Hiking to Angel Falls Overlook (Big South Fork)

[@Shailaja47]

Thanks for speaking your truth. You were awesome. Wishing you continued healing. Loved the video

[@amandaharris7811]

Thank you for being real! I appreciate you sharing all your struggles it make me feel not alone. You have inspired me to go hiking tomorrow as I have put it off but I think I really need to do it. The reason I like watching your videos is that you keep the real stuff in and don't cut it out. Life is not perfect and I believe you inspire so many people and help many people more than you know. Thank you sending you a hug hug! Your beauty inside and out shines much brighter than you think!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Comments like yours inspire me!! Thank you for the hug and I hope you had a wonderful hike!! 🤗

[@jameswarren3733]

There's no better therapy than trail therapy. As a recent subscriber I've always found your videos to be real and authentic, hope you're feeling better!

[@natalieberg2102]

Hiking and nature is the best therapy and it definitely keeps me sane in a stressful everyday life!

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

You are not alone in the depression/ anxiety and yes nature is the best medicine for it! Love your heart! What a beautiful hike too, reminds me a little of the "Ledges" at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you ❤️ I’ll have to look that area up. ☺️

[@lisahogan1238]

Life can throw some mean punches. Your letting it out and can let the love in. I love your videos because they are real. Thank you and God bless

[@richardjones990]

There are a lot of things that are negative in our lives but many more positive. We just need to look for them. You are one of those positives that I look forward to in my life. Thank you for being a positive in my life.

[@HikingwithBraids]

That truly means so much ❤️

[@marysells359]

Love your videos and the Big South Fork. I’ve rode on horse back many trails there. Hang in there pretty lady. You’ve got this. You are so brave, I’ve never taking off in the woods alone and stayed over night.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Gretchen, sincere thanks for sharing this fine video. You always go to interesting places. Being in the Outdoors provides a wonderful opportunity to sort out the priorities in life. All the best to you Dear for good health, safety and peace of mind. Also, the best to Jerry and you family. 🤗

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thanks so much for such nice words 🥰

[@drewlucero3916]

AWESOME Thanks for sharing this. Keeping it 💯 real. I use biking for my anxiety and depression. Someone will see your video and find out that it really helps being in nature. Till the next one take care. 📸👍👍👍👍📸😁🙏🤸‍♂️

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you and bike on! 😉 🚴 🤗

[@luvmybling22]

You are not alone sweetheart. I suffer from both depression & anxiety, I have for years. I started watching your channel because my dream is to move to TN & attempt to hike but with my anxiety I’m not sure I could do it. You inspire me so. You give me hope. I’m going to follow your other social media accounts. I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you ❤️

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for sharing your truth too. I know that’s hard to do. I hope you will be able to overcome and fulfill your dreams. ❤️🙏

[@bigsisteroutdoors6112]

Sending hugs your way. Hiking is my therapy too and you have nothing to be ashamed of. We love you!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you and lots of love right back at ya! ❤️🤗

[@BillysBeauty]

You are definitely not alone and it's cool to see more of your life. Being vulnerable is ok and shows that your human like the rest of us. Love your videos.

[@melanieemory1530]

I like to talk about my depression and anxiety and how hiking has helped me mentally, physically and spirituality. I was so depressed it affected my health. But I want people to understand the strength it takes some people to leave the house. But hiking in nature my mind stops all the negative thoughts and all I see is beauty. You keep it up you are such an inspiration to many people. You was the first utube hiker I followed. I've learned so much from you. So thank you.

[@jameskeatts2677]

Going back to nature brings healing . Being in nature somehow puts things in order so continue doing what you do and my prayers for you are that you find your inner peace . Thanks for being real .

[@oliverreed4976]

I love your videos and commentary. I'm blessed to get to hike these areas frequently but when I can't be out there you make me feel like I am with a friend on the trail so talk about anything you like friends are listening and nature is a great healer.

[@1955missellie]

Wow....what an awesome area! Right there is some trail therapy free of charge!

[@amyventuring]

I’m not much of a “hugger”, but I wish I could give you a hug! I completely understand where your coming from. ❤️ This looked like a really great hike! I loved all the rock caves and formations. 😊

[@HikingwithBraids]

I like virtual hugs too so thank you!! 🤗❤️

[@kong.615]

You are not alone. I have been battle depression and anxiety for a while now. The only thing that help to clear my mind is when I am out hiking.

[@HikingwithBraids]

I know it is hard but we’ve got this! You are enough always know that no matter what depression and anxiety try to tell you! ❤️

[@chamilton9182]

Girl, you just spoke to me on so many levels. Thank you for being real and I agree with the things you said. Nature is my therapy too and thats why I love watching your vids.... When I have to be off the trail, I can watch the trails you take us on. I've been wanting to hike the smokies for years now. Hope I get to one day. Alone is bliss (I'm a teacher). The solitude is WONDERFUL!!! Keep on keeping on and just know that your videos are therapy for many of us as well (after grading a mound of papers, I can "go on" your adventures:) Thanks for sharing. God Bless! Jesus LOVES you so much. He's got you!

[@leedanielson7452]

C Hamilton excellent comment!!!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for all you do for our children. Many blessings to you as well!! ❤️🙏

[@OneWordCapitalD]

I'm a teacher too... alone IS bliss!!!!

[@keithl6249]

Great hike and video ! I really liked the rocky areas and seeing the deer. I'm sure you have helped a lot of people by talking about anxiety and depression. I have had both to some degree for as long as I can remember. It helps to hear others talk about it. For people who haven't had the problems, it may be hard for them to understand. I have had people ask me what I have to be depressed about? I guess that's why I have rarely talked about it. I have read a lot of self help books, studies,etc. I have heard that being outdoors and exercise both can be as helpful as some medicines that are prescribed. Thank you for the videos and I want to say that they have helped me in motivating me to get out more.. also I love the Smoky mountain area. Take care

[@HikingwithBraids]

I would love to think my honesty and videos help others. That means the world to me. 😍

[@leedanielson7452]

Wow! That was a outstanding video! What an amazing hike. You had a super video of that deer bouncing along the trail too.. Gretchen I appreciate your openness & honestly, it’s good for you to talk about it and it’s good for us, your fans to better understand you. Depression is a battle but kiddo you can win this thing! I know you can. By the way I’ve been keeping you in my prayers I hope you don’t mind. Well, thanks for another great video it was fantastic! 👍👌🙏🏻🎉😊❤️

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. That means so much to me. The deer moment was a good moment. ☺️❤️🙏

[@OneWordCapitalD]

Since I comment a lot, I'll just say, "Call me 'David'." Anyway, I appreciate your desire to share honest life stuff while you're hiking. That's half the reason I hike at all. It's usually on my way down, once the hard climbing is over, that all of my thoughts and frustrations and fears come pouring out. It's great prayer time, too, when I can finally think clearly because the pressures of life and the world aren't constantly interrupting me. So keep it up. I know you'll want to keep a safe/professional boundary between your real self and your YT personality, but don't think viewers will run away when you want to be honest. We're all like you in that the wilderness is a soothing blanket we all want to wrap ourselves in. See you next time!

[@dandtintennessee7675]

Good to see you up and at it again.

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you! ❤️🤗

[@kymountaingal3672]

Great video...thanks for sharing! You seem like such a genuine person 😊

[@raylamascus2296]

Good to see you Gretchen. Hope you are better. Prayers still your way

[@raylamascus2296]

You are inspiring Gretchen. I love your videos. You are sweet, kind and I like your since of humor. ❤️

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for always being so encouraging ❤️

[@kennethhieke6623]

Wishing you much peace, sister. Keep on hiking' it seems to do your soul good.

[@jackforman6385]

You just keep keeping it real, it is important to expose people to the healing of the woods. It works, I know; bless you as you bless others.

[@melonydodson8725]

It takes guts to be so vulnerable and real but that's what makes your videos so special...people can connect with that and know that you are helping so many people! Hiking and the woods is my therapy too.

[@spynles7947]

Love this video. Relatable and real. Thanks for sharing your challenges, experience and wisdom.

[@hillbillyholt]

You should feel free to share what you're going through with your friends/followers on social media. It takes more strength to be honest, vulnerable, and real than it does to be one of the many that only show only the highlights of their lives to others. Your videos make is smile. They inspire many of us to do more, and experience things that intrest us. Seeing you fight is awesome. God bless you.

[@HikingwithBraids]

Your kind words make me smile. Thank you ❤️

[@hillbillyholt]

@@HikingwithBraids My wife and I are coming to the Smokies to do some hiking the first weekend of November. We hope to see you on the trail or in Gatlinburg. I hope you don't mind us saying hello. Promise not to bother you if you're filming though.

[@unfunny76]

Thank you. I needed this today.

[@luvmybling22]

I am so happy you are real. I suffer from depression & anxiety as well & watching you push through things that are hard for you at that moment gives me so much hope. I give up so easily, unlike you. Please stay real. It keeps me in check knowing I’m not alone. Big warm hugs to you. You got this, I know you do.

[@JenniferLupine]

Enjoyed this hike with you- love to hear the birds and other natural sounds - thanks for being honest- wishing you all the best :) You are one of my KZbin heroes! I found your channel when searching for hikes at Glacier N P and have been following you since then. I enjoy your naturalness and good sense of humor while sharing your hiking adventures - and of course I'm loving the Smokey Mountains now and hoping to get there and to do some hiking- ciao- from Washington :)

[@hikerhannah7371]

You and me are the same person... you make me feel like I’m not alone in this struggle. The trail makes me feel alive and I live through you on every single video. It’s hard to put anxiety out there BUT you are such an inspiration to me. If you can do it, then I can! Keep on keepin on... I love you, friend! ❤️

[@HikingwithBraids]

Hugs and love to you my friend!! ❤️🤗

[@steveklei4987]

Thanks for the video. The woods and water cleanses the soul. The hike you are doing here is part of the first backpacking trip I ever did many many years ago. I live in Tennessee and have hiked in Big South Fork many times. I have suffered from depression since my childhood. Keep hiking it helps so much. I'm heading to BSF a couple weeks I can't wait

[@myglorialife7395]

Thank you for being real. Trail therapy is the best.

[@jessyskehan1696]

I know this is an older video, but watching because of the pause in the AT...I have anxiety and depression as well. 2019 was a terrible year of struggles for me! But hiking helps to lighten the weight of the world on me. It relaxes and refreshes me body and soul! 🌸

[@TrailHunters]

Hiking is also my way of dealing with the depression I've fought nearly my whole life (I'm the dad of the Trail Hunters). Sharing your story was touching. Thanks. BTW, we love Big South Fork! Great video!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you also for sharing. Even if it doesn’t seem like it on some days look how mentally strong you are to have made it this far. Many happy trail days to you! 🤗

[@TrailHunters]

@@HikingwithBraids And to you!

[@darrinporter7422]

I know exactly how you feel being out in nature. You're doing a great job. Thanks for sharing, if it helps you don't apologize 😊

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Praying for you. Blessings

[@TheGail1217]

I know I’ve said it many times that you are an inspiration and it’s evident by those who watch your videos and get to know more about you that you continue to inspire people in so many ways. Not just in getting out there on the trails, but also in showing others it’s ok to be real. I admire you so much for that. Your honesty is rare in this world. Keep shining. ✨💕

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for letting me be me ❤️

[@reallyrhonda7222]

Outdoors uplifts me also. I haven’t hiked much totally solo but i often walk alone to take pics and video.

[@andmrsb]

love your videos!! thanks for doing what you do

[@cheesecake1003]

Your vulnerability is very inspiring.

[@papawinthewoods]

The great outdoors is the best therapy for whatever troubles you. I live and hike often in the Big South Fork area. A lot of times I never encounter person in the back country. It is a huge park at 125,000 acres so there's plenty of seclusion if you know where to go. Got a lot of vids on my channel of the area if you want to check it out. You should also check out the Pogue Creek Canyon and Pickett State Park. They both border the Big South Fork on its western border. Incredible rock formations in both places.

[@HikingwithBraids]

I most definitely will! Thank you!!

[@papawinthewoods]

@@HikingwithBraids I appreciate it. My e-mail address is on my channel in the "about" section. I would be more than happy to lend you advise about any hike you may be interested in. This is home to me and I am pleased when it gets the publicity it I think deserves. Thank You!

[@SuperLogic7]

I did this trial on 07-19-20. The bridge she comes across (at 16:52) that had been in the process of being repaired has been smashed by a large fallen tree. Someone had actually put up RESTRICTED AREA up across the path around 30' before the bridge. Just like 30' before that tape go down to the water and look across the creek (which is quite shallow) you'll see the path you're supposed on. When I was there it was marked with pink plastic flags.

[@willieoakley2336]

I have the same thing anxiety and depression and sometime I feel so alone and that scares me you're not alone God bless you and your family and friends

[@NancyandMako]

I love your honesty don’t ever change!!!

[@YuriyTrebushnoy]

Have you ever hiked in Washington State?? We have amazing hikes here, you should check them out.

[@HikingwithBraids]

One day I hope to ☺️🙏

[@fatcattn1]

Best yet.

[@lucindaturnis6605]

Authentic /real is GOOD You're a beautiful person Gretchen The joy when you seen the deer was contagious.....I felt it! Another new name for you is the "Authentic Hiker" What's your spirit animal? Posibly a deer?

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you ❤️ My favorite animal is an owl but I don’t know my spirit animal lol 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mikedowns2006]

Speak on Sista!

[@willieoakley2336]

I love this video

[@AtTreehouse]

We hike for the same reasons. Renew your soul. Pastor J.

[@davidgough3512]

Voices in the woods? with the formations on that trail, GOTTA be some climbers/boulderers out there, literally " hanging out" on some rocks.

[@margaretbridges3048]

Hey girl, you were in my neck of the woods. I hiked this last weekend with some friends. If you ever have any questions about the trails here just message me on messenger.

[@HikingwithBraids]

I sure will! Thank you!

[@margaretbridges3048]

@@HikingwithBraids Your Welcome!

[@althrox]

Thanks for sharing, What medications do you take for your depression/anxiety?

[@HikingwithBraids]

I don’t take any meds

[@amandaharris7811]

Check out Abbie Barnes I think you may enjoy her and find some similarities and how she is like you she is real and does not hide who she is.

[@HikingwithBraids]

I definitely will! ☺️

[@thatdamndon22]

Honey I think you're great you're pretty on the inside and outside I love watching your videos Jerry is a lucky man I had anxiety and depression for years I would wake up at 2:00 in the morning and feel like I had jumped out of a airplane and forgot my parachute they put me on Lexapro I haven't had any problems since I would be depressed so bad I would stay in the bed for a week so I know how you feel but anyway you're great and don't let the devil tell you you're any different