Soliciting Tips on the Appalachian Mountains

[Buzz]

My fellow Wanderers of the West. Are there any among you who have wandered the East?

I'm planning to do the Appalachian Mountains in September. Beginning from OH, I'm thinking I will start in PA and head southward along the Interstate 81 path. Once arriving in GA or AL, I will head back to TX. I'm thinking a two or three week trip.

I'll be packing a camera, hoping to catch some of the autumn colors that I have seen in the magazines; and, I may be taking my kayak along.

Of course I will be looking for some more remote sites and free camping along the way. I'm not terribly interested in popping the top at an interstate rest stop.

Suggestions and words of wisdom are appreciated.

-Buzz

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

To see the best fall colors, head for the Adirondacks.

 

[kcowyo]

If I were anywhere near North Carloina and Virginia in the Fall, looking for colors, I would make driving the Blue Ridge Parkway my top priority.

In NC, check out towns like Banner Elk (and all of the nearby ski resorts) Blowing Rock, Burnsville and Asheville. You might also include the Smoky Mtn National Park and over into Gatlinburg, TN.

My understanding from those seeking free/primitive camping on the east coast is that it is very sparse. The National Forest Service should have a detailed list by state of what is available.

Sounds like a big adventure you're planning. Looking forward to hearing how it all comes together Buzz!

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[Buzz]

Thanks for the tips. The Adirondacks and the Smokies are on my list. More research to be done.

This looks like a good excuse to buy the handheld GPS I've been drooling over. Just wish the street and topo maps weren't so expensive. One could buy a lot of IPA with that money.

-Buzz

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Dear Buzz--

I grew up in upstate NY, and spent 50 years living in the East, but it took me a while to remember all the beauty that surrounded me. As the memories and history of the region came flooding back, I started connecting dots...

Ingalls's Suggested Northeast Loop

Lots of scenery and historical spots. When you get on I81 in Chambersburg, PA, you're on your own again!

Ingalls

 

[Buzz]

Thanks for the link, Mark.

I've been to most states east of the Mississippi, but I haven't spent much time on the east side. Been to Iowa to visit the wife's family. Lived (if you want to call it that) at Keesler AFB (Biloxi, MS) for nine of the longest months of my life. Brief look around NYC, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Chicago while on business. The mosquitoes in Wisconsin are as vicious as those in Alaska.

I am really looking forward to this trip. I was planning to hit the Appalachians about mid-September, but I've gotten some indication that I should wait until October for the really good color changes. There must be a website that keeps tabs of the color changes.

-Buzz

 

[Buzz]

Question to Mark Ingalls

Mark,

That was really handy....the little trick that you did creating and linking your suggested route through New York. Thanks again.

I just received a Garmin Legend HCx handheld GPS receiver and loaded the City Navigator map onto it.

Do you, or anyone else on this forum, have any experience with transferring Google routes such as yours onto a GPS receiver?

I've used Google for getting quick directions, but it seems that there are more and more features being made available. No wonder their stock has done so well.

Thanks,
Buzz

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Buzz--

My handheld is ancient, so it doesn't do much. I just use the lat|long to place me on paper maps or on Edna's cell phone internet map, even though I can connect the GPS to the computer. The novelty of that just wore off, but the hassle of hooking up all the hardware stayed.

I think all you need to do is transfer the waypoints?

M&E

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

You could also try e-mailing our new dealer in North Carolina for travel ideas.

info@xtremecampers.com

He is a "camping" kind of guy.

I would think he could steer you in the right direction for some places to wander.


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