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?

3 comments

3 Comments

mitchell.dakota1mo ago

Used to be the type to stick strictly to maintained trails. Thought going off map was just asking for trouble. But last fall in the Pisgah National Forest I followed a faint blue blaze that was barely visible through the leaves. Ended up at a small pond with a beaver dam and the quietest morning I've ever had in the woods. Changed my mind completely about the value of those old, rough paths.

miles_campbell393mo 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.

skylerp203mo 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.