Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Backpacking the Big Creek area. July 21-23 2023

[@cdcivis]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip.

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

Thanks for watching ! I hope you were able to see some of the smokies that you’ve never seen before. It’s a great to hike and spend time.

[@kimrobb1965]

I just love seeing kids going along with their parents for backpacking trips. I used to love to take my daughter when she was little now she’s 18 and like no way lol.

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

Yep, my boys have all grown up, and I only have one of them still wanting to take long trips w me. Hopefully my daughter will want to tag along for a few more years.

[@ervinslens]

This hike is gorgeous, place looks so powerful and picturesque my friend! 👏🥾

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

It’s even more picturesque in the winter when the tree have dropped their leaves. It allows you to see across to the other mountains more often. Thanks for watching !

[@tangenttrails]

Enjoyed watching, Michael. I always enjoy the Smokies. The forest there gives me such a magical feeling. It’s like sensing the spirits of those who called the mountains home many years before our time.

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

I know what you mean, but this time , the Forest only gave feelings of WETNESS! Even when it wasn’t raining, it was so humid that you felt like you’d been soaked by a rainstorm.🤣 THANKS FOR WATCHING!!

[@tangenttrails]

@@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077 That’s the way I felt in Arkansas with the 100% humidity.😄

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Looks like a great backpacking trip, always love the forest & streams of the Smokies. Cool seeing a bear close to camp! It wouldn't be a trip to the Smokies without some rain. Rock on!

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

Seeing the bear was a great start to the morning…… Joanna didn’t think it was so cool 🤣

[@wildwithwindjammer8664]

Great video. Awesome getting the kiddos out there!

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

It’s definitely a different hike when the young ones tag along. Seems like my pack has a lot more food stuffed into it than I would normally take on a three day hike…. But it’s worth it !!! 😁 thanks for watching !

[@thathikingguy]

Great Trip Michael. Always a great time in the smokies. Enjoyed it

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

I have a lot of trails in The smokies yet to hike, maybe when it cools down a bit this fall we can get a few guys together and hike some of them ?

[@joeruschau3293]

Nice job! My brother and I did a very similar hike to yours a couple of years ago, stayed at camp site 37 absolutely loved it despite it was a major butt kicker !

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

There are very few trails in the smokies that are not climbing up a mountain or going back down! 😂

[@BrianWest58]

Nice! Loved the water feature shots!

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

That might be my favorite thing about the smokies…..even on the hottest days, you’re never far from running water.

[@DMSAdventures]

Awesome adventure man! Shorter miles, stayed dry, survived wildlife encounters and made it out! That is a success indeed! Man I would have been motivated to get to the AT being that close.... but I would have made the same call... even if I was by myself! 🙂

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

Our gear stayed dry ….. but we were soaked w sweat. So I’m not sure if staying out of the rain did us any good ? It wasn’t that hot , but extremely humid. Make plans to go there sometime, and when you do make sure to tell me where you’ll be…. Jo and I will join you !

[@DMSAdventures]

@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077 Haha yes the sweat! That'll drench you just the same! If i ever feel intrepid enough for that sort of expedition we surely will! 👍