Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock and the adjoining Citico Creek Wilderness in Tennessee were no-brainers for inclusion as designated Wilderness Areas because so little has changed in the region since Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto came through the area in the early 1500s. Too rugged even for timbering, the rugged area retains its primitive feel amid its old growth forests.

We will plan to arrive Thursday around 1 p.m. and hike 4.4 miles up to Naked Ground and establish our base camp for the weekend. From there the plan calls for:
* Friday. With daypack, an 11.6-mile loop down to Slickrock Creek. We’ll follow Slickrock Creek downstream to Wildcat Falls, then retreat briefly and return via Hangover Lead.
* Saturday. With daypack, we’ll do a roughly 10-mile hike into Tennessee, into the Citico Creek Wilderness.
* Sunday. Break camp, return via the Haoe Lead and Jenkins Meadow trails, about 6 miles.

Included in this trip:
* eguide, including detailed information on our route (including maps, elevation profiles and distances) as well as information about this roughly 33,000-acre wilderness.
* Trip planning meeting on Monday, July 15. Additional information on this upon payment.
* Suggesting training regimen for the physical challenges of this rugged area.

Cost: $135

Note: If you were on the rain-shortened version of this trip last fall, you will receive a 20 percent discount on this trip.