Hello from middle Tennessee

[MatthewL93]

I got back from my first backpacking trip about a week ago. I completed 19.5 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I'm 25, and I've grown up camping so I was comfortable solo. However, I would like to meet people in the region that would be interested in planning future trips.
It has been a dream of mine to through hike the AT since I learned of its existence. I dont know if I will ever be able to because of work.
I am including some pictures from my trip. It was amazing weather and I met some really cool people on trail.

 

[Glasterpiece]

I visited SMNP as a child in the 50's. There were a lot of bears in the picnic grounds. Is it still like that?

 

[MatthewL93]

I visited SMNP as a child in the 50's. There were a lot of bears in the picnic grounds. Is it still like that?

I was in the park for 5 days and didn't see a single bear. I didn't get ththe chance to go out towards cades cove though.

 

[Perry]

Welcome @MatthewL93 !

 

[BJett]

@MatthewL93 welcome! I live just north of ya. Closer to home, check out the South Cumberland State Parks if you haven't already. Great backpacking and hiking. The Cumberland Plateau is a gem! Savage Gulf, Fiery Gizzard...Laurel-Snow, Virgin Falls...

 

[wsp_scott]

Where did you go in the park? I was just in the Deep Creek area with 2 of my kids last week, it was hot and the bugs were very annoying.

Congrats on your first backpacking trip and doing it solo, that is a big step for some people.

 

[MatthewL93]

Where did you go in the park? I was just in the Deep Creek area with 2 of my kids last week, it was hot and the bugs were very annoying.

Congrats on your first backpacking trip and doing it solo, that is a big step for some people.

I started at newfound gap, night 1 was at ice water springs. Night 2 was campsite 49 off the cabin flats trail. And night 3 was kephart. Thank you! Guess we weren't too far from one another

 

[Miya]

Happy to have you! Thanks for sharing!
I am rooting for your AT dream, because I want to do the PCT and/or CDT but also don't know how with work! Haha Sure you will make it happen someday though!