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
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
October 1, 2017 The countdown to finishing the Pisgah 400 (all the trails of the Pisgah Ranger District in North Carolina) has begun. Emily and I concocted a great plan: we would stay for the week at her family’s house in Hendersonville and I would spend the days hiking, and then spend the nights with … More Biltmore Campus Trail, Forest Festival Trail, Forest Discovery 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
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