July 30, 2023 The hiking loop from Fontana Dam to Shuckstack Tower, down Lost Cove Loop and return to the trailhead via the Lakeshore Trail is an interesting reminder of the genesis of this region. The modern history of the mountains of North Carolina was marked by several events: the history of Indigenous stewardship and … More Lost Cove Trail
July 14, 2023 The second portion of completing all the (Tennessee) trails in the Smokies during my sabbatical started with a nice, albeit hot hike out of Elkmont campground. It was too much in this heat wave to hike all the trails between upper Tremont and Elkmont, so I broke them up into two hikes. … More Jakes Creek Trail, Miry Ridge Trail (1/2)
April 25, 2023 The Laurel Falls Trail was as ugly as the Middle Prong Trail was bewitching. This trail is chock-full of lush forests, thunderous waterfalls, beautiful foliage, and it is nearly devoid of hikers. I highly recommend it. Five (5) miles along Upper Tremont Road is a hidden trail. Certainly one that I did … More Middle Prong Trail
April 25, 2023 I’ve thought about hiking this trail more than any other over the past two weeks. Is it nice? No. Is there a lovely trail to the falls? No, it’s paved the whole way. Are the falls that impressive? No way. For some reason, this trail is one of the most popular in … More Laurel Falls Trail
April 24, 2023 These trails span a rigid dichotomy in hiking terrain. The Ridge Trail is steadier, winds up and out of a lush creek valley, and has some very nice switchbacks. The Bald Trail wouldn’t know a switchback if it saw one, has some brutal ups-and-downs and on this day, a large amount of … More Gregory Ridge Trail, Gregory Bald Trail
April 23, 2023 I particularly like those hiking experiences that are not inundated with people and views and waterfalls. My preference is for the vast green tunnel, the immersion into the depths of the forest. Lumber Ridge and Meigs Mountain are a perfect example of such an occurrence: lush, verdant forests for one to lose … More Lumber Ridge Trail, Meigs Mountain Trail
April 13, 2023 Far along Hwy. 28, near Tapoco and Joyce Kilmer, is a small ranger station and parking lot, Twentymile. This area is a favorite, as you are unlikely to see others and mostly have the trail to yourself. This whole region is amazing beyond words. Graham and Swain Counties are legitimately one of … More Wolf Ridge Trail, Long Hungry Ridge Trail
April 12, 2023 I’ll be completely honest; this trail is janky. Yes, Andrews Bald is pretty incredible, but overall this trail was not fun to hike. Perhaps that’s what makes the Smoky 900 so interesting; you hike trails that you would never hike otherwise. For those reading this and thinking, “this man knows nothing;” you’re … More Forney Ridge Trail
April 11, 2023 This is an arduous climb from Little River Road to the Appalachian Trail (AT) near Mt. Collins. The total ascent is 4,174 ft. over 12 miles. Fortunately, I decided to hike it down in lieu of an all-day push. The trail starts near the Mt. Collins Shelter on the AT. It was … More Sugarland Mountain Trail
February 25, 2023 Even the worst day spent hiking is still better than the best day in the office. That maxim was certainly tested on this day as it was cool (see upper 40’s) and rainy. Since Sunday was better weather than Saturday, I chose a shorter route in the rain. I hiked up Crooked … More Crooked Arm Ridge Trail, Rich Mountain Loop Trail