Backpacking Trip Locations

Black Balsam area off the Blue Ridge Parkway might fit what you're looking for. Absolutely beautiful area and very easy trails. You could hike Sams Knob to its summit and base camp around there.

Yeah you're going to want to spend at least two nights

Thanks for the info. The problem with staying 2 nights is we're already having enough trouble getting all the guys available for the same weekend. We're planning to drive in Friday, stay at a hotel near by, get an early start Saturday morning and doing about a half day hike. We're from Tuscaloosa so the Mountains would be just as close as Louisiana.

Who is carrying the pole?

Also look into Cheaha State park and Sipsey wilderness. Both in Alabama. Could save you some drive time. Unless you really want to hit the Smokies.

Foothills trail in northeast Georgia also looks nice. I've been wanting to hike it.

Like others have said, the Pinhoti is nice. Starts around Childersburg AL and runs NE. You will be in the tail end of the Appalachian's.

Plenty of options for an overnighter in the Roan Highlands. It's significant altitude (for the area, ~6100') and it'll definitely feel more "out there" than N. Alabama or even backcountry parts of NGA.



Not my image.

Edit: Balds in summer means increased lightning awareness, of course.

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Roan Highlands

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Is camping allowed on the balds? Or is it required to stay in or near the shelter?

Very similar terrain at DeSoto State Park at the end of the canyon. You could day hike into the canyon.

https://www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park

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Is camping allowed on the balds? Or is it required to stay in or near the shelter?

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People certainly have/do, although I think most will probably use the shelters or come off the ridge. But if you google you'll see plenty of campsites on the balds themselves and you'll certainly see signs of camps if you don't actually see campers once up there.

For winds and lightning I probably wouldn't, but I get the temptation.