Backpacking & Hiking in the Savage Gulf Natural Area -- Eastern Tennessee

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

I love Savage Gulf! Did my first backpacking trip there about 30 years ago. I live in Smyrna, TN so it's close by. My favorite place to hike in Tennessee.

[@terrythurman5869]

I always enjoy your videos. Someday I hope to do some of these trails overnight. They are not too long in my opinion. Thanks for the videos!

[@jessiegutierrez5583]

I really appreciate you explaining your route and itinerary. Maybe explains on that some more

[@towermonkey2000]

I love this area. We take the scout troop there a lot. Enough different trails and connecting options to make the trip different each time.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Agreed, it's a great place!

[@HaveUCalledPinkFloyd]

Nice. I spent five days there with my ex fiancé‘s daughter back in 2017. That stage coach Road is something else but quite difficult I thought. I think we hit it on day four so our legs were getting weary. I can’t remember the water site name, but I believe you showed it; The cave, that was a huge relief because we were there in June and it was extremely hot. We hung out there felt like we were in front of a nice cold refrigerated room with the door open. You lucked up on the weather, you know how hot it can be in East Tennessee in the summer, and the humidity especially. I live in Chattanooga area.. Great video!

[@capnhookshot]

I've watched a few of your videos and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. my wife and I are hiking the fiery gizzard in October and are using your video to learn more about the area as this will be our first visit to South Cumberland State Park. We're novice backpackers and appreciate the length of your videos. it wouldn't hurt our feelings if you included more. You do an excellent job narrating as well. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome--thanks for watching! Keep in mind that the Fiery Gizzard has changed a bit since I was last there. A small section of the trail was re-routed because of a property issue, and I think one of the campsites was permanently closed. But South Cumberland State Park is still a great place!

[@thmoorer]

I really enjoyed your trek video. It was wonderful you shared your experience with those of us who love the out-of-doors but won't make it back to those areas. a TRUE safarai! Thanks!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+Crewmax42 Thanks for your nice comment, I really appreciate it. Please subscribe to my channel if you'd like to see more!

[@joncardenas3203]

Its kinda cute watching your early videos where you stayed at actually campsites!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Jon Cardenas Thanks but it’s required at Savage Gulf - although now I might go there at all for that reason!

[@mozarkoutdooradventures3630]

I've been trying to get to the Savage Gulf area for over 10 years now. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+Mozark Outdoor Adventures It's a great place to hike and pretty close to where I live . . . I'm sure I'll be back there in the spring or summer . . .

[@oldunion]

many of the dry rivers are flowing in the mid/late winter into the early spring. Its quite an area to visit after rains in the early spring. Water is flowing form everyewhere. The sinks are easily overwhelmed and areas that are dry become rapid torrents.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

That would be awesome to hike in Savage Gulf when the water is up. Thanks for the comment.

[@mikkat50]

Your videos are not too long at all, and they are interesting all the way to the end, thanks for sharing.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+mikkat50 As always, thanks for watching!

[@TawnaTV]

Very beautiful area. We just visited for the first time and want to go back and do some real hiking. Thanks for the tour!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+TawnaTV Thanks!

[@cabinman]

enjoyed the video, I've been there a number of times but you were able to teach me a few things I didn't know. you have a knack for knowing what things to talk about. great job!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+4familyfun Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@maureenmesser2290]

Just started watching your videos. Spent some time up in the White Mountains this fall and happened to meet some hikers. Sounds like a great hobby. Watching your videos have been very insightful. Would love to see more about what night time is like. I would think it would be the most intense time and are you really able to get sleep. Thanks for sharing!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment. I'm usually sleeping at night, or it's too dark to film. But in the video "80 miles on the Appalachian Trail," which I did a few years ago, I explained how I overcame my fear of sleeping outside.

[@bruce33]

You asked for advice for other videos. I would like it if you would consistently identify how far and in what direction water sources are at any of the campsites you visit. You did so at Hobbs cabin, but I'm planning to stay at the Dinky Line campsite and would like to know how far and where a water source would be. And in some cases like the Sawmill campsite, reaching a water source can be quite a distance from the actual camp. So, that's some info your fellow packers would benefit from hearing.

[@jeffrocass5791]

Love your videos! And they are never to long:) heading out to the gulf this weekend for my fourth trip thanks to u! See u on the trail!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great, hope you have a good trip!

[@Timotimo101]

enjoyed your video! love that park area

[@IrixGuy]

Very cool video! I'm hitting up Savage Gulf for backpacking with STK's Adventure Channel soon. Is the Alum backcountry site good?

[@markhmorrison]

Great videos. I think we're neighbors. Your video on food prep had you at the same store in my neighborhood. My son and his friend and I are heading to Savage this month. Thanks for your vids. Helps a bunch to prep.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome. I live off of Cool Springs -- that was the Publix at McKay's Mills in the video. I have not been to Savage Gulf recently but I really like that place for hiking. Lots of trails to choose from . . .

[@markhmorrison]

Yep, I'm off Liberty Pike in McKay's Mill. Just got back from Savage yesterday. Three days and two nights. Great experience.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Marko Morrison Great. I've got to get back to Savage Gulf. You should try Fiery Gizzard sometime too--another good trail that isn't too far from here.

[@theaddictedprepper902]

Great video! Wish it was longer. Would love for you to film inside Hoobs.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+dana keele Thanks for your comment -- I appreciate it. Sorry that it took so long to reply!

[@theaddictedprepper902]

+Evan's Backpacking Videos I finally made it to Hobbs on 1-31-15 and stayed till the next day, so now I know what it looks like inside. :-)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+dana keele That's great! I think I remember a fireplace inside. Did you use it?

[@theaddictedprepper902]

+Evan's Backpacking Videos Funny you should ask.....we did use it and I about froze to death. It is not designed to put heat into the cabin and the heat went up and out the chimney. We were up till about 9pm harvesting and chopping wood to make it thru the night. My job was to add a log every hour. It would be nice if they supplied the wood...after all they are charging $25 per night to rent the cabin. Made it a long hike out the next morning, but Waffle House hit the spot!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+dana keele Great story! And now I know not to depend on the fireplace . . .

[@jerryjbloodworth6010]

Hi Evan,I'm in the process of watching all of your and Scott's videos.Very good information.When I was slightly younger than you I started wearing an orthodic insert in my shoes.I wonder if that and a liner sock would help.A light application of rubbing alcohol from a small spray bottle helps keep my feet dry.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

jerryj bloodworth Thanks for those tips! There are some other videos I've done where the topic of blisters comes up. I think I have it under control now ...

[@joshmontgomery4040]

Good stuff

[@MegaMastiffman]

I think your videos are Radd keep em coming

[@trezentzerbit]

Well done!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+Toby Cantrell Thanks for watching! Sorry about the delay in responding. I'm going to check out your Savage Gulf videos.

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Great video again! I just finished watching your stone door area video. My son and I are planning a trip down there this summer. We are both pretty new at hiking and camping. We will probably only do an overnight but may possibly stay 2 nights. Do you have any recommendations? He's 12 and as I said we are both pretty new at this. Thanks again for the videos they are very helpful and informative.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Part time Hiker Oops, I guess I never responded to this, sorry. I don't have any specific recommendations except to keep the distances short and factor in the elevation gains. I took my son to the Smokies when he was 11 and he was seriously worn out by the climbing, even though we kept it under 4 miles. He'd done a 6+6 in two days before that but on flat ground.

[@billseay6399]

Hey you done everything that I would have done great video thanks

[@bigzach322]

Do most of the creeks disappear through sinks? It seems like there were a lot of dry creek beds on this hike.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Zachary Robbins Yes, a lot of them do. And by the way, I'm setting out tomorrow on a 2 or 3 week hike, so I'll be away from KZbin for awhile unless I get some cell service!

[@bigzach322]

The Sheltowee Trace Trail I presume, have fun!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Zachary Robbins Yes, thanks!

[@IrixGuy]

Did you encounter any bears?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Nope!

[@southernfriedlensman]

thanks for the video

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You’re welcome! This is an old one ...

[@southernfriedlensman]

yeah i could tell by the lo quality video and 4:3 ratio... lol..... i love savage gulf and liked your video. good luck on the trail this year

[@Bscott-390]

Great video. I'm wanting to take my kids here. Can you share a link to the map to download? thank you

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Here's one -- tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/so-cumberland-savage-gulf-map.pdf The best thing to do is to call the park and order the printed map. I think they'll mail it to you. It only costs a few dollars, I think.

[@Bscott-390]

thank you

[@g.carroll8357]

Evan, you mentioned the video being possibly too long, but I disagree. I found it just the right length to enjoy.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

+Glen. A. Carroll That's great, thanks very much! I'm glad you watched it and enjoyed it . . . I hope others share your opinion about the length!