Appalachian Trail Backpacking - Roan Highlands (TN/NC) - April 2016

"The Appalachian Trail"... the 'AT'... The 'Grand Daddy' of North America's Long Trails.
A thru hike of the AT has long been near the top of my 'bucket list. I didn't get to do a thru-hike but at least I was able to start the 2016 backpacking season with an incredible 4-day, 50-mile section hike on one of the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail south of New England - the Roan Highlands.
This trip was always intended to be a learning experience for me, to set the stage for bigger AT adventures to follow, and in that respect this trip more than accomplished my objective. I came away from the trip feeling confident that I can take it on, even the whole thing at some time in the (hopefully near) future.
The Appalachian Trail is not like some of the trips I've taken out west. The vistas are fewer and farther between, and even when you do find the openings or balds to get 'the views' they aren't as breathtaking as what you get out west. But there is something special, majestic, and even regal about the AT . You feel and sense the history with each step, and if, like me, you've read your fair share of AT trail books and journals - hiking on the trail makes you feel a part of that history and it's legend, even if you're just doing a small chunk as I did. It brings it to life.
I chose to do the Roan Highlands section not only because it is packed with well-known landmarks - Beauty Spot, Unaka Mountain, Roan Mountain, Hump Mountain, Overmountain Shelter - but also to capture what is called in various places 'The Best Breakfast on the AT' at Mountain Harbour B&B and Hostel. If you're interested in Mountain Harbour, or their well-known breakfast, that sequence is captured at the end of the video. Yum!
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little over an hour in length total, intended to bring the audience along for the ride, and with a 10 minute still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes just skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still Camera: Nikon D700 with Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens
Video Camera: Canon Vixia G30 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro
Video Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 13
HDR Software: SNS-HDR Pro
Pack: ZPacks Arc Blast 52l
Shelter: ZPacks Hexamid Solo Plus

[@thecow123xxx]

David Gray's backpacking videos are among the best on youtube.

[@burleism5158]

Always give DG a like........... he puts in some great effort on his hikes. And he has done some great hikes. Being a thru - hiker doesn't trump what he's done in the last 6-7 years

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Watching this for my 1,000th time, and loved night number #2 when you said you had "A long ass day" :D That is a big day for sure, and quite possibly the first swear word DG ever dropped, haha.

[@dand9373]

Hey there, this is Susie. I was at the hostel that night, "the man named Susie". I just watched your video yet again. it takes me right back to the trail. Thanks for taking the time to put this out! Fantastic!

[@davidgrayin]

Wow. Glad to hear from you, and don't worry - I will never forget you. The memories I made in just a few days on 'The AT' are truly amazing - I can't imagine what it must be like for you with the entire trail experience. I hope all is well with you, Susie, and I hope the holiday period has treated you well. Thank you for watching and the kind words. I hope we meet again on the trail... Take care!

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

good job! love seeing my home sections-- like dunkin doughnuts coffee, it never gets old

[@belakrenner1494]

Really like this type of Vid..loving the interactions with other hikers, makes you understand what the experience is all about from all walks of life

[@Patrick-ln8qr]

This could be the best video that I have seen of a section hike of the AT. Thank you for sharing this with everyone!

[@hunterwhitford]

Great video as always and thanks for taking us along for the ride. Because of the interactions with other hikers I think this was my favorite one yet! Can't wait to see what you have in store for the 2019 season. Cheers, David!

[@atlantaguy762]

Another consistently great video, as always. Thank you.

[@steveforsythe9264]

I thoroughly enjoy the way you do your videos...watching them is just like being there. The conversations with fellow hikers is one of the best parts. Can't wait for the next adventure!

[@joesneon]

Good to see you Dave!!!! This is one of the best AT videos I have seen!!!!!!! Great job buddy, thanks for sharing!!!!

[@davidh3480]

Great video Dave. You take some absolutely beautiful photos. Thanks for taking the time to document all of your trips!

[@ajkylen]

thank you david once again for a great video and photos as well music is always great

[@Edogawa1117]

Awesome video again. Man,that breakfast looked stunning. I'm enjoying watching all of your vlogs.

[@GreatLakesBackpacker]

Really nice video, David. I thoroughly enjoyed the way you incorporated the interaction between you and your fellow hikers -- it really added a different "feel" to the video.

[@mickgraham5667]

David, I really enjoy your videos. Your comments on that feeling of excitement and apprehension before a backpack struck a chord with me. Those last few minutes in 'civilisation' can seem like a dream before you slip away into the wild. Never heard that sentiment expressed before like that but I certainly recognised it even here in the UK where our wilderness is a lot smaller!

[@ianmandel352]

Love your new point of view , getting the hikers , another great video David .

[@ryansaul4958]

Such a great video. Lots of work I'm sure. Thanks for posting! I'm looking forward to this same hike this spring.

[@rogerlamb536]

Great hike and very informative, Thank you for taking us along

[@MarkFugel]

Fantastic trip...thanks Dave!!

[@charlessmith1246]

Excellent as always!

[@samduplessis]

Always enjoy your videos. I just hiked a 50 miles section last week and was happy to see some of the trail again. The western trails are beautiful, but the AT is one of a kind. Tough ups and downs along with great people make the trail so much fun.

[@1903A3shooter]

HI Dave , with out a doubt one of the very top videos of the trail I have seen in all the years I have been following hikers. Your camera work was great, showing the shelters and the folks was interesting. O YEA the Mt. Harbor Hostel, B&B. O wow what a beautiful place, and that table she sat for morning breakfast was out of this world. Your slide show at the finally of the video was so great with all the fantastic scenery. I saw Steve in your car on the way to the Dairy Land for lunch, have been following him for a long time. You should consider the Mt, Rodgers, Graceland Highlands of Western Va. When the ponies are young, its quite a trip. Thank you again. Dave.

[@waynerichard]

Great job, David. Nice to see the personalities of the trail. We run into other hikers all the time, but don't often see it presented in videos. Its a great aspect of hiking.

[@SmokiesHiker]

Great video...your still shots are awesome!

[@ericei64]

Enjoying your videos from Oklahoma! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@BlackHoundProductions]

awesome video as always, makes me even more anxious for my upcoming hiking trip next weekend. thanks for sharing!

[@rooftopshootaz8927]

This was awesome to watch

[@prestonwcooper]

Another home run indeed. Congrats!

[@loonabella]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED your video! What an inspiration and I cant wait to go there next spring with my husband. Thank you SO SO much for sharing your adventure with us

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

This is a great video - I so want to go sit on the ground and eat my dehydrated food! I miss the little things so much about the trail and this video makes you feel like you're right there! Excellent quality BTW nice camera!!! I spent about three weeks on the trail in TN and VA back in May 2016. Amazing people & places!

[@tomjackson958]

your videos are the best , and your still shots are incredible, hello from Cincinnati

[@spooky8399]

I've been on a video spree after doing my own backpacking in Colorado, and some on the sheltowee trace in TN, KY. Love your videos, keep it up, truly inspiring!

[@TawnaTV]

Another top notch backpacking trip and video! I'm only slightly prejudiced...that section of the AT is very near my home and a favorite place to hike. My partner gave Scarecrow and company a lift from the19E crossing into Roan Mtn so you must have been close. He hates he missed the chance to meet you! We both really enjoy the channel.

[@JoshEbersole]

Great video as usual. I use a Fitbit too while I hike and I backpacked 3 days in the smokies this past weekend. On Saturday my Fitbit said 46,000 steps and 317 flights of stairs. I'm from Ohio, it's great to see another person in the Midwest getting out and hiking.

[@adamholbrook2281]

Hi David. Also wanted to add that we appreciate you including some logistical details for all of us who might like to replicate some of your hikes. Thanks again for all of the great videos. Hope you get out again soon. Take care Adam

[@vegasdavetv]

good to see a new video david. i enjoyed it as always

[@jayshey5151]

i loved every sec of this

[@vlb1176]

Great vid... I really enjoyed that!!

[@ozarklife9996]

Wow! Seen it twice now. Motivates me to get out there. Ozark trial is in my back yard, but I might try this one out. Just to experience the people. Great job as usual.

[@chasfra]

My wife and I have been enjoying your trail adventures, probably watched a dozen of them already. Just finished the AT video: fun times.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you very much for watching. I'm actually heading out tomorrow (4/25/17) to do another section of the Appalachian Trail - the Grayson Highlands in southern Virginia. A friend of mine from work, Bob (who you may have seen in the Four Pass Loop video), will be joining me which should make for a fun trip, and an entertaining video. I should have the video published by mid-May.

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing!!

[@ManzanoManATVAdventures]

Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@underthecarolinasky2363]

Another great trip!

[@rdefox128]

Awesome video!

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

I am so happy I found your video! I too had to find out what the A T was all about and went out for my first hiking session this past May in VA. I went to trail days where I could meet some hikers and hike along with them to the next sections. Went to McAfee Knob - You've got to :-) Thanks so much for sharing and I am so happy that you and I got something off our bucket lists this year (now I can't wait to go back :-) and yes, my gear from last year stinks with a scent you just can't wash away.

[@davidgrayin]

I know what you mean. I plan to go back and do another chunk of the AT (Grayson Highlands) in late April next year, and will probably continue to do a different southern section of the AT as an early season hike each year going forward. I just loved it, especially the social aspect and unique characters/stories. One of these years (2018?) I want to start at Springer Mountain during the peak thru-hiker start days to capture what I think would be a unique video of all those stories and 'dreams' getting started. The AT is truly a unique experience.

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

It's great stuff, I'm sure you've heard of "Seven" without his contributions to youtube I never would have known. Now I've met so many, and we all want to live in the middle of the woods eating from a bag. It's a good thing :-) I loved the people I met.

[@ale591046]

I like your video. Interesting and informative

[@rickneece7554]

Outstanding!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

David, great video. I was one of those hikers you drove down to town for dinner in Roan Mountain TN (Big Bird is my trail name - old guy with a gray beard 1:07:36). It was cool to find your channel and this video and to have another opportunity to thank you for being a great trail angel. I made it 931 miles but had to get off at Luray VA because of some medical issues and the next year I got back on at the same spot to finish and made it another 451 miles to Harriman State Park in NY but had to get off due to a torn Achilles tendon - still on my bucket list to finish. Was going to head out in 2020 until this COVID-19 popped up. Subscribed!

[@davidgrayin]

Aww... Big Bird! I remember you. Congratulations on all the miles you have put in. I know it must be bittersweet to have completed so many miles, but not finished yet, but please realize there are so many of us (including me) that respect, and envy, all the miles you have put in already. Harriman State Park is incredibly special to me because it is basically the exact spot that inspired me to start backpacking. That moment happened to be in 1969 or so, and I didn't start backpacking until 2010, but still...! To explain that, my grandparents lived in Monroe, NY, a 'stones throw' from Harriman, and when we would do the annual summer visit to the grandparents my Dad would always take us to Harriman and the AT to do some sort of a day hike. On one (or more) of those hikes in the 60's we ran into AT thru hikers that we would talk to that would share their stories of walking all the way to NY from Georgia. Those stories stuck with me my whole life as an adventure I would like to take on myself some day... but it wasn't until 2010 that I strapped a backpack on for the first time. But I still plan to do the entire AT (someday soon!). Thank you for sharing your comment, and I wish you the best of luck in finishing the AT.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

@@davidgrayin Thank you for sharing your story about Harriman SP. Those AT hikers back then had heavy gear and heavy resupply. My hat is off to them. I spent 2018 and 2019 selling my two businesses and moving to Colorado (from FL). If you find yourself coming my way and need some trail angel support (airport pickup and drop-off at a trailhead), don't hesitate to reach out. Use [e-mail] and I can give you a cell to text when its time. Cheers!!

[@ray_biker7406]

Best AT video!

[@yellowboy1866]

Hey man I really enjoyed video, thanks from New Zealand

[@tree3po]

great story, man. Amen!

[@1rmj1]

I really enjoyed your video on this section of the AT. I may try this in the spring when the weather breaks. Last spring I did some section hiking in the Grayson Highlands area. I had planned on going back to the same area this spring but your video inspired me to try this section. I'm not sure where you are from but I live in the Cincinnati Ohio area and their is nothing around me that compares to that part of the country for hiking. I can't wait to go.

[@garryjoseph8186]

Good video, thank you I really enjoyed it👍

[@christineb.1]

Another great video! Your videos inspire the rest of us to "take a hike"! ;) There is so much to see in this great country of ours and some of us may never have the opportunity to see these places but through your awesome videos and pictures we can enjoy the beauty. BTW, has anyone ever told you that sometimes you sound like Jack Nicholson? LOL

[@RS.Outdoors]

Great trip David. Would love to get over to the US to do a trip like that. You have some amazing walks. Atb Ray.

[@patrickbryanoutside7416]

Great job, hope to soon be backpacking....

[@lambo7403]

Amazing video Dave!! Maybe I will see you sometime on the KT back home in Hoosier country.

[@coconice1674]

Liked! Now time to watch...👌🏻

[@JamesRobertSmith]

Man. If I needed to be reminded why I stopped backpacking the AT, all I have to do is watch this video. Crowds. Lines. The stench of human waste. This is why I swore off that trail.

[@spartan8390]

Lived in TN 90% of my life and didn't know about this. Oddly enough, I just bought some gtx hiking boots last night. For some reason I've been buying camping stuff all year. I guess sometimes nature does call for you. Maybe we will cross paths and swap stories some day. Great video.

[@bokehbabe]

Excellent! I am going this weekend.

[@davidgrayin]

Ahhh, I'm envious! It's a great section of the AT and I'm sure you'll have a great time. Good luck!

[@scottdunbar4898]

Hi Dave. Greetings from up here in Maine. Do you hear it? Katahdin is calling your name! Thanks for the very enjoyable video. Perhaps you'll find your way up here one of these days. Take care.

[@hammockdave4410]

great video

[@walterwright8926]

Man I really like your video's but the section of pictures at the end is always what I look forward too.

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thanks again. Can't wait to get there.

[@davidgrayin]

Please let me know how your hike goes. This one was special for me and I'd love to hear about your experience. Good luck!

[@adamholbrook2281]

Will do. If you want to join us on the weekend after Labor day let me know!

[@davidgrayin]

I'd love to join you, but I'll be backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park that same week. Good luck with your hike - should be fantastic!

[@adamholbrook2281]

Hi David we hiked the Roan Highlands section, repeated your route and it was fantastic. Hiked Friday-Monday and I'd do it again tomorrow. Thank you again for sharing your experience and info. Take care.

[@davidgrayin]

I'm so glad you were able to do it, and that you had a good experience with your Roan Highlands hike. I'd do it again at any time myself. It's a great section of the AT.

[@jameskeatts2677]

My favorite section

[@mikek5631]

I really enjoyed your video. I think you would do a terrific thru doc.

[@tomcuneo51]

Ha! Saw Big Bird (Steve Walker) in your video, been following him the past couple years on his AT journey.

[@shanamcclain78]

AWESOME, you really capture the "reality" of the trail and people along the way! Keep up the wonderful work and thank you for sharing a lit bit of the trail. 🌲🌄🌲_ MtnMomma

[@davida463]

Love it! The AT - not graded for stock!

[@chrisclark4183]

ive seen pretty much every video, wish you would do a thru hiking series!!!

[@davidgrayin]

Me too! Thru hikes of all the big 'long trails' in the US are near the top of my 'bucket list' (AT, PCT, CDT) but I'm afraid I'll have to shed the 'day job' before I'm going to have any opportunities to do any long thru-hikes. When I finally do get the opportunity (and I'm not going to say 'if') I'll probably start with the AT, not because I enjoy eastern hiking the most but because of the incredible 'social' aspects of that trail - I LOVE that element of hiking the AT. The biggest challenge will be how to create a reasonably length video from 5 months of hiking (it's hard for me to create a video under an hour in length from 3-4 days of hiking!). But I'm confident I'll figure it out, and I look very forward to it!

[@wowsports9291]

You should go backpacking in Alaska!!!! That would be so cool!!

[@i8uwithalime]

Hi, im new to your channel.I like the outdoors and the people who live these lifestyles. You have a great attitude and outlook about things. One day at a time kinda attitude. I can tell you really enjoyed making this. What kind of camera or cameras were you using? Also, that breakfast looked good. Was that free or what? Great video and Thanks for sharing

[@davidgrayin]

I used a Canon Vixia G30 with external Rode Stereo Videomic Pro microphone for the video, and a Nikon D700 with 24mm f2.8 Nikkor lens for the stills. The breakfast was amazing! They do that breakfast every morning during hiking season, and the amount of effort that went into it was crazy (but it was truly appreciated by all). It wasn't free - I can't remember how much it was but I think it was $12 if you stayed the night there and perhaps $15 if not. It was worth it!

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

I like uphill... I like downhill.... i like flatlands too! ---- I hate rain, I hate snow and stairs just give me the blues

[@adamholbrook2281]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing. I'm planning on doing a very similar hike some time this year. Probably later in early Fall once it starts to cool off. I hope Water isn't too hard to come by then!

[@davidgrayin]

Regarding water, I don't want to give you the wrong impression from my comments on the video. Water would not have been an issue at all if I hadn't been a bonehead at times. Despite the fact it had been extremely dry in the Roan Highlands this spring, there was plenty of water to be found. My water issues came from being a little 'loose' on my water strategy, where I should have been taking advantage of every water source listed in 'AWOLS' guide book. But on that note, if it continues dry in that area I'd offer two pieces of advice: (1) get and use AWOLS AT guide book, and (2) take advantage of each and every water source listed in the guidebook. If you do that, you should be fine.

[@adamholbrook2281]

Awesome, Thanks again. I really appreciate you showing the camping areas and shelters. It's a nice reference to have. Really looking fwd to the hike. Hope you get out again soon

[@asiam7436]

This is an outstanding video! Very few include the people, shelter life, hostels, town stops etc. I have to wonder if one of your trail names might include Dunkin'. I would not be a David Gray video without your Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Thank you so much for the extra work it takes to do this. An hour flew by like it was 10 minutes. 5 stars for you! P.S. Where can I get a "dead kitty"?

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you very much, and it really is truly a pleasure to put these together and share the experience. Yes, I'm going to have to be careful with all my Dunkin Donuts call outs - I'm not sure that's a trail name that I'd like to stick.I've had a bunch of people ask in these comments if I'm affiliated with DD - I should probably just ask them for a sponsorship! I can't remember where I bought my dead kitty but I think I bought it at the same time as my Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro, and I bought that at B&H Photo Video. The dead kitty I have is made specifically for my Rode microphone so if you buy one make sure it will fit well. They truly are remarkable at knocking down the wind noise, plus it makes for quite the conversation starter, and the dogs love them!

[@asiam7436]

Thank you for the dead kitty info. "Dunkin'"definitely not meant to stick :) and yes to getting paid DD sponsorship! :)

[@guitarguy5]

I am planning to hike from Roan Mountain to Grayson Highlands in May and hopefully in 3 or 4 years I'm doing the whole thing. I made 1400 miles a few years ago.

[@fishingwithphil2582]

Awesome was that lucky?? From between the blazes videos?

[@shcmoly]

Another home run David, thanks. What trekking poles did you almost lose?

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you! The trekking poles are Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z carbon fiber poles. Really pricey at about $150 but oh-so-light. I bought them as a birthday gift to myself last year (or maybe Christmas... or whatever!). I know that's a lot of money to spend on sticks but I've come to learn that every gram you can eliminate from the ends of your arms and legs (as in, shoes and trekking poles) is worth every penny. Some of the 'cottage' guys sell some really good, ultrailight trekking poles at probably a lower price than the Black Diamond's, so if I was to buy them again I'd be researching the 'little guys' (ZPacks, Gossamer Gear, MLD, etc.).

[@jay_zooks7125]

Great Video David. I am new at backpacking and your videos have inspired me to look at this trip in the next couple years. Can you create a gear video for 2016? It would be greatly appreciated. Also, where are you going this summer? I live in Colorado Springs and look forward to venturing out here to get my feet wet.

[@davidgrayin]

I actually did a gear overview at the end of the 2015 season, and my gear this year is basically the same as last year - you can find that video by just clicking on my name to pull up a list of all my videos. I do have plans to make a series of gear videos on specific pieces / areas of gear but haven't pulled the trigger yet (e.g. packs, shelters, hydration, food, etc.). Those are the type of gear videos that can be done easily during the winter 'off-season' months, so I'll probably do some a bit later in the year. My son Christian and I did a trip in the Holy Cross Wilderness of Colorado earlier in August (just published that video this morning!) and I'll be heading out for a solo trip to Rocky Mountain National Park next weekend - I'll probably publish that video around the end of September.

[@Battlerattler]

I enjoy all of your videos!! What is the first song and artist name as your photos start rolling through? the happy whistling song....my nephew loves it !!! Thanks !!!

[@davidgrayin]

It's a song called 'Safety Net' by the band 'Riot'. I actually found it in KZbin's free music library, but I really like it too!

[@blueridgeboy1981]

Great video! The Roan Highlands are absolutely amazing. I hiked from Roan High Knob to Mountain Harbor Hostel a couple of years ago. I was so blown away by the experience that I named my son Roan. I was at the Mountain Harbor hostel just a few days before you were in this video beginning a 4 day section north to Route 91. Check out some of my adventures on my channel. Hope to see more of your excellent videos soon

[@WayfaringWaz]

Is that a note from THE @Follow_Bigfoot at the 39:30 mark?

[@2khawaii]

haha interesting they were listening to the audiobook of Stelphen King;s "It"

[@timbillings6884]

Cool!!! I live on the appalachian trail. 😊 Gos right by my house! 👍👍

[@adventureeast5103]

Awesome introduction and insight to the AT! Looks like quite the experience. Heck of a good job on this video. Spectacular photos. Especially liked your description of getting in the zone and anticipation of pre hike time stimulation of the senses when you were in Waffle House. You nailed it! Alway look forward to watching your videos!

[@joesugarman1355]

Another great video. Good to see you back out on the trails. The AT thru-hiker subculture is a fascinating subject. Thanks for capturing the candid conversations at the shelters. We don't get to see that so much in other videos. The Big Question: How does Waffle House coffee compare to Dunkin Donuts coffee?

[@davidgrayin]

Ahhh... great question. Pretty much the same, actually! Both really good. I'm thinking it comes down to the setting. A diner-style breakfast is one of my great pleasures in life, as is a cup of 'real' coffee in the morning while out in the woods. Which is best... I'd call it a toss up, but I'll stick with my Dunkin Donuts (mainly because I can buy it in big bags relatively cheap at Costco!).

[@Kevinwatches]

I can walk to Pisgah National Forest from my home lol Does it tie into or is considered part of the 'AT'?

[@adkkev]

Thanks for sharing another one of your adventures!! And welcome to east coast hiking where many of the trails were developed before anyone thought about using switchbacks. What/Where is the next backpacking adventure?

[@davidgrayin]

I'm still trying to figure that out. I may do a local trip or two, but my next 'major' trip will be out west somewhere, probably in late July / early August. The specific location depends on whether or not my son, Christian, will be able to join me. If Christian is able to join me then I'll probably also bring along the dogs, which means a driving trip - likely Colorado, perhaps Rocky Mountain National Park or the Zirkel Wilderness near Steamboat. If I'm going solo I'm trying to find a way to do the entire Wonderland Trail in Washington.

[@adkkev]

Very nice!! Would dogs be allowed on the trail in RMP? (I think not) And how do you decide where you want to go? Do you have some sort of "bucket list" of backpacking adventures?

[@davidgrayin]

Actually, that's a very good point. No dogs in National Parks. Scratch that idea. I don't really have any sort of 'process' for deciding where to go. I have a few 'go to' spots like Colorado (anywhere), Sierras/John Muir Trail, Glacier, Appalachian Trail, and numerous 'local' midwest trails, but last year also taught me that's it's possible to fairly easily get to just about anywhere. My search for the next destination usually starts with a 'best backpacking in...' Google search of whatever area I'm considering. I found a couple 'bucket list' items with a 'best backpacking loops' Google search - Four Pass Loop, Wonderland Trail, etc.. And a number of people have made suggestions in comments on KZbin that I've added to the list - Hoh Rainforest, Wonderland Trail, etc. Too many awesome places to go, and videos to make, and way too few vacation days!

[@adkkev]

You're absolutely right ... too many places & just not enough vacation time! Here are a couple more to throw at you ... Northville-Placid Trail in the Adirondacks & the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska/BC/Yukon. NPT can be done in sections, the whole thing takes 10 days or more. Chilkoot is much shorter, we did it in 4 days, 3 nights & you have to pay a fee to use the trail. But wow, historical and beautiful. We hiked the Chilkoot & then took the White Pass train back to Skagway.

[@kylelin2910]

Hey David, I gradually became a fan of your backpacking videos. Do you plan on doing the end-to-end AT someday? And what would you name yourself on the AT? Just curious, lol

[@davidgrayin]

Doing the whole AT is a 'bucket list' item for me. I definitely plan to thru hike the AT sometime soon, but probably a few years out right now. Regarding a 'trail name', I still don't have one at this point. On the AT hike various groups of people randomly starting calling me 'Cameraman' but I didn't really take it on as a trailname.

[@ashevillenctrailcamera5523]

Great video and pictures! Thx! What kind of camera were you using?

[@davidgrayin]

I used a Canon Vixia G30 for the video and Nikon D700 with Nikkor 24mm f2.8 prime lens for the still pictures. I typically use a 20mm prime lens for the stills but my daughter was using it for a trip of her own when I did this one,

[@owenbrown5807]

Nice video Dave. The HDR phots were nicely done. Which software do you use? What camera did you take with you?

[@davidgrayin]

I used a Nikon D700 with Nikkor 24mm f2.8 prime lens for this trip. I typically use a Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens for my backpacking trips but my daughter had borrowed my 'good lens' for a college class. For the HDR software I used SNS-HDR Pro for all the pictures on this video. I also typically use Photomatix Pro HDR software but didn't use it for any of the images in this one.

[@snaponjohn100]

Brother you have skills with the camera. By the way, how do you make your cheddar cheese spread? Is it from packet gourmet?

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for the camera skills comments! The cheese spread is, in fact, purchased from Packit Gourmet. I first discovered it when it won a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice award in the fall of 2009. It was one of the first food purchases I made, I had it on my first backpacking trip in 2010, and I've had it on every trip since (except maybe one, when my inventory control system failed me!).

[@GODOFROCK22]

Hi David! I love this video. And REALLY want to hike this section. I know you probly answered this in the comments, but what was your start and stop points for this section hike? Again, thank you so much for your videos. Very inspiring.

[@davidgrayin]

Well, I drove to Mountain Harbour Hostel / B&B (Roan Mountain, TN) to start, which is where I was going to end the hike. From there I got a shuttle ride back to Indian Grave Gap (a bit north of Erwin, TN) which is where I started the hike from. My overnight stops were at Cherry Gap Shelter, Ash Gap, and Overmountain Shelter. I ended the trip back at Mountain Harbour hostel and stayed the night in the hostel to enjoy the social life, and experience what is often referred to as 'the best breakfast on the AT' (and, as far as I could tell... it was!).

[@GODOFROCK22]

David Gray Awesome. Thanks so much for clearing this up for me. I will def be doing this itinerary in the future! Keep it up! You rock.

[@danielaw0101]

What type of camera did you use for the trip? Your film quality is exceptional.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you. I used a Canon Vixia G30 for the video and a Nikon D700 with 24mm f2.8 Nikkor prime lens for the still pictures.

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Great video! The view at 28:00 is amazing! What was your starting pack weight? Did you pick up a trail name, or is that limited to thru hikers?

[@davidgrayin]

I don't generally weigh my pack, and the weight will vary based on whether I'm going solo, with Christian and the dogs, bear canister required, etc. For this solo 4-day trip, without a bear canister, my starting pack weight was probably around 22-23 pounds (based on an app called 'Gram Weenie' that I loosely use to keep track of gear weight). I try to keep the pack as light as possible, but don't really go crazy with it. That weight doesn't include my video and camera gear. To that 22-23 pounds I add another 12 pounds or so of video gear, camera gear, microphone, tripod, spare batteries, etc.. Regarding the trail names, that was one of the crazy things to experience about the AT - everyone had one, and if you didn't have one - like me - it actually made you feel a little awkward (like you weren't part of the 'club'). I didn't have a trail name going into the hike, but multiple different groups of hikers spontaneously started calling me 'Cameraman' or 'C-man' (probably because the entire front side of my body is covered with multiple cameras, microphone, two carry bags, etc.). I went along with it during the trip but I'm not sure I really like it as a permanent trail name - I was hoping for something more 'cool'! :-)

[@oldunion]

C-man is cool! you could get an awesome tattoo with a lens and mountains, it's a good one!

[@mnsoutful]

Hey David. Liked your video and your visit here in Johnson City. I live less than a mile from the Waffle House! Hope you enjoyed your visit as much I have enjoyed your videos! You have a great quality KZbin channel!

[@outandabout9890]

Hi David, I came across your videos while doing a little research on an upcoming hiking trip to the balds and had a few questions. I'm planning to start at Carver's Gap and do an out and back to "Big" Hump. I was wondering if in your opinion this would be best done as a one night or two type trip? Also I know you are typically a tent camper but do you feel as though there would be the possibility to hammock camp this section? The fact that these are mostly balds has me wondering if I would find enough sites to hang. Thanks in advance for any help and your videos from out west have really got me itching to get out that way someday.

[@davidgrayin]

It looks like 9.4 miles from Carvers Gap to the summit of (Big) Hump Mountain. I'm not sure how many miles you would like to do but it could be done as a single overnight, but the camping logistics could be a little tricky which would force one day or there quite a bit over 10 miles. There really aren't many (any?) hammock options from Overmountain Shelter all the way to the top of Hump Mountain. There are plenty of hammock options in the whole area between the Stan Murray Shelter and Overmountain, so you could do it as a single overnight by hiking from Carvers Gap to Hump Mountain, and then head back to Overmountain (13.2 miles total), and then hike back to Carvers Gap the next day (5.6 miles). If you wanted to do it in a leisurely two nights you could camp at either the Stan Murray Shelter or Overmountain the first night, hike to Hump Mountain and back to either Overmountain or Stan Murray for night #2, and then back to Carvers Gap on your third day. It just depends on how many miles your comfortable with. Overmountain Shelter was a really nice place - I wouldn't mind camping there two nights.

[@outandabout9890]

Thanks again for the quick reply. A 13 mile day is fine and the short day back to Carver's might give me the chance to go on and check out Roan High Knob. I do have a 3 day window so I might keep that extra day in the bag for weather. Great info and am really enjoying the videos. You picked up a sub here.

[@brianwinburn1561]

Follow Bigfoot thru hiked in 2016. I wonder if that was his sign at the Roan Bathroom at 39.26 minute mark