EVENT DETAILS
Spend an Autumn weekend with Team Green on an Intermediate Backpacking adventure through the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness (BFCW) in the Caney Fork River Gorge!
Have you Day Hiked 8 or more miles on easy terrain and want the added challenge of carrying your gear on your back? Team Green backpacking can do just that for you! This event is limited to 8 participants.
BACKPACKING STATS:
Meeting Time: November 7th at 7 AM
Estimated Drive Time One Way: 1 hour 45 min
Hike Distance: 17 miles total
Difficulty: Intermediate (see rating scale below)
Trip Leader: Mike O
Cost: Free for members, $10 non-members
Deadline: Until booked. Waiting list available.
Children Policy: Participants must be 18 years or older
Dog Policy: Friendly dogs who have experience hiking over 6 miles and have camped overnight with strangers are permitted on this trip.
Please check out the Backpacking Checklist available on the Resources Page.
Team Green practices Leave No Trace guidelines. Follow this link to see what you can do to keep our trails clean and safe.
Please keep in mind that trail conditions, weather, and group ability may cause compromise of the trip itinerary. Please be considerate of necessary changes during the trip should these instances occur.
ABOUT BFCW
The Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, a 10,000-acre gift to the citizens of Tennessee from the company, is recognized as a natural treasure for its uniqueness and diversity. It is entrusted to the Tennessee Wildlife Management Agency (TWRA) as a Wildlife Management Area with an easement to the Conservation Fund. A premier hiking and backpacking destination in the Caney Fork River Gorge, the 26 miles of trails on the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness are rated moderate to difficult. These trails offer access to the terrain of rolling hills, waterfalls, deep gorges, rocky hillsides, wildflowers, oak, hickory and pine forest, creeks, river pools, and general remoteness all combine to offer many degrees of difficulty.
TRAIL DETAILS
Centennial Wilderness Area is situated in the remote southeast corner of White County near Sparta, Tennessee. We will park all vehicles at the Polly Branch Falls Trailhead Parking. We will hike from Polly Branch Falls Trailhead down into the Gulf. We will make a side trip to the Rose Cave, and continue to follow the Caney Fork River Trail to the Ambers Den Campsite on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, we will proceed toward Fish Hole / Virgin Falls and climb out of the gorge toward Polly Branch Falls Trailhead. We anticipate several river crossings on the Caney Fork River, so please bring river shoes for the crossings.
BACKPACKING RATING GUIDE
Beginner
You have DAY HIKED more than 8 miles continuously on moderate terrain (Warner Parks, etc) and would like to add the challenge of carrying more weight and camping overnight on the trail. These trips include shorter distances (6-8 miles per day) but moderate to strenuous terrain. You must attend a backpacking clinic.
Beginner to Intermediate
You have DAY HIKED more than 10 miles continuously on rough terrain (Cumberland Plateau/Smokies) and would like to add the challenge of carrying more wight and camping overnight on the trail. These trips include moderate distances (8-10 miles per day) on moderate to strenuous terrain. You must attend a backpacking clinic.
Intermediate
You have BACKPACKED 8 miles or more per day, know your abilities, have adequate equipment, and would like the added challenge of a longer backpacking trip. These trips include long distances (10-15 miles per day) on mostly strenuous terrain. It is recommended that you attend a refresher backpacking clinic.
Advanced
You have BACKPACKED 11 miles or more per day in unpleasant conditions (snow, rain, ice, wind), know your abilities, have adequate equipment, and would like the added challenge of a longer, more strenuous backpacking trip. These trips include long distances (11 miles or more per day) on strenuous terrain (Appalachian Mountains, etc). It is recommended that you attend a refresher backpacking clinic.
REGISTRATION
This event is limited to 8 participants. Cost is free for Team Green Members and $10 for non-members. To register, email Mike O (mike.orton@comcast.net) Directly.