Leah and I decided to take Jackson on his first backpacking trip (and Leah’s second) over the July 4th weekend. We looked at the maps to find a place closeby but remote enough that we wouldn’t see too many other hikers (Jackson isn’t always friendly when he meets people). We decided to try Salt Log Gap since we could drive up into the forest to get started on an out of the way section. We tried out Jackson’s new backpack at home and he absolutely loved it so we were confident he could carry his own food and water.
The trail was pretty unspectacular for the first 3 miles or so, just dense forest, ferns, and some short climbs. We checked out the view from Wolf Rocks (mostly blocked by trees) and then descended to what I gather is Greasy Spring (still not sure). The spring was actually much more of a large stream with two crossings and there were lots of interesting rocks with trees growing out of them nearby. Seemed like a good camping spot but we moved on.

After a couple more large stream crossings we found ourselves at the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter. Nice shelter with lots of camping nearby plus a piped spring and a privy. Since it was only 4pm when we arrived we figured chances were good that others would end up there for the night so we moved on. Next stop: Porter’s Field.

After a short descent, we arrived at Porter’s Field to find a small grassy area at the convergence of several overgrown forest roads. We pitched our tent in a nice grassy spot and explored one of the roads as it winded gradually down toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. We turned around at a medium sized waterfall marked “Private Property” and settled in for the night.

At one point during the night, Jackson started growling at something outside. Now I can’t recall the last time (if ever) I’ve been scared camping at night but this had me worried. I wasn’t worried so much about what was outside but I WAS WORRIED about the stupid dog drawing something into a brawl right in our campsite. Fortunately I was able to calm the dog and everything and whatever was outside had moved on by the morning.

Sunday morning we packed up and hiked the 7 miles or so and were back at the car by 11:30am. On the drive back down we saw Staton Creek Falls off FS Road 633. Jackson fell asleep in the car almost immediately, clearly satisfied with the trip.