Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN/NC) - September 2017

I call this trip my 2017 'backup-to-the-backup' hike. For my annual ‘big’ fall hike I had originally planned on thru-hiking the epic Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier in Washington, but I lost that permit lottery. My backup plan landed me a great permit for Glacier National Park, but the terrible late summer 2017 fires in Glacier caused me to cancel that trip at the last minute. To fill the void I decided to do a second 2017 Great Smoky Mountains NP, following up on my June 2017 hike with Travis.
Having chosen GSMNP partly because there were no fires there, and having had no trail closure issues during our June 2017 hike, it didn't cross my mind that the 2016 Gatlinburg fires might still be affecting the trails. This led me to be a bit too careless in my pre-hike research, with the end result being that on the third day I was 'trapped' by a trail closure and had to shorten my hike by one day, bailing out to Elkmont.
The trip ended up being 3 days and about 30 miles. I started at Clingman's Dome and the trip was supposed to be a counter-clockwise loop following the Appalachian Trail, Goshen Prong Trail, Little River Trail, Rough Creek Trail, Sugarland Mountain Trail, and finally the AT back to Clingman's Dome. But the Sugarland Mountain Trail was still closed from the 2016 fires which gave me no realistic options other than to head to Elkmont and find a ride up the hill to Clingman's Dome.
Though the trip ended up being different, and shorter, than I planned I was still treated to some fantastic views and was able to immerse myself in plenty of GSMNP's primordial backcountry. Backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is truly a unique experience, and the 'wrinkles' I experienced on this trip simply give me a reason to go back again.
Similar to my other backpacking videos, this one has about 40 minutes of video followed by a 10 minute still picture slide show with music at the end. It is meant to be an 'immersive' experience that allows you to come along with me on the trip. If you aren't interested in 'riding along on my shoulder' for an hour long video, just skip to the last 10 minutes of still pictures and you'll get a good overview of our trip.
Still Camera: Nikon D810 with Nikkor 20mm f1.8 lens
Video Camera: Canon Vixia G40 with Rode Stereo Videomic Pro
Video Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 13

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Leaving your tarp behind sure was bad luck! Rain, trail closures, even a flat tire on a taxi, who would have thought leaving a tarp behind would cause all of that! Love your videos as always! I’ve been watching them over and over to combat quarantine boredom, you do a really great job, I appreciate it sir!

[@roc31539]

WoW! My wife and I were hiking the same dates up the same trail from Tremont toward Clingmans Dome. How nice it would have been to met you in person on the trail . We camped at Elkmont. We enjoy you and your videos. Thanks

[@PatJ61]

It's always a good day when there is another video from you. Besides being taken along for a great hike, what I love most is your attitude. You are cheerful, see the humor in less than stellar situations, and you don't paint every hike as perfect. Not everyone adding to social media admits that problems happen. Thanks again for another beautiful video. Hike on!

[@petercoconut]

Another GREAT video from DG Productions! Thanks David, glad you got some awesome views. Your my favorite for backpacking videos on KZbin. I've been piggybacking on some of your trips because you give so much information which makes the planning less stressful. You're the BEST! Thanks again, Pete

[@joeycamacho968]

We always look forward to your videos and a great photographer! To bad things didn't go as plan but as we know it doesn't always go as planned. Keep up the good work of entertaining us!

[@Oldsparkey]

I really enjoy your videos. You had me laughing at the 140% humidity. I think a lot of it must slide down those mountains to Florida to warm up. Three thing to never forget on a trip , Dunking Donuts Coffee , a adult beverage and a Tarp. By the way I think I notice your hiking partner in the background of several shots , His name was Murphy as in Murphy law. I recognized him since he has been with me numerous times.

[@rogerlamb536]

Really enjoyed your video, my wife and I done this hike 3 years ago and its still the o ne we talk about so much. Thank you for going in such detail on this hike because we was able to hike it again while on the couch. Thumbs up on this hike!

[@ThruHikingwithScars]

David, a real personal journey, with all the good and bad that comes with it. Thank you for bringing us along. As I prepare for my upcoming thru-hike of the AT, there will be many days on end which test my morale, so I appreciate seeing you adapt to the conditions and unforeseen challenges. Cheers, Scars.

[@hywel3143]

Another fine video. Everyone makes mistakes in the mountains, I've made quite a few over the years, and it's how you recover from them that's important! You made a sensible recovery and still had what looked like a great hike :-) Best wishes to all hikers in the USA (I am based near the Peak District in the UK), with all these terrible fires you are experiencing. I know you have a vast country, with hugely varying climates, but it seems to me that fire danger has recently grown much worse for you in many areas.

[@sueyoung3989]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for showing me what I would never be able to do. I visited the Smoky Mountains from Australia in 2011 and always wanted to spend more time there. Now I feel as if I've done it. And I like your casual style. Not too much hype or drama and lots of interesting comments. Thanks again - from Sue in Australia

[@steveforsythe9264]

Hi Dave...just love your videos...its just like I am sitting there with you. Keep em' coming my friend. Well done camera work and the pics at the end, fabulous!

[@Rackwalker]

Really cool man ! Appreciate your video recording of your hikes. Awesome ! We were up there about the same time, except I was at a Convention down in Pigeon Forge at the LeConte Center. Smokies have always been a great spot for us as a family and with friends. Have hiked the Chimney Tops trail, Abram Falls, and a couple of others. Great video and photography on your part. Keep Up the Good Hiking !!!

[@elizabethwhite6364]

This was a great little trip - very pretty and your pictures at the end were absolutely beautiful! I've only driven through this area many years ago - the hiking is awesome, especially in the fall season! Thank you!

[@alexpate5330]

Another great show! Love how you put your videos together, can’t wait to see what 2019 trips you have planned! 👍

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome video thank you for showing the AT Trail and all of its splendor I do try to get out every weekend is much as I can now it's pretty much every other weekend you got to hate it laundry and then shopping little things like that must be done first again thank you for showing such wonderful photographs and your videos are fantastic

[@angelcrusher420]

Yesssssss!! Another Smoky Mountain national Park video that one was my favorite. Good job Mr. Gray

[@clairel3034]

I was just in the Smokies last week. It was beautiful! So glad I got to watch this before my trip, it got me so jazzed to hike. The Reuben you spoke of, amazing! Love your videos! Hike on dude!✌

[@whitetrashblackops4998]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for the great shots. You have inspired me to give overnight backpacking a try as I’ve never done more than a few hours hike in a day trip. Thanks again!

[@teeballtruckingadventures3426]

Even though you didn't get to finish your planned trip, it was good for me to observe another trip. Awesome adventure. Thanks again for sharing your time with us. My wife and I are getting prepared before we venture out and your videos are truly a blessing. We are planning our first hike in the Wayne National Forest around Marietta, Ohio. Take care.

[@plang4958]

Great video! You really have a gift of making us feel as though we are there with you! I have really learned so much. I'm heading up to the Smokies in the morning!!!

[@123poparock]

You definitely inspire me to get out more. Love your Colorado trips! Keep up the videos!

[@dianemarley955]

Great to see the Great Smoky National Park trails after the fires in 2016. Thanks for always being real and the trail humor ; ))

[@Patrick-ln8qr]

Another great video David. You were in my happy place, the Smoky Mountain National Park / Gatlinburg. I was there in late June, and I can't wait to get back next year. Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

Just catching up on your videos. I'm sure you get this a lot, but you make very good quality videos. Thanks for all your time and effort, I know how much it takes to make videos like this. They help so much in trip planning for others. Take care, God bless!

[@JayHill615]

I'm going in two weeks. Looks like I know what I'll be watching tonight. Thanks David!

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Another highly enjoyable video. Thanks for sharing the video, and the all-important lesson!

[@ccsizzle]

I'm about to go to the Smokies in a few weeks and this is my third video of yours I've watched of you there. Really helping me plan my route. My first time seeing you was in Dolly Sods with Travis and the pooch. Great vids man, I'll keep an eye out for you on the trail!

[@irenecampbell7765]

I love your videos! It really feels like we are backpacking the trails with you. I hope you continue to post more videos of your trips!

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for the kind words - that's actually exactly the 'effect' I go after when putting the videos together. I have a whole slate of trips in the planning stage for 2018 so there will certainly be a 2018 collection of new videos. Nothing firm yet but I'll be doing some trip 'down south' with the dogs the first week of April, then maybe another section of the AT in late April, then it looks like the Wind River Range in Wyoming with Travis in early/mid July, then a Colorado trip with my son Christian (and dogs) in August, and ending the season in September with either a thru hike of the Wonderland Trail in Washington or another trip to a new area of Glacier NP. Whew... sounds like a busy year when I write it all down! Thank you for watching!

[@clownpaws]

Nice looking hike and some great learnings for everybody on scoping out trail availabilities. Dude, you do some awesome work and please keep it up!

[@AmericanPatriot-bp7cu]

I'm from Effingham, Ill. and I have hiked many of your sections years ago. Thanks for the memories!

[@mlctallahassee]

Nice job, David. I really like the format. You are really natural talking to the camera. I like how you put the stills at the end.

[@petercoconut]

Happy Thanksgiving Dave! I'm so thankful for your videos and all the great information you have provided me for planning my trips. Keep up the great work and, Happy Thanksgiving! Pete

[@scottbobo685]

Great videos. Love the Smokies and you have helped me plan some backpacking trips Thanks agin for sharing pictures and videos !!

[@jamesbarclay4433]

Another great video David! Come on up to Northern Michigan one day. We don't have the mountains, but amazing fall colors and coastal wilderness. Would love to see a video on Isle Royale or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

[@petercoconut]

James Barclay Don't forget about the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Area!!!

[@joesugarman1355]

Looks like you have another item to add to your checklist -- Check for trail closures! Also, I hope No. 16 on your list was accomplished before you left. Always enjoy your videos, David. Looking forward to the next one.

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, 'check trail conditions' will certainly go on the checklist. The 'clip toenails' item got added after a particularly painful learning experience in that area on one trip, and I haven't forgotten to take care of that item since! (I think my toes are shaped just right that when the nails get a bit long they work remarkably similar to a knife on the adjoining toes).

[@MrTmax74]

Good times DAve, tx for sharing another adventure.

[@julie3026]

That last shot is a beauty! Sorry things didn't go to plan. I've been busy packing up for our trip should be there Sunday for a series of day hikes if my tendons let me! Going to drive through Shenandoah and the northern Blue Ridge and then stay two nights in a cabin next to Grayson Highlands! I had never heard of that place before your video and after determined it was a must to check out on our way to the Smokies! Hope your next trips go better! Maybe you could have better luck in the Wonderland trail lottery in 2018 it sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@racheltweedy1822]

I just did that hike from Elkmont up he little river and goshen prong trail to the at! Right after tropical storm Alberto. Those river crossings were a bit more treacherous for us than it looked for you :) And the section from campsite 23 up to the AT is no fun going up either ! But it was quite and adventure!!! Thanks for the great vid.

[@karlo8093]

Enjoyed! Pretty disappointing about the trail closure. Elkmont though, if you get back is a pretty cool place to explore through. Wife and I had it all to ourselves one year in slight snow flurries. It was pretty "dreamy". Good luck if ya come back to the area. It sure is beautiful

[@potatothorn]

Great Video! too bad the tower was closed but you got a lot of great views regardless..i know how you feel about the gravity feed, love my katadyn gravity filter.. Fast and effortless...i usually have Roxana with me but we get a day or so without another person or maybe just a passing car... i usually get a day totally alone on my motorcycle.. like once a year- definitely not something that happens often, even in the far desert... haha we heard the ta patio again hahah.. i like the looks of the campsites and you have it all to yourself.. love the sound of the birds in the morning during smurf breakfast... oh no hitting the trail closure, that was rough / glad it worked out ok.. thanks so much for the super sharp video..

[@Halfpace52]

Enjoyed all your videos.

[@taylorharris5601]

Love the video David I subscribed last year and haven't regretted it yet.

[@jerryblackerby8503]

Awesome video as always.

[@jksezhey1]

Clutch Grateful Dead reference in the end! Great video!

[@sierrashere8197]

We grow in our tribulations . . . Still . . . looks like a wonderful backpacking trip. : )

[@jeremystroud3653]

All my Smokies trips end up sort of like this. Taught me a lot about enjoying the time in the woods and having a plan B - and C sometimes.

[@C-TOS]

Microtel Inn and Suites looks gorgeous, and affordable. A lot has beeb changing in my life since I watched this, I have been working out 6 days a week, I joined a gym club. I may be joining you in the Appalacchian Trail sometime in the future.

[@wolfetrax6217]

I have hiking fever and enjoy your videos so I came to pay a visit. Just checking in to see what you’ve been up to and be sure I hadn’t missed any new videos. Hope you’re having a good Winter!

[@davidgrayin]

I have hiking/cabin fever too! You haven't missed any videos - this Great Smoky Mountains NP video was my last one - but I have been itching to 'create some content'! Every time I walk the dogs (every day) video ideas and visions of upcoming trips are flooding my head. Winter in Indiana will do that to you, I suppose. One thing I will probably finally get to sometime this winter is re-editing and re-publishing a few of my really early videos, likely with a fresh intro at the beginning. I shot all those early videos in full HD but I couldn't upload in high definition at the time, plus my videos were limited to 15 minutes then which really 'cramped' some of the early stuff. Basically, I'm a bit embarrassed about the quality of those early videos, and want to put them out there in their 'full glory' (people still watch them on occasion). I also plan to do a couple 'gear' videos that I've been wanting to do. As far as trips go, I don't have firm plans yet but it is certainly looking like another good year for trips (and videos!). I know I'll be going somewhere 'down south' the first week of April - a solo trip, but with both dogs. I may try to squeeze in another section hike on the Appalachian Trail in late April/early May, perhaps with Bob. After that Travis and I are planning to do the Wind River Range in Wyoming sometime the beginning of July. In August I'll head out to Colorado for a trip with Christian and both dogs (Weminuche Wilderness, perhaps). And for my late season 'finale' trip in September I'll again try for a thru-hike permit for the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier in Washington. I'll also apply for a Glacier NP permit as a backup in case the Wonderland permit doesn't happen. And GSMNP keeps calling to me too, so maybe a third trip/video somewhere new there. Winter has been good, but I'm pumped for another backpacking season!

[@wolfetrax6217]

Nothing to be embarrassed about! A couple of compliments from yours truly: I really enjoy the beginnings as you take us along on your journey to the trail. I also enjoy that you share shots of your food prep. Oh and the dogs! Always enjoy the dogs. Looking forward to more videos!

[@ottmountain733]

Moonshine! Really felt like we were with you on this, the way you shot it. That tuna burrito wrap is my "go to" lunch meal as well except I lather mine up with Sriracha. We also recently got into hammocks but not for sleeping, just relaxing.

[@krpflanz]

Unbelievable! I have become a big fan of your videos and I just saw this one. Crazy thing is that my brothers and I hike the Smokies every year and we were there on the same exact dates as you. We were supposed to be at campsite 23 on night one, campsite 24 on night two, and Mount Collins shelter on night three. I, however, did pre-hike research and saw the trail closures, so we re-routed. Or else, you would have had company all three nights! We did camp at Elkmont the last night and would have gladly given you a ride to Clingman's Dome had we saw you! Strange thing is that we didn't get any rain on our hikes any of those days, so the mountains are funny. I might have to look you up, if we ever need to add a member to our group!

[@alex0000]

love the vids, another great one

[@StarFlower99654]

Wow, i bet that is even more gorgeous blanketed in the Fall colors right about now. Our Fall happened last month (Alaska) is it pretty, but not as much as there.

[@GQGeek81]

Good stuff as usual. I run through a re-trip check list for my locations. A visit to the GSMNP website would have immediately shown you the alerts for the closures. If I visit a NFS website for any National Forest in my state, I'll get a sidebar for alerts in any of them in the state. There is also a road closure map specific to the BRPWY which can close during bad weather. That one can get you as it's managed by the NPS but runs through many national forest areas that are not part of the NPS.

[@rhettboston]

Excellent video!! I always look forward to seeing new ones you do. Keep it up. my brother and I camped in campsite 23 on one of our trips. The next day we hiked UP goshen prong trail to the AT while he started to have fever. He was not fond of that day of hiking. ha. I love backpacking in the smokies so please do more trips there!

[@davidgrayin]

The whole time I was walking down the Goshen Prong trail I was thinking to myself 'sure am glad I'm not going UP this trail!' - and I can't imagine doing it if you were sick, yeck! Now that I've 'broken the ice' with a couple GSMNP trips this year I certainly plan to get back there for more - especially after this last one that didn't quite go as planned. There are so many backpacking opportunities there that I see many more trips in the future.

[@rhettboston]

I was up there the week before you. We always eat at that smoky mountain brewery. Also, there is an actual log cabin pancake house next to the microtel that you stay in. its a must for us. Much better than all the 'chain' breakfast places around. On a different note, I knew your pain to well when you kept having problems keeping the fire lit. It seems like its always a battle to get one going. Glad you had some better views on this trip that first day as well! If you have any questions about the park or trip ideas in the future, i'd be happy to try and help.

[@nicholaspullen7261]

Great Video. Everytime I watch one I get a craving for cheddar cheese spread!

[@vegasdavetv]

thank you for video David 100%

[@hankandlefty]

Enjoyed the video. Felt like I was on the hike with you. Did the middle prong trail for the waterfall images a couple of weeks ago. Hope to do a section of the AT at the end of this month.

[@davidgrayin]

I'm actually going to be hiking on the Middle Prong Trail this coming weekend! Decided to squeeze in one final 'bonus' trip for 2018. The video should be published by the end of October - since you were just there it might bring back some memories for you.

[@v1ncitore]

Great video!

[@OutdoorsInspired]

Good stuff brother!!

[@sabrinamichellehayeshayes]

My grandma was Jeanette Ownby . Her father was Simpson Ownby . Her grandfather was john Ownby . John and uncle lem were brothers . Uncle lem was my great great great uncle . He died when I was in the 7th grade .

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

Awesome video 😎😎😎

[@Hefmier]

Another great video. By the way, I live in Washington state and I am on a couple of local hiking forums on Facebook. Mt. Rainier is often the topic, and I have never heard of a lottery pool to hike around the Wonderland Trail. You need a permit to stay at any of the backcountry campgrounds, and those are available at any of the Ranger Stations in the park. Certain areas in the Cascade Range require permits, via lottery pool, such as The Enchantments. However, I doubt that Wonderland Trail is one of them. You will love hiking this trail.

[@davidgrayin]

The 'lottery' is really simply how they process the backcountry permits. To get a permit to hike the entire Wonderland Trail is one of the most difficult permits to obtain in the US - probably comparable to getting a thru hike permit for the John Muir trail starting in Yosemite. The online permit system opens 3/15 but they don't start processing the permits until 4/1 (or 4/15?) and when they do they go through the applications in random order (thus the 'lottery'). There are always far more applications than available campsites so it is purely 'luck of the draw' when they pick your application for processing. There are also walk up permits available - I don't know if they reserve some for walk-ups, like Glacier does, or you simply see if anything is open, but to be able to find the specific sites you need (10 sites in my case) in the order you need them, on the days you need them, seems unlikely. But this was my first go at it so it could be inexperience on my part. I'll check out the forums you mention to educate myself and I plan to keep trying until I get one.

[@Halfpace52]

I think you would like backpacking the Art Loeb Trail in the Pisgah Forest. 31.5 miles. It can be done in 2-3 nights. I did on 3/4 days. You will enjoy 2-3 miles of beautiful views in the Black Balsam. A shuttle service is available. Best to start from the Daniel Boon Boy Scout TH. Hope you find your way into the Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness. Both wilderness are within the Pisgah Forest.

[@walterwright8926]

I enjoy these videos and especially the pictures at the end, keep them coming, have you ever thought about a thru hike on the AT or section hiking it.

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, thru-hiking the AT is a 'bucket list' item for me, and I hope to get to it sometime soon (while I'm still physically able to do it!). The 'day job' keeps getting in the way, and with kids in college for the next few years at least it's probably a bit too early to think about giving up that paycheck. I have done a couple 50-mile 'sections' on the AT the last couple April's, and I plan to continue those hikes in different areas over the upcoming year's as well. Not a great way to section hike the whole thing because it would take me 40+ years to complete at that pace, but at least I'm getting a taste for it (and I love the AT!).

[@hilbillydoc5980]

Awesome video Mr. Gray !!! Great views and I really appreciate the clip of you breaking down camp (I've watched a lot of back packing videos and don't recall seeing one of the person breaking down camp). You have a gift at photography.... It was sad to see clingsman dome is closed; I was planning on taking my daughter for her first trip to the dome in a couple weeks....I have (2) questions: 1. What gravity system did you switch to? 2. What sleep system do you use (i.e. pad and quilt/sleeping bag? Thank You for sharing !!!!

[@StrictlyLesPaul]

Love the videos! Have you ever looked into a backpacking chair? Like the flexlite from REI? I have one and I love it. Makes hanging out at camp far more enjoyable!

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Love your video's

[@masterfuiji]

Grab the carbon filter and splice that into your kit. It will take the dirty taste out of the water. Love your videos. Keep them coming!

[@onestepatatime5584]

You do a great job with your videos. I have learned a lot watching. Your passion is infectious. Have not seen a video on Isle Royale. Have you ever thought about hiking Isle Royale or have you?

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you. I have never hiked on Isle Royale but I did grow up in Michigan and have always wanted to backpack on Isle Royale. I'm not sure when I'll get up there but I plan to within the next five years or so.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

Great video. Were you thinking Big Foot in that cave as well as during the night of the Tree Break? I'll be honest I consider it when I'm out there. The Missing 411 stories are a trip. Great videos and thanks for posting.

[@davidgrayin]

No, Bigfoot didn't cross my mind at the time but now that you've pointed it out it probably will the next time! I've never personally been too interested in the Bigfoot legend, but it's ironic that two of the people who most influenced my video work - Les Stroud (a.k.a. Survivorman) and Scott Herriott (a.k.a. Squatch) are seriously into Bigfoot. Les Stroud did an entire Survivorman TV series on searching for Bigfoot and Scott Herriott has done a couple movies on it (not to mention his trailname comes from Bigfoot) - maybe I'm more connected than I thought?! Now you've given me one more reason not to sleep so well when alone in the woods.

[@Guns_and_Outdoors_Channel]

David Gray oh. Lol. I'm sorry about that Dave! Hahahaha. Keep doing your thing bro. On my side, I don't hike alone and I always carry a GPS tracker and a concealed carry firearm. My philosophy is "I'd rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it."

[@susanbrown2909]

Brilliant videos...when you taking the dog along again....best wishes from UK.

[@davidgrayin]

I actually just returned from my latest trip with the dogs (Colorado) but the backpacking portion of the trip didn't go well. I went with my son, Christian, who now lives in Colorado, and he wasn't feeling well when the dogs and I arrived the day before we started hiking. When we started the hike the next morning things had gotten worse, but we gave it a go anyway. Two miles into the hike it was pretty clear continuing to head up and over Pawnee Pass (2500 vertical foot climb) wasn't going to be a good idea so I pulled the plug on the backpacking. We did end up car camping for a couple days, and just hanging out together, which was really nice but I'm not sure what kind of a video I'll be able to put together. I'm going ahead with the editing to see what I end up with, but since there was so little actual backpacking I'm not sure if I'll publish it or not.

[@Rackwalker]

Oh Yeah, Mr. David , Looking forward to the next one! Have watched all of your videos !!!

[@shcmoly]

They should have posted the closures at all the trailheads. You had a nice adventure at least.

[@markstanton2362]

It's tough to strike the balance between crowds and absolutely no one on trail.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, Great looking trip, you Nailed it.,,.p

[@richardmcquade4219]

David love the videos, but I have never seen anybody run out of water so much LOL

[@davidgrayin]

I'm not sure that I'm the worst 'offender' when it comes to getting short on water, but you are correct that I 'push the envelope' quite often. Water is likely the heaviest item, per volume, that you're going to carry and over time I've reduced the amount of water I carry to the minimum - generally 1.5 liters or less at any given time. Even though you've likely seen me displaying some 'drama' about running short on water in these videos, I've never come close to putting myself in any type of a real dangerous situation. I always know where the next water sources are and even though I'll occasionally get myself into 'thirsty' situations, it's never close to anything dangerous. Even in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, where we went many miles and hours without water, I knew we had a very reliable water sources ahead and would arrive at it thirsty at worst. But how much water to carry and what you're comfortable with are very personal decisions - I never give anyone grief about how much water they choose to carry.

[@snaponjohn100]

Gorgeous hike my friend. What backpack are you carrying? God bless you. John, the Hoosier from Vincennes.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you, John. My backpack was a Zpacks Arc Blast 52L (old design). I used that pack for the first three 2019 hikes but just a few days before the Yellowstone hike the main load bearing web strap on the right shoulder strap broke through the 'stay' on the padding. I plan to send it back to Zpacks over the winter to see if they can repair it, but in the meantime I've been using an REI Flash 55 pack - it's a lot heavier than the Arc Blast but I really like the way it carries a load.

[@ikilledfritz671]

Superb vids, David. What brand of sleeping shelter/tent do you use? Me likey.

[@davidgrayin]

I primarily use two shelters - a Nemo Meta2P and a Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus. The Nemo is much heavier (3 lbs vs. just over 1 lb for the Hexamid), but I use it whenever I'm hiking with the dogs because I have an add-on Nemo 'PawPrint' floor that protects the built-in floor of the tent from the dogs claws. I've also had a Warbonnet Blackbird hammock that I bought thinking I might join the hammock 'craze' that was booming a few years back but I never used it - I gave the Blackbird to my son Christian, and he used it on the recent Wind River Range trip.

[@ozarklife9996]

Awesome as always. Where do you get the music for your slideshows

[@davidgrayin]

The music comes mostly from the KZbin 'free' audio library, various 'creative commons' (royalty free) music sites, and from Josh Woodward's website (all his music is free to use if you give him attribution - he has some great instrumental stuff that goes well with the photo slideshows) - www.joshwoodward.com. In my earlier videos I was using copyrighted music from big name artists (like John Denver) but I ran into some copyright issues with KZbin and decided to go with royalty-free, creative commons music.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Another awesome video,, you mention a preference of the Dunkin Donuts coffee on most of your videos, which flavor do you prefer,,I found it at local market but about 5 flavor choices...I also don't move well in the A.M. until the coffee fix.....Stay safe and God Bless...

[@davidgrayin]

I like plain 'ol 'regular' Dunkin Donuts coffee. I buy mine at Costco in a big bag - it's also my normal morning coffee in addition to being what I carry on backpacking trips so I like to have a big supply on hand at all times. I'm not sure why I like it as much as I do but for me it's the perfect coffee - roasted just right, rich flavor, and not bitter at all.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Thanks for the reply ,Dave, ,just always wondering if I'm missing something. Besides time on the trail, life seems to get in the way...Stay safe and God Bless...

[@scottburkhart6953]

David, I just started following your videos and really enjoy your adventures. What is the yellow, milky substance that you consume on your hikes? I doesn't look very tasty but I am curious about its purpose. You mentioned that your legs really need it. What does it do for you?

[@davidgrayin]

That stuff is Endurox R4 and its a recovery drink. I would agree with you that it isn't all that tasty, but it's pretty amazing what it can do for toasted legs at the end of a long backpacking day. They market themselves as the 'gold standard of recovery drinks' and I wouldn't argue with them on that claim. It's expensive stuff, but works remarkably well (at least it does for me).

[@scottburkhart6953]

@@davidgrayin oops. I missed this reply. No need to re-reply. Thanks!

[@Cochise231]

Always enjoy your videos just wanted to let you know the name of the Hot sauce your digging is pronounced "Top-a-tio" out here in California It's great stuff I Love it on just about everything Just was wondering what your camp shoes are they look very comfortable and Lightweight are they from xero shoes? I have seen their videos here on KZbin and have been on mind to try out Thank you for sharing your trips

[@davidgrayin]

A few other people have pointed out how I'm butchering the pronunciation of 'tapatio'. I think I have it down now so hopefully I'll do better on the next trip. My camp 'shoes' are from UnShoes (www.unshoesusa.com) and the specific model I have are the Wokova Feather Sandal. They weigh about half as much as a pair of crocs - 8oz for the unshoes and 16oz+ for crocs. (I actually like the crocs more, but the extra 8 ounces is hard to justify). I've played around with all sorts of options for camp shoes, including not having them at all, and thus far the UnShoes fit my needs the best.

[@rickloging5709]

Hey David, just rewatching this video before quick backpacking trip to the Smokies this weekend (lots of David Gray reruns at our house). I use a Katadyn Befree as my primary water filter (and am crazy about it), but know you are very fond of your gravity filter. How long does it take to filter like 2-3 liters of water as seen in the video? Are you still happy with the flow rate?

[@davidgrayin]

I've only used the BeFree a couple times when Travis let me use his, but it was nice - quick and very convenient. However, on my most recent trip to Savage Gulf, TN (video coming in a week or two), I hiked with Carl and he had to leave his BeFree at home because the flow rate had been reduced to about zero. I asked him about backflushing the BeFree and he said that there really isn't an effective Katadyn-recommended backflush. Hmmm... based on that alone I'd be very reluctant to use the BeFree as my primary filtration method. To answer your questions about the Platypus GravityWorks that I now use, it takes about 3-4 minutes to filter 4 liters of water using it and I'm still very happy with the flow rates. It always starts out slow, but as soon as I get some water in the clean side I elevate the clean bladder above the dirty side to backflush, but really more to get a solid siphon going. Once I've done that the flow rate goes to about 1 liter / minute, and it has remained constant at that flow rate the entire time I've owned it. But I haven't owned it that long and I'm guessing I've only filtered about 100 liters of water using it so I would expect it to still be going strong.

[@rickloging5709]

@@davidgrayin Always appreciate your feedback David! I have also read that about the BeFree too. Since I have only used it in clear running mountain streams in the Appalachians, have not experienced much of a decrease in flow rate yet that the shaking method Katadyn recommends did not fix. When it does, I most likely throw it away. Of course I always have my trusty Sawyer Squeeze on me just in case. That gravity filter does sound like an effective and easy filtering method. One I may look into. As always, looking forward to your new video. Thanks again!

[@clintonkawanishi1418]

Your videos and photography are just great. I can see you have an eye for photography. Clintonk1

[@jedwaggoner4714]

Where did you buy the foil koozie pouch that you put your Mountain House meals in while rehydrating?

[@davidgrayin]

It is a Hamhock Outdoor Gear "The Feedbag" Cozy. I bought mine on Amazon a number of years ago. I got it after doing a few make-your-own-gear versions, none of which I liked. Fantastic piece of gear. Unfortunately, as far as I know they're no longer available - the creator and company owner passed away (his daughter wrote me a comment in youtube informing me of that sad news). They're still listed on Amazon, but it says 'currently unavailable'. You may be able to find them on ebay or other similar marketplace sites.

[@robertmcdanieljr9091]

Next time try staying in Townsend...a lot less commercial and right at the park entrance.

[@adventureeast5103]

Just kind of curious, what trips are on your radar for 2018?

[@davidgrayin]

Nothing firm yet but the tentative agenda is for something 'down south' with the dogs the first week of April - perhaps a section of the AT starting at Springer, but I'm concerned about the dogs being a little disruptive with all those thru-hikers. Depending where I go at the beginning of April I may take on a different section of the AT near the end of April / early May. The next 'big' trip after that will hopefully be something with Travis out west in early to mid-July - we've discussed the Wind River Range, the Tetons, or Yellowstone. I then plan to do a trip somewhere new in Colorado with my son, Christian, in early to mid-August. And for my final 'big' trip of 2018 I will once again go after a permit to thru hike the Wonderland Trail in Washington, and I'll apply for a Glacier permit as a backup in case I once again crap out on the Wonderland permit lottery - that final trip will be in late August or early September. In addition to those I would really like to get a midwest trip or two in as well - perhaps another go at the Knobstone Trail and/or the Adventure Hiking Trail in southern Indiana.

[@adventureeast5103]

David Gray wow that’s a full year! I live in wv on Ohio border. Im looking into NC trip early spring, a Michigan trip along lake shore after that, local wv trips, then northeast, New Hampshire and/or coastal hiking trail Canada just north of Michigan in fall. Hopefully it all works out. Drop me a message if your ever in area looking for a hiking partner!

[@marinamile]

You should try the Good-To-Go meals. A couple of bucks more than mountain house but damn good. Their pad thai is amazing.

[@davidgrayin]

I have tried Good-to-Go and I agree they are fantastic. If you watch the first night of the 2017 AT Grayson Highlands trip you'll see me preparing and eating a Good-to-Go Thai Curry dinner, and giving about 1/3 of it to 'I Don't Know' because Bob and I together couldn't finish the one dinner! (A lot of food in each pouch). And I actually have a Pad Thai Good-to-Go sitting in my backpacking food box in my storage barn right now. The couple problems with them that prevent me from using them more are: (1) they are really heavy compared to Mountain House, and (2) they typically have some extra ingredient packs inside that need to be mixed in separately at some point in the cooking process (coconut milk powder in the case of the Thai Curry we had) - that presents an issue in subdividing the meals into smaller servings, which I think is a must for me since even Bob and I couldn't finish the typical two servings size. I looked for single serving sizes but couldn't find anything smaller than two servings in my local REI or even online.

[@marinamile]

Yes, they are a little heavier. I found the single serve packets recently directly on their website. Like you i couldn't find them anywhere before. I would eat the Pad Thai at home its that good. They don't have much of a breakfast selection though and it is hard to beat the mountain house breakfast skillet and coffee in the morning.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for the heads up on finding the single serving size on their website. That must be new because I'm pretty sure I checked there before, or I just missed it. I just finished up a nice size order from them! (2X Pad Thai, 2X Thai Curry, 1X Bibimbap, 1X Indian Korma, and 1X Oatmeal - I'm all set!). I've only previously tried the Thai Curry and it was great - such unique flavors to have in the backcountry - gives you something to look forward to after a long day of hiking. Thank you!

[@marinamile]

i think it is new because i know i looked too after half killing myself trying to eat a double portion of pad thai in Colorado a couple of months ago.

[@jerryblackerby8503]

I have made several videos using a camera, and my phone. Here is my question, what do you use to edit your movies, add music, etc. I would like to start doing this more. thanks

[@davidgrayin]

I use Sony Vegas Pro (v13) to edit my videos. Sony Vegas Movie Studio is a much cheaper alternative that gives you much of the same capability as Vegas Pro. I'd recommend you compare the features of each to see if Movie Studio will be able to meet your needs. By the way I edit my videos on a Windows PC - if you use a Mac you may want to look at Final Cut Pro which seems to be the most popular editing software for the Mac environment.

[@jameslane2667]

Thanks for the views David always enjoy your videos James Kansas City Missouri 👏

[@jesseperkins4754]

If you had one trail to hike which would it be from what you have already done?

[@davidgrayin]

I'm not sure if you mean which trail in Great Smoky Mountains NP or any of the trails I've done all over the US - so I'll answer it both ways! In GSMNP the best trail I've actually done was the Alum Cave Trail up to Mt. LeConte, and that is even true with having almost no views after we passed Alum Cave. I can only imagine how spectacular the views would have been in good weather. A trail that I didn't actually get to do, but which I'm certain would have been incredible, is the Sugarland Mountain Trail which runs from the Laurel Falls Trailhead, past the Mt. Collins shelter, and ends at the Appalachian Trail near Clingman's Dome. This is the trail that was closed on the last day of this hike. The Sugarland Mountain Trail is still closed due to the 2016 Chimney Tops fire, and is likely to be closed for quite some time yet, but when it opens again I plan to hike it. In terms of all the backpacking I've ever done, it's hard to beat the 'Northern Circle' in Glacier National Park. Anything on the John Muir Trail would be a close tie for 1st or 2nd place in that contest.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Have you considered hammock camping? There are alot of options now days :-)

[@CampCreekGrass]

👍

[@jameslane2667]

👍🇺🇸👏⛺🔥🍺🏈💤💤💤 good video David looks like you had some fun though next time bring me a 3-pack of road flares and get you a fire started in the rain

[@tommy2z2z]

I'd like to see you do a walk through & program from Guanella Pass, CO

[@davidgrayin]

I had never heard of Guanella Pass, but I just did a little homework on that area and it looks intriguing. I'll add it to the potential destinations for next year (or maybe in the next few years). I'm always looking for new places to go in Colorado. Thank you for the tip.

[@tommy2z2z]

I have driven through, and walked around Guanella Pass a few times, and apparently its a major set of trails and HIGH COUNTRY!

[@DaveThundercloud]

Mr Gray Are you hosting any backpack groups?

[@RKBrockstheworld]

you can park there for several days , did you need a permit or anything ?

[@davidgrayin]

You don't need a permit to park overnight at any of the many parking areas throughout GSMNP (as long as it's not marked 'No Parking' or 'Day Use Only'), but you do need a permit to camp overnight in the backcountry shelters and campsites. I'd read about some break-ins and/or vandalism of vehicles parked overnight in certain parking areas in the park, which I think can happen at just about any trailhead anywhere where you might park your car at for a backpacking trip, but based on my own experience (never had a problem) and the accounts of many other, I think those type of issues are rare.

[@RKBrockstheworld]

thank you very much for responding, shenandoah is problematic with vehicle incidents as well..happy trails. and i yes i am a semi experienced hiker done a few 40 mile hikes in shenandoah...

[@kindofabigdeal2670]

That mushroom is called Turkey Tail

[@davidgrayin]

That is great to know. Thank you! I know I'll be getting back the GSMNP many times and now I can call them something a little more accurate than 'crazy mushrooms'!

[@markmastrangelo770]

So you carry a hammock, and a tarp. Why bother with a tent?

[@johnnyairesman8]

What is your favorite hike 30-50 miles long that is anywhere east of the Mississippi river?

[@davidgrayin]

Hmm... that's a tough question because I really haven't done that many hikes of that length in the east. I have done the Knobstone Trail in southern Indiana (46 miles) a couple of times and it is a great hike. I did a chunk of the Shawnee Backpack Trail loop in southeast Ohio (41 miles total) but based on my limited experience I'm not sure I'd recommend it. For whatever reason Ohio was in the process of converting the pristine single track trail into essentially a forest road while we were hiking on it, and I've heard they did that to the entire trail - really took away from the backcountry experience, though I haven't been back to see if time has made it better (I have a video of that trip if you want to see it for yourself). Both trips I've done in Great Smoky Mountains NP were about that long, on the short end of the range, and from my limited experience anything in GSMNP is going to be awesome. Oh, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia was a unique experience too - I'd certainly like to get back there (I have a video from 2017 on that area). I really want to get into upstate New York and into Vermont/New Hampshire for some backpacking there (Presidential Range along the AT in New Hampshire for sure!). Oh, I forgot to mention the AT hikes in the Roan Highlands area of TN/NC and the Grayson Highlands in Virginia - both were great, and the AT has a wonderful and unique 'social' aspect that I found to be really enjoyable - if I had to pick one it would be the Roan Highlands section from Erwin, TN to Roan Mountain, TN. I've done one weekend hike in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky - a great area with countless backpacking options, and that is where Miguel's Pizza is (an iconic bucket list pizza destination!). That probably doesn't help a great deal, but my experience hiking in the east is fairly limited.

[@johnnyairesman8]

David Gray thanks a lot. That actually helps cause I didn't know much about different hiking trails but I'm trying to do one this summer. I was thinking Clingmans dome to i40 on the Appalachian trail which is about 39 miles. I'm also going up north this year too up to Maine, VT, NH, with the main destination of Acadia NP, but we're gonna do small hikes in different spots.

[@davidgrayin]

Clingman's Dome to I-40 sounds like a great hike - and all 'downhill' too! (though you might be surprised how much uphill there is in all that downhill). If you want to extend that hike to the upper part of your mileage range, 60 miles or so, you could start at Fontana Dam and do the entire Appalachian Trail section through GSMNP. One word of caution on the Clingman's to I-40 hike, as I was doing research for my GSMNP hikes I found that many of the shelters and campsites in the northern part of the park along the AT were closed in 2017 due to bear activity - it made putting together a multi-day hike in that area pretty difficult, at least at the times when we went. I just checked the GSMNP backcountry website and it doesn't look like anything is currently closed, but then again all the bears are probably 'sleeping' the winter off right now. As your hike gets closer just keep an eye on the 'trail and facility closure' information on the GSMNP website (classic case of do what I say and not what I did! - I didn't check carefully for closures before the hike in this video and sort of got 'stuck'). Good luck with your hike - the stuff you're doing in New England sounds fantastic.

[@johnnyairesman8]

David Gray thanks for the heads up. We're doing it in July so hopefully it'll be open. I've only seen bear twice and both times were in the fall but they might be much more populated down there.

[@ellensmallbillard8198]

Johnny -- I highly recommend you stop off in New Hampshire on your way to Maine and do some hikes in the White Mountains. While Mt. Washington is the most famous (and for good reason -- it's a great hike and an even more impressive view), there are a number of other great options and you can do them in a day if you're looking to just pass through and move on. I'd recommend the Franconia Ridge hike, Mt. Liberty, or Cannon Mountain, as all will offer great views. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could hike the Presidential Traverse, which you can do in a day or take longer if you want. It goes along the AT. My favorite view for your buck is a day hike loop up Mt. Jackson over to Mt. Pierce and back down. New Hampshire is amazing.