that one. If you want a challenging loop with some pretty cool views, I suggest the Green Mountain Trail to MST to ALT to Fork Mountain Trail. It's a doozy, but beautiful.

@@jasonmears4393 I just found Whiteside Mtn over in Nantahala NF. I'll definitely go explore that loop!

@markwthompson71 yes, I have had it on my list for awhile. (Whiteside mountain) Check out the route to devils courthouse. There are some youtube videos about it. The views look incredible. The nantahala forest has become one of my favorites. Pickens nose, Albert mountain fire tower, wesser tower have OUTSTANDING VIEWS. I did that loop last fall.

I too hope it stays a secret. Few people know about it and I'd like to keep it that way. Even with the few people that see this video I'm still tempted to make it hidden simply because I'd hate for it to get spoiled.

It sure is a fun trail!

I honestly have no idea if there is a fire tower on this loop or not. If there is, I completely missed it!

Haha, yes, that is sugar. I love hot tea while camping, especially on a cool evening!

@@markwthompson71 oh me too! Some sleepytime tea is my fave while waiting for my dinner to cook/rehydrate.

Thanks, Betty! It was amazing, as always. The mountains are a great place for peace and reflection.

I hiked it in March and it was unusually warm. Even in late September you'll have warm temps during the days (highs of 70s-80s) and won't get to freezing during the night (lows of 50-40s). Freezing temps won't hit until late October at earliest.

@@markwthompson71 nice thanks,

Yes, I started from Yellow Mountain Gap TH. If you go up the service road to the Overmountain Victory Shelter (Red Bar), it's about 4 miles from the parking area to the overlook of the bald. So approx 8 miles round trip. If you utilize the Overmountain Victory Trail, it'll shave off approx 3/4 of a mile. Please understand it's a steep climb up to Yellow Mountain itself (1,200 ft incline +/-), then another push via the side trail from the AT up to Big Yellow. So for full clarification, I do not consider this an "easy" hike. If you're an avid hiker who's used to these kinds of trails, I would expect it would take you about 4+ hours. If you're not used to these kinds of trails, please expect it to take you much longer. The only water source is the one just before the barn or the stream that follows the first 1/4 mile of the Overmountain Victory Trail, so bring enough water for the round trip. Here's a link to more info about Big Yellow Preserve: www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/big-yellow-mountain/

@@markwthompson71 thank you!

Thanks, Jackie! I still camp quite often (once a week or so). I've just been so busy (with good stuff) that I haven't made time for making videos. I hope you're getting out and about as well!

There are no real camping sites on the trail up to the summit of Hawksbill Mtn. Once up at the top, there are only a few "good" ones, and then there are some other places were camping is possible, but maybe not the best. I'd suggest you try it as a day hike to scout out what's available and then, if necessary go over to Table Rock where there are plenty of camping areas right at the parking area and trail head.

Thanks! It sure was a fun trip!

Exactly. We camped there knowing the storm was coming and that it was a short hike down to the end the next morning. That helps a lot with morale!

It's hard to beat the views in this area for sure. And the unpredictable weather just adds to the allure.

I'm positive you'll enjoy it!

Thanks! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and will definitely be doing it again in the future!

I saw several good spots up there as I crossed over the next morning. I'll definitely try and pick a good weather night and camp at the top. What's crazy (to me) is that when we passed the next morning someone had camped out on Tennent Mountain. That was one hardy soul that camped in the wind and the rain that night!

@@markwthompson71, I’ve camped on top of Black Balsam last year and it was windy and rainy that night and it was something. But the view is amazing! Even at night the view of the city lights I can stare for hours.

Right?!? It's amazing what all you see or remember because of someone else video of the same trip.

@@markwthompson71 exactly

I've heard a lot of people either underestimate or do not enjoy the first 1/2 of the trail. Knowing what I do now I'd suggest the following: 1. The first 8 miles is pretty moderate, imo, and not a lot of views. Enjoy the pine, rhodo and mountain laurel for what they are. Maybe plan to side trail up to Cedar Rock Mountain for a gander? I hear you can even camp up there (verify that first though) 2. The shelters are in serious disrepair. It is what it is. There was water and plenty of tent sites at both shelters and they also had bear-hang cables at the first shelter (might have been at the second one, but didn't personally see them). The 2nd shelter definitely has a leaky roof...and mice. 3. If at all possible plan a lunch on top of Pilot Mountain, but beware, it's a good climb to get there. Look at the weather before hanging out at any of the balds/mtns. 4. Once over Pilot Mtn, sorry, but you're not done with the climbs. :-) Sassafras Knob and Silvermine Bald are "fun" climbs too. 5. Black Balsam Trail Head has LOTS of camping, but be aware the water source is 1/2 mile away on the MST. Plan accordingly. 6. Ensure there's time to enjoy Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. Lots of views here, don't rush through it. 7. Fun little ups and downs until the next water source at Shining Creek Path (right before Shining Rock Gap). 8. If lots of free time, somehow go camp up at Shining Rock and see the views from up there (I wouldn't consider this a must, but a neat to do). 9. Trail on parts of Stairs Mountain to the Narrows wasn't as intuitive at times for following (at least for me). Prepare to take your time through here. Surprisingly there was lots of camping in various places between Stairs Mountain and the Narrows. 10. Go up to Cold Mountain. I haven't been in a while (you'll see why I didn't go on day 4 if you watch the vid :-D). It was definitely worth the views the last time I went, and I remember there even being some campsites up there. 11. Three easy stream crossings coming down the last three miles. All hoppable without getting your feet wet. If icy, be careful. Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to seeing your adventure on the ALT!

@@markwthompson71 Wow, thanks so much for all that info!! You are the best Mark! ~RVA~

Camping in cold weather is an acquired taste for sure. It requires a heavier pack, different (more) gear, but can provide for some very different views. Maybe try a car camping adventure where you bring firewood and enjoy a taste of winter and still be warm?

@@markwthompson71 I’ll try that. I have car camped before but the earliest I done that was in mid March

@@bobbyscott3653 Let me know how the trip goes!

Type 2 is that five minutes worth of stuff we did from Starburst Campground up to Green Knob. 🤣

It was quite the adventure, and I'm very glad it was only a single overnighter :-). I'm glad you approve the use of your sticker on the flask! Let me know when you're ready to come westward for a winter adventure!

@@markwthompson71 yesssir!!

We prepared as well as possible for the hike. And microspikes are worth their weight in gold on trips like this one!

I know it's your backyard -- and definite a place where lots of adventure can be had.