Joyce Kilmer multi-night backpacking

Wilderness trails are generally maintained to the most primitive standards, with few, if any, signs or blazes. Outside the memorial forest, wilderness travelers are urged to carry a topographic map and compass and know how to use them. Wilderness hikers will find no shelters, restrooms, or water faucets. They must meet and live with nature on its own terms.

One of my favorite Wilderness areas in the southeast, we plan on staying 2 nights so we can immerse ourselves in this land so beautifully preserved.

We will start our hike from Big Fat Gap trailhead, and tread down the mountain about 2.5 miles and 1100' lower to Slick Rock Creek to set up our first camp. Then take an optional day hike to Lower Falls after eating lunch and setting up camp. This campsite is so nice, beside a beautiful waterfall, that you may not want to leave, but the hike to the falls is also absolutely beautiful. However, this is only for fit hikers, who are comfortable in the wilderness with many opportunities to explore, cross the slippery rocks and push over possible fallen logs, up and down the Slick Rock creek.

One of the last times I camped along this river, I saw a bear cross the top of Wildcat Falls. We saw bats the size of fat chipmunks flying over head at dusk feeding on the flying insects above the falls, and at night toads as large as your hand croaking loudly. And small glowing worms nestled in the moist moss beside the tributary falling into Slickrock Creek.

The second day, we will break camp, and walk up the Slickrock Creek trail about 5.5 miles to Naked Ground almost 3k' gain in elevation, where we'll resupply our water, since it's almost another 1.5 mile to our next camp at Hangover @ 5120' in elevation. This particular camp is close to an overlook with a 360 degree view of the gorgous mountains surrounding us.

The third day we'll break camp and hike back down to Big Fat Gap down Hangover Lead trail, about 2.5 miles and about 2k' loss in elevation, before stretching, climbing back in our vehicles and driving home.

Please be aware that this is a wilderness area, with unmarked, and sometimes unmaintained trails that will require navigating with a map and compass. This will sometimes lead to going down false trails, requiring a fitness level allowing you to be flexible on mileage, and a positive attitude toward wilderness exploration.

This is a 3.5 hour drive from the Indian Trail Park N Ride, hence the early start from the car pool site.