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Finally found a hidden trail on the AT that skips the worst climb
I was stuck bushwhacking near Roan Mountain last weekend trying to avoid the steep switchbacks on the main route, then noticed a faint game trail that dropped me right into a creek bed. After following it for half a mile I popped out at a campsite I never knew existed, completely bypassing that brutal 30 minute uphill slog. Anyone else ever stumbled onto a random shortcut that actually worked out better than the official path?
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cameronn623d ago
Check the creek bed drainage patterns on older topo maps, sometimes those game trails follow old logging routes that aren't marked anymore. Saved me more than a few miles doing the same thing in the Smokies.
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taylor_miller103d ago
oh man, I feel this so hard. getting off the beaten path and having it pay off is the best feeling, especially when the official route is miserable. that moment when you realize you've basically found a secret passage is pure gold.
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