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I am just a guy who loves living life to the fullest. Whether it is out hiking the trails of East Tennessee, adventures in the backcountry, or visiting and learning about historical sites, I enjoy it all.

I document my journeys though various forms of social media with pictures, videos, and blogs as a way for me to look back. If you enjoy this kind of thing, I invite you to pour a beer and join me on my adventures.

As Always, Stay Safe and Hike On!
L. Alex Hauck

After Action Report - July 1-2, 2024

I got off work at 16:00 and went directly to the trailhead. It was a nice little hike in, and I was a little concerned because I felt like crud most of the day plus my back was hurting again. Once I was in the park most everything just washed away and during most of the short hike, I felt good. My back was still somewhat of a problem, and I hoped it would not hinder me too much on the rest of the trip. 

My Route:

(1) Forney Ridge Trail                  4.5 m 
(2) Springhouse Branch Trail    5.4 m 
(3) Forney Creek Trail                 7.4 m 
(4) Forney Ridge Trail                  1.1 m 

Going downhill on the ridge was very pleasant with the wind and the higher altitude it was nice and cool that allowed me to keep up a good pace. I am really surprised that I did not run into a bear as there was massive amounts of scat everywhere. After hitting the trail junction with Springhouse Branch, I could start feeling the heat. Without the breeze over the ridge, the lower elevation, and just the general time of day I started to work up a good sweat.  

Heading down Forney Ridge Trail I had to stop and have breakfast at Andrew’s Bald. A wonderful place for a cup of Joe with a blueberry scone... 

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Video - Forney Ridge / Forney Creek Loop

Forney Ridge / Forney Creek Loop Story Links:

• Smoky Mountain National Park 

• Smoky Mountain PDF Trail Map  

• Smoky Mountain Backcountry Permit Site 

• Blog Page: Continue Reading For More Information

• All Trails: Recording | Profile

• My YouTube Channel 

• Instagram Profile

Blog: May 2-5, 2024

I took a trip with my friend Greg up to the Red River Gorge Wilderness located in Daniel Boone National Forest Kentucky and it did not disappoint. I always find it fascinating comparing and contrasting environments in natural areas in different regions. For instance, in the Smoky Mountains you have more of a rain forest atmosphere but in Red River Gorge it feels more like a forest with just a hint of rain forest. 

Greg and I thought about doing an overnight backpacking trip but settled on day hiking and getting a feel for the area. We made our base camp at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky that is a pleasant little campsite located in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest on the southern edge of Red River Gorge Geological Area. 

The closest town is Slade, KY and it does not have much there other than a few local shops and tourist type things. It has not yet succumbed to the huge tourist traps that you see in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas just outside of the Smoky Mountains. That is fine with me as it gives off more of an old-time expedition feel that I enjoy. There is something nice about cooking over a campfire as opposed to going out to restaurants. 

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YouTube Video:

Day Hiking Red River Gorge Links:

• US Forest Service - Red River George Geological Area 

• Daniel Boone National Forest 

• Red River Gorge PDF Map 

• AllTrails: Indian Staircase | Henson's Arch | Double Arch Auxier Ridge Loop  |  Profile 

• Instagram Profile 

• YouTube Channel