BACKPACKING CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK // 25 Miles of Snow and Ice on the Ridge Trail

Join Nick, Chad, and I on the 25 mile journey along the Ridge Trail at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park on Feb 6-7, where we got caught in a winter storm and experienced over a foot of snow while backpacking through some of most rugged and scenic terrain Kentucky has to offer.
Check out Nick and Chad’s videos of this trip!
Nick’s version: • Hiking The Cumberland ...
Chad’s version: • Backpacking Cumberland...
If you enjoyed this content, I’d really appreciate it if you liked the video, subscribed to the channel, and left me comment telling me what you thought. Happy hiking!

[@beyondthecampfire]

Okay, the wait was worth it! Actually, I think this is the perfect time to relive this trip. Just enough time has passed for me to be surprised by some of the small details that I had forgotten about. I enjoyed every minute of this video, and I'll be re-watching it in the future. I like the slower, relaxing pace, and yet it feels like it just flies by. I love the way you incorporated your previous trip, too. It was worth it hauling that heavy camera up the mountain, because you got some great shots! I took some notes for you: 2:15 - The hawk! He was one of the small details I'd forgotten. Really cool that you caught his call, too. 4:30 - Somehow, even though I know exactly how it will turn out, I'm still excited to see how the snowstorm turns out. 6:10 - It's not a meal unless there's cheese on the table (rock). 10:15 - 😂 13:00 - I like how the sound of the wind and the shot of that lonely tree give us some more ominous foreshadowing. It feels like something is coming. 14:13 - I love the way the snow glitters when it catches the light from our headlamps. Actually, you really nailed the whole campfire scene. That might have been my favorite campfire ever, and this scene took me right back there. The sawing, the colors, the flames blowing in the wind, the banter in the background. It's great. 17:40 - You weren't kidding about your tent shrinking! 18:42 - Yup, my thoughts exactly when I woke up to that. 19:13 - I like the way this shot is composed. 24:35 - And I thank you for it! Seriously, that post-holing was hard work. 25:00 - The perspective on these walking shots does a great job of showing how much snow there was and what it was like to walk through it. 29:37 - Nice shots of the waterfall from your first trip! 32:10 - This looks like a shot from a Mars rover. 37:45 - 😂 38:00 - You nailed the experience of walking out onto the cliffs where the view opened up onto that amazing snow-covered valley. Great climax to the video. And I agree that our reactions tell the story well. 42:00 - I don't think I've ever noticed the single star shining in these shots. Love it. 42:52 - Classic. ROBUSTO! Thanks again for preserving these memories for us. And for inviting me on this unforgettable trip. I'm sure I'll have more to say the next time we hang out, but until then, keep up the great work!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Man I so appreciate the time you take to let me know what you thought of each video I make and how it spoke to you personally and creatively. You definitely should never feel pressured to, just wanted to let you know that it’s a blessing to receive these! Thanks for pointing out all of these nuances I included in the footage. It makes me appreciate them even more when I go back and rewatch those time stamps- to confirm the ones that were poignantly meaningful to me, and the ones I included but didn’t realize their special nature until you pointed them out. I think you, Nick, and myself have all received separate responses in one day that have reminded us how impactful and meaningful these videos can be to others, and ourselves, and these comments of yours are no exception. Thanks again for accompanying me on all these wild journeys, and most of all for friendship. Let’s do it again soon!

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your experience

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch!!

[@redshepherdoutdoors7201]

It’s amazing how much a blanket of snow can make an already beautiful scenery even more so. Excellent work here I really enjoyed it. I’m sure this will be a trip that you all will talk about for a long long time.

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

You are absolutely right! It changed everything- it was like doing two backpacking trips in one place. Thanks for your kind words! This trip will be cherished in my memory for the rest of my life

[@paulschuhmann4534]

Your best video yet Samuel!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so very much, Paul!! Very glad you enjoyed it, can’t wait to make the next one! 😁

[@Cliftyman]

What a memory. Glad you were able to enjoy the power of nature without too much drama. I've only been up there once. Tried to camp at White Rocks Campground and it was too cold for my gear or skills. I'll be back soon to conquer Cumberland mountain. It's deceptive... especially if you go too late or too early.

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Cumberland Gap is no joke! You can experience some serious mountaineering up there if you time it right. I’m just glad we were able to get off the mountain that day! It was a struggle with all that snow! Let me know if you need any help planning your next C Gap adventure! Thanks for tuning in to watch!

[@AISEL117]

Nice video, thanks for sharing, I wish you a good weekend. 👍🌹❣️❤️

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so much for watching! Please subscribe to stay tuned for more! I’ll check your channel out as well. Cheers on a happy weekend!

[@PopPopTN]

Samuel! That was exemplary! You have a great eye and the narrative style was outstanding. I had never even heard of Sand Cave...awesome! Thank you SO much!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thank you so very much, Pop Pop!! I’ve been working really hard to increase the cinematic and narrative elements of my videos, so it’s great to hear it’s being well received! The Sand Cave is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, honestly! Thank YOU so much for watching!! 😊

[@leslieteague7885]

Wow!!! I felt like I’d watched a Nat Geo special !!!!☺️👍🏻 . I’m still in awe of it all so happy you get to see these beautiful places and share them so I can live vicariously through your videos😉😍 Top 5 of my personal favorite videos of yours!! Carry on wayward son ❤️❤️Love you !!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Aw thanks so much, Mom! I’ve worked really hard to make these memories something I could look back and enjoy rewatching, so I’m glad to hear it’s making an impact on others’ viewing experience too! Thanks for always watching and commenting and supporting. Love you!

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Absolutely amazing! I love this hike and I haven't seen that much snow as when you guys did it, it was a true challenge for you and so worth the tough hike!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so much Nicole!!! This was a once in a lifetime hike- we talk about it so much because that snow was just so amazing to witness. Thanks for watching!!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

Wonderful video brother! It was so great to relive those memories!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks brother!! It was a lot of fun going through all the footage- it cooled me right down! 🥶😉

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Nice hike. Enjoyed the vid

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it

[@wazoologist]

Thank you for the vid. Great trip, but the deep snow looked scary, the pizza looked yum! 😊

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so much for watching!! All that snow was a little scary, especially while being on the top of a big mountain like that! After a hike that brutal, that pizza tasted so good! Thanks again for your support

[@billysherlin6589]

Great video! Mother nature really gave you guys a treat! Cumberland Gap is special to me. Hiked the Mischa Mokwa trail, while in Boy Scouts, some 33 years ago. I have had a few other awesome experiences there in more recent backpacking trips. This video is making me want to go back this fall! Awesome stuff!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thanks so much man!! I’ve never heard of the Mischa Mokwa trail before, but I’ve since looked up some info on it and it looks pretty cool! Can it be hiked by non scout people? I hope you’re able to return and visit during the fall, I bet the colors there are amazing, especially at sand cave and white rocks! Thanks again for watching?

[@billysherlin6589]

@@BluegrassBackcountry yes, anyone can hike it. It's just the Gibson Gap trail up to the Ridge trail and out to White Rocks and Sand cave. Then down the same way you went.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I’ve done that trail before but definitely not in that kinda weather. Great job on dealing with the elements Awesome video my friend 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

It was an unbelievable experience, I don’t know if I’ll ever see that much snow in Ky again haha. Thanks for the kind words and for watching, Jason!

[@Hahayewon]

like 17 my new friend +1

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Thank you!