This backpacking trip happens from May 26 to June 12, 2023.
All of it is done in the Bald River backcountry of Tennessee and along these five creeks:
Sycamore Creek
Brookshire Creek
Kirkland Creek
Bald River
Tellico River.
Amazingly, I see no backpackers for the entire trip. The trip starts out on the Benton MacKaye trail which I stay on for the first 10 days---and I still see no one.
The trip starts at Mud Gap on the BMT when Little Mitten drops me off and we say our goodbyes.
After a two mile climb with a 100 lb McHale pack I reach Whiggs Meadow at 5,000 feet and decide to hike another half mile to a secret CS I discovered on a previous trip.
This is the location of my secret CS on the west side of Whiggs Meadow---next to Roaring Branch Creek for camp water.
Getting water from Roaring Branch Creek on the west side of the Whigg. My tent is nearby.
On Day 2 I leave the Whigg and descend to the top trailhead of Sycamore Creek trail.
I reach Sycamore Creek and set up camp nearby.
On Day 3 I keep descending Sycamore Creek trail and reach a favorite CS on a switchback behind this trailsign.