My solo trip in the Smokies took a wild turn when I followed a poorly marked trail

I was backpacking alone in the Great Smoky Mountains last month. Honestly, the trail markers were faded and I ended up on a game trail by mistake. Has anyone dealt with similar route finding issues and know how to avoid them?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason_murray4d ago

Whoa, you went backpacking alone with markers that faded? That seems like asking for trouble. A game trail can just vanish on you and then you're really stuck. Don't you get nervous being out there with no one to help if you take a wrong turn? How do you even prepare for that?

maxo144d ago

Absolutely, I've been there. One time in heavy fog, I followed what looked like a clear path off a ridge that just... ended. It was a game trail that faded into a wall of brush. My heart just dropped, you know? I had to backtrack for an hour using my compass and a paper map (always have a paper map). It's crazy how quickly a little doubt can turn into full-on panic when you're alone.