Big South Fork NRRA (Tennessee) Backpacking - January 2020

The 2020 backpacking season got off to an early start with a January hike to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee. I had never done a true winter backpacking trip before but both Travis and I were getting anxious to do a hike so we met up for the quick weekend trip.
With the trip taking place in early January it was ‘officially’ a winter trip, but the weather felt anything but winter-like. The good weather theme we had throughout 2019 seemed to carry over into 2020, with temperatures getting into the 70’s and the 100% chance of heavy rain we were supposed to receive held off long enough that we got to ‘enjoy’ the storms while sitting in rocking chairs on the Charit Creek Lodge porch sipping craft IPA’s! That warm weather also allowed me to bring the dogs along.
Our route was a 3-day, 20-mile point-to-point hike starting at the Bandy Creek HQ area. The plan was to take in the John Litton farm site area shortly after Bandy Creek, then connect with the Tennessee version of the John Muir Trail, find a first night campsite somewhere near the 8-mile mark, then continue on the JMT on day #2 to the Station Camp Creek trail to Charit Creek Lodge for our 2nd night ‘camp’. The plan seemed simple enough but we found a complete lack of suitable campsites on the JMT, and we had no choice but to continue hiking until we reached Station Camp Creek where we found water and a marginally acceptable campsite. Instead of hiking 8 miles for the day we ended up doing over 16 miles, which for some may not seem unreasonable but for us it made for a long day.
The night at Charit Creek Lodge was again the same ‘magical’, throwback in time experience we’ve come to expect, and it was made extra special with IPA’s and ‘pizza’ on the porch while enjoying the ‘nature TV’ thunderstorm show from the protection of the lodge porch.
Not all was perfect on the trip, though. When I went to change the battery on the Z6 the first night I was unable to find the spare Z6 batteries. I nearly ripped my pack apart looking for them, being certain I had inadvertently stuffed them into one of the many storage pockets on my REI Flash 55 pack, but the batteries were never found (turns out I had left them at home - duh!). I do always carry a ‘spare’ GoPro on my trips and in the end I had to film the 2nd half of the hike with the GoPro. That worked out OK, but the audio and low light capability of the GoPro don’t even come close to what the Z6 can do. I’ll chalk it up as a painful ‘learning experience’, and use the lesson to ensure it never happens again.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - about 45 minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3dHJvni
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: REI Flash 55
Tent: Nemo Meta2P
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@JoshEbersole]

Always a good day when I see a new video from David Gray pop up in my notifications.

[@nagaviper1169]

Always a good day when David posts a video.

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

I always enjoy the adventures! I think I hike to all these beautiful places vicariously through you! I love your Jaden and Baylee dogies. Great companions. Also enjoy Bob, Travis, Chris and Carl through the years. . Can’t wait till your next adventure!

[@braddavis6831]

The 2020 hiking season has begun😁! So glad the dogs came too👍. Thx David🤘✌️

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

I love the Big South Fork trails. I hiked it just before I started my channel. Great arches and wonderful views! Thanks for sharing!

[@PatJ61]

I get so excited when one of your videos pops up. Then, when I saw the dogs I was even more excited. Travis too, of course!

[@gwendy9100]

PatJ61 me too. Love taking the labs and the love they get while on this hike to an awesome place. Man what food!! And what a nice place to sleep. Love the camping too. Good job fellows !

[@courtneyadkins5832]

Super happy to see both those pups out on the trails again!

[@michaelpepper7230]

Finally a yt video where someone looks like they've hike for a day. So many look like they just walk into the bush 20 metres from their vehicle.

[@MADHippiesLife]

Nice surprise, David, a winter outing. Good weather (for winter), good timing on getting to the lodge and a good outing altogether. Thanks for sharing.

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

I thought you were going to get into bed as soon as you put up your tent. Guess not. The dogs are real troopers. The white one looks a little tired but ready and willing nonetheless.

[@TheTwinsDay]

So cute the dogs, I love the scenery , cozy home away from home. New here but full watched and thank you for sharing, definitely see you more regularly. Have a good day

[@stanrumph4123]

I especially enjoy those hikes with the pups. David, you make me feel like I'm along with the adventure. Just brilliant photos as well, and am looking forward to the 2020 season!! Many thanks!!

[@GreatWalksoftheWorld]

Love it. Nice work. Gives a great account of the walk.

[@patriciafitzgerald1953]

You make the greatest hiking videos! We love watching them!

[@jany2549]

I think I've watch all your hiking videos. I love the fact that you tell it the way it is. If your tired you say so, if the mosquitos are driving you crazy you admit it and if you're out of breath I know I'm not the only one when hiking. Love seeing the dogs! I'm also paying attention to a lot of the equipment you use and the food you take.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I love the Cumberland Falls area. Especially the lodge. Your dogs are so cute. Love the scenery out there. The pizza looked great and you always have to share with the pups 😁. Really enjoyed the video and I love Big South Fork Area. 👍

[@sherrilee230]

You take very good care of your children. That is so sweet

[@kungazopa2831]

Just LOVE the Doggie back pack! Hope it is filled with the dog's treats and dinners!

[@davidgrayin]

Bailey carries the food for both dogs (unless it's a longer trip, in which I'll carry some to lighten her load), the Nemo 'pawprint' extra tent floor, the food bowls, and sometimes two extra 1/2 liter water bottles. Contrary to what some of the people on the trail were speculating, she does not carry the bourbon! (That's in my pack). I try to keep her pack weight under 10 pounds, and usually about 8-9 pounds (she weighs 85 pounds, and is in beastly great shape - she barely notices a sub-10 pound load).

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Great trip, and I love to see you out with the dogs! Thanks for sharing

[@joshuasadventures9294]

Great video as always! I’m glad you got to stop in my home town of Corbin and enjoy Bubby’s barbecue and Cumberland Falls! The Big South Fork has lots to offer!

[@HomesteadToTrailhead]

Glad to see you back, hittin the trails.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks Dave great video and great Hiking

[@charlienancy9768]

David, this is my first comment, even though we have watched every one of your videos. We love your videos, photography, and, of course, your great personality. We watched your gear explosion videos when we were just starting to hike. They were invaluable, and we began hiking because of you. Thank you for helping us find all the great things we were missing. We are in SoCal, so hiked some of the PCT, Sierra, Yosemite. These places are so different and beautiful when viewing nature from a trail. Thank you 🙏.

[@nelsonminingandabandonedplaces]

Awesome excited to see a new video. Looks like a great hike and adventure. Can't wait to see what the rest of your season brings can't wait.

[@elizabethwhite6364]

This was a fun surprise! Glad to see that you had a video up! Beautiful country and very glad you got nice weather! Love that you took the dogs with you - love that! Great places to stay and nice hiking! Thanks for taking us along!

[@bethvancleave1380]

Thank you very much for the hike. My husband & I did that loop. This was sooo wonderful for me to see again. Husband has passed & I’m 68 so dont plan on backpacking again. Love Love Big South Fork!! A really magical place

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you Beth! I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband, but glad that I could let you relive some of those memories that you had with him. A lesson to me to enjoy every moment because you never know when everything can change. I agree with your thoughts on Big South Fork being a magical place - I've done three trips there now, and it has been better for me each time, I hope/plan to get back there again soon.

[@OutLan]

Love your dogs! Wish mine would go hiking with me. I've been past the Charit Creek Lodge, but never stayed there. I think you've just convinced me it's time. Great vid!

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thank you so much for taking me along on this backpacking trip with you .

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Great way to open 2020,,,Looked like the weather was certainly in your favor for this time of the year......dogs are always a treat........Stay Safe and God Bless....

[@thetjomster]

Finally the 2020 David Gray backpacking season has begun! And, as always, your content is amazing! Love your videos.

[@PavleBalenovic]

It was certainly nice adventure and you obviously enjoyed. Great scenery. All well filmed. Thanks for sharing.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Great trip... Enjoyed watching. Your dogs surrounding your buddy when he was eating cracked me up. It's cool you're able to take your dogs along, my dog is a city dog. The trip was awesome from start to finish. Thank you for sharing, take care David.

[@catchaser52]

Thanks for this great video. I admit I would rather do this next to a Camping Vehicle, especially if Dogs were along. Keep it up, age creeps up on us quickly. May your good Karma keep with you. Great Pictures at the End.

[@mikehuber2480]

Nice to see a video pop up this time of year! Didn’t think we would see any until this spring or summer. Hope to see you in Colorado this summer!

[@MarkfromArizona]

OMG! I could not believe it, a winter trip. I was so excited and you did not let us down . Great trail and remember this place from last season. I was surprised or maybe you did not show carrying the dog over the bridge this time . Keep up the great hikes ....Mark and Eva Tonopah, AZ

[@davidgrayin]

Fortunately, the bridges where I had to carry Jaden across were at Savage Gulf, TN and not Big South Fork. They do have bridges at BSF but they were all 'beefier' and more stable than those we encountered at Savage Gulf. Jaden just doesn't seem to like the suspension bridges that sway a lot, and that you can see through the bottom. He was fine on the bridges we encountered on this trip.

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Nice trip, I was excited to see a video from you agian. Glad you guys had nice weather.

[@stephenhiker9807]

Those cabins were great.

[@barb61]

What a wonderful surprise to see a David Gray video in February!!!! Made my day- awesome as always!

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Nice video. I always love seeing the dogs on your trips. This video makes me want to visit Big South Fork. Thanks for taking us along.

[@MyraStory]

Wow, such a beautiful scenery. Love it!

[@jimgoodman309]

Thanks for another great hike David!

[@smnash51]

Loved watching this and love Big South Fork.

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

Wow that first day over 16 miles i bet you all was just beat. Thanks for.the new video.

[@4Score747]

Beautiful scenery! Thank you for sharing!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

The high miles paid off. Lol Glad you avoided the weather. Great video David as always!

[@davekoch4335]

Enjoyed your video,great start to 2020,looking forward to seeing more.🙏🌿🌳🌱🍀🍁😎⛺

[@jeffmorris739]

Charit Creek Lodge! Boy that's ruffing it. I have backpacked that area and you have to walk a lot of horse trails but just beautiful.

[@mistikbunny7840]

This looks like a great hike! Glad the weather held for you.

[@mary.peacefulhikesn.j.3350]

Great video! I always get nervous when I see people out in cliff areas like that with their dogs off leash. You are a good doggie parent!

[@muleskinner47]

I liked the coffee scene.

[@karentanner1078]

Looks like a great trip!! Always a good day when one of your videos pops up

[@TheAlmostForgottenOutdoors]

Awesome video!

[@MrJoebmxer]

Those were some great HDR shots at the end 👍

[@guyo1947]

Nice video luv them labs

[@papawinthewoods]

Great video David. I live just outside the Big South Fork and am really grateful when someone showcases this underrated park. When I saw where you were at along the John Muir Trail I had a hunch where you would be camping for the night. I was just down through there in October on my way to the Parch Corn Creek Homestead. It's a beautiful area. Thanks for showing the BSF and the diversity of the land, from awesome clifftop views to gorgeous mountain streams, the John Litton Farm and the historical Charit Creek Lodge. You Rule David!

[@rustyflippo764]

Just found your channel , enjoyed the video ! I'ma subscribed , thanks for the cool video!

[@timothyh.1460]

Excellent choice in adult beverage. W.L. Weller is one best bourbons for the money. Premium taste for mid-range price.

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Can’t wait to watch this tonight! Planning to hit this area myself before spring. It’s been raining so much here in TN, there haven’t been many opportunities for local dry backpacking this winter.

[@angelcrusher420]

Can’t wait to watch this it’s so awesome to get a video this early in 2020 from you.

[@davidgrayin]

I'm working on the 2nd 2020 video right now too (just-completed Red River Gorge trip with Travis and the Schill Bros) . I'd hate to say I've been 'converted' to winter backpacking, but I'm almost thinking I have been! And I have a third 2020 winter trip planned in late February (another RRG trip with All Things Outdoors and Backpacking with Jason). The 2020 season seems to be off to a 'prolific' start! Thank you for watching - truly appreciated.

[@angelcrusher420]

David Gray Well you should have no problem getting Bob out there in the cold LOL. I was converted to winter camping/hiking in my mid 40s. You’ve got the right gear for it all. Enjoy it while you can. After camping in very cold and snowy conditions I pondered why I never took advantage of it before.

[@happy-kz8lb]

@@davidgrayin you should collab with darwin on the trail you 2 are my favorite youtubers

[@Mike-cj3nw]

I've done sections of the John Muir trail in the California High Sierra. Boomer my black Labrador retriever mix is getting too old to hike much. I've taken him to the top of several peaks in southern Arizona. Next spring he'll be 13 yrs old, luv 💞 him.

[@sincitycapital]

Glad to see you back on the trail!

[@victorcastle1840]

I was surprised where all the dogs were allowed . Great video of the country .

[@angelofloveiam50]

Love you jayden enjoy every moment soak up the memories my friend glad 2 see your new video

[@LWilli5]

2020 off to a great start!

[@april906outdoors3]

Always a great day when one of your videos drops! Been looking forward to watching you and Travis hike with the best partners ever - this video is lab tested, and lab approved. :) wishing you a happy, healthy, hiking 2020.

[@Hokiealum99]

Lol. Love the bellows slash pad pump. I did the trip the reverse of your route and had the same trouble. Camped on the other side of the lodge about a mile and ended up hiking all the way to Bandy Creek campground. I was 46 at the time and that was a rough day. I remember it being something over 20 miles. Camped at Bandy and then got up and slacked it to my truck at the west entrance. I couldn’t move for a week after that. I have never been that sore. I do love that area though. Thanks for sharing.

[@Soloholobologolo]

Thank you very much from Oz xxxxxx

[@Want2SurfNow]

So happy to see a new video up! Can't wait to see all of the awesome videos of the 2020 season to come!

[@davidallen6970]

congrats from gb. you have such a relaxed and pleasing personality, lovely to watch

[@TheSLODC]

Busted. You got off trail at the top of the ridge and tried to short-cut to the road to descend the hill ... and in so doing, missed a great campsite at the top of the trail-hill before you descend. Monolithic rocks and water. Great area for backpacking. I hiked up that road / gravel hill once and it was absolutely brutal.

[@cgriggsiv]

Bailey is getting quite talkative 😂 lately I see that your friend join you on the strip I also see that you are using the backpack that you came down with in Mohican for the KZbin meet up again it was awesome meeting you

[@davidgrayin]

Hey CG! Yes, Bailey has been getting more 'barky' lately - not sure why, but since she seems to have acquired the loudest bark of any dog I've ever seen, her new 'talent' is a bit annoying - not to mention probably harmful to my hearing! Yes, I used the same REI Flash 55 pack I have at the Mohican Meetup - I bought that pack after my ZPacks Arc Blast failed just before the Yellowstone trip in 2019. It is beastly heavy in comparison to any of the cuben options, but it carries a load very well and I just don't want to spend the money on something else right now.

[@whatagreatday4906]

Nice trail!

[@olmedaenrique]

I feel like I was there with You!

[@doreenbooth4944]

Hey david welcome back ive been wondering when you were going to make another video nice to see the dogs again thanks for the video keep the videos coming for 2020 jayden is getting up in age but still going good dogs

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

The Charit Creek lodge was awesome!

[@JenniferLupine]

Great video! Nice winter trip - take care 😊😊

[@bokehbabe]

My stomping grounds. Love it there.

[@shelleybrock8835]

It's so underrated.

[@cameronpoole174]

Watching this now, the first thing that I think of is that we had no idea in Jan 2020 what was in store for us just around the corner.

[@joshholzinger6482]

Fellow Hoosier here. I love your videos and would love to hike with you someday

[@helenaquejano2930]

Everyone's much fun great dinner sir

[@josephbuckhoff6988]

*Nice Dogs... :)*

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Loving the video so far David! I have not hiked in Tennessee ever, yet every time you drive South over that bridge you bring the adventure! The overhangs around 13:44 are incredibly cool. I love the trickling rocks and dense vegetation. Last year we backpacked Death Hollow in Utah, which is an awesome hidden oasis in the desert, and has massive overhangs. If you ever make it out West, specifically Utah or Colorado we could make a video together. I know I don't have the viewers you do, but it would be a blast and the video would rock. Plus, I always bring great Rye Whiskey, IPA's, and good snacks! Keep the videos coming, as I was very excited to see a video this early in the season. Safe Trails!

[@FeelsrelaxTV]

good backpacking, share good friend.

[@kapayagmixtv5233]

Good job David

[@vy4648]

You got some nice shots, 👍👍

[@doreenbooth4944]

Great. Photos

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

looks like a nice day

[@carmelitaiten]

good adventure

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Great Video. Looking to do my first real cold/snow trip myself. 👍👍👍👍

[@hunterwhitford]

Welcome back!

[@sutherlandoutdoors8731]

This place looks awesome! I need to plan a trip there in the near future.

[@otway00]

Great video. Might have to take my dog Sam on a hike there

[@winkhvac62]

Well Done

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

Ha! You're sitting in the same chair I did last Sept. I think I had like 3 IPA's while I was there. Big mistake because I had to climb up and way up! The lesson here is don't drink and hike. Now there are exceptions... :) I completed the entire Sheltowee last year, what an awesome trail!! I also experienced a difficult stretch along the river where I had to do a lot of night hiking to find 2 suitable trees to hang from I think it was a stretch after you come off the John Muir trail, not sure. It's also the same stretch I encountered a mountain lion staring me down until it bolted into the forest. Pretty unnerving let me tell ya.

[@jdmccartney1]

I was feeling your pain , busting out a 16 miler first trip ..ouch!! I’m sure there was a point when you said “ I’m feeling every bit of that darn barbecue!” 😂😂 and getting out of the car after the drive back ... I bet that was funny 😆 sorry I’m laughing at your expense but its definitely a shared experience 😉and thank you for sharing those adventures and experiences ... looked like a great hike. 👍👍

[@stephenbeard9882]

Those big leaves are of the Big Leaf Magnolia Tree. It’s native to the smokies.

[@davidgrayin]

Ahhh... I was hoping someone would help me out with that one. I'm not much of a botanist! Thank you.

[@jmash41]

At 15:23 The leaves are from the Big Leaf Magnolia tree, commonly known as the "Cowcumber" tree. When I was a kid, hunting with my dad, he would fold the green leaf into a cone and dip water from creeks for a drink. landscapeofus.com/bigleaf-magnolia-macrophylla/

[@wc2876]

Very nice David! If you’re ever in DFW TX area look us up... I know where the BBQ and IPAs are😎

[@marcegrecco53]

Nice, I’ve been down to South Fork, it’s really beautiful..."...

[@PHILDUTCHFamily4]

have a nice day And Godbless you always:)

[@baumgartnerwm]

At 19:00 when you were worrying about camping spots you were less than a mile from my favorite campsite east of the Rockies. There's no obvious water, but it's there.

[@davidgrayin]

Any idea on GPS coordinates for that spot? I plan to get back there again and knowing where a good camp spot is would be great - even if I need to 'camel' in water.

[@baumgartnerwm]

@@davidgrayin 36.525831, -84.657981 It's out on one of the points. I have found water down in the gulch just after the turnoff for the camp in summer. Google maps shows the trail.

[@davidgrayin]

@@baumgartnerwm Awesome! Thank you for that. I know I'll be back there and every bit of additional knowledge on possible campsites makes the BSF 'experience' more comfortable, and enjoyable, for me.