Comments on: WHERE IS A AWESOME PLACE NEAR TENNESSEE TO GO WILDERNESS CAMPING!?

By: William B

William B — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:28:25 +0000

the LBL at dover Tn

By: Brook E

Brook E — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:34:09 +0000

>Then there is the Smokey mountains but they are too commercialized??? <

First off, don’t confuse Cades Cove and similar areas with the backcountry. Plenty of wilderness-like conditions there. The downside is that you can only camp in established backcountry campgrounds, so have to plan your adventures to coincide with them.

I agree with Happy Times, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (and ain’t that a mouthful) is a great choice. You might find it crowded at the two ends (Pickett State Park, in Tennessee, and Blue Heron Coal Camp, in Kentucky). But otherwise it’s all but empty.

FWIW, Happy, BSF is not part of the Daniel Boone. It was ceded to the Corps of Enginners when the NRRA was being planned, and the Corps contracted with the National Park Service to manage it.

But, speaking of the Daniel Boone, it’s a great choice itself. The 259 mile Sheltowee Trace runs the entire length of it. Plus it contains 2 wilderness areas, and, of course, Red River Gorge.

A little thought of “wilderness” is the backcountry of Cumberland Gap. In addition to the other attractions, you can hike on the Wilderness Road as it appeared in 1815.

Another option would be the backcountry of Mammoth Cave. There are 50,000 surface acres, with 70 miles of trails and all sorts of backcountry to explore.

Highlights of these and other areas can be found in “Hiking Kentucky,” by Brook Elliott and Barbara Elliott.

Meanwhile, for immediate details, you might check out:

By: ohwhocares68

ohwhocares68 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:05:51 +0000

Two great options, The National Park Service has two national rivers the Current River (in southern Missouri) and the Buffalo River (in northern Arkansas). Both parks offer many amenities, especially if you enjoy paddling or trout fishing. Also in the Taum Sauk mountains of southern Missouri is Mark Twain National Forest which has many wilderness trails.

By: Machine Commander

Machine Commander — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:19:40 +0000

South Cumberland Recreation Area, there is the Salvage Gulf, Stone Door and Fiery Gizzard areas and there are waterfalls, overlooks, caves and some of the best rock climbing in the state of Tennessee. Some people may say Big South Fork and Smokey Mountains and they’re obviosly not from Tennessee, that’s where most tourist go. But if you really want to get away. Permits are Required and it’s free! recommend this area near Chattanooga…………

By: Tom S

Tom S — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:12:43 +0000

have you tried land between the lakes on the west end of the state.My son was stationed at fort Campbell and we went there in a pop=up and 4-wheeled the back roads, a ton of old camp sites there. Get a map of the roads at golden pond the roads are numbered but the map helps

By: happy times are here again

happy times are here again — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:11:21 +0000

There are 150 miles of marked hiking trails in the Big South Fork. Numerous overlooks offer breathtaking views of the rocky gorge and cascading river. Backcountry camping permits ($5.00) are not required but are recommended for your safety. Trail information and maps are available at the visitor center at Bandy Creek. Park Headquarters – (423) 569-9778

The Big South Fork is located on the Kentucky/Tennessee boarder in the Daniel Boone National Forest.