Took a chance on a washed-out trail in the Smokies and it paid off big time

Honestly, I was planning a 4-day loop near Clingmans Dome last week and the main trailhead was closed for repairs. I saw a dotted line on my map for an old connector trail marked 'unmaintained' and decided to risk it. Tbh, it was overgrown and I had to cross a creek three times, but it led to this perfect little campsite by a waterfall nobody else was at. I learned that sometimes those sketchy-looking routes on the map can lead to the best spots if you're careful. Has anyone else found a hidden gem by taking a chance on a trail that looked rough?

2 comments

2 Comments

miles_campbell396d ago

Found an old fire road in the White Mountains that wasn't on the main map. It was totally grown over with brush for the first mile, but it opened up to a ridge with insane views of the Presidentials. Those forgotten paths are always a gamble but they can really pay off.

skylerp205d ago

Man that sounds awesome, miles_campbell39. I love when you push through the rough part and get a payoff like that. Makes me wonder how many other old logging roads or trails are just fading back into the woods up there, waiting for someone to find them again.