June 17, 2017 “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” -Frank Lloyd Wright As a kid, my parents took me to the summit Grandfather Mountain, but I have no memory of this and have never returned. I was under the assumption that I had to pay to hike in the … More Grandfather Mountain State Park – Daniel Boone Scout Trail
June 11, 2017 When I was seven years old we lived on a farm with two ponds and ample pastures. As I was walking with my family one day to fish, I stepped over a snake. I don’t remember reacting to it, but my mom was fairly upset. “That’s a water moccasin.” It was just … More Mullinax Trail, Laurel Creek Trail
June 10, 2017 Surrounding Boone, there are a plethora of State Parks ripe for day hiking with families. On Saturday, while Emily and Ramona went to the movies to see Wonder Woman, Alice and I ventured to Ashe County. Known for its cheese and laid back atmosphere, it is also home to the Mount Jefferson … More Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area – Summit Trail, Rhododendron Trail, Lost Provision Trail
May 28, 2017 “There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm.” – Theodore Roosevelt When I was very young, I heard people talk about the Smoky’s in terms that is usually reserved for far-distant destinations of allure and mystery. When … More Big Creek Trail, Swallow Fork Trail, Baxter Creek Trail
May 28, 2017 “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” – Rachel Carson The family continues to fall in love with Elk Knob … More Elk Knob State Park – Maple Run Trail, Beech Tree Trail
May 14, 2017 Since my last posting, my family and I have undergone quite a change. For years we lived in Sylva, N.C., about an hour west of Asheville. A great job opportunity became available in Boone, N.C. and after long hours of talk, we decided to move three hours north. We found a wondrous … More Elk Knob State Park – Summit Trail
April 22, 2017 I respect people that hike the Fastest Known Times (FKT) on trails. As much as I would respect any stellar athlete at an elite level of competition. I just don’t see the point of hiking something the fastest. I love those moments where you simply stop in the middle of the trail with … More Vineyard Gap Trail
April 14, 2017 Laurel Mountain Trail is my last trail in what is known as the Mills River area. 7.3 miles in length, it extends from Yellow Gap on F.S. 1206 to the M.S.T. near Mt. Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is rated as moderate and while there are steep sections, it was … More Laurel Mountain Trail, Laurel Mountain Connector Trail
April 9, 2017 Many years ago, I was day hiking by myself in South Mountain State Park; when from afar I see a middle-aged woman with a giant St. Bernard dog. As I’m prone to do, I yelled out, “Is your dog friendly?” The woman quickly shakes her head and says, “No!” She then kneeled … More Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail, Pilot Cove Loop Trail
April 2, 2017 On a sunny spring day, the masses will flock to a select few trails in the Pisgah Ranger District: Pink Beds, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, Black Balsam Knob. Hidden near these other beautiful destinations is a gem: Pilot Rock Trail. I hiked three trails: Thompson Creek Trail (#602), Pilot Rock Trail … More Pilot Rock Trail, Pilot Rock Extension Trail, Thompson Creek Trail
