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
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
September 23, 2017 It feels good to be back in the woods. I originally thought that I would be well done with the Pisgah 400 (hiking all the trails of the Pisgah Ranger District) by now; alas I’m out there now and really enjoying this time of year. I made my way again to the … More Poundingmill Trail, Cantrell Creek Trail
September 17, 2017 It’s been nearly a month since my last hiking post, much too long an absence from the woods. Life gets hectic at times, things happen, schedules tighten, but one must make time for the outdoors. The Wagon Road Gap Trail is a connector between Turkey Pen Gap Trail and the South Mills … More Wagon Road Gap Trail
August 13, 2017 “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” -John Muir Nestled in Grandfather Mountain State … More Grandfather Mountain State Park – Cragway Trail
August 6, 2017 It’s been a month since my last posting, which is quite unusual. This is primarily because of the weather and family. Kids are in camp, we took a vacation to Charleston and the weather has been unbearably hot. Secondarily, September and October will be filled with backpacking trips: I’ll be finishing the … More Grandfather Mountain State Park – Nuwati Trail
July 8, 2017 “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself.” -Edward … More Grandfather Mountain State Park – Grandfather Trail
July 4, 2017 We chose to forego the parades and fireworks and sales and consumer-driven madness this 4th for the refuge of nature. Nature’s soothing calmness knows not of the hubbub of societal flow. Its pathways and forests are a refuge for us. The Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park is a wonderful path. … More Grandfather Mountain State Park – Profile Trail
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
