re: Looking for a backpacking destination idea...

If your considering the AT, definitely give the Great Smoky Mountain NP and surrounding areas a thought. No 4,000ers like out west but some good sized peaks out this way at around 7,000ft.

Here's a picture of Mt. Leconte, one of the many more well known mountains. Also see: Charlies Bunion, The Chimney Tops, Cherohala Skyway, Mt. Mitchell,Mt. Craig, Clingmans Dome etc.


Plenty of Wildlife. Black bear, Bob cat, Elk, Deer, What's believed to be a small population of anywhere from 6-20 mountain lions(cougars) through out the range (Nothing like out west). Great for bushwacking or trail hiking. If you're looking to the East Coast/South East. It's hard to find a more beautiful NP out this way.

I Just recently finished up the Black Forest in Germany, and plan on going to the French Alps in the area of Vercors (Beautiful Mountains) in South East France when my buddy flys out this summer. Anyways, Safe travels where ever you go .