Savage Gulf SNA (Tennessee) Backpacking - March 2019

To kick off the 2019 season the dogs and I teamed up with Carl, who I met through these KZbin videos, and travelled down to southern Tennessee to hike the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, which lies about halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, 15 miles or so north of I-24.
Strangely, despite quite a bit of research I’ve done over the years on backpacking destinations I’d never heard of Savage Gulf before Carl suggested it as a hiking location for our first adventure together. He described it as a blend between the Red River Gorge, Big South Fork, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Having now hiked it, I’d say that Carl’s description was spot on.
Having two cars made the logistics of the area quite a bit easier to manage since we had our own ‘built in’ shuttle capability. The area isn’t all that well suited to multi-day loop hikes, but the possibilities for 3-day or 4-day point-to-point hikes are abundant. We chose to start at the Savage Gulf Ranger Station on the east side of the area and do a 3-day, 23-mile point-to-point hike to the Stone Door Ranger Station on the west side of the area. It turned out to be a perfect distance for three days, though the 2nd day along the ‘Connector Trail’ proved to be quite a challenge.
I found Savage Gulf to be a great place for backpacking! The trails are abundant, varied, well-marked, and extremely well maintained. The topography and vegetation are diverse, and the views from the canyon rims are exceptional (though a bit scary when you’re traveling with two dogs!). And there are numerous campsites all of which allow (require) you to reserve a specific site in advance - this can be both a blessing and a pain, but at least you know exactly where you’ll be staying each night which eliminates the potential stress of late-day ‘campsite hunting’. Oh, and the campsites all have privies and are located near a water source.
I’ve decided to call Savage Gulf a ‘hidden gem’ because it was an unknown destination to me prior to our hike, plus it turned out to be an excellent kickoff trip for the 2019 backpacking season. Oh, and it didn’t hurt that we had absolutely perfect backpacking weather for all three days.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - about 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 Camera: Nikon D810 with Nikkor 20mm f1.8 lens
Video Cameras: Canon Vixia G40 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 15
HDR Software: Aurora HDR 2018
Video Stabilization Software: Mercalli SAL v4
Pack: ZPacks Arc Blast 52l
Shelter: Nemo Meta2P
Slide show music - Acoustic Guitar 1 by Jason Shaw, AudioNautix. www.audionautix.com

[@CarlMonin]

Awesome trip David! Thank you for letting me tag along with you. I really enjoyed it. Perfect weather. Perfect company. The video certainly sheds a new and interesting perspective on our hike. Well done! As everyone who has watched David’s videos knows, David is a true professional when it comes to his determination to produce a top-quality video; nothing less. Lots of hard work behind the scenes, on the trail and post-trail. What you see of David on-camera is what he is off-camera. And he loves his dogs. They couldn’t receive better care on a hike. They are a lot of fun! Thanks David. Looking forward to our next one!

[@davidgrayin]

Wow, Carl. Thank you for the very kind words. It was a great first hike together, and I enjoyed all the time we shared together both on the trail and in camp. Those times around the fire, watching 'nature TV' and the stars (especially on that incredibly clear first night), with the dogs snoring away in the background, will always be special memories for me. I'm certain we will be doing many more hikes together, and hopefully soon!

[@BryanDeLay]

Carl, it looks like you and David had a great time in Savage Gulf. Your bear bagging technique looks familiar.

[@CarlMonin]

Bryan DeLay thanks buddy! As you know, you are my go-to guy on bear bag hanging techniques and a few other backpacking tidbits that makes trail life easier. 🙂👍🏼

[@mountainmassage206]

Carl Monin In the video, I believe David said you live near the Savage Gulf area. I just moved to Gruetli-Laager in September and am always looking for a hiking/backpacking partner.

[@elawrence9262]

Matthew Sias You should totally hit up up Carl, he is a pro hiker.

[@jdc9023]

Was gonna do schoolwork, but David Gray just dropped his first video of the year. Gotta have priorities.

[@nobodyhikes]

The pups looked like they had a blast. It's always good times when you're sharing the cheese spread. Thanks, David!

[@jameter21]

One of the best backpacking vloggers out there, good to see you back this year!

[@Victorted]

Thanks for returning, David. Looking forward to once again following the adventures of one of the few YouTubing backpackers I can actually relate to.

[@lorenmullins8496]

Hey David! Loren from Packit Gourmet here - I'm so glad you and the doggos enjoyed our Cheddar-Jack Cheese Spread! Great video!

[@davidgrayin]

Hi Loren. That's funny... I was just texting with Carl and he said he had reached out to you. Thank you for watching, and thank you for your wonderful cheese spread. I still wish it was $3.99 per package like it was when I first bought it, but I'll admit I'd pay about any price to keep having it for our backcountry adventures (I probably shouldn't admit that!). You folks make some great stuff - not just the cheese spread.

[@lorenmullins8496]

@@davidgrayin Thank you so much for the compliments! We truly do our best to make the most delicious meals out there and it's so fantastic when we get to watch them being enjoyed! And I do apologize for the price increase, we wish it didn't have to happen :( I can say that we do everything possible to keep our prices low while taking care of our employees and keeping the lights on - promise!

[@eakinj]

You'RE BACK!!! About time!! (Taps foot) lol, looking forward to watching your trips!

[@Sharonius54]

Love your videos, David! Jayden and Bailey are funny and adorable, and your Dunkin' Donuts coffee pic as the Dos Equis' Most Interesting Man in the World is hilarious! 😁👍

[@SlightlyOffKilterCo]

I’m so excited that you’re back for the season!! I’m planning my 2019 camping season and always find inspiration in your adventures.

[@MarkFugel]

So glad to see this video...thanks for sharing David and taking us and the dogs along...love it! Happy trails my friend!

[@davekoch4335]

Nice,i can watch something decent tonight,glad to see your back,looking forward to the 2019 year.👍🎊🌲🌿🌞🎉⛺🌆🗻🌃🗿 happy trails.

[@dutch9548]

Thank God , David is back with a brilliant video and pictures . Love those two four foot drives enjoying themselves on the trail . Hope for more videos to come this year . Thanks David . 👍

[@stevobear4647]

SO enjoy your videos. Glad to see 2019 season has kicked off can not wait to see more.

[@nancycronin601]

What a fun surprise for a Sunday evening. Glad to see the start of your 2019 season. Looking forward to more. As always really enjoyed Bailey and Jayden. Your videos are so amazing.

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Glad to see you're back!!! The park looked absolutely beautiful & it was fun to watch the pups have fun. Campfires are always my favorite part of backpacking trips. Great montage at the end. Another awesome video!

[@drlehman73]

I absolutely love it when I wake up early, make some coffee and sit down to see who has posted a new video, and to my surprise I see David Gray with a brand new adventure. I feel Winter went by quick and know it's spring when David posts a new video. Thank you!

[@thebrizzy]

Beautiful place. I’ve backpacked there twice over the past couple years and went rappelling there many times in high school.

[@steveforsythe9264]

Happy to see you back at it, you do some of the best video trips ever and the photos at the end are superb!

[@coreyjcrump]

Just finished yard work showered and flipped on KZbin to see what’s new....and David’s BACK! Can’t wait to watch the trip! Welcome back David happy new hiking season!

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

So glad you checked it out! it's my favorite place to hike. i live about 20 miles from the Smokies, where I grew up, but I happily drive 135 miles to hike at Savage.

[@Patrick-ln8qr]

I've been waiting for you to drop your first video of the 2019 hiking season, and this one didn't disappoint. Awesome video as always, and I'm looking forward to seeing more this year.

[@danhendrix9768]

That was awesome it was great to escape with you guys and the dogs for awhile enjoying the outdoors as I was virtually there. Thank you and I"m looking forward to more of your backpacking trips.

[@courtneyb4169]

Great video as always. Fantastic start to the 2019 season!

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Great video! Looking forward to following along for your trips

[@justmare111]

Another great video. Really enjoyed the dogs along on this one, too. Thanks for taking us along!

[@armorvestrus6882]

Very nice trip it is good to see you come back to Tennessee again. I hope everyone treated you well. Thumbs up.

[@pagecats]

So glad to see you’re back!!!

[@frankiebolo]

Thanks David, I've been wondering when you were to start the season...good to see you're back on the track! Keep up with those videos and don't forget to enjoy yourself. A viewer from Italy.

[@cgriggsiv]

Glad to see you're still out and about hiking the pups are really grown quite beautiful look at them purity smiles It was a good long time from your last video to this video

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Beautiful area, I cant wait to see your next adventure.

[@damainbeauchamp8837]

So glad you’re back. My wife and I are fellow Hoosiers, love hiking, and love your videos. We just got back from the Red River Gorge and loved it. Miguel’s Pizza was fantastic.

[@onkelsort5381]

Great video, glad to see you grab the trails by the horns straight out of the gates! 🙂👍Looking forward to more trips, take care!

[@1903A3shooter]

That was so much fun, got tired watching that climb. Brown dog is a blast. The photos at the end are so well done, Thanks, Dave.

[@MarcusArmour]

Hi from Australia David, and welcome to the 2019 season (my season is just starting too as Summers down here are ridiculously hot!). Great video as always and that looked like a really fun trip, especially with all the company you had. Look forward to seeing more adventures as the season progresses. Cheers mate.

[@darlawebber2524]

Always enjoy your hikes. Your dogs are so sweet

[@danmasters8473]

Great to see the first video for 2019. As usual it is one of the best on youtube.

[@brianwofford3831]

You do coffee exactly like I do! Dunking with mug mate. Thanks for the video. I have covered all that ground in years past. J and G steakhouses and Porkys Pitare two of my favorites since I live very near them.

[@timjames6190]

Hey David Great to see you back on, we have missed watching your hikes..love seeing the dogs all the best Tim and Sarah in the UK .

[@adventurebythemile]

Thank God your back!!! I've been waiting and waiting. 🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

[@ZackSeraphicOFFICIAL]

If you haven’t tried the Fiery Gizzard trail, it’s always a good hike! Plenty of waterfalls, cliffs, creeks, etc.

[@oldunion]

This is awesome. I proposed to my wife at Savage Gulf in 2006. I have been going there since 1997! I've done your route numerous times and I never tire of it. Now that I live in NYC I still fly down to hike it. It's the best in the late spring and late fall.

[@cottonballs2776]

Great video David can't wait to see the 2019 Adventures love your videos

[@jackschwind4194]

Yay David, you’re back! Wilderness, cheddar cheese spread, and Dunkin’ Donuts adventures. Missed ya dude!

[@jasonford6166]

David, I am happy I found you channel. I live in Kentucky and with videos like this you have expanded my options for new places to check out. Really enjoy how genuine your videos are. Thanks

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for watching, and for the kind feedback. I'm glad I can give you some ideas for new hiking spots. I'm always on the hunt for new places to go. Only problem is way too many great places to hike in this country, and way too few vacation days!

[@HunterOSU]

Glad to see you back!

[@jdtreadway]

Nice trip !!! Looks gorgeous there

[@marklyons3792]

David, good to see you. Followed a trip you did a couple years ago last summer out of Grand Lake CO, up and across the Continental Divide. Fantastic hike. Amazing. Thank you for helping create some great memories.

[@barnfunkleone9423]

Another good video, thanks for continuing to do them.

[@rickneece7554]

Savage Gulf is the first backpacking trip I ever did as a kid. Its the area I grew up in. Glad you enjoyed it !

[@stevenbp101]

Hi so glad I found your channel. Really enjoyed your video. I like that your such a great animal person. God bless. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

[@fadingmargins]

Nice one! Reminds me that I have to keep my commitment to myself and get hiking this season my self - thanks for the inspiration!

[@girlnpointer2741]

Awesome video of your trip (as always!) Thanks for sharing!!

[@flyrodhiker8326]

This is awesome! My first ever backpacking trip was at Savage Gulf as well as my first ever solo trip! If they only allowed fishing in the creeks it would be heaven on earth for me! I was so excited to see you finally back on the trail and super excited to see you at Savage Gulf!

[@AROOnline]

Awesome! Glad to see you back!

[@LMay64]

Been looking forward to your new season!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Very cool area!!! RRG is one of my favorite places. That definitely had the RRG feel. Thanks for sharing!

[@AJKPenguin]

10:56 A quaint view, reminds me of Pennsylvania. : ) Good stuff, a great production.

[@goofsaddggkle7351]

He’s back!!!!!

[@nagaviper1169]

David is back, YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Great video David!

[@bassist116]

Great video! I live less than 3 miles from the park and visit frequently. Last year my wife and I made the hike from the Palmer ranger station to Stone Door but we took the south rim trail to the connector. It’s definitely not a easy task. As far as all the trees down a tornado did actually come through last November.

[@danbosler]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to getting back out there with my son.

[@hikingtochange7589]

I can so relate to your blonde dog needing help across that bridge. I feel the same way!

[@jamesconey8815]

Great video. I love how real your videos are. No fake stuff going on here.

[@timhayes1831]

One of my favorite places to backpack!

[@PatJ61]

Oh my goodness, but I've been hoping one of your videos would pop up soon! Great video of a great hike. I loved seeing the dogs and it's so nice that you had decent weather compared to some of the 2018 hikes. Keep them coming!

[@trailslug893]

He's baaaccckkkk. Always looking forward to your videos. Last November there was a tornado in this area. Over half of Savage Falls camp ground is now closed due to the loss of trees.

[@MADHippiesLife]

Great to see you on trail again! Looking forward to another great backpacking season, last year looked a bit challenging. We're gearing up for a thru hike of the CT this summer, come back out to Colorado and hike some of it with us. 😎🐾

[@vy4648]

Your dogs are happy to come along, good man. :)

[@conniejohnson9511]

When I clicked on this video, didn’t realize it was you. That was a happy surprise. Love all the videos and love your dogs. I can totally understand Jayden’s dislike of the bridges. That would be me. 😀. Keep them coming and happy hiking.

[@kinglonestar2760]

Been waiting patiently down here in TEXAS! Glad to get the notification about this one. Pssst...hey David, it’s pronounced “Top-a-TEE-o.”

[@shyra7480]

Happy New Hiking Year! Poor Jaiden and those bridges! 😂 such a good pup for making it through!

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, those bridges were really rough on him (and me too!). I didn't show it in the video because it took up too much time, but I made many stops on each of the bridges to let us both recover a little bit along the way. I tried carrying him across one bridge but realized about halfway over that we were both in danger of going over the side! In hindsight, I should have tried walking across the bridge solo, dump my pack and everything else to lighten the load, go back across, and carry Jaden back over. The problem was he would try really hard to find an 'alternate' way across, and some of those bridges had some big cliffs between the bridge access and the dry river bed (and I was afraid he'd tried to get to the bottom regardless - very dangerous).

[@jasonmears4393]

So great to see you on the trail again to kick off the 2019 season. I live in eastern Tennessee and have never heard of this place. Looks really nice. Another great video. If you ever hike the roan highlands or unaka mountain wilderness again would love to meet up with you. They are in my backyard. Cant wait to hear about your next adventure.

[@karlo8093]

Thanks for the vid David!. Wife and I are heading there this fall. Looking forward to it. Will be our first time there. I enjoyed you showing us around. Sure looks like Jayden enjoyed the creek on day 2 of your hike. BTW, used to live at 86th and Ditch on the North end of Indy, near the pyramids. Late 80's.

[@december451]

Enjoyed your hiking in Colorado!

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

I can't blame Jayden, those suspension bridges scare me too! LOL I was just looking to see if you had posted any new videos earlier this week. I just came back from a day of birding in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and low and behold a new video--Yahoo!

[@williamhager1872]

Awesome! Thank you, this was excellent.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Well, guess I'm not going to sleep yet. Excited for this one.

[@KatWoman_]

Another quality video, David. I enjoy your humor immensely. In fact, as I am on a long vacation, I am going to watch the video where you got off trail and you filmed yourself through the thick vegetation, LOL. I hope you get all the permits you are hoping for this year.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you! Oh, I remember that stretch of trail clearly. I may have chuckled my way through it, but that was only so I wouldn't cry! There is nothing more demoralizing than hiking for a couple hours on a brutal trail (that wasn't really a trail!) only to find yourself right back where you started, and especially when we were already facing the longest day of the hike. Nothing to do but take a deep breath, re-group, and press on (come to think of it, that can apply to many things that life throws your way!). I'm still waiting to hear back on my permit requests for the Wonderland Trail and Glacier NP, but Travis did get a permit for Yellowstone NP in late June, and both Carl and I will be joining him for that hike - can't wait for Yellowstone!

[@timothyedmonds1622]

awesome trip!

[@kayak736]

I really like your videos! I like that you show your drive there, the spots at which you eat, and the photos at the end. Plus, I live on the southside of Indy so on your drives I'm always seeing if I know what part of the interstates your on! I'd hike Tecumseh with you in a heartbeat! I've only been as far as Fox Den Shelter. Really like to hike the rest with somebody that has been. Thanks for the video!

[@CLCox-ur9ux]

I was at Savage Gulf the weekend after you. I have been there several times and it is a beautiful area to hike in for sure. That outhouse at Alum Gap campground is bar far the worst it has ever been my pleasure to park my rear end on lol.

[@markbuschmann6225]

Yesssssssssss!. I'm ready for another great backpacking season with cheddar cheese spread. By the way, start cold soaking the cheddar cheese a couple hours on the trail before you into camp :)

[@franpike1]

Great videos as always! Nice to get out in the spring and not get drenched like last spring!

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, that weather was a really nice change from Spring 2018. I can handle the rain if necessary but forgot how pleasant perfect weather can make a hike - felt like I had a 'perma-smile' on my face... at least until we found the Connector Trail! Maybe that great weather is a sign of what we'll have for all of 2019.

[@Linnelly]

Im from indiana too! I love your vids!

[@angelofloveiam50]

Hi to the dunken donut. And cheese spread king big daddy david grey love ya guy love watching your videos a big happy fall wish. Season to you and jayden and baylee. And your friends

[@HikerGal1]

Really enjoy your videos. My brother (Carl) got me hooked and now he's hiking with you. Small world. Keep the videos coming!

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for sharing your brother with me for our trip! We had a blast together and the hiking 'chemistry' was excellent (at least I thought so... don't want to speak for Carl). If you'll continue to let me 'loan him out' on occasion, I plan to do many more hikes with him - maybe you could join us for one?

[@HikerGal1]

Maybe he will bring you to the Smokies. You can get a free shower, meal and lodging and TRAILS. He said he had a great time! Ready for more. You guys have fun!

[@themountainsarecalling42]

Thank you for the video! So fun:)

[@fletchdad8755]

I hope the dogs are well!

[@angelcrusher420]

I kneeeeew you’d come through with a new video for us!!

[@DoThaWork]

David come to NY or NJ for your next trip there are so many great spots to thru-hike!

[@FollowingTheAgees]

We were just saying, “Isn’t it about time for some David Gray vids?!?” We hike year-round here, and this is the most beautiful time of year! The super blooms are amazing, a few we’ve never seen! We count on the Dunkin’ and cheese dip, dogs and campfires...but the PICTURES😊at the end are always the cream cheese icing on the carrot cake!! Thnx, David...you never disappoint! (We got 2 new cams since last season, the Osmo Pocket and the Sony A6400, with gimbal.) I know you were looking at mirrorless options, in order to save weight. Btw, we already got warned by the first rattlesnake this season...I almost stepped on him! 😬

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

Feel ya on that water issue. We did a 12 mile day hike there with the rim trail out and then the river trail back and i thought, no problem we will have plenty of water when we get to the bottom of the canyon. Big ol nope! Wound up getting run off from some over hangs. Turns out the river channels down into some underground caverns. It was a thirsty hike. Still epic though.

[@explorationnorthwest]

Nice video, David

[@thors_shadow]

Great video. I use mushers secret on my dog all the time. Keeps those pads nice and healthy.

[@cjones7692ify]

I'm still surprised you don't have more subscribers. I enjoy your content

[@cjones7692ify]

And if you ever want to do a trip on the AT around Va give me a shout.

[@porkchop5678]

Love the dogs looks my two labs.

[@cgriggsiv]

That was a very good video glad to see you out and the two puppies are out with you Your guest companion did a hell of a good job on his hike as well

[@RustyOutdoors101]

We walked up on a very large rattlesnake laying in the middle of the connector Trail as we were on our way up from the valley floor to Hobbs cabin no way I was going to turn around and go back LOL that snake had to move. :-)

[@WeaponsMachinist]

Great video. The connector trail sure wasn't a walk on the beach.