Hey Frozen. Go to 24:40 and see what you said about walking on the AT a couple years ago, and how one day.... You made it. Or will, very soon. Good luck on your upcoming adventure. :)
One of my favorite hikes in the Smokies is on the Tennessee side along the Middle Fork of the Little River. It is breath taking! Waterfall after waterfall after waterfall along a dirt road.
Frozen seeing that bear right off of that road is sweet. I drove up that road when we visited the dome and never put a thought to a bear being anywhere there. Awesome stuff.... I like it I like it alot!
Cool to watch some of your older videos and you convey your desire to thru hike the AT and to know that you are actually doing it right now. Respect the determination.
That was an awesome adventure. Pretty crazy seeing those bears and rattlesnakes. I'll half to mark that one on my travel list of awesome hikes in the future
I've been backpacking in the smoky mountains every weekend for the last 4 months and your channel helped inspire me, let me know next time you come this way
Great video.Clingman's Dome= great views for people who like to drive to see them and don't mind people pollution. For the rest of us, views are everywhere when we hike the backcountry.
Loving your adventures 👍🏻 My advice on the snake situation: Back away slowly. Find a stick that you can toss just beyond the snake to distract its focus on you. Most likely, the snake will be startled, uncoil, and get out of there. 🐍
Good advice. I wouldn't have tried to hike uphill of it and risk possibly sliding down on top of it. You certainly could hear it before he pointed it out in the video.
Wow. Great videos so far. You have the right stuff dialed in, enough face time, enough trail/terrain shots, map details, gear talk, logic/reasoning, edited well, etc. Videos like yours help me figure out where I am safely hike.
Jason, you were really fortunate re that snake. Rattlers can lunge at least half the length of their bodies. Using a 120 to 130 cm trekking pole is rather dicey. I use to catch rattlers in AZ along with a herpetologist who taught me how to best catch them with a "snake pole" with a loop, the pole being twice the length of a trekking pole. Either going around it or throwing an object near it might have provoked it to move on. The snake was in defense mode due to being surprised.
Good to see a video where the hiker takes some time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. I understand that it's just not possible at times due to the miles required, but it's nice when it can be done. Thanks for the video!
Holy crap, that second snake! To answer you question I probably would have tried to move it with a really long stick or trekking pole. No idea if that's the right move. I wouldn't beat yourself about it too much, it's easy to second guess but maybe someone will have a better suggestion. Wow, quite the trip this one. As an aside I love my zpacks rain kilt too. Got rid of my tyvek and it's nice to have dry pants.
i chuck gravel at them when they wont go away... they can strike pretty far, best to stay back .. they get pelted by some small stuff theyll move away... you dont need to hurt it, jsut lob some small stuff at it...
@@potatothorn I was wondering what I would do, and I would have thrown stuff at it as well to try to make it go away. Interesting encounter. Great video!
With the inspiration from this video my 47 year old self and my 27 year old son (from just east of you in Johnstown) set out to do this exact hike this weekend 10/9/2020 to 10/12/2020. We had to modify a little. Day one we stayed at camp 70, as 69 was already booked. Day 2 we ended up cutting of the top mileage and went from Clingmans and road walked to go down Noland Divide then across to camp 55 based simply on the hours of daylight in Oct. and the fact that it rained from midnight day one until about 3pm. We wanted to hit camp a little earlier to attempt to dry out clothing and gear that was packed up in the morning rain. Other than that we accomplished it as planned! Day 3 definitely starts calm and then you pay for it up the Nolan Divide from the bottom. Had a great challenging adventure! The creeks were high and fast with 2 days of rain, and the trails were running water as happens in the Smokies. Thanks for all your great videos, keep the inspiration coming!
This was definitely an awesome adventure...great job! That rattlesnake encounter was a close one and glad you got past it without harm. Rattlesnakes can lunge at least half the length of their body so never trust that your trekking pole is long enough. It's best to slowly back away then consider your options as you initially did. Climbing up the hill to get around it might have been an option but you could slip, fall and roll right into it. The drop off on your left was not a good escape path either. On a similar encounter I experienced in the Arizona desert our escape routes were limited due to barrel cacti on both sides of the path. I grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it in the snake's direction...twice, as the first toss just pissed it off. The second handful of sand prompted it to slither away. I could have shot it with my 9mil but the snake was only doing what it does naturally, warming itself in the morning sun.
Great video! I love the Smokies! 2 bears in 10 minutes!!! That was awesome. I looked it up, Indian Creek Trail was an old road bed and at least part of it can be used for bicycles. I don't know what to do about the snakes. I walked right up on one last year. The stream was so loud I didn't hear the rattle. The only thing I did differently than you was that I had to take time to clean out my drawers lol. Great video man, thanks for sharing!
This was really awsome !! Use your walking stick to get the snakes attention by waving it to the oposit direction your going to pass, and quickly pass by. or put a hook on one of your sticks and moove it. Love Ya ! Thanks for the adventures
I always toss a small stone or twig NEXT to snakes to spook them off. It usually takes only one or two throws to scare it off. Once again another great video!
Man! What a great trip. It's kind of ironic that you decided to not use your spot for the first time and run into two bears and almost get bit by a rattlesnake. Crazy stuff enjoy the videos keep it up!
Don't let me deter you from hiking this beautiful area. If you are afraid of snakes go a little later in the year and you will be fine. I went in one of the hotes months, and snakes love to soak up the sun.
I live in the smokies not too terribly far from the Deep Creek area. It’s fine. Snakes won’t bother you 99% of the time. This one was startled, defensive and getting into a position to strike. I would have stayed back and thrown something in its direction so it will strike and move on. It was scared too. I live on top of a mountain and grew up playing in the woods. I’m 47 and I’ve never had a scary encounter with a bear. They wonder around my house all spring and summer. Most black bears have zero interest in humans and they are scared of people too. Juvenile bears (the dreaded teenagers) get themselves in to trouble more often but it’s because they don’t know how to properly handle situations. The bear that pretended to charge him was simply saying- Hey! Hey! Hey person! Get out of here! It’s his mountain. I’m pretty sure he ran into yellow jackets at the camp site, not honey bees. Honey bees aren’t that aggressive. Yellow jackets on the other hand will chase people for miles. They have underground nests and become incredibly defensive when they are waiting for their larvae to hatch. Yellow jacket larvae is a favorite meal of black bears too. They start digging up the nests and get the yellow jackets good and angry.
That Garter snake would have scared the hell out of me. I've worked as a bouncer, deputy sheriff. etc.. I have been afraid of snakes since i was kid. Enjoy your videos... Be safe.
I know your video is from 3 years ago, but I'm glad I found it! The Smokies are my weekly stomping grounds. I'm currently working on hiking all the trails in the park (804 miles) and I still have the upper portion of Springhouse and all of Forney Creek to knock out. It was nice to see your footage, so I know what I'm up against. BTW...CS71 with the chimney used to be a Conservation Corp Camp back in the 30's...that's how long the chimney has stood. I've stayed at that site...and yes, it's an awesome one! Excellent captures...it warms my heart to know how much you love our mountains! ✌❤🥾
Frozen, I really enjoy all of your videos but, this one really takes the cake thanks to the bear and snake encounters. They really made the experience more realistic. Thanks for doing these to share.
Hey I have snake-proof gaiters. They are recommended for snake territory. I hear bear mace works and pebble, rock, and stick tossing. Maybe, a slingshot to scare him. Can't wait for the pac trial videos. Cya, Kevin. Btw, I have seen 9 foot long snakes. And, had them crawl in my armpit and over my bivi sac. I think bright things keep them away, too.
Your at the CCC camp. I think that was the mess hall. Also at that camp the lighting bugs come off and on at the same time. That camp I was a trout hatchery in the 1930s after logging.
Just watched and you had an amazing hike all the way. Your encounters with wildlife, snakes and bees made for a bit of a challenge. Looking forward for more great hikes!!!
Awesome video... I applaud your moxy as I probably would have turned tail long before the snake encounter, let alone gone on such a trip solo. Kudos to you! Your videos are always great and full of information. Thanks!
Fantastic video! Keep up the great work! I hiked the AT from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam last last summer, one of the shelters was also infested with bees there. It was very disconcerting, but they actually completely left us alone. No one got stung while we were there...
I think you scared it when you lunged past it - rattlesnakes see sudden movements in their direction as threats. The best thing to do is to take a long detour around them, but if the terrain doesn't allow this you could try backing up until it stops rattling, then stomp your feet as a way to encourage it to slither away.
Thank you I will keep that in mind. I was surprised it didn't stop rattling while I was watching it. That's been the behavior the past 3 times I've encountered them.
That was quite an adventure. Those campsites bear the streams looked pretty great. Can't get any better than clear skies for hiking. I hope you got some good advice and learned from your snake encounter.
See Bee's are definitely a pain in the ass and will follow you if they catch your scent. Been there a million times welcome to the club brother. Love your shows regardless of the hater's and hackers. Aloha Kekoa.
I love your passion for adventure! It's contagious. As to the snake ... use a 7-8 foot pole or throw rocks/sticks to make it make the first move! I've seen some 5-6 foot lunges, so the farther you can stay away, the better. I would NOT use the trekking poles ... just not long enough to be really safe. And if I solo in the back country, I always make sure I've got contact ... no matter how expensive. No one ever complains about cost after snake-bitten!!😊 Great video ... yours always inspire me!
Loved this video. A friend and I made the same wrong turn at the cemetery a couple years back.we had rattlesnakes out the ying that year. One big sucker was lounging in our fire ring lol. You were right - you dodged a bullet but we learn from our mistakes. Your humility and willingness to learn will serve you well. Blessings on your thru hike
Great video!! Lots of wildlife and excitement!! We have had to wait out a rattlesnake before. It only took a few minutes but it felt like a lifetime! we backed away and gave it space...it eventually left the trail. So glad you saw it first though...could have been a much different ending to the this story!! Good luck on your big adventure and if you ever do the AT, you will have a cheering section for sure!!! Good luck and thanks for sharing!!
Snakes, bees, bears, oh my. Treacherous trip! For such a high traffic park, I'm surprised there's still so much wildlife, then again it might be all the goodies from so many people not respecting LNT that attracts them to the trail. That bee camp sounded especially messy from previous campers. You came out on top though, even had a little butterfly buddy bidding you goodbye at the end. Each one of these hike videos is better than the last so I can't wait for the SHT, will probably sit down to watch that one tonight.
Dude, campsite #55 pole road is awesome! That's where I stayed on my first solo backpacking adventure last October! I didn't even know you had video of it! However your videos and Adventure Archives inspired me to check out the Smokies, so thank you!
I agree that going around it (and I always try to do so on the uphill side) is option 1, by far. Option 2 would be to try to prod or move it with a VERY long stick, but that is still pretty hit-or-miss in my experience (Utah and New Mexico rattlers.) Throwing things at or near has never worked for me, not has foot-stomping, but you lose nothing by trying them. I'll be on some of those same trails next week, thanks for the preview!
I have yet to encounter a rattler on a hike👍Beautiful snakes though, my adrenaline would have been pulsing as well! Using your pack as a block would have been ideal. Awesome mountians though....steller!❤
Regarding the 2nd snake: Those suckers are fast, really fast. Not just to strike but across the ground as well. If you went up higher than the snake you run the risk of slipping down right into a bite. In almost all encounters the snake would have tracked your movements no matter where you went. If you scare it with a Rock or stick you may loose sight of it and that's not good. If you're not experienced with moving a snake it could go bad. That being said creating a barrier with your pack is a good idea. If you can move the snake away with your pole and create a barrier while passing you should be golden. Great video!
Dude, thanks for helping me get started in the hiking world. Your other trip thru the smokies inspired me to plan my own back in 2015. And what-a-ya-know, Im planning an AT thru hike for March 2019. I hope to see ya out there one day man! I just cant say enough about how awesome and helpful your videos are. Thanks homie!
Frozen, don't beat yourself up over it. Thankfully you got by the snake without any trouble. A snake can only strike half it's length so for a 5 foot snake that's a 2.5' range of strike. Maybe could have bushwacked a little on the side trail or above it but you did great. Your encounters with the bears were handled perfectly. I backpack a lot in the Smokies and bears are a bigger problem then snakes but they both provide certain challenges! Keep safe and I love your vids. Looking forward to your SHT series. Do it in 4 parts that's my 2 cents on that matter. You need to hike Isle Royale too. Awesome life-list trip there do some recon on that while you are up there. - Banker
Thanks man I appreciate that. It's hard not to think of the what if equation while you are out there. It only takes one minor mistake. I'm adding a lot of user based recommendations to the list. The people here are more helpful than searching myself
Hey Frozen, while I got your ear, here's some more unsolicited advice. If you can swing it with work/career/life/family - get the AT done while your young. I don't know your personal situation and no judgements if you can't go but it only gets harder when your middle-aged like me. I wanted to hike it when I graduated college in 91. I got married instead (I'm not saying I don't love my wife though, we still good - ha) and now I have to wait until retirement in 8 long years before I can fulfill a lifelong dream. Thank God for your videos and others to keep me going between section backpacks. DO IT!! Backpacking is addictive! But I don't have to tell you that. Travel safe friend.
Great videos!! I love the Smokies and you actually got a pretty good view up on top of Clingman's Dome. The three times I've been there it has been solid clouds. The bear encounters though!! Good job with that.
Cool and a little scary to see the bears. Went to Dolly Sods week before last and saw a HUGE one on Red Creek trail. It took off as soon as it saw us though.
I’ve messed with snakes a lot. Best thing to do it try to move it down that hill with a VERY long stick. That far from help, hiking alone I’d probably try to toss it a distance too. Not hard enough to hurt it but you can’t be too careful in that situation. When a rattler is buzzing it’s telling you that it’s threatened and is prepared to defend itself. Snakes only strike at about 1/2 their length but sometimes the best defense is offense and they come to you like that one tried to. I would’ve tried to find a stick at least 8-10 feet and moved it. Moving it with a trekking pole would have you too close, with all the rocks, roots, and steep terrain; one slip and it’s on you.
For those that want to follow in his footsteps and take the same path he took here in the smokies, Campsite 69 is a very unsafe spot to stay at during rainy weather, it’s surrounded by two big streams on either end that get very high and dangerous when it rains and you could get stranded in that area. My friend and I almost faced that problem and it could’ve ended horribly. Frozen went during dryer weather so the streams were low. Just thought I’d give a warning.
The snake was really rattling continuously. Very angry! Were you singing or something? Hee hee. There was no hope but to sit and wait, pin it with your hiking pole (n a large pole basket required) or...go for it. The pack shield idea is a good one. Protect the feet and ankles! Thanks for the adventure!
Thanks so much for the video. One of the better backpacking videos I have watched in some time. As for the snake. I know it's been mentioned in various ways. But I would suggested in this order. 1) Stomping the ground. Vibration is your best friend. Snakes want to get away from large animals that can hurt them. 2) tossing rocks, sticks, etc...close to the snake about it on the hill. The goal is to get it to move down hill. Animals always flee better down hill. 3) If it is stubborn (usually cold) a stick would be the last option if you aren't used to handling a snake. Again try to nudge it downhill. As for safety. A snake can strike half it's body length. A 5 foot rattler can strike 2 1/2 feet. Loved the video. Great job with the bear encounter as well. Text book.
Another awesome video. Sorry you got Clingmans on a day it was crowded with tourists, that's summer for you. I got to see Clingmans on a nice day in late April, not too crowded and great views. When you were talking about the AT you had that same look on your face that you had when you did your first Oil Creek video, that said I am really into this. Doing a thru hike of the AT requires a lot of discipline and self motivation. You have to be able to hike your own hike and that includes listening to your body and setting an appropriate pace, making sure you get appropriate nutrition, hydration, and rest. What takes people off the trail are those repetitive motion injuries. If you don't listen to your body you will be like Meerkat limping off the trail on the Laurel Highlands. So essentially you have to be an egoless hiker and not be distracted by everyone else around. To do that smokies hike you have to be in good condition, so you are in good shape already physically, but you also have to prepare mentally.
+Joe Bletso I totally understand the mental aspect, physically I know I can make it but the mental aspect is something very hard to tackle without doing a longer than 6 day hike. This is why I am hoping to get more insight into myself on the SHT in a few weeks. That being said I have a great group of people behind me via this channel and I know this channel and it's followers may be the extra push to get through a hard stretch of mental exhaustion.
I'd have to say, one of your best trips! 2 Bears, 2 Rattle Snakes, deers, turkeys, honey bees, etc... amazing to see so many close calls... only thing missing was a lightening strike 2 feet away from you! 😲 I've been eyeing up that Zpacks pack liner... can't wait to see you review that too!
