Needing opinions on Wilderness mini-adventure

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

so i live/go to school in south florida, and face it theres not much in the sence of wilderness landscape down here, outside of the everglades (which id pretty bland in the sence im thinking). so im considering, for my thanksgiving break since i have no current plans, doing a multi-day hiking trip to the blur ridge mountains in GA either in the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River Trail, or the Benton MacKaye trails.
some issues arise tho: although i have done alot of hiking in the past, i have never done any overnight/camping trips. i also cant think of any friends i have in this area who would be interested in going with me. i know that its ill advised to do any type of camping or hiking alone, i really dont see too much issue with it.
so if anyone can offer some suggestions, tips or even opinions i would greatly appreciate it

 

[Diehonda]

You may want to post this in the GA section or PM an off topic mod to move this. They may be able to help you with which part of the park to check out.

Are you hiking as in point a to point b, camping in the evenings? OR are you camping and hitting up a couple trails in the area? Big difference as to what you would need to take.

Do not confuse a day hike with an wilderness backpacking adventure. If have not been camping before you may want to stay closer to a campground and hike some loop trails that bring you back to the site or to your car. The Appalachian Mts can swallow a person up. The cliffs are pretty extreme also. I have lost friends to the trails.

Supplies needed for wilderness camping:
Notify family members as to where you are going, where you will travel and how long you will be gone.
Take:
First aid kit
Survival kit, mirror, flint and steel, waterproof matches, etc.
Tarp to use as a ground cover, make shift shelter, etc
Rope, about 100ft. May only need a small amount of it.
A book that specifies poisonous bugs, animals, plants, etc.
A book on knots, or at least brush up on them prior to the trip.
A handgun, think I'm playing, we have bears and coyotes.

Those are more for survival and helping you get home in one piece.

Other supplies you will need:
Walking stick. It really does help.
Hatchet and hand saw
Pocket knife, lock or fixed blade
Trail mix, jerky, or something with carbs and salt
Canteen



I know that I left a few things out of the "other supplies" but it is Monday morning. Will check back.

 

[SaaBaaDoo]

do a daily check for ticks!

 

[downtube]

You may want to post this in the GA section or PM an off topic mod to move this. They may be able to help you with which part of the park to check out.

Are you hiking as in point a to point b, camping in the evenings? OR are you camping and hitting up a couple trails in the area? Big difference as to what you would need to take.

Do not confuse a day hike with an wilderness backpacking adventure. If have not been camping before you may want to stay closer to a campground and hike some loop trails that bring you back to the site or to your car. The Appalachian Mts can swallow a person up. The cliffs are pretty extreme also. I have lost friends to the trails.

Supplies needed for wilderness camping:
Notify family members as to where you are going, where you will travel and how long you will be gone.
Take:
First aid kit
Survival kit, mirror, flint and steel, waterproof matches, etc.
Tarp to use as a ground cover, make shift shelter, etc
Rope, about 100ft. May only need a small amount of it.
A book that specifies poisonous bugs, animals, plants, etc.
A book on knots, or at least brush up on them prior to the trip.
A handgun, think I'm playing, we have bears and coyotes.

Those are more for survival and helping you get home in one piece.

Other supplies you will need:
Walking stick. It really does help.
Hatchet and hand saw
Pocket knife, lock or fixed blade
Trail mix, jerky, or something with carbs and salt
Canteen



I know that I left a few things out of the "other supplies" but it is Monday morning. Will check back.

all good advice.

I backpack and cycle-tour alone, but it is a calculated risk. A relatively minor injury can put you in a serious situation. I'd suggest finding a buddy to go with if at all possible. If not, go with a base-camp near your car and take day-hikes. Carry a survival kit, food, water, emergency poncho, even if you plan a short hike.
Not trying to scare you; solo camping can be great you just gotta take care of yourself.

 

[AWDTerror]

handgun? you've got bears? take a rifle or shotgun along with a handgun.

 

[RacerXGirl]

we've got bears in Georgia...and I think wildcats too...

 

[Diehonda]

we've got bears in Georgia...and I think wildcats too...

And coyotes, timber rattlers, copper heads, and rednecks.

 

[RacerXGirl]

And coyotes, timber rattlers, copper heads, and rednecks.

lol...just run as fast as you can in the other direction if you hear banjo music...

yep, coyotes - they're not so vicious though. I'd be more worried about the snakes, bears, cats....

 

[downtube]

I'm willing to bet the most dangerous part of your trip, statistically, will be driving to the campground.

 

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

thanks for all the advise, im really considering this, however i think im changing the location from the blue ridge mountains (12 hours away) too Blackwater State forest in the florida pan handle

 

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

+1

Bears aren't too much of a problem on those trails, just take normal precautions, tie food up, clean dishes away from campsite, don't leave dirty dishes in the campsite, etc. Honestly, the only wildlife you'd probably see would be snakes, bugs, birds, and the occasional squirrel. It's genereally easy trail hiking, not really wilderness hiking. Just make sure to bring something to treat the water and basic necessities. Rednecks generally aren't too much of a problem, try not to camp near a road crossing.

I've canoed the Blackwater several times. I think it's gorgeous. Probably a higher redneck quotient there, though.

Oh, either place, make sure you wear bright colors, you don't want to be mistaken for Bambi.

is it a big area? im hoping to be able to spend a few day out there

 

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

I've done 2 different 1/2 day trips on it and they were in completely different areas, so it seems pretty big. Here's an article on a canoe trip that has some info for you, and a link to different trails there.


http://www.floridaadventuring.com/blackwater-river.html


http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/panhandle_west.htm

I'd also say pick up a book on Florida hiking trails that has Blackwater State Forest in it. That should give you directions on how to get different areas, and local sources. Sometimes those forest service roads get pretty confusing.

awsome, thanks for the help man

 

[Diehonda]

We are going camping this weekend. Fishing tourney(we are staff), and a 10 mile hike. W00t! 82 during the day and 61 at night. Perfect!!