5 Days Backpacking Solo in the Cohutta Wilderness, Georgia: Hiking Through the Interior

[@jeremiahmakin8279]

Looked like a good trip. I’ve camped there since 2007. It’s great! Solitude for a week helps me appreciate people more. It’s nice to unplug. God bless!

[@elijahgrindstaff9561]

Enjoyed this video. I live about 15 minutes from Dally gap. I’ve been hiking and fishing the cohutta wilderness with my uncle since I was about 4 yrs old. Jacks river falls, the gorge on jacks and rough creek are some of my favorite places to go. When I was in my teenage years you could walk those trails and fish for a week without running into anyone, but now they are well traveled. Thanks for sharing, I have a lot of great memories on those trails.

[@Sleeves]

Excellent hike! You chose some very nice trails. Glad you were able to check out the Cohutta Wilderness of north Georgia. Definitely my favorite area to hike and my favorite spot is Panther Creek Falls. This trail can be very difficult to follow and very strenuous in the reverse direction than the one you took. Another tricky spot for me is the area where Rough Ridge Trail connects with the Jacks River Trail. I really enjoyed your multi-day hike. You gave some great details and I found it very informative. I recognized almost every spot you filmed. You will need to come back when the water is flowing better. Panther Creek Falls and Jacks River Falls are gorgeous during high water events. I need to try the no cook food experiment. Well done. Thanks for taking us along. I trust you and the family are well. God bless you, friend!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Sleeves Sleeves, thank for the nice comment, as always. You're right, at Panther Creek Falls, I definitely took the easy direction! Overall, I thought it was a great trip.

[@TaincapK]

I look forward to your videos, I always enjoy them, Thank You.

[@ToddDerrartist]

Great video! I just overnighted from the Beech Bottom trail and set up camp near the Rough Ridge trail junction with the Jacks River Trail. I'm new to the area and quickly falling in love with it.Like you, I didn't lay eyes on any bears, but saw scat and startled one about 30 yards up the trail and could hear it bashing off. Had to be a bear, I've jumped plenty of deer over the years and they are much more lightfooted. Anyway, digging your videos and they help me envision my own trips. Thank you.

[@drowsymuppet_2474]

Bro, you are a beast! Great fun video. Watched all the way to the end

[@thefoottraveler]

Nice video. I live in GA. and Cohutta Wilderness is my favorite place to backpack. I need my dog and a campfire each night though.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

When it comes to hiking, my dog is still in training . . . I sometimes make fires in the winter, but usually I hike until close to dark and then try to get right to sleep. Personal preference . . .

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Your'e the man ! LOL I cant sleep on the ground without my inflatable pads anymore. "Getting to old and stiff" Great hike with wonderful scenery and views. I've lost the trail on the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas due to heavy leaves and grown up underbrush. Kinda adds to the adventure.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I'm old and stiff too! I used to use a tent, which forces you into flat areas removed of leaves where others have camped. So the ground is hard without a pad. I've been experimenting with finding very soft ground. When it's cold, by the way, I have to use a pad, of course. Otherwise it's too cold. The best way I've found to avoid the stiffness is a hammock, but I really don't like to be enclosed . . .

[@jayarnold4149]

Watching all your videos leaning so much still have away to go . Best jay

[@leedavis5912]

I found this video a couple of months back and shared it with my wife. we live in the Chattanooga area. After watching we planned our own 5 day / 4 night excursion of the Cohutta Wilderness, completing it last Wednesday (4/5/17). we had an amazing time and the memories will last much longer than the yearly beach getaway....thanks for the inspiration Evan.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome! That's great. I'm glad you made it into the Cohutta for such a long trek, and I'm glad I could inspire you!

[@TheFatbutterpancake]

Excellent video. Very informative training throughout the whole time

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

Great hike Evan, and an awesome video. I could just imagine wandering around in the wilderness for that amount of time would be so amazing. And you write your music. Dude, You are amazing.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Well, I just mess around with the music . . . and the videos. But thanks! It was a good trip. Thanks for watching.

[@danemcdonald1721]

Enjoyed hiking Cohutta with you Evan. I also was there in October on a 3 day 2 nighter. Like you, I hiked Jacks, Panther creek, Conasauga and 3 other trails to complete a approximately 20 mile loop. It was great. Unlike you, I did see a bear. Really like all your videos. Thanks for doing them.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Dane McDonald You're welcome, thanks for watching. I don't know why I was unlucky in the bear department on this trip. I was expecting to see at least a couple ...

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Looks like a great trip! My wife and I hiked up the Conasauga (I believe it's pronounced Con a SAW ga but could be wrong haha) to the Panther Creek Trail and falls recently. I know what you mean about the trail through the boulder field, you just have to pick your way through as best you can. You're a hardcore dude, sleeping on the ground and not cooking. I like my hammock, and a hot meal and coffee in the morning too much to give that stuff up. I can see where you would save a little time though. We love it up there and plan on going back more as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

John Pennell John Pennell thanks for the pronunciation tip. That's how I would pronounce it, but it escaped me when I had to film that little segment. I sometimes use a hammock. But I found that if I can find the right spot, with lots of dead leaves, the ground can be pretty comfortable. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jeffpatterson8119]

I live a couple hours away and I've day hiked most of these. This is a fantastic route, goals for a week off. And likewise, I've heard bears, seen their scat, but haven't yet laid eyes on one in the Cohutta.

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video man! Georgia definitely have some beautiful places and a lot of great hikes. Thanks for sharing

[@boxingcompass]

Heh... "TearBritches Trail" at 16:23 ... what a great name for a trail! Looks like a nice hike, and wilderness areas are definitely fun for the reasons you mentioned.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Tearbritches trail -- it supposedly has that name for the briar patches that once flourished there. That's once I'll take next time, I guess . . .

[@swatsullivan]

Evan's Backpacking Videos Ha! There is a Tar Jacket Ridge on the AT which we hiked on our first Philmont prep hike this year. So named because of the briars that would tear (tar) your jacket.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Very good video. Just found your channel and subbed. Trying to catch up on your videos now. Your style of videio and demeanor make for good entertainment and instruction. Take care, Al

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Very nice comment, thanks!

[@markpowers5907]

I thoroughly enjoy your video's and your clear concise informative commentary.

[@uptrail7169]

Very Good Video Evan! It looks like a peaceful wilderness. I like it when you can setup camp almost anywhere. The Smokies and Pictured Rocks in my area have the same camping rules. That's why you see us backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains more. They also let you setup camp almost anywhere with only a few restrictions. It was neat that you didn't need the tarp on the other nights. Just think of what the water crossings are like during the wet season.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're right about the water crossings in other seasons -- that first trail I walked on isn't even passable at some times during the year. Thanks for watching, as always!

[@TeacherSBD]

This is my kind of adventure, except, I wouldn't do it without my dog. Thanks for taking us with you Evan

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I've taken my dog camping a few times and she has trouble settling down at night. But that's just car camping --- maybe if I took her hiking too, she'd be worn out enough to sleep. I definitely think about it every time I go out. Maybe soon??

[@TeacherSBD]

If it can help, I'll tell you about my experience. My dog sleeps outside at home and she likes to walk around too. But when I go hiking, I guess she feels responsible for my safety, because she stays right next to my camp all night. Same thing when I sleep in my shelter on my land, she stays very close.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Teacher SBD I think I just need to give my dog some more practice--maybe camp in the yard or something. Since she's an indoor dog, I need to find out to make her more comfortable sleeping outside. As it is, she's very curious about the noises and can't relax very well ...

[@bcn365]

Thanks for sharing. I like how you listed the trees that grow on each trail. Great content. I just subscribed. Happy hiking

[@Hangs4Fun]

Love the Cohutta Wilderness, nice video and music Evan. Have a great day and be safe out there

[@oquinnd]

If I'm not mistaken, that campsite above the Jack's River is where I camped with a buddy at the beginning of Oct! Love it there!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, great place. I want to go back when the water is a little higher!

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

I always enjoy your videos ... you always get clips of the real trail, not just the great vistas! Not sure if I could give up my Primus and hot coffee or cocoa on that long of a trip, but looks like it worked well for you! Thanks again for sharing your passion with us!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@Pwrcritter]

I love Primus as well 🤟

[@michaeltruelove8950]

That's a big hike..good job! Do citico next!

[@BackpackingBen]

Great trip report as always Evan.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Ben!

[@Chuck-a-Palooza]

Thanks for the video Evan. I'm heading to the Big Frog this weekend for an overnighter.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good luck! I like Big Frog too but I found water management was a little easier in the Cohutta. It seems like Big Frog has more trails that are completely dry. There are springs on some of the mountains, but I wouldn't trust them this year, it's been so dry . . .

[@hikehunter9572]

I have known about the Cohutta Wilderness, not been there yet. Thanks for the first look. You ever do the Lindville Gorge ?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

hikehunter No, but I would like to. I've seen a lot of KZbin videos about the Linville Gorge. It's a pretty long drive from Nashville, though.

[@infinitehikingloop]

Was just backpacking here ~36 miles this past weekend. You seem underwhelmed by the waterfalls, but your trip was in the middle of extreme drought conditions. For comparison, this past weekend all Jacks River crossings were at least to my knee if not mid-thigh--I'm 6' tall. I also found it interesting that you must have made it over Rough Ridge just before the forest fire started (Oct 16). We went to Panther Creek on Oct 21-22 with the Boy Scouts (and we hiked up Panther Creek Trail, which I think is much more fun than going down!), and Rough Ridge was closed to all hikers. You might enjoy another trip here to check out the effects of the fire. I also have yet to spot a bear here. Thanks for the video!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I'll try going up Panther Creek Trail next time -- that does sound more fun. I realized at the time that the drought was severe, and I was struck by how little water there was in the waterfall. And then the fire started shortly after I was there, as you noted . . . Thanks for watching and commenting--appreciate it!

[@JaxxDrinkwater]

At the beginning, I almost thought I was watching an episode of Survivorman. Great video man and I agree with you ! 19 river crossings ? You might as well not even try to keep 'em dry.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Jaxx Drinkwater Survivorman - - definitely an influence in how I edited this. Good call. As always, thanks for watching!

[@bwilliams3227]

Great trip man! Thumbs up! Love the cohutta wilderness.That panther creek falls trail is more like climbing than hiking. Happy trails

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate your comment and support!

[@STinGa157]

Thanks for sharing your trip. The Cohutta has been on my to-do list for a while.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

It's a great place -- you should check it out. Thanks for leaving a comment!

Excellent video, Evan. Your part of the world looks very nice, thanks for showing it, and for the info along the way.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, a great part of the world! Thanks for watching . . .

[@patriciascott223]

Really nice video. I like how you show what kind of trees are on the trails

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks. Just a little added info. I had a much bigger list of trees that I could have used. Sometimes I actually identify the trees on video, but I can't decide if that's too tedious/boring. Not for people that like trees, I guess!

[@nickharvey4578]

Very nice video! This came up up on my next to watch after watching Sintax77. I really enjoyed the commentating through out. I have subscribed and will watch more. Thanks again for a great video.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching. I'm still very confused about how KZbin works exactly, but I'm glad that you found me all the same! I appreciate the comment . . .

[@3196453]

You are hiking my favorite place!!! great video!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

My favorite place too now, I think! Thanks for watching!

[@3196453]

Emery Creek Trail for me this weekend. Test out my homemade top quilt.

[@ChasenGunzOutdoors]

Enjoyed the video. Keep up the good work. Be blessed

[@rogerlamb536]

Great video Evan, looks like you had great weather this hike and no cooking I liked that approach. Take care and as always I enjoyed.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hey Roger, good to hear from you here in the comments! Hope all is well. I'm looking forward to doing another hike with you soon! I really enjoyed that video Scott just did where he camped in your backyard. Looked like a blast! He did that a day or two before I set out on this Cohutta trip . . .

[@mikkat50]

Another great video Evan, I always look forward to each and every one. Mike !!!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Mike, appreciate it!

[@potatothorn]

AWESome trip, thanks for taking us with you. super sharp and with the sounds of hte forest feel like we are right there with you. very dense wilderness i love it

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Glad you liked the video -- something a little different, with less music and more natural sounds. Thanks for noticing . . .

[@potatothorn]

Evan's Backpacking Videos really felt immersed in the woods thanks again for taking us with you

[@swatsullivan]

Great video and beautiful wilderness. I don't know if I could go with only a tarp. I like my tent too much!! Will have to give it a shot some time. Thanks for taking us along.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome! I have tents and hammock but I usually prefer the tarp. It's definitely a personal preference . . .

[@dspeer77]

Awesome Vid Evan. Thanks for taking us along.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hey Don, thanks for watching! Hope everything is good with you!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Always enjoy your videos Evan. Congrats on completing the AT. Look forward to seeing you back out in the trails in Georgia.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks -- I can't wait to get back out!

[@TreyHorton]

Hiked Big Frog in October and saw no bears! :( Hiked about 4 miles into Ga on Benton Mack trail and turned around and came back. Hiking from Big frog to Daly next. GREAT video!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I really like the trails in that area. Thanks for watching!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Wow, that is an impressive trip. Being able to just explore like this is a really neat idea. I agree with what you said about the Smokies and planning. I have a trip coming up and having to stop or do more miles than I would want is a bit of a drag.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

It used to be that you didn't have to register for campsites in the Smokies! Wouldn't that be great . . . Or if you could camp anywhere? But I guess that's not going to happen . . . I still love the Smokies, of course, but every time I go there, I have problems based on incorrect assumptions about how far I'd want to go each day!

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

Awesome video! Your trip reports are fantastic for doing a bit of armchair hiking ;)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Roughing It With Ruth Thanks, appreciate it!

[@myadventureoutdoors]

I enjoyed this video. I see we are both fans of Tuna Creations packets. You really went bare bones on the sleeping gear, impressive. That was hard core. Ever get creepy crawlers or things that slither?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Adventure Outdoors When I sleep on the ground, bugs can sometimes be a problem. Spiders and ants. I just close up the bivy sack around me head if necessary. Animals stay away in my experience.

[@nibimocs]

Always love your videos! Very interesting doing a cookless trip. I'm going to have to consider that. As always, thanks for taking us along!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're very welcome -- thanks for watching!

[@TheSunkenGrave]

Great video. Enjoyed the journey.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks very much! I didn't do any singing on this trip. Hope you didn't mind!

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Great looking wilderness, Evan! Reminds me of the Cranberry Wilderness in WV, which, I believe, has been the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi since 2009, when it was expanded by 11,000 or so acres. You might have seen some outdated info...either way, it's another one for my list! And you should check out the Cranberry if you haven't already...no shortage of bears!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and leaving the comment. I'll definitely put the Cranberry Wilderness on my list . . .

[@Velakowitz]

When combined with the WMA that surrounds it on all sides, the "wilderness" is nearly 100,000 acres. Or if it's combined with the big frog wilderness it's bordered on the north, it's almost 50,000 acres.

[@snaponjohn100]

Thanks for taking me along Evan. I subscribed. Be blessed.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I subbed to you too - thanks!

[@Liquidforce4441]

Great video, very entertaining and informative. I have been planning to do a weekend trip to Blood Mountain soon but I may have to visit here first. I haven't hiked in Georgia yet but I am looking forward to some different scenery.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

When I did the video, the water levels were very low. I'm sure that the area is 100% better with more water in the rivers/streams. Good luck on your weekend trip, wherever it takes you!

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Awesome vid sir. Love the cohutta. That's my backyard hiking area. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for sharing.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Man, you're luck to live close to the Cohutta -- I really love that area . .

[@DMRoper-nn6dz]

I missed you by a week or two or three. I day-hiked Hickory Creek Trail, Conasauga River Trail, Panther Creek Trail, East Cowpen Trail loop (14 miles) on October 31, 2016. (Yes, going up Panther Creek is a challenge!) The Rough Ridge Fire started around October 16. The Forest Service closed Panther Creek Trail and East Cowpen Trail in early November and all of the Cohutta Wilderness a few days later. I returned and did the same loop in reverse on December 29. The fire damage didn't look severe. I think the CWA should be vibrantly beautiful this spring. You mentioned reading a book for several hours the first night. Do you recall which book? I, too, like to read on backpacking trips. Enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I just missed the fire. I'm glad to hear that the damage didn't look too severe. As for the book I was reading--I don't remember. I have a Kindle app on my phone with a ton of books on it. Sorry!

[@SalineScott]

That was an awesome video. Probably your best so far. Loved it and I loved the idea of no cooking. I may try that on my next overnight. I really like the idea of camping where ever you want. Wish I could have done part of it with you, but you seem to film better when I'm not around. Lol. Can't wait to see what you have in store for your next trip.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Scott Taylor thanks for the nice comment. I tried to avoid the trails that we plan to take in the Cohutta, although the Beach Bottom Trail was on the itinerary. That was a nice trail. There are still some trails I haven't walked on yet. Maybe I'll get back there soon!

[@jhonyermo]

Dang. Another Evan Vid I had NOT SEEN. LUCKY ME. Ha-ha maybe just put them in numerical order or something so we can't miss another? I have learned more on Evan's video that all of the rest (and I used to subscribe to many) I have seen in the last two years. PCT CDT AT and all the rest put together. EXCELLENT

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@ronniemeadows9101]

Another great video.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@brerbug2240]

Jacks Falls was a fun place to go many years ago. You can jump or dive off a ledge on the upper falls and also from a large boulder at the lower falls. Few people knew about it, and it seemed remote because you had to walk 10+ miles to get in and cross the river so many times. Ironically though, there is parking on the TN side and a short hike of only a couple of miles in to the falls, and it has become very popular. As a result, there are usually lots of people there (families and children) on weekends and the area around the falls has been over-camped. At least that was the case on my last trip there about twelve years ago.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I don't think you can camp anymore right around the falls -- there is a large restricted zone due to overcamping. I have the good fortune of being able to backpack during the week, so I miss all the weekenders. If my KZbin channel were bigger, I'd worry that I was contributing to crowds in the parks. But I don't nearly enough people watch my videos to be materially impacting anything . . .

[@TipiWalter]

Good loop. And going down Panther Creek is always a challenge. I've backpacked up it about 6 times but only down once---because my pack's always in the 70 lb range. Tricky with all those rocks. That Rough Ridge campsite at the bottom is one of my faves, and the trail itself is a tough haul UP. I always like to crap out in Crooked Dogwood Gap on Rough Ridge which has water. Rice Camp heading down is nice although the Jacks crossing in high water at the bottom of Rice Camp can be very difficult. Thanks for the vid.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You’re welcome!

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

you made a good loop. that's one of my favorite hikes. I have that same map.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, it's a great loop -- thanks!

[@neon333]

Great adventure Evan. The Cohuta seems to be a popular spot for Southern KZbinrs! I hear you on the sugar thing. I'm trying to work more fat and protein into my food bag. I think natural sugars (dried fruits and berries) are ok. Can't imagine going without a hot meal though. Thanks again.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

My wife said I should have packed mayo to go with the tuna. That's a good idea -- more fat. And don't get me wrong -- I still like a hot meal! I suppose I could do a similar plan but just cook once or twice . . . Lots of options, I guess. Thanks for watching!

[@JamesRobertSmith]

Cohutta is where I learned to backpack. I went to high school in Ellijay, GA. I've always read that the wilderness has very high black bear population density, but in all of the trips I ever took there I never saw or even heard a bear. I suppose there's a shyness to wilderness bears as opposed to park bears.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, probably so. Thanks for commenting!

[@snakejumper3277]

Great video, I like your food choices. The saturated fats in meat & cheese carry you longer than sugars & carbs. On a side note, I went up the Jack's River trail this week & discovered that north of the Rough Ridge trail junction the trail is covered by downed trees & dead falls for maybe a mile. It makes for a grueling hike experience.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Sound tiring!

[@IrishZombieNation]

Great video!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@YesterdayMeetsToday]

Great to see you back on the trail Evan, looks like a great place. Have you been to Frozen Head? My son went a few weeks ago and said it was awesome.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

A few months ago I learned about Frozen Head by watching the movie "the Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats Its Young." Great movie, by the way. After that, I drove out there one day and did a three-hour hike. Great place. I can't believe how those mountains seem to rise out of nowhere. I haven't backpacked overnight there yet, but I want to . . .

[@brerbug2240]

30+ years ago this was a wilderness area with few backpackers. I think the trails were walked more by fishermen and forest rangers. Some things that stand out from my experiences in the Cohutta; I made the mistake of taking along an English Bulldog with me on one hike. Crossing the Jacks River multiple times with her, and having to wait for her to catch up when hiking out was miserable...for both of us.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I was backpacking 30 years ago-I did it a lot with friends in high school. More like 35 years ago. But we backpacked in Missouri. Back then, there were not many ways to find out about places to backpack except by word of mouth. It's very different now. Still, though, on almost every trip I've been to lately in the Cohutta or Big Frog, I haven't seen anyone during the week. I guess that's the secret - avoid the weekends!

[@whatnot987]

Man that's hardcore hiking and camping right there. Excellent video. I have hiked on the Beech Bottom trail and then a portion of the Jack's River trail, to the falls, with Sleeves. I really love this area and north Georgia in general. My wife and I have traveled to I think 13 states now and north Goergia ranks in my top 3 behind Virginia and my home state of West Virginia... Sleeves and I did 11 miles the day we met up and I have to say I was maxed out. Couldnt imagine doing what you did for 5 straight days...and you didnt even have a tent or hammock. Like I said, pretty hardcore. Thanks for sharing. Take care. Oh and I meant to ask, why do people take so much sugar when hiking? Wouldnt slow carbs, like oats, be better? Sugar is a fast acting carb and then you just crash. The only way sugar makes sense at all is if you just keep eating and eating it to stay "high" on it. Right? Anyway, great hike man.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

About the carbs and sugar when hiking -- I think to keep the weight down, people looking for the highest-calorie food with the least weight. But no one I know eats straight sugar! (Well, now that I think of it, when my son biked across Missouri, he mixed sugar in his water -- which is awful for your teeth, I bet.) I thought the Beech Bottom trail was a really nice trail. It was a great trip overall. You mention north Georgia -- living most of my life in Missouri, and always looking to the west for good scenery (Colorado, Montana), I had no idea that there was so much great hiking to be done in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia . . .

[@Northwestbackpacker]

Nice Video, Evan! Good call leaving the bad food behind. I want to start eating healthier on the trail too!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Northwest backpacker I used to look forward to the sugar. But then I realized I might be undoing the benefit of exercise. Thanks for watching!

[@OutsideWorldOutfitters]

Well done video! Great work!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@bigzach322]

Although lacking for views that looks like a great area for backpacking. I also never bring a stove, saves so much weight.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Zachary Robbins Yes, agreed ...

[@ukrefugee]

Enjoyed it thanks.

[@johnspark1]

Great video Evan. Thanks for taking us along. My wife and I will be doing the Beach Bottom-Jacks River Trail here in the next couple of weeks. I'm so ready!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Have a good hike!

[@joesugarman1355]

Looks like a nice hike. It doesn't look like you saw any other people along the trails, did you? The no-cook meals seemed to have worked for you. I would think you'd want a hot meal during colder weather perhaps.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Joe Sugarman Hot food definitely makes more sense when it's cold. As for others--I was there during the week and it was more or less deserted ...

[@brerbug2240]

The largest bear I have ever seen was in the Cohutta. Myself and two of my sons walked around the curve of one of those unused forest service roads hiking back to the car and the bear was standing broadside across the road. I estimate forty-eight inches at the shoulder and six feet from nose to rear We carefully backed up around the curve and waited a few minutes for it to depart.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I don't like to round curves and see bears -- I'd rather have a little more notice than that! It's happened a few times to me. They almost always run off. One bear though in the Smoky Mountains just sat on the trail and would move. I walked backwards a good distance and eventually he ran down the slope. They make a lot of noise!

[@jerryjbloodworth5791]

Nice video channel,I just subscribed.Are you really sleeping on nothing but a piece of tyvek over a piece of reflectix?If so,you are pretty tough!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Jerry J Bloodworth Thanks for subscribing! If it's not too cold and I can find a deep bed of leaves to camp on, I can sleep very comfortably. Otherwise, I also have a thermarest torso pad. Either way, I try not to camp on dirt or hard ground. I also have a hammock that I use exclusively on some trips.

[@jerryjbloodworth6010]

I like your tarp work.I've watched several of your vids today.The one in the snow could have gone bad quickly.My back requires that I use a hammock now.Really enjoy your vids,entertaining and informative.

[@hydrantinco]

October 2016 was a really bad drought year.... we even had wildfires up in the wilderness that year.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The fires started the week I made this video, I think--just after I finished with the hike.

[@leapintothewild]

Loved this area! Do you just know all those trees, or do you have a guide that tells you the trees to look for on those trails? Identifying trees and birds is a big hole in my repertoire. :-)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I taught myself about trees with a couple of books and apps on my phone. The trails guides can also be helpful. I'm still learning, though!

[@howdydoughty7634]

This spot is added to my bucket list very nice....what pack are you using?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

It's a zPacks Arc Blast. Very lightweight. I've used it for more than a year now, so I might do a short video about it at some point. I like it a lot, but you can't overpack it or it will break. About 25 pounds max. . .

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

you ever come to lower Alabama or the florida panhandle to hike, hit me up. would love to go.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Renaissance MarineTV Thanks, I definitely will! I am constantly finding new places to hike, but so far have not ventured more than five hours from Nashville. I'm presently eyeing the Sheltowee Trace in Kentucky as a place for my next thru-hike. Don't know when I'll get to Florida or southern Alabama, but I'll let you know when and if I do. Of course, the same goes for you if you head north!

[@bberms2198]

How many of those crossings could you rock hop and successfully stay dry. If you wanted too. Tia

[@dml5053]

Great video as always, I was wondering if you still use maplets for ofline map or if you have found something different.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I still use maplets, but the map for the Cohutta Wilderness in maplets is pretty bad. On this trip, I downloaded a topo map from "Gaia GPS" for the iphone . . . Plus I had the paper map . . .

[@rialobran]

That sir was an excellent hike video, took myself over to your music too. I think you'll be receiving an email at some point, I really liked 'Brook Branch' :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting, as always! Glad you checked out the music -- you're welcome to it . . . I'm sure it's a little too "electronic" for a lot of people, but it's the sort of music that's showing up in a lot of other types of videos. I used my song "Tulip Poplars' in my recent video about my Mt. Leconte trip and I think it worked okay. Music is like humor though -- some people are just going to hate your choices, no matter what. On the other hand, I figured if I was going to use music in videos, I might as well use my own, so I don't have to worry about record companies putting ads on my videos. (If you use my music, of course, you won't have ads either -- except your own, if you want to monetize.)

[@quicksno]

Hello Evan and/or anyone else with helpful input. I'm about to spend a week day hiking in the Cohutta wilderness and I'm wondering what kind of foot wear will be most suitable. Input?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Whatever shoes you normally backpack in will work ...

[@greghughes5477]

Evan, What shirt was that you are wearing. I like the looks of that. Also what do you do to stay in good shape when you are not hiking. You have to do something to hike these distances.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Greg Hughes Greg Hughes My shirt--just some wicking T-shirt I picked up at a sporting goods store, most likely. As for staying in shape, I run a lot. When I get tired of running, I just walk. But I try to get outside every day. Thanks for watching!

[@autoduel]

While you avoid cooking smells while not camping where you cook, how do you hide the smells from the opened tuna packages at camp?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I normally put those empty tuna packages inside used ziploc bags and seal them . . . I suppose animals could still smell that, even though I can't, so I hang my food AND my trash away from my campsite at night . . .

[@jimkirk41]

great video. looked like you were extremely light weight thanks

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching, appreciate it.

[@douglasstevenson4553]

Great trip! Fun to watch solo hiking. That looked beautiful. How much weight did you carry? Thanks for sharing your experience. DS

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Douglas Stevenson You’re welcome! Back then my base weight without food and water was about 17 pounds.

[@VK-wf9qe]

Hey man did you see anything interesting like related to Bigfoot/Sasquatch? Like large foot prints, Rocks being thrown at you, ape like noises ? I understand my question is ridiculous but I’m just curious haha.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No, never -- sorry!

[@aprildanae7487]

Hey there, I've never hiked anything so remote--on a few of those trails I could barely make out where the actual trail was (you addressed this in the video)--have you ever just completely lost the trail before? You simply rely on the map? This is the part that freaks me out about hiking the remote trails!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I wouldn't go anywhere remote without some good maps, and the ability to locate yourself on a GPS-enabled map is even better. I have had a problem in Pickett State Park in TN which I've addressed in a few videos -- in that case, I was on a trail but not the correct one. This was also a problem sometimes on the Benton MacKaye trail, where I'd end up on a forest road when I was supposed to be an another trail. As for completely losing a trail, this does not happen that often but it's always a possibility. In most cases, you can look for fallen trees that have been cut down so as to not block the trail -- these are a sign of past trail maintenance and can sit there for decades before rotting away. The worst times are in the fall after leaves have covered the trail, and of course snow in the winter . . .

[@sharonslay1936]

Evan, what kind of food do you plan on taking on AT are you going stoveless with high protein like this trip was. I notice alot of younger hikers eating things that nutritionally might not be the best & i wondered on a long hike what you thought? Also how much training are you doing for your AT hike like walk everyday the gym etc. Also are you still going w/o poles? Are you trying to do your AT hike in less days than most i.e.100 - 210 days? Are you starting late because of research? I noticed the Feb 1 starters had pretty awful weather. Thanks

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hopefully I'll be able to answer all these questions in upcoming videos. I'm going stoveless on the AT and I'm going to try to avoid sugar. I'm still going to start without poles. I've been doing a lot of training--running, trail running, etc. I'm not sure how long it will take to do the hike. If I feel okay, I'll go fast, but not under 100 days. I'm starting in April because that's a traditional start date. People have been starting earlier to avoid the "bubble," but now they've created their own new bubble.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

When I map this out with Caltopo I get 40.8 miles...?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Don't know why . . . There was one say I did an out and back on a trail that wasn't in the loop.

[@ftk2432]

At 1:55 you say you parked at the Dally Gap trailhead on Forest Service Road 22-2. Are there actual parking spots there? I was just in that area recently but the road up to Dally Gap was still closed so I couldn't get up there to check.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

JL Yes, there are parking spots at Dally Gap.

[@ftk2432]

Thanks

[@bradyessary5668]

Do you have any issues with bugs while you're cowboy camping?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I have my sleeping bag inside a bivy sack, which I can zip up around my head (so I'm completely enclosed -- there is a net where my face is) if the bugs get bad . . . I usually don't zip it . . .

[@Professionalk907]

Are you familiar with the cumberland trail sir? Is it a good trail to take my family on for a few days and nights of hiking and camping in your opinion??

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I haven't hiked on the Cumberland Trail, so I'm not really sure. Thanks for asking though!

[@Professionalk907]

Evan's Backpacking Videos I went lastnight and looked at the trailhead etc and it looks rather nice. Going to have to call the rangers office to find about the rules for primitive camping off of the trail. Has waterfalls, gorges, and everything. Right there at the base of sales creek area. Soooo excited!!! Thank you for the reply sir!!!

[@Professionalk907]

Evan's Backpacking Videos One last thing... would you recommend this Cohutta Wilderness Trail you are on in this video for a family of 3 children? As long as its primitive camping friendly we may consider this area as well over the Cumberland Trail. Thanks!

[@shcmoly]

No permits gives you more freedom especially if weather changes or injuries occur. I find that when I'm backpacking I eat way less than I plan and almost never eat enough to replace the calories spent from hiking. Just don't eat when I'm tired and over a long trip it's not good, any tips?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

shcmoly I sometimes have trouble eating too. I just don't have much of an appetite, especially on short trips. On longer trips, I have an appetite but I don't feel like eating the same thing over and over. But I try to force myself to eat. I guess that's my only tip.

[@leapintothewild]

Late comment, but I like to take flavored protein powder to mix in my water bottle - good calories when I don't feel like eating, especially if I don't want to stop hiking at the moment. I also like to mix it with oats in the morning.

[@theslowwalker]

Thanks for taking us along the trek with you. Fantastic scenery. What camera do you use? Great resolution.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks! I try to put the camera that I use in each video's "video description." On this video, I used a Canon G7 X and a GoPro Hero 4 Silver. The majority of the shots were with the Canon.

[@theslowwalker]

Thanks for the quick reply. Now I know what to ask Santa for this Christmas.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome. The newer version of that camera is called the G7X mark II. Since the video features are more or less the same, I haven't upgraded.

[@pablodiazphotography]

Thanks for the Sub Evan. Just subbed back. Keep up the good work! I enjoyed your 5 day BP trip.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting -- I appreciate it!

[@andybesemer8672]

Well ! Where's all the cool drawings dude ?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Well, I took my notebook and pens on this trip but didn't pick them up! Now I feel sort of guilty . . . . Thanks for the comment!

[@riccartwright5623]

like your videos my friend . down home . close to home :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting!