All these years later, this is still one of my favorite LG videos. I am somewhat local-around an hour away, and I go backpacking at LG at least once a month. When people reach out to me about showing them around or some general information I tell them a few things. 1)there are lots of places in the world to knock out 15+miles a day-LG isn't one of those places. It's better traversed 8-10miles a day. Typically I'm a 2-2.5mph hiker, and on trails like FHT or the AT I can get 15 done by early evening. At LG, I am happy with 1mph, between the technically challenging terrain, water stops, breaks and just soaking it all in. I've done big miles there, and I missed so many cool things. Better off 8-10miles a day-which is still going to take all day. 2) every movement you take has to be deliberate. Steep-rocky trails, roots and blow down are dangerous, and you can easily slip and fall or twist an ankle/knee. Some people have found out the hard way--a typical rescue in LG takes 6-8hours, and if they get the call for a rescue at night, -chances are they'll leave you until morning if it is a non life threatening problem. I know it sounds crazy-but it's the truth, and it has happened that way more than once. It's just too dangerous for SAR to do an extraction at night. Most of the time the rescuers will call in a Blackhawk helicopter to pull an injured hiker out. Even the recovery of a body is challenging and time consuming. A hiker fell to their death a few years ago, after SAR found the body, I was told it took 24+ hours and over a mile of technical rigging/rope to get the body out of there. The main thing I stress is something that seems silly, or a given.... If your feet are moving- look at them, watch every step you take and make sure you have a good footing. If you want to look around, stop moving. All it takes is one wrong move and you are in a bad situation. A large majority of the accidents at LG are from not paying attention. The LG is super beautiful, but very rugged and inhospitable. During a draught, very few water sources have water. During a dry spell, cancel your gorge trip and wait for rain. Instead, go to Harper's Creek Wilderness/Lost Cove Wilderness which lies catty-corner of LG on the other side of Highway 181. One side of the hwy is LG the other side is Harper's Creel/Lost Cove WA. Those two Wilderness Areas have many creeks, and I've always seem water there. Even when LG is bone dry, the areas on the other side of the hwy will have water. Grab a map and go see one of the 10+waterfalls over there- if you feel adventurous, go find some of the unnamed/secret/hidden waterfalls. Sorry for the long winded response. I just wanted to say a few things. I want people to enjoy LG, but take your time and enjoy it. The GL can be done in 3days, but you'd have a lot better time, and be able to see some of the hidden caves and great lookout areas if you plan for a 4/5 day trip. Lastly, if you get rain/snow it'll slow you down tremendously. Lead mine and Linville Gorge Trail (along the river) are especially tough in the rain. It's hard to explain it to people who haven't been there before. I've went backpacking or hiking in 17states- including MT,WY,CO, Alaska and the east coast- Linville Gorge is just as tough as anything out there. Even triple crowners are blown away with how tough it is in spots.
let me give a shout out to the Schill Brothers , I have not been to north Carolina since I left in 2002 , BUT LINVILLE GORGE HAD BEEN ON MY BUCKET LIST FOR BACKPACKING IN THE 1980.S , retired veterans of the north Carolina national guard
Great video. I too will try to go in early April when I finally get out there. Your comment on low humidity is key for me. And those views...wow. Is that "secret " trail called the huffinpuffer?
Great video guys, thanks for sharing. Some great looking scenery, very jealous! But you missed out the most important bit.....What was the verdict on the SBO Shepherd's Pie???
All these years later, this is still one of my favorite LG videos. I am somewhat local-around an hour away, and I go backpacking at LG at least once a month.
When people reach out to me about showing them around or some general information I tell them a few things.
1)there are lots of places in the world to knock out 15+miles a day-LG isn't one of those places. It's better traversed 8-10miles a day. Typically I'm a 2-2.5mph hiker, and on trails like FHT or the AT I can get 15 done by early evening. At LG, I am happy with 1mph, between the technically challenging terrain, water stops, breaks and just soaking it all in. I've done big miles there, and I missed so many cool things. Better off 8-10miles a day-which is still going to take all day.
2) every movement you take has to be deliberate. Steep-rocky trails, roots and blow down are dangerous, and you can easily slip and fall or twist an ankle/knee.
Some people have found out the hard way--a typical rescue in LG takes 6-8hours, and if they get the call for a rescue at night, -chances are they'll leave you until morning if it is a non life threatening problem. I know it sounds crazy-but it's the truth, and it has happened that way more than once.
It's just too dangerous for SAR to do an extraction at night. Most of the time the rescuers will call in a Blackhawk helicopter to pull an injured hiker out. Even the recovery of a body is challenging and time consuming. A hiker fell to their death a few years ago, after SAR found the body, I was told it took 24+ hours and over a mile of technical rigging/rope to get the body out of there.
The main thing I stress is something that seems silly, or a given.... If your feet are moving- look at them, watch every step you take and make sure you have a good footing. If you want to look around, stop moving. All it takes is one wrong move and you are in a bad situation. A large majority of the accidents at LG are from not paying attention. The LG is super beautiful, but very rugged and inhospitable.
During a draught, very few water sources have water. During a dry spell, cancel your gorge trip and wait for rain. Instead, go to Harper's Creek Wilderness/Lost Cove Wilderness which lies catty-corner of LG on the other side of Highway 181. One side of the hwy is LG the other side is Harper's Creel/Lost Cove WA. Those two Wilderness Areas have many creeks, and I've always seem water there. Even when LG is bone dry, the areas on the other side of the hwy will have water. Grab a map and go see one of the 10+waterfalls over there- if you feel adventurous, go find some of the unnamed/secret/hidden waterfalls.
Sorry for the long winded response. I just wanted to say a few things. I want people to enjoy LG, but take your time and enjoy it. The GL can be done in 3days, but you'd have a lot better time, and be able to see some of the hidden caves and great lookout areas if you plan for a 4/5 day trip.
Lastly, if you get rain/snow it'll slow you down tremendously. Lead mine and Linville Gorge Trail (along the river) are especially tough in the rain.
It's hard to explain it to people who haven't been there before. I've went backpacking or hiking in 17states- including MT,WY,CO, Alaska and the east coast- Linville Gorge is just as tough as anything out there. Even triple crowners are blown away with how tough it is in spots.
Great video my friend. What an amazing adventure! I am anxiously looking forward to part 2. You guys stay safe out there. 🤗
Cool trip. Glad Frozen got to go with you guys. Awesome scenery. Thanks for sharing
This was a trip planned by Ian and Frozen. We were lucky enough to be invited along. Thanks for watching!
Those are some awesome views. Definitely a place I need to visit. Part 1 turned out great, can’t wait for the next part.
Thanks Jason. Part II should be out Sunday
behind the scenes is a nice touch. Looks like a nice trip the views just seem endless. Can't wait for part 2
Yep, first half of the trip had amazing views then weather moved in..
Outstanding video. Beautiful scenery and a good crew. Take care, Al
As usual Al thanks for be a loyal subscriber
Nice work with the video! This place looks amazing
Thanks Josh!
Enjoyed this OMG those views tho! LVG is high up on my bucket list. Looking forward to the next installment!
Views were amazing, the videos don’t do it justice. Thanks for watching!
let me give a shout out to the Schill Brothers , I have not been to north Carolina since I left in 2002 , BUT LINVILLE GORGE HAD BEEN ON MY BUCKET LIST FOR BACKPACKING IN THE 1980.S , retired veterans of the north Carolina national guard
One of my favorite spots in the North Carolina Mountains. Thanks for sharing. I am curious how you keep your electronics charged on the trail.
Wow awesome views everywhere!
They truely were Tim. Hopefully you can get over there at some point.
Come on down anytime. I will show you around Pisgah
Holy Crap! lol... Just started the vid but my thoughts exactly.
Great video. I too will try to go in early April when I finally get out there. Your comment on low humidity is key for me. And those views...wow. Is that "secret " trail called the huffinpuffer?
Liking the behind the scenes action
Thanks for watching!
i came for the footage of andy falling in the river. I know it exists somewhere
That is exactly what I thot when if first saw it: I didnt think anything like this existed east of Yosemite valley.!
Awesome views and meetup with Jason! I'm still waiting for my first fall into a stream. The day will come! lol
Does "Shirtless" Gary have a trail name? If not, you need to name him "Ross" He looks like Ross from Friends!!!
Right in my back yard and didn't know bout it
Take advantage of it. I’m jealous you’re that close. Thanks for watching!
What were the dates that you did this?
Weekend of 4/7
Did you all did the Grand Loop?
No. They did the ITAYG the southern half of the Grand
You guys aren't going to get any miles done when you come out here to Colorado ;) Bring lots of batteries for those cameras.
Great video guys, thanks for sharing. Some great looking scenery, very jealous! But you missed out the most important bit.....What was the verdict on the SBO Shepherd's Pie???
It’s excellent, it will make it into the rotation
I recognized naked Gary. Who was the other dude?