Warning: That shortcut through the Smokies nearly cost me a rescue

I used to think cutting a mile off my route by taking an unmarked trail was smart. A ranger at the Clingmans Dome visitor center told me to stick to the official AT path because those short cuts usually lead to dead ends or bad terrain. I ignored him and took the so called shortcut last July. Three hours in I hit a steep ravine with loose rocks and had to backtrack almost the whole way. My legs were shot by the time I got back to the AT and I had to stop early. That night I realized he was right and I should have listened. Has anyone else had a ranger give them advice they brushed off?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_linda1mo ago

Walking that shortcut cost me three hours and a blister but taught me to always listen to rangers.

betty_wells1mo ago

Oh no, I hate that for you. Three hours and a blister is a rough way to learn a lesson, but at least you made it out okay. I've done stuff like that before and it's such a sinking feeling when you realize you're way off track. Rangers really do know their stuff, even when it seems like they're just being annoying. Sorry you had to go through that, but glad you're safe.

simonp761mo ago

Man my buddy Mike pulled something similar once. Took a "shortcut" through this field and ended up in poison ivy up to his waist. Took him forever to get back on the trail and he was itching for like a week after.