Cheaha Wilderness (Alabama) Backpacking - March 2021

The second hike of the 2021 season took me south, to the Cheaha Wilderness of Alabama, for a hike with Carl, Travis and the dogs. It's hard to believe but it had been nearly 10 months since I last met up with Carl and Travis for the 2020 Cranberry Wilderness hike (thanks to Covid crushing our 2020 western trip plans).
I'd been wanting to get down to the Cheaha Wilderness for a number of years, and actually had a trip planned there in 2019 to do the popular Pin-Chin-Sky Loop hike (an 18-mile loop consisting of the Pinhoti Trail, Chinabee Silent Trail, and Skyway Trail) but with bad weather in the forecast then I decided to hike the Red River Gorge in Kentucky to shorten the drive.
When planning this trip we looked at three different options: (1) the Pin-Chin-Sky Loop, (2) a north-to-south, point-to-point hike from the Cheaha Trailhead to the Adams Gap Trailhead entirely on the Pinhoti Trail, and (3) the hike we eventually decided upon - a 3-day 15-mile loop hike starting south on the Pinhoti Trail from the Cheaha Trailhead, to the Odom Scout Trail, connecting with the Nubbin Creek Trail, and then Cave Creek Trail back to the cars. After hiking in the Cheaha Wilderness I'm certain any of these options would have made for a great hike, and we all plan to get back to explore the other hike options in the future.
Aside from a gnarly, seemingly endless stretch of rock-walking on day #1 (ok, probably a mile or so - seemed much longer!), the trails were very pleasant to walk on - fairly smooth and gently graded, and the views were outstanding (aided by the early-season lack of vegetation). Campsites were fairly plentiful, but water was not. But, thanks to the awesome Guthook app 'Pinhoti Trail' download, we knew that there likely would be no water until we reached camp on day #1 at the 7-mile mark, and had planned accordingly.
On day #2 we had no Guthook app 'coverage', and no advance knowledge of the trails or water conditions, and that added a bit to our stress level, but in one of those amazing 'the trail provides' moments we came upon a group of two hikers heading in the opposite direction that gave us great 'intel' on water and a campsite for night #2 (for those thinking of doing this hike, there were only two water sources on day #2, and one source on day #1, so three viable water sources on the entire hike - all shown in the video).
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little less than an hour 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: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
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

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Great video David. As always, you make fun and engaging content. Love the guys, the spam stick, and just your drive to get out there in the early seasons. Cheers to your next adventure, and safe trails!

[@lcadieux1]

Loved the Spam tree! Another great adventure with the doggos. Thank you David.

[@steveforsythe9264]

Nothing like starting my day with a new David Gray video. Awesome trip you guys, now I can't wait until the next one. Spring has sprung!! Cheers!

[@atlantaguy762]

It's always nice to see good people having a great time. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Another two thumbs up video!

[@butchferguson8430]

I love your interaction with your Dogs! They are awesome!

[@booniemandan1066]

Thanks for posting another 1 of your trips. I can't wait to get back out there again myself. I have used many of your trips as guides to help me plan my trips. I live in CO and am planning a couple here as well as the winds in WY. Thanks for your content!!

[@tughoward]

Good to see you out on the trails again, good video!

[@cgriggsiv]

At work at the moment so I will be watching this later on and I cannot wait David have yourself a fantastic day

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great hiking partners to have with you, Carl, Travis and the dogs. Alabama is my all-time favorite country band...great music! I probably sang "My Home's in Alabama" throughout your video in my mind :) Drones really add a special element to every video. To see a bird's eye view of the landscape is such a cool addition. Great video, David!

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Great Video David. Did that trail in May & loved it. Much warmer & yes no water in the beginning. I enjoyed the video. 👍👍✌️

[@AJKPenguin]

Cheaha Mtn is on my bucket list. : ) Thank you for uploading David.

[@barb61]

Another awesome David Gray video! I was going to do the Chin Pin Sky loop last December but had heard there was still a lot of debris from the hurricane over the trail. Looks beautiful! Good to see Travis and Carl as well. Jayden is a trooper!

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks for sharing again David.

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Great trip and great friends! Food was fun - awesome! Your tent looks pretty warm weather friendly - maybe a different one that will block the air a little better! You and the dogs should be toasty in there! Love that you take them along and sweet Jayden is still doing great! Really enjoyed that you had a great trip up for 2021! Thank you!

[@stephenbeard9882]

That’s a tough hike especially with the leaves covering the rocks, but it’s a beautiful hike. Thanks for sharing.

[@teddysmith457]

You are awesome David Gray thank you for sharing

[@beneverett3385]

My favorite KZbin. Always looking forward to these! Was over at Cheaha in January, Chinobee (spelling) silent trail to be exact.

[@bill1340]

really enjoyed this adventure. you don't sugar coat the challenges of backpacking. being 69 years old and relatively new to backpacking, I appreciate the reality of difficulty.

[@gretchenlopez787]

Beautiful video!!! Love seeing the pups have so.much fun. My girl Baileys would also lay on top of the tent as I try to set it up😅😅

[@dougtaylor7724]

Chee Haw is how it is pronounced. Great video. That storm really tore the place up. But that’s Alabama for you.

[@susan4981]

Enjoyed watching the video. I live in Fort Payne but from North Carolina. First time I have ever seen that, never knew that existed, and I love your dogs ❤🤗☺

[@conniejohnson9511]

I heard Bailey say “that biscuit will work perfectly” when you were eating it after leaving Jack’s. 😀. Another great video! Thank you!!

[@davidallen6970]

dear david you have so much charm and info. thanks for the vid.

[@jharbo1]

Mr. Gray, so happy that you came to this beautiful State, and doubly happy that you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing with the whole wide world my beautiful Alabama, sweet home.

[@davidgrayin]

You - and Carl - live in a beautiful state with so much to offer. I love Alabama. I'm so glad I was finally able to get down there for a hike, and I plan to get back again. It especially provides a great option for early and late season hikes, when the weather can be pretty nasty 'up north'.

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

LOL sir....Dixie put Alabama on the map a few years ago hiking the AT....!!!

[@rickloging5709]

Great video David! Enjoyable as always. Glad to see Travis and Carl! Like the new drone footage.. You ought to post a video on pre-hike restaurants!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Wow!!! What a really fun hike!! Looked like some great weather. Thanks for sharing some fantastic backcountry with us. Those drone shots really are a cool addition.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you, Jeremy. Yeah it was a great hike in a really nice area, and not really all that much further of a drive - I made it back to Indy in about 9 hours from the trailhead (ok, maybe a lot more than the 4 hours to RRG!). But there are multiple options for hikes there, and it could make a great destination option for early or late season hikes.

[@trailslug893]

Looks like Jaden's hiking days are coming to an end as those back hips look like they are giving her issues. Don't you just love Alabama's March weather. 80's one day 40 the next. We have had one of the coolest Marches in years after a very mild winter. Thanks for taking us along on your trip.

[@worldaccordingtomatt3525]

Awesome trip. Thanks for taking us along. I've never really looked into Alabama but I'm going to have to. Great views and we can't forget about that epic bed head the morning of the first day of hiking. LOL.

[@davidgrayin]

That bed head sure was something, huh?! My family was giving me some grief over it when we watched the video. I usually keep the hair pretty short for the trips but it's been longer lately (thanks mainly to Covid and avoiding the haircut places more than I should), and combine that with some trail 'grime' and a lot of tossing and turning overnight... and there you go. Looked kind of like a mohawk from some Mad Max movie.

[@cfsVchris]

Marvelous 🤩🤩🤩 love those good good pups 😍

[@u4ea1982]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@brianwofford3831]

I am finishing your nice video. Thanks very much. I am planning my first visit to Cheaha State Park this Friday.

[@lisastarmer7012]

Enjoyed watching your video! My friend and I just finished backpacking in the Smoky Mtns. We followed along a route that you had done in a past video. Alum Cave - Mt LeConte - Kephart etc. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@OutdoorOperator]

Always wanted to check out this area. I'll have to keep this one in mind during the cooler months.

[@cynthiajohns5878]

I am truly enjoying your trip. I can’t hike like I used to, so I can let you do the walking and I enjoy the sites. I miss the camping so much. The cooking over the fire was so good. Stay safe and I hope yawl Joe through Ochoa State Park in Tennessee. Pretty place to visit. You guys are so much fun. 😆

[@tennesseenana4838]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, your videos and have walked with you in them from the comfort of my chair. Being in my 70s I'd have given you a new definition of 'Granny Gear' if I'd really been there.. Have you ever thought about how the early pioneers walked those areas without trails, GPS, etc? Interesting thoughts! Your scenery photos after the hikes are a bonus - like extra chocolate. Thank you so much for your positive videos that many, many people enjoy.

[@LWilli5]

I so enjoy vicariously hiking the beautiful places of the country with you and your friends. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@ltanderson7916]

Good to see you back, been way too long

[@TheMccluref]

That's a good trail. I was planning on doing it myself in another month. You will love the stairway to heaven. Lol

[@C-TOS]

That town is for my bucket list. My old man loves the band Alabama, I also grown to like it.

[@l214laus]

What lucky dogs to go on a long W with a caring master and the other two gentlemen.

[@naoh4213]

Hey David! Happy trails guy!!

[@agbiagvlogconce2680]

nice to be here friend have a great moments have fun and enjoy life . God bless

[@pjreads5014]

Woohoo! Another David Gray backpacking trip report! You've made my Friday night! Cheddar Cheese spread!

[@LittleTravelChannel]

Finally a new episode. Been way too long. Can’t wait to watch...

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Always look forward to a David Gray adventure popping up on my youtube! You were one of the first I watched on youtube!

[@scottbutler1561]

There's no substitute for southern hospitality. I can't remember the last time a proprietor just sat down with a cup of coffee in his restaurant and took time to talk about the small business that is his life's passion. Great hiking video as well, as usual, but it's the hidden treasures that really make your videos a pleasure to escape to.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, I know, for me too. Those moments... like that in Sally's, are a lot of what I live for on these trips (as you've figured out!). I love the backpacking, and always will, but those type of adventures we had in Fort Payne are equally important to me. Just love the 'exploring'... and interacting with people like 'Sally'.

[@mindywong3839]

I was in Chicago one cold night in mid Sept and my company moved me from Columbus plaza for one night to a hotel whose name started with f if I recall correctly. So I went for dinner...not familiar with that area but it was crowded enough to not feel scared because it was about 8pm and I was alone. I went looking for late dinner and stumbled upon an eatery just like Sally's. Food was authentic and simple fare. I had a great and relaxing time there because it was not noisy. Had a satisfying dinner and walked back to that hotel. Would appreciate it if someone could help me with the name of that resto. That was downtown Chicago so I believe there shouldn't be too many of such decades old eateries. I would love to go back someday.

[@graftoutdoors472]

Looks like a great time!

[@JBENHIKES]

Glad you got to come down and hike mine & AS THE CROW FLIES HIKING’s trail here in Alabama. Let us know when you are going to be back down in Bama and we will take you to the really nice spots…Haha… Ya’ll come back now, ya hear ! - JBEN⚡️HIKING

[@mercevblogexplore]

I love hiking adventures I love nature so much

[@porkchop5678]

Good hike David.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks Dave great video and views keep on humping p.s. hate those rock scrambles both shins have tell tell signs from South Cumberland state park last week

[@cgriggsiv]

David as I'm watching this and Travis is there with you and having so much fun and you got the poochies with you the little doggies yeah I would say that half a mile would be quite painful for the dogs and your back and Travis back carrying one each to get across that Definitely have some beautiful views and from what I'm seeing shortly you're not going to be able to take the doggies on hikes like this much longer Excellent video dude two thumbs up Travis hello And to that other person I have no idea who he is or at least I don't remember him hello to you as well

[@kristinslauter]

Always enjoy your videos, definitely going to try the cheddar cheese spread this year!

[@northalabamahiking]

Awesome video

[@drc1883]

Love your vids David. Fellow Hoosier here.

[@DrJohn493]

Welcome to Alabama, glad you had a good weather window for the trip, even if it was a tad cold. Thoroughly enjoyed your impression of Ft. Payne and the BBQ joint you visited. Know it well. Don't be fooled by the folks that say Pinhoti (Pin-Hoe-Tee) is Native American for Turkey. As you found out on the route y'all took, Pinhoti really means "rocky." About that camp diet, I prefer the individually wrapped Spam slices myself. Diced and added to instant grits makes a great breakfast. Very enjoyable.

[@Victorted]

Waited a month to watch this simply because it was in Alabama. Only the Rockies and the Appalachians for me, went my thinking. Well, won't make that mistake again. Thanks for another exceptional piece of work. And keep those dogs out there. They're far better hiking companions than the 2-legged variety, in my experience.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, I understand. Been to the Rockies and Appalachians multiple times so I can understand, but the Cheaha in Alabama was pretty sweet too. Certainly adding it to my list of perennial options. Being from the midwest, warmer locations with much to offer (and the Cheaha Wilderness does have much to offer) are always destinations I'm looking for, especially for early and late year hikes. And just loved the people of Alabama too - made me feel like I was 'home'.

[@santiagohills3997]

I visited Munford for work a few years ago. I had no idea there were such pretty hills in AL. I did it as a 1 day excursion from Atlanta. I was sad to have to get back to catch my flight, not to mention it was February, and my next stop was Wisconsin ❄️.

[@MitchEmmons]

You were in my stomping ground. I have hiked that hike and that area many, many times. 👍

[@tinawache2021]

Amazing video once again .was so excited to see the notification of a new video of yers the other day..had to watch it straight away . And some new BREAKFAST whoop..was waiting for ye to say oats with mido..:-)))

[@clwhite1127]

My home state. I’m going to try this!

[@jackschwind4194]

Makes my day when I see a video pop up by David Gray! Have you ever hiked the Art Loeb trail in the Pisgah forest in North Carolina? Would love to see you do that one!

[@charlesduncan6529]

Welcome back David glad to see your back on the trail again! I should be out and about as soon as I get my second Covid shot, then its westward ho for me, got 3 stops to make out west before heading back to Ohio, Glacier Nat'l Park, Yellowstone Park and of course Zion Nat'l Park, going to take a month for the wife and I, but been wanting to do this for well over a year now, mostly because of you and your videos, so thanks! Hopefully I'll get to meet you out on the trail at some point!!

[@kcwins84]

What permits did you get for Glacier and Yellowstone? Skip Zion (it's a zoo) in favor of Buckskin Gulch.

[@charlesduncan6529]

@@kcwins84 the COVID pandemic killed our chances by not knowing exactly when we would be able to get our vaccinations so no permits, this year anyways, just going to do some day hiking!

[@kcwins84]

@@charlesduncan6529 , you’ll be happy to know that the east side opened up this year. Have a great time in glacier and if you want glacier or Yellowstone tips, let me know.

[@TerryYoungOutdoors]

David, I wish I would have known you were going to the Cheaha Wilderness. I'm in Huntsville, AL.(2 hours away). I would have joined you guys. BTW, you missed a cool place when you were in Ft. Payne. There is a place called Little River Canyon that is awesome. It's pretty much just day hiking. Yell at me if you come back to North Alabama.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great video David. I was emailing back and forth with Carl about your trip. He was asking me questions about it. I love that section. Awesome footage. If you ever want to do another section of the Pinhoti, I would love to hike with you guys. Crow✌️

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you, and we will definitely be back there. I love Alabama hiking, and I love the Cheaha Wilderness area. When we get back, we'll definitely get you along the next time we come down.

[@Mikelen11]

Every one of your videos make me smile. I Especially enjoy the end when you are sharing all of your photo memories. I'm always excited when I see a new David Gray video notification, and I immediately have to watch the whole thing. Thank you so much for bringing us along on your adventures. You have been a great teacher and an inspiration to me. I look forward to many more of your amazing adventures. One quick question about your dogs. Are they both Labrador Retrievers?

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you so much for those kind words. It's that kind of feedback that gets me excited to keep taking trips and making videos. Yes, both of the dogs are 'Labs' - Bailey is pure female chocolate Lab (with 'papers'!) and Jaden is a Lab 'mutt' rescue dog - but mostly yellow Lab.

[@Mikelen11]

@@davidgrayin thanks for replying. We have been trying to decide what kind of dogs to get that would be good family dogs as well as good trail dogs, and Bailey and Jayden look like the type that we need! They look like they really enjoy getting out there with you.

[@OutLan]

Great trip! Need to add this one to my list!

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Lance! You should do this one, and if you do let me know - I wouldn't mind getting down there again. I think it's a great potential destination for early and late season hikes - more mild weather than 'up north' - and the views are incredible. There are multiple hike options there so if you want to do something different than this trip there are certainly other options. If you ever want to go, let me know - I'd like to get back there.

[@OutLan]

@@davidgrayin Will do! Glad to see you getting out there! My next hike won’t be until the end of April. But it will be a good one!

[@Hikergy16]

Awesome David, can’t wait to check this out later man!

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Tyler! Thanks for taking a look at it (later) - I think you'll enjoy it. It was a really nice area to hike, with good weather, great views, and nice trails (except one gnarly rocky stretch). We need to get together this year and do a hike out west - I'll give you a call.

[@Hikergy16]

@@davidgrayin Cool man! Bryan Delay from KZbin speaks very highly of that area! And yes, please give me a call soon. I was actually planning on getting on a plane in May or June and coming out East for something! Maybe we could meet up!

[@rogermueller9143]

the dogs are Cheaha Pets!

[@john_kelley]

So great watching this! I was there on the exact same section of trail in November. Brought back some great memories.

[@calebneilson8249]

Nice trip, David! Where to next?!

[@MitchEmmons]

My dog, Hank and I did Chin-Pin- Skyway loop three weeks ago.

[@pigfender]

YES! It’s New David Gray Day!

[@mercevblogexplore]

I am done sir thank you

[@jeffreyallen1290]

I'm amazed Jaden is still going on your trips. He must be getting up there now. Are you feeding him doggy meds like Rimadyl, it does help them quite a bit. I hiked the Pinhoti and Odum trails numerous times in my teens and twenties and then once to the shelter in my thirties. There are great waterfalls and pools further south. Left Alabama for Colorado 40 years ago. Good times.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, I'm pretty amazed too! Jaden is now 15. Every time I take him I think to myself 'this could be the last time', but he just keeps knocking them out. His performance on this last trip was nothing short of amazing. That section of rocks was brutal on humans, but even worse on dogs, and he just dragged himself through there like it was nothing. There is something about being in the woods, and all of us together on the trails, that seems to melt about half his years off of him. And, no, he doesn't take any medication other than some 'Vetprofin' (prescripton doggy ibuprofin-type pain medicine) that I take along on backpacking trips for them.

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@courtneyb4169]

[aggressively smashes the play and like buttons simultaneously]

[@mitchcameron1742]

Good video. Cheaha pronounced Chee-hah. Pinhoti pronounced Pin- hoe-tee. Derived from two Creek words, pinwah meaning turkey and hoti meaning home.👍

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you. As you may have noticed from my videos I always struggle with correct pronunciation. I can always use a little help - thank you!

[@normannix4623]

Thank You for another great Video! The drone views are a great addition! Did you all make it to McDill point ? A look out just passed the plane crash? It had a great view of the mountain ridge line. Thanks again for another great video! Take care and be safe!

[@davidgrayin]

Believe it or not, we didn't get over to McDill Point. We had planned to take in the place crash site, and then press on. Our mindset was that the great views had been pretty much continuous with multiple overlooks so we decided to skip the extra side trail over to McDill, but in hindsight we probably should have at least stopped for a look. (I also get a little wigged out with the dogs on the sheer cliffs, and I knew that's what we would be getting at McDill - not the best reason to bypass it, but it was on my mind a bit).

[@normannix4623]

I do understand, I camped out at this overlook with my nephew for his first backpacking trip. Then got the fear of him sleep walking , so I could not sleep. Happy Many More Trails!

[@samconatti-fowler6496]

Does he ever do desert hikes?

[@zachcherry8221]

Christmas in March! This will make my day. By the way: Did Savage Gulf last week (torrential downpour in the gulf last day while going up the "hill" to the Stone Door. My legs hate me!

[@davidgrayin]

I remember that climb at Savage Gulf - I think my legs still hate me after that 'beast' at the end of a very long day. It was hard enough doing it on a beautiful, sunny day - I can't imagine what it was like in a downpour! But, boy, I sure like Savage Gulf - I need to get back there soon (maybe leave Jaden at home though - he sure didn't like those suspension bridges).

[@zachcherry8221]

@@davidgrayin it’s about 45 minutes from my house so it’s become my “local” stroll. Beautiful place!!

[@KatWoman_]

Great trip, David. Do you ever add some warm water to the dog’s breakfast on cold mornings?

[@davidgrayin]

No, I've never done that but it's a good idea - I'll give it a try on the next cold weather trip. I may actually bring some chicken or beef bouillon powder (or similar) to add a little flavor 'treat' in addition to the warmth. Thank you for that!

[@123poparock]

Can you put the cheddar cheese spread in your list of items? It sounds pretty good!

[@jibslundemo3245]

Packit gourmet

[@maswasnos8774]

That drone footage is incredible, what drone did you bring along for it?

[@davidgrayin]

I was using the DJI Mini 2 on this trip. It just came out recently, and it is the perfect drone for backpacking (at least for my needs - shoots high-quality 4K-30fps video, remarkably stable, very small and lightweight. I was just doing a test run on this trip, but I think it has all kinds of applications, even just parking it in one spot above the trail and doing walk-thru shots. I need to use it more to get a better feel for it, but it worked really well on this trip.

[@drc1883]

Is that DD coffee an instant or do you do cowboy coffee with it?

[@davidgrayin]

It's ground Dunkin Donuts, not instant. I use an old (2010) MSR drip filter to make it - the filter is more than a little beat up now but still works just fine.

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

I really need to know what that cheese spread is. Just order the MSR coffee drip. Thank you for that advice.

[@thegreatrandal]

PackIt Gourmet. The best tasting wilderness food. Check them out

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

@@thegreatrandal i did look for it could not find it. I will for sure look again. Thank you.

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

@@thegreatrandal i can not find it where do i look.

[@rcastillon1]

Fort Payne Alabama. . . . . Does it remind you of your home town?

[@davidgrayin]

It really reminded me of my home town - Alma, MI - when I was growing up. So similar. But then the 'big box' retailers came in just outside of town and the mom-and-pop shops downtown all started to go out of business. That doesn't seem to have happened in Fort Payne and it's really nice to experience, even with the Covid chaos. By the way, the downtown area of my hometown Alma has actually been making a comeback as a sort of balance seems to have started to return, and people value what the small local businesses have to offer.

[@susan4981]

Do you ever hear anything scary in the night 😀

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, a few times. Scariest nighttime moments were probably a tree falling (I think?!) very close to my tent at about 2AM on the 2nd night of the solo hike in Great Smoky Mountains NP in October 2017 - some have speculated it was a Bigfoot 'moment'! - and the first night in the Sierra in September 2015 on Ediza Lake when someone was shining a flashlight into my tent at about 2AM. Actually turned out to be an incredibly bright full moon, but the fear and shock were the same! The only other things that have scared me in the middle of the night were much more benign, but much, much more dangerous - hypothermia and stream flooding (multiple times for the hypothermia and one particularly memorable night of flooding in the Red River Gorge when I thought I might have to break down camp in a flood... with 35 degF and downpouring rain... with two dogs... and a massively flooded stream to cross... (Really scary night!). I've never been scared by real 'critters' or anything like that in the night.

[@werebusydreaming]

David, thanks for the great video. Unfortunately I must share information that you were operating your drone in the Cheaha Wilderness. I know the signs at the boundary into “Wilderness” areas identify this. Nonetheless, you are always responsible for knowing the regulations for drone operation. Note: a Wildernesses Area is much more restrictive than the National Forest that it lies within. I’m sorry to be the one to bear the bad news. I look forward to more of your videos.

[@adventurebythemile]

Last year April 10th I didn't make it 20 feet down a trail like that and I fell and really broke my ankle to pieces. I didn't have cell service but I did have someone with me. They drug me to the vehicle and I ended up in surgery with an 8-inch rod and 10 screws. It has totally killed my hiking. I am now a camper.

[@davidgrayin]

I'm sorry to hear that you got such a severe injury in that area, but having hiked it I can certainly see how it could happen. Really sketchy, and I don't think the video could do it justice. What happened to you is always my greatest fear, especially if I'm hiking solo, and your story makes it an even more 'real' possibility for me. I'll be stepping even more carefully the next time I'm in an area like that.

[@adventurebythemile]

@@davidgrayin oh my comment was confusing but I was in Mark Twain National Forest, Trail of Tears in Missouri. Rocky ground thou. I was 55 last year when it happened.🤕🤕🤕🤕🗻🗻🏕🏕

[@davidgrayin]

@@adventurebythemile Ahh, my mistake - sorry. But I do understand that rocky trails like that are all over, and all similarly dangerous. I hope the ankle heals up well enough to allow you to get back on the trails, but in the meantime car camping is fantastic too. I can relate to it happening at 55 (+, for me) - the 'ol body has enough to deal with and the injuries just make it worse.

[@alittlemoore1]

You need to try Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits. It's not made how you think it is.

[@davidgrayin]

I may actually give it a try sometime. It didn't actually sound as bad as I made it seem in the video, but I was just really craving some bacon-type biscuits at that time.

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

Where have you been...!?!? Watch out fur those dam cottonmouths...!!!

[@santiagohills3997]

The one downvote is upset that it took over half the video to get a freaking cup of Dunkin Donuts Coffee.

[@JohnChandler2006]

Great Vid...but from an Alabamaian...Cheaha is pronounced Chee-Haw.

[@mindywong3839]

David, With your abundant experience, would you consider organizing paid trips for your fans? Another revenue source for you.

[@gingermarie1760]

The Living God loves you so very much that He sent His Holy Son Jesus from heaven to earth, to be born of a virgin, to grow up & die on a cross for our sins, and to be put into a tomb 3 days and rise from the dead the third day, and He (Jesus) went back up to heaven. We must receive Sinless Jesus sincerely to be God's child(John 1:12).After we get saved by grace through faith in Christ, if we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, then we will obey Jesus(John 14:15). Mark 1:15 "And saying, the time is fulfilled, & the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, & believe the gospel." Jesus said in John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "There's a real hell. It says in Revelation 21:8 "But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone..." Please sincerely receive Holy Jesus and put your true faith and trust in Him today & repent!

[@jdvanny1045]

Wilderness in Alabama pffff .. what’s wilderness considered anymore 50,100 lousy square miles ..

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Can you literally not see that the white dog is physically unsuited, or do you just not care? It's cruel.