Backpacking the Smoky Mountains • 64 Mile Loop

[@bobconar2222]

Redbeard, I followed your Appalachian Trail hike a year or two ago. Now this hike. I enjoy your comments, drawing our attention to many things of interest. Thanks for posting!!!

[@MegaMastiffman]

That tree with the rock stuck to the bottom was sick!!! Definitely don’t see that every day! Great hike great vid Awesome guys thanks

[@theresas4914]

OMG...this video was amazing. Twig did really well for her first backpack hike. She never slowed down. Thank you so much for filming & posting this. I always wanted to go to Mt Le Conte and now....thanks to you & Twig I feel like I've been there. You showed us so much that most of us would never have been able to experience. God bless you both on your future adventures. You're an awesome couple. ☺

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

I hiked the SHT when I was 15 in 1993. we did the Kadunce river to the Temperance river. it was still new back then and sections weren't marked well. if you run into trouble the power line trails head down to the lake and highway. can't wait to see your video when you do it..

[@andrewwehunt2544]

I've been to Clingman's Dome and Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. It's beautiful country. Hope to get to hike it one day. Awesome video man. Rock on!!

[@hikehunter9572]

I have hiked some of those same trails. I really like the trail from Mt. Le Cont to Cingmans. The Boulivard trail looks about like it did in late July 2011. I did the loop from Gatlingurg to LeConte over past Clingmans then down to Elkmount to watch the sync. fire flys.

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thank you again for posting up section hikes like this. It's a really nice way for those of us looking for nice section hikes etc to get an idea of what the areas offer. Appreciate the updates on your food and gear selections as far as what's working for you and what isn't. Always looking for new food ideas.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

This was Twigs FIRST backpacking trip? I would never have guessed...Excellent job you two. Nice video.

[@SKIADK]

Such a special place in landscape, and in hiking. I enjoy the trails from October- May as less people come and the stillness of the mountains is Apparent. Love how you capture thePOV of the trails! Keep on Keeping on!!!!

[@billmanns3303]

Thank you for posting these "simple" hikes for us.

[@clintonnovak4640]

Dude, that place was awesome! so green. And I see you showed the viewers what you brought to eat on your trip... good stuff. some people like all the little details...

[@donmatulevich9411]

64 miles in the Smoky Mountains is a nice stretch of the legs. Thanks for sharing the video. I’ll have to try this loop soon!

[@grantw6266]

Deer love Red Beard... the fawn on the AT Thru hike is one of my all time favorite moments of all the vlogs I have viewed. Nice trip ! Thanks !

[@btackett2]

New to the channel and I am glad I joined with this video. Beautiful trip and views.

[@MrIridebrakeless]

So cool to see you hike some of the same places I hiked when I hiked the AT through the Smokys this past spring. Thru hiking the whole AT next spring, I'll be watching your thu hike videos again to get me excited!

[@darrowood75]

Very cool can't wait to see video of the upcoming superior trail

[@SKIADK]

Great hikes in that park. I did Mount Buckley to Clingmans last week. Awesome vistas!!! Great pics.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I dream of backpacking in the smokies! Until then I'll keep playing in my own backyard... Utah! Great video!

[@mdnite2941]

Great video! Thanks for taking us along with yall.For a first time hiking trip Twig did a great job! I would have been done after 7 miles! lol! Keep on making these wonderful videos for everyone who can't get out there.

[@RedBeard0924]

+frank sheffield she did great! Can't wait to take her on a longer hike! 100 miles next for her for sure! Happy Hiking!

[@clintechols4117]

That looked like a great trip. So excited for more to come that aren't swamps lol.

[@Survivalist2008]

Super hike and video. Thanks Red Beard!

[@RedBeard0924]

My pleasure!

[@mikkat50]

Glad to see you back in Tn. Will, seems like it is your favorite place. Looking forward to your next adventure as usual. Greetings from Johnson City Tn. Mike !!!!

[@fettuccinialfredo715]

Thanks guys....excelent vid....great job both of ya....good luck

[@coulter281]

cape cod! shout out from the cape! glad you like our chips ;-) your vids have always been inspirational! thank you

[@sharoncraker8393]

I really appreciate this video. Thanks, Red Beard...and Twig!

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks!

[@thenightowldude]

Wonderful video, as always. Keep up the good work Red Beard.

[@theg-man7868]

Great video Will love the appreciation of the country and creatures around you. Happy hiking from UK

[@farm64]

Thanks for sharing! As usual, another inspiring video. Can't wait to watch your upcoming Superior Trail vids. Please get as much footage as possible. Keep Em coming.

[@sarahy5540]

Another great video. Really love the quiet of remote trails where it's just you and nature. Love it. Can't wait to see your upcoming long hikes! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@gimmickx]

Did this exact loop last week with a buddy, on our last night we met two other guys doing the same loop who also got the idea of the loop from this video. Both groups were pretty giddy over it ha.

[@treskutcher6633]

I'm pretty sure I met you there. Was doing a different section at about the same time and there were two different pairs of hikers who were doing this loop. (I was the solo hiker at Icewater Spring shelter). Based on what you and the other group said, I'm thinking of doing this loop next summer with my middle child.

[@jacjonmatthews1378]

Great to see you back on the trail will

[@TawnaTV]

Way to go! Awesome hike. Really enjoyed the various trails you used for your loop. Leconte Lodge looks really cool!

[@steveh1273]

Great video, jealous. Nice to get away in the crowed Smokies. Good luck!

[@michaelshepardson]

So nice to see you out of Florida. Like Florida but what a nice trail

[@gmgori0205]

great video as usual... ready for more adventures coming.

[@keithgile1034]

So cool...I went to the smokies with a buddy in august '07, during a heat wave! It was 95 plus at night. We got to the tent site and my friend started throwing up, he must've had heat exhaustion or something...it was scary but he pulled through and we had a great time. It's like walking through jurassic park!

[@ayrsen123]

Awesome video as usual. Scenery like this keeps me coming back to the States. Well done Twig!!, you made it look easy. :)

[@LarryVickery]

Love this vid. Lots of great POV my favorite country. Have visited the park many times in 50 years.

[@chuckgrothaus3828]

We're contemplating a two-week Smoky Mountain/AT hike in 2017. This looks like a great route to include if/when we go. Thanks!

[@uptrail7169]

Excellent Video Will! We hiked the Rainbow Falls Trail to the top of LeConte last summer. Charlies Bunion was another great area, but too many people when we went.

[@Localgirl808inFla]

Just subbed to your channel. Great video! Love hiking in the Smokies! And you are so right about hiking the Smokies and having the trees to help keep sun off.

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks for subscribing. The smoky mountains are amazing. One of my favorite locations on the east coast for sure.

[@brandonarmistead8240]

Best hiking videos on youtube, hands down

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks. About time for me to get back out there.

[@ronaldblackston5421]

Just an awesome hike and video

[@kublai7123]

Great video Will, was nice to see some wildlife. I've seen many videos from Great smokey mountains, but this gave a new perspective being in the summer unlike most thru-hiking videos.

[@AmyC28713]

Smoky*

[@ScottHamiltonAU]

thanks for posting these, will. i would enjoy seeing your campsite as well for future vids.

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Followed your channel the whole way! Love your videos! Epic!

[@markburrell2778]

More, more, more !! We want to see more !

[@Collinfan94]

so nice to see you back in the mountains! Great video, as always :)

[@ramblingjerry]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing. My favorite video of yours.

[@kellirustin7944]

Smokies are definitely on my bucket list after watching! Love your videos and very nice to see your gf.

[@drewwinterbottom1]

Enjoyed the video. Have visited Sierra Nevada in Mills River several times. You should have done the free brewery tour. Did you make it to The Purple Onion in Saluda for lunch, yum?

[@downundasvideos6402]

Oh yes, forgot to mention that I liked the additional focus on the wildlife too, it addedn another interesting dimension.

[@jong2180]

awesome video, good to see you two out

[@RedBeard0924]

+Jonathan Gallagher thanks!

[@koreyward9861]

I always love watching you vids, man. very inspirational.

[@kadielynn100]

Best video yet. Keep em coming. Get your passport and come to Vancouver

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Passports are required now to visit Canada? I guess that makes sense...

[@wndsrfross]

Great video! At 13:35 that looks like a young Hellbender which are endangered in the Smokies as well as other cold water streams/rivers across the country.

[@clintonnovak4640]

That walk way that lead to that lookout was so cool. don't think we have anything like that here in California?

[@BackpackingBen]

Based off your Facebook I'm starting to think you pick these hikes in their closeness to Sierra Nevada. :-P J/k, another great hike video Will.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

Watching a bunch of your vids during this covid-19 quarantine 🤘🏼 pretty nice considering it's snowing a ton here in CO today.

[@Don-md6wn]

Will, since you liked hiking the Smokies, you should look into a multi-day backpack in the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wildernesses in western North Carolina. It is only 45 miles north on the Blue Ridge Parkway from the GSMNP entrance at Oconoluftee, at the southern end of Newfound Gap Rd near Cherokee, to the intersection with NC 215 which is the boundary between the 2 wilderness areas. There are many mountain peaks that are in excess of 6000 feet and a plenty of streams running through both wildernesses. A guy named Tim Homan has a fairly recent book with detailed information and maps on all the trails in both wildernesses and in the nearby areas. Unfortunately, the Forest Service map of the 2 areas is out of date and discontinued.

[@dovahhiker891]

Awesome hike man, I love Sierra Nevada myself. Try the Bigfoot branywine that's a good brew. Hike on!!

[@ventureafield1424]

Looks good !

[@downundasvideos6402]

Thanks Red Beard for sharing a nice hike. Considering her inexperience I was very impressed with how your girlfriend handled the hike... she's a natural.

[@RATyson]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!! Hope to meet you on the trail one day! You should try to make a trip to the Sipsey Wilderness up here in Alabama. Some great trails out there.

[@gunthervansamang]

Awesome trail,,realy Great sceenery

[@ewanfrench7384]

Thanks for this video! Can you tell us which locations you spent the two nights?

[@g-radm3827]

what a stark contrast compared to the Sierra Nevada in CA-big, long, hikes and climbing @ 8,000-14,000+ feet, amaaaazing vistas and sweeping panoramic views ( Clouds Rest, Glacier Pt., Mist Trail, and of course, the JMT) whereas the Smoky’s have lots and lots of trees and no views unless you get to the Dome and Mt. Leconte, Inspiration Pt. Very nice video tho. The Smoky’s is definitely a beauty of its own. Thanks for the share!

[@haloknight1]

I am very interested in checking this hike out. Could you let me know which maps you used to create the route? i'm trying to introduce my girlfriend to slightly longer trips before attempting the AT with her. this seems like a great one!

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Looks beautiful!

[@robertschaddelee7527]

So awesome man!!!👏👏👏

[@joshuajohnson3431]

where did you camp on night 2?

[@Qmedjoe]

I have to hike this!!!

[@christynall-mathis1785]

I’m all new to hiking. What do you do for water? This is probably a dumb question.

[@djl531]

What dates did you hike this? I started at Clingman's on Jul 3 and went down Forney Ridge trail to Springhouse to site 71 on the first day. Up Jonas to Hazel and then AT to Siler's Bald for night 2. Finished at Clingman's on July 5th. My first overnight backpacking trip.

[@RedBeard0924]

We started out of smokemont on July 9th finished on July 13th.

[@Hindukushsailing]

Cool video, how much do your packs weigh loaded 8 and 9 base weight plus food? Nice Hike enjoyed watching!

[@RedBeard0924]

+Hindukush1234 with water and food I was at 16 and Jo was at 14.

[@howdydoughty7634]

Great video bro love all your vids. That was a Garter Snake and an Eastern Newt btw.

[@finishstrongdoc]

Those are Turk's Cap Lilies at 25:43. Thanks for the video.

[@RedBeard0924]

+Doc America awesome thanks for the info!

[@douglass69]

Great trip Will, I would love to try that with my wife, could you tell me where exactly you parked to start the trail. I'm in AZ, and have never been back East, so that trail looks great. Also, I couldn't find the iPhone App you mentioned.

[@RedBeard0924]

Park at the trail head parking at Smokemont. The app I used is called Trails and it's a yellow app with a footprint on it.

[@AngryOldBrit]

Loved the video! Planning a similar route for July 2017. You said in the video that tehre were a lot of gnats flying around in the forest. Were they biting? Were there a lot of mosquitoes? I am allergic so need to have an idea of what to expect.

[@Don-md6wn]

I just hiked from the Clingmans Dome parking lot to Andrews Bald (not nearly as impressive as Gregory Bald, which is a much longer and tougher hike) on Tuesday afternoon, then spent all day Wednesday doing the Alum Cave trail to the summit of Mount LeConte, including going to Cliff Top and Myrtle Point and getting a sack lunch in the lodge. Alum Cave to Mount Leconte was a tough day of hiking (about 12 miles round trip with the added sites on top and over 3000 feet of elevation gain), but it might be the prettiest hike I've ever done, along with the Roan Mountain hike to Grassy Bald when the rhododendron and azaleas are in bloom. As a photographer, the Inspiration Point area was my favorite place on the Alum Cave hike, with about 270 degrees of spectacular views.

[@tippersteffi1]

Great video

[@hooverzachary85]

What type of watch do u use?does it have an altimeter?how much?

[@maxpatch67]

Redbeard rocks.

[@flashmanv3260]

Great video, you have a nice low pack weight. I don't know if I missed it, what tent setup did you go with?

[@Ballabruce1]

Great vids like always. Do you still use the gopro? or did you switch it up to some other camera like a sony? Sorry I know you probably get that question a lot.

[@hidden75]

Did you get a new pack too? I thought you had two Arc blast? 50 and 60L? Did you get a new Arc Haul now?

[@RedBeard0924]

Yes I am now using an Arc Haul. Well not in this video. The pack in this video is a black Arc Blast that I'm testing out with a new design. My black Arc Haul is being used by my girlfriend.

[@shanedekin3194]

Wa size pack and tent did u use.. Also will you be doing a video to show what gear/equipment you will be usin on the SHT

[@RedBeard0924]

I used a 52L Arc Blast and my gf had my 60L Arc Haul. Yes I will be doing a full gear video for my Superior hike.

[@shanedekin3194]

+Will “Red Beard” Wood ok thanks look forward to watchin it.. Happy hiking

[@victoriawells9940]

Hey Will! You referenced several times that the mileage was "off" on the map. Was this the Trails app, the Google Earth, or a map done by the NPS?

[@RedBeard0924]

+Victoria Wells the smoky mountain trail maps on the national park site. You make your own maps on Trails and google earth.

[@warrenashworth7673]

The app your using is it the Trails Outdoor GPS Logbook? Great video as always!

[@RedBeard0924]

It's called Trails and it's yellow with a footprint

[@christianlindh4073]

Are you gonna do the cdt?

[@deckrower]

The tree at 43:55 looks more like a tulip poplar. Big tree for sure.

[@hikershane8794]

How as the battery usage on the Trails app? Love the Smokies!

[@RedBeard0924]

It literally had no effect on my phone battery. Blew me away. You can run the application in airplane mode.

[@hikershane8794]

Thanks for the info!

[@JorieOutdoors]

Love all the wildlife shots! I'm not familiar with the smoky mountains, was that a bear hang rope all ready to go for you at 15:33?

[@RedBeard0924]

+Nature Nerd yes they have bear hangers at all the campsites. Very convenient.

[@junkbox7588]

Sooooo .... you stealth camped at Andrews bald .... lol ... that should have a backwoods camp site there.. it’s hard to plan mileage in the smokies sometimes.

[@Crystal9CA]

In the smokeys with your permit do you have to pre register where you will being camping each night?

[@RedBeard0924]

+Crystal9CA yes you have to pre register for each camp site.

[@Crystal9CA]

thanks what if you go faster or slower than expected and need to stay somewhere else? We are doing NOC to chestnut branch trail in june :) excited but we will have a friend with us a new hiker

[@mattmcconnell6703]

Interested to know what makes up both of your base weights

[@RedBeard0924]

Matt McConnell you can see a breakdown of everything I’m carrying in the description of the video. I was around 11lbs baseweight and she was around 8lbs.

[@mattmcconnell6703]

Was more interested in the list of the less obvious stuff you carry, like firstaid kit, bug spray, etc. interested in what you feel you can get away with

[@luisgoldo276]

cool vid "R.B" Im in Southjersey i want to do a two or three day hike any suggestion anyone?

[@FPBC14]

What is the name of the app you were talking about? Trail?

[@RedBeard0924]

+TheSyraboy it's called Trails and has a yellow footprint as the app cover

[@Superduper666]

I want to do this! I've never gone camping and it would definitely take me longer than 4 days, but I'd like to try. The bears though, I'm so afraid of them, yet they don't seem to bother you.

[@RedBeard0924]

The Bears for the most part are completely harmless. They are terrified of people and usually when you see one it is running full steam away from you. The only time they are a hassle is if one comes to your camp and smells found. That's why I typically stealth camp away from the designated campsites that people leave their trash at.

[@OffBelay_]

Where did you park? I am looking to do that hike since its around 60 miles i could be done in a span of a short vacation time. Thanks in advance!

[@RedBeard0924]

Flavio Correa smokemont parking area.

[@OffBelay_]

Nice its within driving distance from Miami. Does the trail merge with the AT at some points?