Loop Route 20-30 Miles

Scott down in Mississippi sent an email today: I am trying to plan a trip to backpack with a friend up there next weekend. We would like a loop trail or a series and trails that loop somewhere between 20-30 miles. Can you recommend a trail or loop to follow. We would like to camp backcountry and see as few people as possible. Difficulty is not a problem. Thanks for the tips.

If you will look at or download the new park map here:

http://www.friendsofscsra.org/parkmap.htm

My personal preference would be from the Savage Gulf Ranger Station to Hobbs Cabin and back, about 8 miles on the Rim Trail or 9 miles on the Plateau, makes a 17-18 mile loop.

If you are spending more than one night or want to cover more ground, from Hobbs take the Connector Trail down to the Stage Road Trail about 3.5 miles, up State Road about 1.6 miles and back to the Ranger Station on the South Rim Trail about 6.8 miles. Along this route you have camping at Saw Mill or Stage Road or Savage Falls.

For more miles you could also go up Collins Gulf to Collins East Campsite and come back on the Collins Rim Trail. That would add about 15 miles.

The best bet for seeing fewer people is to hike during the week rather than on the weekend. Have a safe trip.

Cheers,
Ron Castle