That it does! I have been trying to read it backward the whole time which begs the question - why are most of the guide books written for trips NOBO? It seems to be the trend.
I was thinking about hiking in a skirt but I am not sure that I am that comfortable with that yet but I found some good pants that I like (finally) that will allow me to roll them up when I get to water, etc. so I'll have some protection.
I did a virtual hike of the entire trail showing the major views, campsites, intersections, etc. I tried to document the trail as best as I could. The most confusing sections involve the wilderness areas where either (1) there has been a re-route or (2) marking is not permissible in the wilderness areas. Big Frog Wilderness to Thunder Rock Campground can be a little confusing. Also North of Cold Spring Gap can be a little confusing. Those were the sections I remember relying on the guidebook heavily. The guide book and map would be necessary in those sections. If you want to get more of a visual idea of what the trail will look like, take a look at some of my videos for the trail. I tried my best to document the confusing sections as well. The links are in my signature line.
I had to look at my Nat Geo map a few times from Big Frog Wilderness to Thunderrock CG. It helps if you know that the BMT is also trail #2.
In addition to maps, I carry copies of the relevant pages from the guide, keep them in my pocket, and refer to them at all landmarks, water sources, mountain summits, etc. It's a good way to keep up with mileage and know you aren't lost. I also make notes on the copies with info that I learn from others...good campsites, areas that aren't blazed, forest-service emergency numbers.
The BMT section from Thunder Rock to Big Frog mountain is very confusing. The first time I did it I had no idea where I was. Why? Because the trail intersects several roads in different configurations . . . road 45, road 221 . . .and you're not really sure of anything until you get on the West Fork of Rough Creek.
Well...we will have to disagree as I had no trouble.
At FS 221(?) the initial thought might be to take the Quartz Loop trail but there is nothing on the sign indicating it's the BMT, whereas the BMT was clearly marked when leaving the woods. My rational self immediately thought that if they had one big sign at the trail head, they will have another one before too long. Indeed, I was right. (And I'm pretty sure there were blazes guiding me down the road.)
Have I mentioned that I like to take photos of signs? If I get confused down the trail, I go back and study the photo...mainly for reassurance.
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