I was going to save this video and watch it while I was in line at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles getting my license renewed but I realized this video would be too short for that so I watched it now. This is better than most stuff on Netflix. Great to see the men of tomorrow out there in the woods instead of in front of a gaming console. Great job River King Pete.
You did the best photo documentation of Leadmine of all videographers who have tried it so far. When the going gets tough and both hands are needed, most folks put the camera back in the pack and take it out again to show us what they had to eat. You did a remarkable job.
Robert Underwood, your words are like gold when it comes to anything big ditch related. I wish your body would still allow you to do what you used to do. Father time waits for no man unfortunately. Pete's video of lead mine is really good like you said. I am kind of saddened that Kevin and his crew are rerouting lead mine. I like to take people there and have them experience it at least once. My understanding is the new trail will be more sustainable and less impact from erosion in the future. That is understandable. I tackled my own figure eight in July and on top of Shortoff it was 93 and when I crossed the river at the MST it started pouring down rain. Descending the last drop of lead mine was incredibly tricky. There was an inch of water running down the trail. By the time I got to pinchin it had stopped, but picked back up that night. It was a wet, humid weekend. I'm going for a 4day ditch trip over New Years. Should be good
@@PisgahGravelProject Thanks so much for your kind words. You are right, my words are gold when it comes to Linville Gorge. I could have saved the USFS thousands of dollars had they listened to me carefully. But they dont. In any case, USFS work on Leadmine will be an improvement over the existing trail but I will guess that their work will want futher improvement. Let us see what they will do.
I love the LG, how can you not love it. I have seen many LG CZcams videos and I still say this one is my favorite. Love watching them youngsters learn and grow as they go, and Chad too. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is all it takes to make you look at things a different way. At least he had a water filter. I've "saved" lots of day hikers with snacks, filtered water and directions out of there. I can't believe some people descend into the Gorge and have no map,water or food. Most of the trails have 1600ft or more of elevation gain in a mile to get out, at least on the west rim. If you're ever interested in doing the 40ish mile loop let me know, I haven't done it, but it's on my radar. I am going to do it regardless, just funner sometimes, and safer always with another.
I learned the hard way after my first trip to the gorge the importance of trekking poles. I see you may have realized this at the 1:29:40. Happy Trails!
They do sometimes come in handy! A great portion of my prior "backpacking" required my hands to be holding a different kind of tool. So, by default, I just never got into the trekking pole thing. But, I may give it a shot next time. Water crossings exaggerate your point! Thanks John!
Our children need more of this.....you can't replace bonds and memories with any amount of money. This is priceless. My hat is of to you sir for being able to see what is important in life while being able to share it with others. Love your vids....and how do I get a sticker for my yak?.....do you have an online store?
Pete, Chad just told me about this experience and what all you are up to and I am in awe. Hope you are well fellow 1993 Bulldog. Can wait to dive into more of your videos.
Outstanding job Pete! This is my favorite video so far! And the next time im up that way i am definitely going to stop for some of that cobbler...looked amazing! Keep em coming!
Thanks for the reminder of just how rugged, yet beautiful the Linville Gorge is. It's been several years since I hiked there, but your video has me yearning to return...perhaps this fall.
Awesome adventure! Just looking at that pack made my legs hurt lol. I’m by no means an ultralight elitist but, it only took me two backpacking trips with a stuffed 70 liter pack to start shaving down weight. Then again, I don’t have a military background so, I suppose I’m just a wimp. 😂 I think you’ve got something on those felt-bottomed Crocs though!
ITAYG is a rough hike and a bit much for most hikers. The two river crossings are impassable in winter. It is possible to cut this distance in half and have two loop hikes simply by hiking down Chimney Branch creek at the Saddle campground at Chimney gap. There is a trail part of the way along the creek. Hikers would do well to explore this connection. Beware of useing the old Cambric trail in this area shown on some maps.
Cambric is tough. I came up it the last Monday in April. Two young bucks passed me headed to the river, and I was thrilled to see them since it meant the trail was passable.
At 1:07:04 someone says, "oh this is a pretty little trail" - famous last words before heading up the Leadmine rollercoaster That trail is a real buttkicker. Be thankful you guys did it in April. I went through there the first part of July after a downpour, 90+ degrees and really high humidity with a pack on. Note to self, I won't be doing that again, that time of year. I'd do it again if I was taking someone who hasn't experienced that type of adversity though
The name of that "Goat Trail" is called Leadmine. And yes, i agree 100% that it could have been made smoother. It is a mean little trail even without all the blow-down. Trails do not maintain themselves and Leadmine, being a bootleg trail, will not be maintained by the US Forest Service. Its builders, also figure they have already done more than their share to make it for you. So it will be maintained, if at all, by those who love it.
Robert, do you have info on the the old trail on the east side of the river heading downstream and why it is no longer in play? We are guessing land usage issues...
@@RiverKingsKayak You are forced to cross private land on both sides of the river. The only way to avoid it is to use Leadmine. Owners have been generous in the past but those who live to the south will leave a nasty note on your car. The east side is old roadbed. Settlers used to have to cross west to east, go a short way to get around the east bank cliffs, and then cross back over to the west. Settlers had to cross twice and it must have been miserable in winter. Old maps will show this. But most hikers will prefer to scramble cliffs than cross the river. Still, this leaves the problem of trespass on either side. Leadmine can be redesigned to be a much more gentle trail and it helps to request the USFS to make IT a more backpackable trail. Maybe theY are already doing this.
@@RiverKingsKayak other people are better with the History. Leadmine trail was designed and named by me (tho others did most of the cutting. It was never finished to my satisfaction. ITwas named "Leadmine" because a local scholar in Jonas Ridge, Mr Rose, thought that a long rumored leadmine was located on a historic tract. The trail was unrelated to the hypothetical Leadmine. It was created simply to connect the LGT to the MST and avoid potential issues with private landowners. This connection in turn, was made to close one of 4 gaps in a trail network to circumvent the entire Gorge. All of these 4 gaps were eventually closed and now it is possible to hike around the entire Gorge. The southern half of the Grand Loop is called ITAYG. The northern loop has no particular name and is easy to walk but very difficult to navigate even with GPS. Few are able to do the whole thing.
Thanks Justin! I use the steripen a lot. If the water is really cloudy or suspect, I will move to another option. But in a backcountry setting, it is so easy.
I was going to save this video and watch it while I was in line at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles getting my license renewed but I realized this video would be too short for that so I watched it now. This is better than most stuff on Netflix. Great to see the men of tomorrow out there in the woods instead of in front of a gaming console. Great job River King Pete.
Thank you sir!! I'll try to make it long enough for the dmv visit next time!! Lol!
Ending summary was awesome.....
Cant seem to get the lump out of my throat.....😂🍺
Thanks James...these are two awesome families...
Love your heart! Great ending! Great group! I've done that loop and it is a kicker, no doubt. Those 2 youngins deserve the accolades!
Thanks Bob! They were troopers for sure!
I would like to be young again. Enjoyed your trip. Sitting in a chair on a rock eating breakfast with that view. Priceless
Thanks Michael!
You did the best photo documentation of Leadmine of all videographers who have tried it so far. When the going gets tough and both hands are needed, most folks put the camera back in the pack and take it out again to show us what they had to eat. You did a remarkable job.
Thanks Robert! I wasn't going to miss that part!
Hey Robert, did you by chance narrate a piece on High Rock Ford on the Haw River?
@@RiverKingsKayak No. No narration on the Haw River.
Robert Underwood, your words are like gold when it comes to anything big ditch related. I wish your body would still allow you to do what you used to do. Father time waits for no man unfortunately.
Pete's video of lead mine is really good like you said. I am kind of saddened that Kevin and his crew are rerouting lead mine. I like to take people there and have them experience it at least once. My understanding is the new trail will be more sustainable and less impact from erosion in the future. That is understandable.
I tackled my own figure eight in July and on top of Shortoff it was 93 and when I crossed the river at the MST it started pouring down rain. Descending the last drop of lead mine was incredibly tricky. There was an inch of water running down the trail. By the time I got to pinchin it had stopped, but picked back up that night. It was a wet, humid weekend.
I'm going for a 4day ditch trip over New Years. Should be good
@@PisgahGravelProject
Thanks so much for your kind words. You are right, my words are gold when it comes to Linville Gorge. I could have saved the USFS thousands of dollars had they listened to me carefully. But they dont.
In any case, USFS work on Leadmine will be an improvement over the existing trail but I will guess that their work will want futher improvement. Let us see what they will do.
Excellent.......so much fun to watch......thanks everyone for taking us on your adventure.....😀
You bet!
I love the LG, how can you not love it. I have seen many LG CZcams videos and I still say this one is my favorite. Love watching them youngsters learn and grow as they go, and Chad too. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is all it takes to make you look at things a different way. At least he had a water filter.
I've "saved" lots of day hikers with snacks, filtered water and directions out of there. I can't believe some people descend into the Gorge and have no map,water or food. Most of the trails have 1600ft or more of elevation gain in a mile to get out, at least on the west rim.
If you're ever interested in doing the 40ish mile loop let me know, I haven't done it, but it's on my radar. I am going to do it regardless, just funner sometimes, and safer always with another.
Yes sir Jake! Thanks!
I learned the hard way after my first trip to the gorge the importance of trekking poles. I see you may have realized this at the 1:29:40. Happy Trails!
They do sometimes come in handy! A great portion of my prior "backpacking" required my hands to be holding a different kind of tool. So, by default, I just never got into the trekking pole thing. But, I may give it a shot next time. Water crossings exaggerate your point! Thanks John!
Our children need more of this.....you can't replace bonds and memories with any amount of money. This is priceless. My hat is of to you sir for being able to see what is important in life while being able to share it with others. Love your vids....and how do I get a sticker for my yak?.....do you have an online store?
Thanks for the kind words Kenneth! Message me on facebook with an address and I will send one out your way!
Pete, Chad just told me about this experience and what all you are up to and I am in awe. Hope you are well fellow 1993 Bulldog. Can wait to dive into more of your videos.
Good deal Chris! Great to hear from you again! Hope you have been well.
Louise's soup and grilles cheese sandwich on texas toast is a great choice on a cold day.
sounds amazing!!!
Outstanding job Pete! This is my favorite video so far! And the next time im up that way i am definitely going to stop for some of that cobbler...looked amazing! Keep em coming!
Thanks World Famous Josh! the cobbler was totes amaze
AMAZING as usual!! Can't wait for the next one!! I sincerely hope to meet you one day!
Thanks Yakin' Beaver! I'll keep my eyes out!
Awesome video and great words of reflection at the end.
thanks fry heels!
ITYAG is only the southern half of the Grand Loop, a 39 mile trail that wraps around the entire gorge without following a road.
Yes, I have been thinking about tackling this...
Thanks for the reminder of just how rugged, yet beautiful the Linville Gorge is. It's been several years since I hiked there, but your video has me yearning to return...perhaps this fall.
Awesome! It had a been a while since my last good hike too! Do it!
That's good stuff, Pete. I suspect there was some scouting for future adventures going on. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!
I do have a few big ideas for this summer...
Riverking-Pete is the bomb!
i know he is i thought my videos were good but man
Well, there we have it. The "world's best" video. Great job again Pete.
Thanks Uncle Bill!
Love it thank you for the message pete
Tripped hiking 6 years ago on the AT in NJ, boot loops got hooked; faceplanted, ended up with 9 stitches in my head (after hiking out 3 miles)
ouch!
Awesome adventure! Just looking at that pack made my legs hurt lol. I’m by no means an ultralight elitist but, it only took me two backpacking trips with a stuffed 70 liter pack to start shaving down weight. Then again, I don’t have a military background so, I suppose I’m just a wimp. 😂 I think you’ve got something on those felt-bottomed Crocs though!
I prefer light, but there was just no way to achieve that on this trip!! Lol. Thanks man!
And great job covering naration and video brother.....👍
Thanks James...sorry no bacon and pancakes this time...
Amazing video! About to tackle the whole grand loop this year, loved watching this. Looking forward to seeing future content
Thanks Ross!! That sounds amazing! Enjoy!
Brilliant video of a great trip. Wonderful lads.
Thanks Andy!
Amazing video as always, Pete! Looked like a great trip.
Thanks Jeff! Congrats again on the gear cache find!
“It’s pretty good”. “Doesn’t taste like a breakfast, taste like pine straw” 🤣. Glowing review ✊
LOL!!
Great review.
Thanks TWND!
Linville Gorge is my absolute favorite place in the world! The Grand Canyon of the East...but better ;)
It is def a special place!
ITAYG is a rough hike and a bit much for most hikers. The two river crossings are impassable in winter.
It is possible to cut this distance in half and have two loop hikes simply by hiking down Chimney Branch creek at the Saddle campground at Chimney gap. There is a trail part of the way along the creek. Hikers would do well to explore this connection. Beware of useing the old Cambric trail in this area shown on some maps.
Good info Robert!! Thanks!
impassable sounds like a challenge to me
@@cricketpop8923 I sure did not intend it to be. Wadeing that river in cold weather is PAINFUL. But live and learn....or not.
Cambric is tough. I came up it the last Monday in April. Two young bucks passed me headed to the river, and I was thrilled to see them since it meant the trail was passable.
At 1:07:04 someone says, "oh this is a pretty little trail"
- famous last words before heading up the Leadmine rollercoaster
That trail is a real buttkicker.
Be thankful you guys did it in April.
I went through there the first part of July after a downpour, 90+ degrees and really high humidity with a pack on.
Note to self, I won't be doing that again, that time of year. I'd do it again if I was taking someone who hasn't experienced that type of adversity though
You nailed it Jake!! Spot on!
Oh my I'm in your vid I feel amazing
ha ha! No, I am in YOUR video!!! Thanks for letting me tag along!
The ending...😭
Thanks Sis!
Makes me want to get back up to the Linville Gorge. That is a beautiful section of the North Carolina mountains. Great video. Did you see the lights?
Not this time!
Id really like to camp at that sight where yall stayed night one right on the river..im guessing it was on the LGT near spince ridge trail?
Yes. Downstream about 1/2 mile if I recall correctly.
Very good thanks
Thanks Willis!
The name of that "Goat Trail" is called Leadmine.
And yes, i agree 100% that it could have been made smoother. It is a mean little trail even without all the blow-down.
Trails do not maintain themselves and Leadmine, being a bootleg trail, will not be maintained by the US Forest Service. Its builders, also figure they have already done more than their share to make it for you.
So it will be maintained, if at all, by those who love it.
Yes, We were mostly joking about the maintenance issues...There is an effort underway to smooth it out. Lots of marking ribbon following the contours.
Robert, do you have info on the the old trail on the east side of the river heading downstream and why it is no longer in play? We are guessing land usage issues...
@@RiverKingsKayak You are forced to cross private land on both sides of the river. The only way to avoid it is to use Leadmine. Owners have been generous in the past but those who live to the south will leave a nasty note on your car.
The east side is old roadbed. Settlers used to have to cross west to east, go a short way to get around the east bank cliffs, and then cross back over to the west. Settlers had to cross twice and it must have been miserable in winter. Old maps will show this. But most hikers will prefer to scramble cliffs than cross the river. Still, this leaves the problem of trespass on either side.
Leadmine can be redesigned to be a much more gentle trail and it helps to request the USFS to make IT a more backpackable trail. Maybe theY are already doing this.
Thanks a ton Robert! I figured you would have the skinny on the situation and the history. I really enjoy that aspect of these places.
@@RiverKingsKayak other people are better with the History.
Leadmine trail was designed and named by me (tho others did most of the cutting. It was never finished to my satisfaction.
ITwas named "Leadmine" because a local scholar in Jonas Ridge, Mr Rose, thought that a long rumored leadmine was located on a historic tract. The trail was unrelated to the hypothetical Leadmine. It was created simply to connect the LGT to the MST and avoid potential issues with private landowners. This connection in turn, was made to close one of 4 gaps in a trail network to circumvent the entire Gorge. All of these 4 gaps were eventually closed and now it is possible to hike around the entire Gorge. The southern half of the Grand Loop is called ITAYG. The northern loop has no particular name and is easy to walk but very difficult to navigate even with GPS. Few are able to do the whole thing.
Awesome
Thanks Gary!
Great video! Thanks for sharing! Just curious, where did you participate in Royal Rangers at as a child?
Thanks! We were in Outpost 85 out of Greensboro.
Great film as always Pete. What ws that thing you used to stir your coffe?
Got it. Steripen.
Thanks Justin! I use the steripen a lot. If the water is really cloudy or suspect, I will move to another option. But in a backcountry setting, it is so easy.
i thought my videos were good before i saw this
41:33
Do you sale your decals
No...but send me ur address in a Facebook message and I will roll one out your way...
@@RiverKingsKayak done I will send 1of ours
The river water is nasty dude. I filter water from the adjacent springs and branches.
I hear ya!