c/backpacking-routes

The time I picked the 'scenic' route over the marked trail in the Smokies

Last fall, I had to choose between the well-signed Alum Cave Trail or a dotted line on my map labeled 'old logging road' that promised a quieter walk. I went with the dotted line, which turned into a two-hour bushwhack through rhododendron thickets so dense I had to crawl. My friend just kept saying, 'You picked the dotted line' over and over. Has anyone else been completely betrayed by a map's suggestion?

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matthew897•18h ago

Heard a ranger at the Olympic National Park visitor center say something that made me pause

He was telling a group that the popular Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier has had a 40% jump in overnight permits this year. He said a lot of new folks are heading up there without checking the current river crossing reports, and the snowmelt is still high. Has anyone done that route in the last few weeks and seen the crossing near Glacier Meadows?

3 comments

kim268•2d ago

Rant: A washed-out bridge on the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas forced a 5-mile detour through dense brush.

Has anyone else had to reroute there recently?

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brooke_foster51•2d ago

My last hike on the Appalachian Trail had me thinking about how crowded it's gotten.

I mean, back in the day you could go miles without seeing another soul, but now it's like a highway sometimes.

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lily191•3d ago

Forget fancy camp meals, keep your food simple on the trail.

On my last backpacking route, I skipped the complex recipes and just brought oatmeal and jerky. I mean, it saved so much time and weight, and I actually enjoyed eating. Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else think overplanning food ruins the hike?

3 comments

ward.tara•4d ago

Finally nailed my map and app combo on the High Sierra Trail

Back in the day, I'd spread out paper maps on the kitchen table and get lost more times than I can count. Now, with my phone app for real-time tracking and a printed map as backup, things are way smoother. Last week, I did the whole High Sierra loop without a single wrong turn, which felt amazing. The app helped with mileage, but having the map let me spot cool side trails I'd have missed otherwise.

3 comments

verac36•9d ago

Appreciation post: Letting go of fixed camp spots made my hikes better

I quit aiming for specific sites marked on my map each evening. Now I just find a good place when I'm tired, and it takes all the pressure off. My routes feel more natural and way less stressful.

3 comments

noah_roberts42•12d ago

I mapped out a cool loop in the Adirondacks that avoids all the crowds

Last weekend, I tried a new path in the Adirondacks. It connected two smaller lakes I had not seen before. The whole loop took about three days and was really peaceful. I did not see anyone else after the first day.

3 comments

jenniferbutler•12d ago

Maps app fail meant I spent the night with a super chatty couple on the John Muir Trail

My phone died so I used a bad map. Had to camp near them and got a full relationship history. Now I carry a paper guide.

4 comments

barnes.ivan•12d ago

Question on finding quiet routes similar to the old Appalachian Trail sections

I remember when you could hike for days without seeing another soul, but now it seems packed.

3 comments

iriskim•13d ago

Faded blazes on the old ridge trail got me turned around for hours.

Now I always carry a backup map and compass.

4 comments

anthonybaker•13d ago

Took a detour to avoid a washed-out bridge and ended up in thick brush

Last weekend, I was hiking the Pine Ridge Trail in the Blue Mountains. About three miles in, I found the main bridge over Creek River was washed out from recent rains. I decided to take a detour I saw on an old map, thinking it would loop back. But the trail was overgrown and hard to follow, with lots of thorny bushes. I spent hours pushing through, getting scratches and losing my way a few times. In the end, I found a game trail that led me back to the main path, but it was stressful. Has anyone else dealt with washed-out bridges on that trail? What's the best way around? I'm planning to go back next month and want to know if there's a marked alternate route.

4 comments

ward.matthew•14d ago

I finally support permit systems for busy routes

I used to hate the idea of permits for backpacking. After seeing trash and damaged plants on a favorite loop, I changed my mind. Rangers told me limits help protect the place. Now I think it's worth the hassle to keep areas nice.

4 comments

jennyfisher•14d ago

Finding a better way around a landslide on the Colorado Trail

Our planned path was blocked by a fresh landslide near Twin Lakes. Some folks said to backtrack miles, others argued for climbing over the debris. I used a satellite image on my phone to spot a game trail that looped around safely. What's your move when the main route gets taken out?

4 comments

abby747•16d ago

Outdated trail info on apps is costing me time and energy

I planned a weekend route using a common app. It didn't mention the washed-out section, so I had to backtrack. How do you check conditions before heading out?

4 comments

the_xena•16d ago

Showerthought: I finally get why out-and-back routes exist

I used to skip any route that was out-and-back, thinking it was a waste of time. Then I did the High Lake Trail in Oregon last fall. On the way back, I spotted a bear cub I totally missed on the hike up. It made me realize that going both ways lets you see the trail from a new angle. Now I look for routes with out-and-back sections to catch details I might overlook. It's made my trips way more interesting, lol. Who knew hiking the same path twice could be so rewarding?

5 comments