NC/Tennessee Post Eggtoberfest Backpacking Advice Please

Nature Boy

Sorry for the mostly off topic post, but I have a feeling there are a few folks who might be able to help.[p]I am highly pumped about the Eggtoberfest, and have gotten approval from the Missuz to extend my Eggtoberfest trip by a few days so that I can get some backpacking in. I will have a pal or two travelling with me, and we will be heading for the hills after the festivities. Was hoping for some advice of some nice remote areas to hike into in the high mountains of NC/Tennessee. We love the 5000-6000 foot balds that are common in this area, and also love the lush stream valleys. I have explored most of the Smokies, and have spent some time in Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness area to the SW of the Smokies, as well as Pisgah National Forest near Mt. Mitchell. [p]The Joyce Kilmer area stands out in my mind as the kind of roadless remoteness we are looking for....and MAN those virgin trees are big. We saw some Poplar trees that were over 10 feet in diameter at the trunk. Cherokee NF or Nantahala NF also look like possibilities...or any other areas we might not know of. We will be camping 3 nights, so we can hike about 5 to 10 miles from the closest trailhead if needed. We are prepared if four wheel drive roads are needed to access the trailhead.[p]I would greatly appreciate an email if you folks from the area have any tips!! Thanks very much, and I am eager to meet and re-meet many of you kind folks at the fest.[p]NB

Unknown

Nature Boy,[p]If you're into Cumberland Plateau kind of hiking, (i.e. steep escarpments, incredible vistas, lots of waterfalls, but the elevation is only about 1000 feet), the Savage Gulf recreation area is Tennessee's best kept natural treasure. Very rugged, very isolated, and very beautiful. It's roughly between Chattanooga and Nashville. That's probably too much out of your way and perhaps it's not high enough for your liking.[p]Nonetheless, it's very very special.[p]Gerard

Nature Boy

Gerard,
I will be visiting the US Geological Survey (my regular local dig for maps) soon to get some maps. I will pull out the maps on that area and check it out. Sounds incredible. We do a lot of backpacking in an area of West Virginia that is high plateau, and it is one of my favorite areas. Lots of meadows/beaver ponds. No jutting peaks like the smokies, but that really doesn't matter. We rarely see another person....and the scenery is spectacular..and the stars. My god. The stars. Sounds like a similar area. I am interested. Thanks.[p]Guess I'll see you in a few weeks.
NB