Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - May 2023

The 2023 hiking season got off to a very late start, the latest I've ever done a first hike since I started backpacking. Like 2022 I started the year with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately, Travis couldn't join us for this hike, but Carl was able to make it as well as Christian, who was home from Colorado.

This trip was another in the western section of Great Smoky Mountains NP. Our intent was to experience the many streams, creeks, and waterfalls in that area of the Park, as well as immerse ourselves in the unique 'primordial' forests you find in the backcountry of the Smokies.

Like our 2022 hike we started and ended at the Elkmont Campground. The hike was entirely along the Little River on the Little River Trail with nights in campsites 21 and 24. It was the lowest mileage backpacking trip I've ever done - 3-days, 2-night, and just over 10 miles with some additional day hiking. The miles were low but the smiles were plentiful! As always the Park was gorgeous, the campsites and campfires were wonderful, and the ever-present sound of mountain streams soothed the soul.

For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.

Equipment / Gear List:

Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag

[KathrynWhite-vm]

It was so cool to meet you! Glad we made it into the video:) - campsite 21 crew

[andrewdubick]

When the gentleman came up and asked to shake hands, your son stood up immediately. That shows how he was brought up and how he respected the man. It’s a blessing to see that now a days!

[sandrab]

I'm so glad Christian is with you! It feels like we've watched him grow up. 😊

[johnbarns]

So good to see you out there. Love Gaitlinburg and the Smokies. That traffic you drove in is called welcome to the new world where there is terrible traffic all day ever day. I’m in Dawsonville GA not far away but haven’t made it there yet this year. Great to see you and your son hiking together

[dnmccurry]

So o much fun seeing Christian. He’s a grown man wow.

[marku.]

I still eat Spam and love brussels sprouts, but never paired the two on a backpacking trip. You guys might be onto something. Thanks for the content guys!

[thepsg]

Great to see you again! You were practically in our backyard. We were watching your most recent trip to Glacier when YouTube notified me that you had a new video up (I subscribed years ago) so we finished the Glacier video and watched this one!

[DrJohn]

Enjoyed another Smokies outing with you, Christian and Carl who can always be relied on for the Spam 😉

[hewjbacca]

David Gray so glad to see you again my friend!! Another great video!!

[sarahsolomon]

It’s really pretty out there! Looks very relaxing! Love the sound of the water! ❤️

[markathey]

Always great to see one of your videos, espicially the Smokies.

[matt-duvu]

I'm so glad to finally see your start to the 2023 backpacking season. Awesome video!

[chrisadventures]

Man….wish I had know you were there then…I was in Gatlinburg too doing some hiking. Would have enjoyed meeting you. We did the Rainbow Falls trail.

[debgittins]

Fabulous to feature a very doable trip for almost all physical and skill levels. Great intro hike for newbies, to test their skills, passion and gear.

[gradacac]

watching Dave's videos always makes me go back to backpacking

[Halfpace]

Hope one day you plan to backpacking the Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah Forest. It’s not too far from Gatlinburg and it will not disappoint you. The other one I recommended is a section of AT on Roan Mountains to Hwy 19E.

[DavidAmsler]

Love going to the Log Cabin Pancake House, that's a place we always go to at least once every time we go to Gatlinburg.

[theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Great trip, looks like a lot of fun in an awesome national park.
Saw Gatlinburg passing by on loads of AT videos and that city must be one heck of an experience!

[pjreads]

I have watched your videos for years but somehow my computer wouldn't let me comment on any Youtube videos. My son got it to work somehow. We backpacked with our sons when they were growing up like you have with Christian and they both love it. We have used your videos as reference material when planning trips. And, of course we ordered some of the cheddar cheese spread to try and love it. We usually backpack as a couple now and use it for a lunch. We also have switched from Tabasco to Tapatio - I'm sure you have influenced many other backpackers over the years and I wanted to thank you for your channel.

[christinerolle]

Glad David is back..thanks for taking us along.❤😊