pemi backcountry camping

[lrlhistory]

I am going to hike Sun/Mon from Zealand TH, hit Zealand, the Bonds, S. Twin,Galehead, Garfield, and out Garfield Trail to 2nd car with an overnight in the middle. Most of my party will camp at the Galehead Hut, but it is full and I would rather avoid the crowds with a backcountry hammock. My question is suggestions for places between Guyut and Galehead Hut where I could easily get the 1/4 mile from the trail to set up camp on a safe level wooded area? Would stay at Guyut CG but want to be closer to G. Hut to meet up with them Mon. A.M. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[TJsName]

I am not sure, but maybe try looking at trip reports for SW Twin to get an idea of the bw conditions.

 

[RoySwkr]

My question is suggestions for places between Guyut and Galehead Hut where I could easily get the 1/4 mile from the trail to set up camp on a safe level wooded area?

Is there a reason you want to camp 1/4 mi from the trail, you need to be 1/4 mi from the hut but may camp in the trail most places

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf

 

[Maineman]

You only need to be 200' away from the trail in that section, but I believe it might be challenging to find suitable trees for hammock camping through there. I know of a few very small "campsites" right next to the trail, however this is the only place I have ever witnessed a camper getting a ticket!

 

[nartreb]

There's a 200' rule inside the Pemi Wilderness, but the entire Twinway is just outside the border. To be safe, camp to the north side of the trail or just go 200 feet. The woods are fairly thick and the ground is uneven, but you should be OK in a hammock if you don't go too close to treeline. There's some not-too-steep ground between Guyot and South Twin. There's no water, and you'll need to wake up early to catch up to your friends in the morning after making the trek over South Twin (the descent to the hut is significant). Any closer to the hut, though, and the terrain stinks.

 

[Maineman]

Thanks for the clarification - the ticketed camper was indeed on the south side of the trail. Gotta love the perfectly clear regulations...

 

[TJsName]

I am not sure, but maybe try looking at trip reports for SW Twin to get an idea of the bw conditions.

This report might give you some ideas:

http://sectionhiker.com/southwest-twin-mountain-bushwhack-attempt/

 

[lrlhistory]

Thank you to all for the information. Yes, I meant 1/4 mile from the huts/shelters, I am new to the Whites and their specific regs. I will likely look to find a spot a few hundred yards north of the Twinway trail as close to South Twin as possible. Looks like with about 2 miles and some up and down I should be able to catch my friends at the hut in the a.m. by leaving 1-2 hours early.

 

[MichaelJ]

What about between S Twin and N Twin? Still no water but I do seem to remember some decent open woods in there.

 

[madmattd]

What about between S Twin and N Twin? Still no water but I do seem to remember some decent open woods in there.

Definitely campable in there. I've seen a tent or two pitched in the col a little ways off-trail before.