May 9, 2018 Stone Mountain S.P. is located in the middle of nowhere. Nestled in between Alleghany and Wilkes counties in the northwestern portion of North Carolina, it took us nearly an hour and a half of back roads driving to find it. I remember going to the park about 15 years ago, but that … More Stone Mountain State Park
June 8, 2018 There are a number of trails located at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) outside of Blowing Rock, N.C. I would classify most of them as very family-friendly. They are nice, gradual uphill hikes, the trails are essentially wide carriage trails and the views are outstanding. The … More Flat Top Mountain Trail
June 7, 2018 When I first graduated law school, it was the height of the Great Recession. I was lucky enough to be one of the few that got a job right after graduating, a 1-year fellowship with Legal Aid in a town way off in the western portion of North Carolina. I moved to … More South Mountains State Park
June 7, 2018 With a couple of days off in early June, the family headed out for more of the state park experience. With nice weather, no crowds, and the whole day, what could go wrong? Well, unbeknownst to us, there was a recent sewage leak into Lake James. We had fully expected to spend … More Lake James State Park
May 27, 2018 Located near the South Carolina border on the outskirts of Gastonia, N.C., Crowders Mountain is considered a monadnock, or a hill that rises abruptly from the surrounding area, and is actually not even a mountain. It has been years since Emily and I went hiking without the girls, but with the grandparents … More Crowders Mountain State Park
May 26, 2018 The impetus for visiting every North Carolina State Park stemmed from reading a blog, Journey Through the NC State Parks. During the course of a year, they traveled to all forty (40) state parks. I was really inspired by their dedication to travel across the state, ultimately deciding to take up the … More Morrow Mountain State Park
May 20, 2017 Nestled above West Jefferson and Jefferson (two different, adjacent towns) is Mount Jefferson. “Area residents gave the mountain other names until 1952 when Mount Jefferson received its official name.” (*1) Legend has it that slaves would hide in the caves of the mountain as they fled along the Underground Railroad. Thus, as … More Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
May 13, 2018 I disdain mountaintop development. Many times I have told my wife that if I was a billionaire, I would buy the eyesore known as the Sugar Mountain Resort and tear it down. There is nothing worse than climbing a peak and gazing upon the horizon to see a gaudy mountain chalet’s window … More Elk Knob State Park
February 25, 2018 “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” -John Muir Sometime you stumble upon a trail that blows you away. Green Knob Trail is perfect for out-of-town guests, families or those wanting a stunning loop hike for two (2) miles. This little power-punch of … More Green Knob Trail
February 24, 2018 “The result is that to the frontier the American intellect owes its striking characteristics. That coarseness and strength combined with acuteness and inquisitiveness; that practical, inventive turn of mind, quick to find expedients; that masterful grasp of material things, lacking in the artistic but powerful to effect great ends; that restless, nervous … More Linville Gorge Wilderness: Bynum Bluff Trail
