4d ago
inMy solo trip in the Smokies took a wild turn when I followed a poorly marked trail
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.