morgan monroe hiking

[shinkle]

hello to all, not wanting to steal someone else's thread on hiking but been wanting to ask for some info about the low gap trail. has anyone hiked this trail lately and camped in the primative/back country area. looking to try this year with my family and am always looking to keep them out of harms way. 2 legged or 4 legged trouble. despite past, current, and changing future policies what sidearm do you carry in such an area. is the trail busy with other hikers or is it rather pretty quiet. thanx in advance for all the help. tim.

[AGarbers]

We took the Scout Troop several years ago in March. We saw a few other hikers. Most were other Scout Troops and a few were power hikers doing the loop as fast as they could. None of us wore a firearm as BSA rules forbids it if I remember right, nor did I see anyone with one. Once you get past the first big hill, I doubt you would see many casual walkers. However, this is mushroom season so they will be out and with them, the mushroom hunters and turkey hunters. I have never been later in the summer, but I would say due to the steep hills, you will be alone often.
You also have the Deam Wildreness Area south of Lake Monroe. Once IU is out I think it should be less traveled.

Alan

[Soundslikejosh]

Shinkle,

I did the low gap trail several years ago (~3?) and at that time, it was fine. I went there in spring, say May, and saw less than 10 other hikers the entire time, and that was only passing them while hiking (they were going other direction). When I was at camp I saw no one.

It's a beautiful trail. If there has been recent precipitation you should be aware that you may get a little wet. You should be able to cross all the creeks but there is no guarantee you wouldn't get your boots wet. Little creeks like that will spill their bounds quickly when it rains hard.

I am not aware of restriction that keeps you from carrying there. Rangers are few and far between, and didn't hassle me at all. I wouldn't worry about interference from them.

[shinkle]

thanx for all the info. my concern comes from a few years ago when camping primative with my family in yellowwood. coydogs visited us a few times one night and that seem to have left a lasting impression on my oldest son, which at the time he was @8-9. we were camping numerous parks too, so i was not carrying anything. i teach my boys that we are visiting their home and we have to step aside and respect their home(the dogs that is). but i don't want to be in that situation again. thanx again for the help.

[Soundslikejosh]

If you are worried about being able to defend your camp, put a pistol in your pack and consider it done. Again, I do not know of rules that prohibit it, and you'd never be found out. Even if you had to fire, the likelihood that you'd be found is slim to none.

[cosermann]

Originally Posted by AGarbers

None of us wore a firearm as BSA rules forbids it if I remember right . .

Really? I didn't know that. I would be interested in the reference if you happen across it. I would also consider it my duty to ignore that rule when necessary.

[henktermaat]

I did almost step on a very large rattlesnake there last year... keep your eyes peeled.

[AGarbers]

Originally Posted by cosermann

Really? I didn't know that. I would be interested in the reference if you happen across it. I would also consider it my duty to ignore that rule when necessary.

This is from the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting:

"Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a currently certified BSA or National Rifle Association firearms instructor."

Guns and Firearms

[Dyerbill]

To go into the woods for a walk or an overnight hike or a lifetime of exploring without a firearm is just plain dangerous!

Originally Posted by AGarbers

This is from the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting:

"Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a currently certified BSA or National Rifle Association firearms instructor."

Guns and Firearms

[shinkle]

dyerbill, that's the way i feel. i just want to make sure i'm not putting my family in any kind of danger. or that i am doing anything wrong or illegal. i feel i have to protect my family, but i have to answer alot of questions coming from a 9 yr old. i won't lie to him, but i won't put him in danger either. i try to get my son's out to experience so many different adventures that everyday life will not allow. but they are very perceptive of right and wrong. it's easy to point out wrong, and sometimes hard to make sure i'm right/legal. i will not participate in certain events if i can not make sure i am i control and protect my family. i will wait til later sometime when the timing is more correct.