The Best Mountaintop Meadow You've Never Heard of at the Great Smoky Mountains | 4K

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-SCENE SELECTION-
00:00 Teaser
00:19 Theme Song
00:46 After Intro
01:21 DAY ONE - Tail of the Dragon
02:51 Traffic Accident
03:45 At the Trailhead
04:24 Map Sequence
04:43 Rainforest Plants
06:29 Trail Junction and Cascade
08:26 Plant Identifications
09:46 Teeming with Life Hiking
11:41 Chicken of the Woods
12:20 Continuing On, Breaking at Campsite
15:02 Onto the Main Trail, Plants and Mushrooms
18:24 Evening Hiking, Junction Resting
22:02 Stream Crossing
24:39 Lady Slipper and Sassafras
25:49 Getting to Campsite
27:46 Cooking/Eating Chicken of the Woods
28:56 Dinner
30:32 Birthday Surprise
31:42 Prepping for the Night
32:50 DAY TWO
34:46 Campsite Plant ID & Stream Crossing
36:50 Uphill Incline
38:29 Bicolor Bolete, Muggy Hiking
40:43 Creek Life
42:20 Hiking, Flame Azalea and other Flowers, Resting, Peewees
45:40 Continued Uphill Hiking
47:28 Rye Patch
48:44 Wild Boars
50:18 Junction, Hiking to Gregory's Bald
53:08 Arriving at Gregory's Bald
56:26 Milling About
59:17 Hiking to the Campsite
1:00:43 Settling into Camp, Spicy Noodles, Deer
1:03:17 Golden Evening Firestarting
1:07:08 Night Hike
1:08:44 Gregory Bald at Night
1:12:06 DAY THREE - Coffee
1:14:22 Peaceful Morning, Water, Heading Out
1:14:46 Natural TP Story
1:17:47 Parson's Bald, Grassy Trail
1:19:54 Break and Hiking
1:22:45 Junction Break
1:24:31 Final Thoughts & Hike Out
1:28:36 Call to Action
1:29:04 Special Thanks
1:30:29 Credits, Post-Hike Meal
1:33:15 Shoutouts
1:41:32 Secret One-Legged Stance
-----------------------------­--------
In this episode, we head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hike up to Gregory Bald. We drove in on highway 129, the "Dragon's Tail", before arriving at Twentymile Ranger Station. We hike on the Long Hungry Ridge Trail and camp at campsite 92, Upper Flats.
The next day we pass the Rye Patch, then head west on Gregory Bald Trail. We eventually reached a hidden gem of the Smokies, Gregory Bald. We then continued west and camped for the night at campsite 13, Sheep Pen Gap. After it turned dark, we went back to Gregory Bald to check out the stars and the city in the distance.
On the final day, we headed south on Wolf Ridge Trail. One of the first landmarks we came across was the Parson Bald. We continued south, taking a short break at campsite 95, Dalton Branch, before finally heading out of the park.
Link to the trail: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/no...
Official Smoky Mountains Map: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisi...
-----------------------------­--------
All of the musical compositions or arrangements and footage in this video are original, and were composed, recorded, and captured by Andrew Lin, Bryan Lin, Robby Huang, and Thomas Sinard
Featuring drums by Nate Laguzza
Original content and music is copyright Adventure Archives (c) 2022

[@vdawg09]

Legend says that Thomas was a mile ahead of the group yet again the entire trip so he didn’t make it in the video

[@rebeccaewing473]

I’ve only seen Andrew on one video I just assumed he doesn’t always go

[@mariannesouza8326]

😂

[@marilynmckinney7861]

I appreciate you men for your thoughts and your sense of adventure,I am going with you my young self (Iam 77 years old and a female) If my husband was alive we would be on this adventure in our younger days. He died in August 2021. I just wanted to let you know I appreciate you taking us on this trip with you.

[@MrJouwi]

Adventure Archives is my comfort content.🤗

[@leahellyson]

Bryan and Andrew have some seriously luscious hair

[@beyondtypical]

I've always enjoyed your passion for noticing the more subtle beauty of nature. Have other hikers ever stopped to ask you what you're looking at, expecting you to have noticed something extraordinary? This happens to me a lot and the other hikers always seem disappointed when it's "just" wild flowers, moss, or mushrooms.

[@georgekersnick9995]

Im always nervous to do this lol

[@beyondtypical]

@@georgekersnick9995 don't be nervous to enjoy your hike your way!

[@alishuseynov4521]

Andrew amazes me with his knowledge of plants. I would want someone like him to be on a hike with me.

[@gregpirtle1109]

You guys are extremely talented. Y'all have that eye for catching beautiful shots. Keep up the excellent work.

[@marmeedoll]

She turned in class and asked why I had not shaved. She never said why she asked, but we were suddenly on a path that would last 60 plus years, long before the tourists and hikers came. It was lonely and very personal. It lasted 60 + years for which I am grateful. What a wonderful creature from those dark and deep mountains whence she came. The Smokys are dark and deep. She was native and deep personally. I loved her and her mystery like her mountains. She was perfect mountain girl. Just a hidden gem like her mountains whence she came. I would give anything to hear her voice again.

[@treybodkin]

To smell sassafras you have to smell the root, once you expose it from the soil, that’s when you get that very sweet smell. It makes a delicious tea!

[@kennyle8640]

That was a top-notch "American Psycho" shout-out sequence. Like everyone who supports your you guys via views, being subscribed, and Patreon, we're so incredibly proud of how this channel has blossomed and what it's become. I'm glad I've been a part of it for years. My only wish is that you guys get out here to the west coast. However, considering none of you guys lives out here any longer, it's understandable why we don't get much content based out here any longer. I still watch your Mt. Whitney and Yosemite videos from time to time; it reminds me of the beautiful Sierra Nevada range when I can't get out there as much as I'd like. Keep up the great content, guys!

[@AdventureArchives]

Stay tuned very soon ;)

[@BradRLeBeau]

@@AdventureArchives 👀 sweet

[@mayaappel]

@@AdventureArchives awesome! I would love to know where you guys would be on the west coast! I’m in Washington!

[@theAbandonedCamper]

I agree!!

[@natureisallpowerful]

@@theAbandonedCamper hi abandoned camper,love you're channel, Also been a fan of adventure archives for a while. 👍

[@fishbone2921]

As an avid hiker my whole life now struggling with some mobility issues I am enjoying your videos so much. Taking time to appreciate the flora is especially meaningful. Thank you.

[@jb0258]

I love the focus on smaller things in this episode. There's such an immeasurable appreciation of the little things, and I think all of us are sometimes guilty of looking it over or take it for granted. Amazing work as always guys! 👍

[@millerbatson8769]

Beautiful footage that brings back welcome memories of the same hike I did about 45 years ago. Thanks for the plant guide, and general philosophy of being in the wilderness. It makes me want to revisit my old stomping ground.

[@VandrefalkTV]

Man.. again, nobody, and I mean NOBODY shoots b-roll like you guys! And the "infotainment" is just goodness. Cheers and atb from Norway

[@elisabethe8055]

Absolutely wild boar scavenging in the forest. We have them wild over here in Sweden to, and they can destroy a garden over night (that happened). Wild boar is the only animal over here that is free game, all year round due to the damage they cause for farmers, garden owners and forest owners. Thank you for yet another great episode. I love the slow TV vibe, and you can just relax and enjoy. Thank you!

[@paulbier2182]

This channel is top tier content in the hiking sphere on KZbin. I've personally been following you for 4 years and you guys have inspired many hikes of my own: Katahdin Nordhouse Dunes Minister Creek (my personal favorite hike and favorite video by Adventure Archives😀) And Hoosier National Forest in my home state!

[@hermithollow2024]

I always appreciate seeing your hikes in my lovely Smoky Mountains! ❤

[@sandrasadler4517]

Been watching you for about a year now on KZbin on TV. Trying to become a Patreon but having trouble. Will keep trying. You guys are definitely worth supporting!

[@reneemercer5950]

Wow, I have lived here all of my life and your like a walking encyclopedia of plants and trees, can't wait until the next adventure, love you guys.

[@bobtronic73]

another rewatch :) a classic adventure. love the lush green.

[@oldscout2514]

Such a wonderful positive & up filling video. I thank you for identifying all the plants & fungi. The Smokies is such a beautiful place. People drive thru & never see the real beauty of the mountains. The more you get off the beaten path the real Smokies finds you or you find it. I have not been able to hike for last 23 years. My son is buying camping equipment but not gone anywhere yet. I hope you share lots of walks in the woods.

[@braedentaramasco7067]

currently watching this while i’m on the stair master at the gym. BEST IDEA EVER, it’s like i’m there hiking with them

[@laureno1172]

I love AA! missing Thomas on the trips!

[@sonofabear]

I always love how much focus is put on the plants and mushrooms of the region!

[@debbyrymer9298]

Your in my part of the country. The way you all give us names and how to ID of the plants it really helps

[@anatoliileo6271]

Many thanks to Adventure Archives for such an interesting journeys! And hello from your constant viewer and fan from Ukraine.

[@natureisallpowerful]

I finally finished my foraging diploma and now I half understand Andrew's plants flowers and fungi being in the UK and all. Thanks lads,respect

[@dustyc324]

too cool. I've been down this trail. so many creek crossings. I was there early and the streams were high and very cold. sub freezing temps at night. fresh snowmelt creeks were a good morning wakeup.

[@yaqoobtabsu3362]

I love watching you guys on these adventures. They take me back to my youth. That is kind of “long gone” at this point, but I do enjoy these adventures of yours. I love Robby’s blog on KZbin too

[@zakkw788]

Looks like a fantastic adventure! Oh man, and the post credits bits had me dying.

[@johnshifflette1218]

Hey guys, just watched your hike on the California lost coast. Great hike. Now I found this, my kin are from the Smokey's. I grew up in Gatlinburg and am so glad you guys are here. ❤🤜🏻🤛🏻👊🏻👍🏻👍🏻 🌬☠🏴‍☠️

[@gilmanalad6016]

I enjoy your adventures. I watched so many of your movies during my COVID recovery. Keep up the great work!

[@billiegarro874]

I’m 78 I follow you on you tube and enjoy the trips with your u thanks

[@sharonh9239]

I just discovered your channel and have only watched 2 videos but am enjoying them so much. I like the way Andrew stops to identify plants and mushrooms and tells us what uses they have.

[@marionnatale8230]

I love watching you guys on these adventures. They take me back to my youth. That is kind of “long gone” at this point, but I do enjoy these adventures of yours. I love Robby’s blog on KZbin too. Enjoy your youth and protect the beautiful friendship among the Four of you. Blessings on the journey! 🙏❤️🤗

[@WinteryMix84]

This is my favorite video of yours that I’ve seen. I love the mindfulness you put into all of your work. Thank you!

[@beverleydan1893]

Hahaha...you guys are so cute when you try to act! I love watching you guys!

[@Iam1uglyguy]

@1:18:05 Andrew, while standing on the bald, "Parsons had a little more Rogaine". LOL Not even a chuckle from Brian or Robbie??? Come on, that was hiking comedy gold!

[@AdventureArchives]

Hahah

[@Eastcoastoverdose_]

Outstanding love these videos love the plant knowledge thank you so much

[@3generations393]

I love learning from you young men. You sll are very talented at photography story telling and so knowledgeable about plants & nature. I never know what you will teach me next. Thank you all and may God bless ❌⭕❌⭕, grandma 👋

[@kickingintheoutdoors]

Thanks for another amazing video and inspiring people to enjoy the great outdoors!

[@kevinlewallen4778]

Nice hike, guys. At 15:07, Robby remarks on how straight the trail is. In the 1920s, soon before GSMNP was established, this area was heavily logged. In the Twentymile area, Kitchen Lumber Company ran logging railroads deep into the woods, and many of today's trails follow the old rail beds. There's history mixed with trail data in "Hiking Trails of the Smokies."

[@glendasuggs2813]

Is this weird? I feel like- if I met you three- I'd be good friends with you. Well, I guess that means you tell a great story and you're good at capturing personality. I love your videos. Keep them coming!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much! We will def keep them coming :)

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

omg! your epilogue shout outs are hilarious and always have me laughing!!

[@tedzehnder961]

Informative and engaging.Keep the passion.

[@BrianYamagata]

\Thank you so much for sharing this adventure with us. With each and every episode, your story telling, camera work and music gets better and better and better! Can't wait for the next one.

[@THEGLASSMANSWORLD]

This was really cool to watch and I learned so much information from you guys! Thanks for sharing!

[@althealthworks]

I could definitely see the rainforest look in some of the latter scenes of this episode. Thanks for another great one!

[@Beachhopper]

That was beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed coming along with you all on that trek. Thank you.

[@originalthought9710]

Watching this makes it feel nostalgic. Like watching a episode of reading rainbow. I love it.

[@ranXd0m]

What a beautiful video. I love seeing all of the different plants and listening to everyone's commentary. The music choice and cinematography is so peaceful too. Thanks for the great video!

[@joanrochlin8493]

Enjoyed the episode- The relaxed ambiance, the beautiful foliage, the many close-ups with commentary, and the music. Would love to see you guys in a cooler environment this time of year!

[@t.t.5324]

Thank you for the video. As much as I enjoy the visuals, I listen to your great commentary and beautiful music as I go about my chores on my day off. Thanks again!

[@AdventureswithTom]

Great video capturing the beauty of the Smokies! One of my favorite place to hike!

[@maryannknox7158]

Amazing as always Thank You ,I really enjoyed your adventure in the Rockies

[@Studiomitchi]

I loved listening to the eastern wood pe-wee as you hiked. Such a resonant bird for such a little size! Also the bald star/city lights moment was spiritual. Continually love your content. 💛

[@cmpe43]

Loved this video and loved the content and editing, great job with sharing unfamiliar foods that I'd love to try Dried yellow fish? Yum!

[@rkoch2516]

Thanks for another great adventure! Coincidentally, we were down on the Lewellyn Cove Trail and AT off near Fontana Village that same weekend.

[@TXGranny2]

Anytime I go on a hike, I always watch a past episode if y'all have hiked that trail too. I have gotten many tips and campsites from watching them. Thanks for this one and will look forward to hiking this adventure as well! ❤️

[@joannahikes1337]

I really enjoy watching your hiking adventures but I have to say I’m really loving the shout outs you guys are very creative and pretty good actors to boot🦋✌️

[@shellym8251]

You guys are so chill! It's nice watching you guys enjoy nature and each others company. I have pretty bad anxiety and this is perfect to help calm my nerves. Much better than the news!

[@lyndamarines]

Happy belated birthday Bryan! Another great video AA! Look forward to listening to this soundtrack on Bandcamp...😉

[@ChrisWilliamsRMWpigeon]

That marching sound while you was saying about wondering without shackles, perfect!!!

[@BWarford]

Awesome video! Our entire family loves to watch your channel. We would love to meet you on a Smokies trail!

[@margaretleehightower3073]

Just absolutely amazing thank you So very much..too old to hike anymore and Smokies my favorite place on earth 🌍 Bless all of you for doing this and the plant guy really knows his stuff!! I knew a lot of those plants but learned a lot too…awesome..Namaste 😊

[@Erskinegc]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Each one of you brings something different for us in the audience to learn from and the on screen chemistry just flows so well. Looking forward to trying a bit of foraging next time that I am in the Smokies. Wishing you all the best!

[@ThePiperrox]

Another AMAZING and perfectly edited video of your awesome hike! You guys put so much dedication and JOY into your videos and they are so appreciated, especially for those of us who aren’t able to get out there and hike anymore. And love your hilarious altros! Omg 🤣🤣🤣 You guys are talented AND funny!

[@MellowBunnies]

Another spectacular adventure guys! That deer was beautiful and it was nice to see all the plant life too. I was not expecting to see the city lights on your stargazing night. Stay adventurous!

[@indycarcomplainer2304]

Always love your videos, especially your Smokies trips.

[@Turtle-Hiker]

I just watched your video for the first time and loved it. I have hiked a lot in the Smokies I think you did a great job. FYI there are several trails in the Smokies that are old road beds from the days before the park.

[@mikkikas6821]

Tthankyou for this awesome and incredibly journey!!!

[@joycecaudell6047]

Exceptional photography and appreciation for the natural beauty! Thanks so much!!!

[@heatherchannel7157]

and the acting at the end! great job Rob!

[@alant.541]

Couldn't wait. Beautifully shot video. I've heard that TN has some deadly heat and humidity. HBD Bryan!

[@juvenives1203]

I love that you guys are cousins and hike together. I grew up with my cousins too and now we are scattered all over…and none of them really like to hike like I do. I hope you guys always do this together. Cheers 🥂

[@juvenives1203]

P.s Thomas you are great too. Childhood friends are priceless.

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Awesome! I do this loop often and film it on my channel each time but it NEVER looks or sounds like yours. You guys are truly gifted. I’ve said it many times…Adventure Archives can make a trip to a port-a-potty seem glorious. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@bigchief7798]

I got to hike this back when the solar eclipse came across. It was really amazing to see from that elevation. Love your videos.

[@triple_gem_shining]

Friggin love your videos guys! Thanks!!

[@gettinghighwithtwooldbroad3094]

Very enjoyable video, thanks for sharing

[@calxtra5361]

Beautiful woodland walk guys ... i got the giggles at the fun ending :)))

[@barbarabladen8963]

Another AWESOME!! video! Thanks guys!

[@hamsteronacomputer6692]

Everything about these videos is immaculately done...but in particular you guys are amazing composers on top of it! I especially liked the piece at 1:09:12 And holy crap, that shoutout sequence

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Great way of showing all the beauty of the forest, even when there's no major "features" or big views. We always expect to get our feet wet when hiking in the Smokys!

[@BarbinRottweiler]

All of your videos of the smokies are my favorite. I love the smokies they are a magical place.

[@peacebewithu73]

On this same weekend my husband and I hiked and camped where you guys did at John Litton in Big South Fork.

[@flip4341]

Always love seeing you come to my home state of TN. You all should come up to Cumberland Gap National Park. Hike from the Gap to the tri-state marker, and then to Hensely Settlement.

[@spellsforsale6871]

Excellent film - always enjoy you 👍❤️

[@heatherchannel7157]

this was a great video not just for the scenery ,which was awesome, but also for the education on the vegetation growing wild, I like it when you have the random introspective moments about life lessons, its pretty amusing when you all are talking and a giggle ripples thru all three of you.. like before u settle down at night or stopping for a snack , it always makes me chuckle

[@marianfrances4959]

I agree, the "tank top is the way to go." LOL. So good to see you guys again! Awesome video. 👍😎🇨🇦🌊🌲📷💐🌿🌸🍄🦌🕷🐝🌼

[@faithpatriot1]

Ahh! So excited about this one. Have been going to the smokys for 20 years now. Haven’t braved the tail of the dragon yet. Loved the video! ❤️

[@marshayame]

I just got back from a 9-day hiking/camping trip and was stoked to watch this! Sometimes I save your videos for the perfect evening and it just makes my day that much better. Come to Washington sometime 👀

[@kezbot2]

So much greenery in this hike thanks to the humidity and subtropical environment. It reminded me in places of the lower Daintree Rainforest, just up the road from me. Minus deer 😄

[@lucyhogan8483]

Loved your night walk to see the stars and city lights and your thoughts about the future. Also enjoy the info about nature, esp the life of a mushroom

[@livertine504]

I wasn't able to see much nature (except from small parks which count not much) within the last 2 1/2 years. But your videos always made my day. There are not many channels I follow for such a long time (I guess in your case since 2018). Each time a new video is out it brings me joy, many smiles and a feeling of enjoying the ride with some good friends. Thanks for being there for us. Please never stop exploring the outdoors with us together. Cheers from Vienna~

[@patriciaburke2401]

Thanks so much for sharing your adventures and vast knowledge of plants! Take care & God bless.

[@violetraquelgarcia5143]

Really enjoyed Your video !! Superb !!

[@deanhatch4179]

I love your videos, they have given us the impetus to do our own exploring. You should do a video of who you are, and your history.

[@JohnnyontheTrail]

Great video guys, I love staying at that campsite and visiting the bald after dark and or super early morning and watch that sunrise up over Mt Leconte in the distance.

[@leeweisberg4045]

I look forward to every episode!! Keep them coming.

[@terizumbusch8408]

Well this adventure just came up and somehow I missed it and it is just delightful to get to watch. It's the most beautiful part of the smokies. I think i've seen you guys in a that river creek turned into a river is absolutely gorgeous. Only fourteen minutes into it but it is really delightful. Thanks guys