Backcountry Hiking and Camping Trip NC

2 Day/ 1 Night Backcountry Hiking and Camping Trip: Sam's Gap to Big Bald

• Time for adventure!! 
• Trail head is about 2.5 hours from my location in west Charlotte
• Why is the trip on weekdays? Simple: avoid crowds of people so our dogs can enjoy off leash freedom responsibility and we can enjoy a less crowded trail. Those of you that know me- I don't do weekends for awesome hikes :) 
• Weather permitting! Anything more than about 30% chance of rain and temps lower than about 40 degrees at night and I bail... quick. LOL. I love adventure but I'm soft- lol! 
• 13 mile out and back trail (6.5 miles each day) / 3,150' elevation gain 
• Owner and dog need to be in VERY GOOD physical shape. For true hikers and mountaineers- this trail is a breeze. For people like myself that like our IPA beers and nachos and keep up with fitnees and health to a moderate level... this is a very challenging trail... mainly because one is carrying a 30 lb -40 lb overnight pack on their backs. There is about a 1 mile stretch on the way up that is pretty steep. For those of you in phenomeanl shape... us slow fatties won't slow you down... we will meet you at the top! 
• The trail: It is an out and back and honestly... most of it is pretty boring- lol. There are 2 good views on the way up but the top at Big Bald... WOW!!! It's awesome and feel quite accomplished after the tough hike. This trail punished me the last time I did it (and I was not and am still not in great shape) but yet it is one of the most memorable. The top of Big Bald was awesome. Granted I hiked it in Fall season so everything was green and and full of life and there was zero other campers anywhere in sight of me and my dogs...which was pretty awesome. But I am looking forward to hiking in early Spring for a different experience. 
• You will be 100% responsible for you, your dog and anyone in your party's safety. I take zero responsibility for your safety, your dog's safety or anyone in your party's safety. 
• Detailed Trail Info is on the All Trails App
• Each owner is responsible for their own equipment and their dog's equipment. As a group we can absolutely share responsbilities and tools (ie: cooking stove, coffee, water filters, etc)
• I am happy to provide info on the trail, make recommendations for gear and equipment, answer questions, etc but keep in mind I have done about 7-8 backcountry trips so if you want an "expert" I am not it :) 
• Take some time off work and get out in nature and do some awesome bonding with your dog. 
• Only dogs that are graduates of an Allegiant K9s programs can participate. 
• Maximum # of dogs: 6 (including my 2 dogs Ralphie and Sawyer)
• The best part of Big Bald views (and most awesome trails): you cannot get there by car. One has to EARN these views.