Trip Report

Up; An Ike and Lu adventure through the Smokey Mountains

By Ike Jutkowitz

October 16, 2022

Country	United States
State	Tennessee
Area	---
Trip Month	(05) - May

Report / Notes

https://ikesodyssey.com/2022/10/16/up-ultralight-backpacking-in-the-smokey-mountains/

I’m just catching up on some trip reports from during the pandemic. This one details Lu’s first ultralight backpacking experience on an approximately 45 mile loop including the At, the Mountains to Sea Trail, and a few smaller trails. Hope you enjoy.

Ike

Discussion

This topic has 9 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 6 months ago by Ben C.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

Author

Posts
Oct 16, 2022 at 7:32 am #3761988

Ike Jutkowitz
BPL Member

@ike
Locale: Central Michigan

Companion forum thread to: Up; An Ike and Lu adventure through the Smokey Mountains

This one details Lu’s first ultralight backpacking experience on an approximately 45 mile loop…

Oct 16, 2022 at 6:20 pm #3762054

Kevin Babione
BPL Member

@kbabione
Locale: Pennsylvania

Thank you – that was a great trip report…the perfect mix of photos and narrative. I’m guessing she had the UL pack and that you carried the food and non-water beverages.

Oct 17, 2022 at 6:37 am #3762057

Matthew / BPL
Moderator

@matthewkphx

Thanks for posting this trip report. It was fun to read about your friendship and the trails are gorgeous. They are so lush and green compared to most of the trails I spend time on.

Oct 17, 2022 at 12:01 pm #3762099

Erik G
BPL Member

@fox212
Locale: Central Coast

Excellent trip report, Ike! What a wonderful thing to find a partner with a similar love for adventure. Photos and narrative were captivating, as usual. I look forward to reading more Ike and Lu Adventures!

Oct 18, 2022 at 7:33 am #3762177

Alex H
BPL Member

@abhitt
Locale: southern appalachians or desert SW

Great report Ike and quite a intro for Lu. I have hiked most of those trails.

One tiny editorial comment- it is Smoky and Smokies instead of Smokey and Smokeys.

Oct 18, 2022 at 2:38 pm #3762203

Jeff McWilliams
BPL Member

@jjmcwill
Locale: Midwest

Ike,

Great trip report! Lu is definitely a keeper! Did I read right that you did 25 mile days on this trip?

As a fellow Michigander: When are you taking her to Pictured Rocks?

Oct 18, 2022 at 11:33 pm #3762267

Alex Wallace
BPL Member

@feetfirst
Locale: Sierra Nevada North

Your “old man’s beard” is on point! Good stuff, man. Thanks for sharing.

Oct 23, 2022 at 11:46 am #3762612

Mark Jones
BPL Member

@hibisk55
Locale: The Back of Beyond

Oh, by the way, camping in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only permitted in designated campsites and requires a permit. Thank you.

Oct 24, 2022 at 1:53 pm #3762699

Ike Jutkowitz
BPL Member

@ike
Locale: Central Michigan

Thanks guys, and thank you Mark for the important clarification. We had backcountry permits and a reasonable itinerary for our abilities. Unfortunately, Lu got sick on the second afternoon and was unable to continue to our designated campsite at the Kephart shelter.

Jeff, it’s been a while since that trip, but if I remember correctly, our itinerary had called for about 18 miles day 1, 25 day two, and 7 or 8 on the departure day. We ended up falling short on day two by a couple miles. As you may know, I’m pretty partial to Pictured Rocks in winter, and have been hoping to talk Lu into seeing the ice formations with me in February.

Ike

Oct 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm #3762925

Ben C
BPL Member

@alexdrewreed
Locale: Kentucky

There are just a few places in the Smokies with great ridge views. You found one: Charlie’s Bunion. The creeks really steal the show in the Smokies though.
Author

Posts