August 11, 2018 Most fire towers in the Lookout Tower Challenge are located in the western most portion of North Carolina. The one outlier is Moore’s Knob Tower, just outside Winston Salem, Mt. Airy and Greensboro in Hanging Rock State Park. What was once a fire tower that was destroyed by a fire years ago … More Moore’s Knob Tower
July 21, 2018 The Qualla Boundary is the designated land for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (ECBI). The land is nestled on Jackson and Swain Counties and abuts the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). Before starting the Lookout Tower Challenge, I had never been hiking on the Qualla, hell, I didn’t even … More Mount Noble, Barnett Knob
July 14, 2018 Chambers Mountain tower has one of the most unique views in Western North Carolina; one can view the Plott Balsams, the Smoky’s, Maggie Valley and the Shining Rock peaks. Centered right beside I-40, one would think 1) it’s easy to find and 2) it’s an easy hike. Both would be incorrect assumptions. … More Chambers Mountain Lookout
July 7, 2018 I’ve enjoyed these weekend, lookout tower challenge endeavors. It takes you to places you might not necessarily go to, and with any older structures, there’s always a historical story to tell, as is the case with Camp Creek Bald. Located literally in the middle of nowhere, the hike to the bald is … More Camp Creek Bald
July 4, 2018 Having finished the Pisgah 400 and the South Beyond 6000, coupled with the fact that my next long trail won’t occur until early November on the Bartram Trail, I have decided to undertake the Carolina Mountain Club Lookout Tower Challenge. I’ve never been intrigued by waterfalls. That may sound weird for someone … More Green Knob Lookout Tower
June 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
