October 23, 2016 Once the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) closes for winter, it will cut off access to the higher peaks ad trails. Amongst the trails left in that area, is the mighty MST. The Pisgah Ranger section is 39.7 miles and extends from Haywood Gap near the Middle Prong Wilderness to Bent Creek and … More Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Haywood Gap to Pigeon Gap
October 2, 2016 My friend Andy and I ventured out on the Sunday afternoon to summit two peaks on the South Beyond 6000 challenge: Celo Knob and Gibbs Mountain. Both are on the northern end of what is considered the Black Mountain Crest. The trailhead to Bowlens Creek is difficult to find. The most simplistic … More Celo Knob, Gibbs Mountain
September 24-25, 2016 My favorite hiking challenge has been the South Beyond 6000. Sponsored by the CMC, one must hike 40 peaks over 6000 feet in North Carolina and Tennessee. I’ve hiked all the peaks in the Great Balsam area of North Carolina, except Mt. Hardy. Mt. Hardy is located in the Middle Prong Wilderness. … More Mt. Hardy
September 11, 2016 A man and his dog. Amongst the green foliage and rumbling creek, Gracie and I meandered upon the Haywood Gap Trail. Starting at F.S. 97H, just above Sunburst Campground, you are unlikely to see another soul. Gone are the skyline views from mountain peaks as in the sister Shining Rock Wilderness. Simply … More Haywood Gap Trail
September 5, 2016 It was a gorgeous Labor Day on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST). We set out around midday from the same starting point as the hike Ramona and I took two days ago on the Bridges Camp Gap Trail. This time we went southwest (to the left) on the MST (trail #440). There was … More Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Mountain to Sea Access Trail
September 3, 2016 Ramona and I headed out on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) on a wonderfully sunny Saturday morning. The drive from Balsam Gap was full of sunshine, while the clouds below us created a sea of white on the valley floors. At mile 417, we parked at the Looking Glass Overlook. From the … More Bridges Camp Gap Trail
July 24, 2016 The Black Mountain Crest Trail rises from North Carolina as one of the best hiking destinations on the eastern seaboard. It’s rough, it’s unforgiving, it’s strenuous, and it’s one my favorite trails. From Mt. Mitchell to Celo Knob there are 7 peaks over 6000 feet, forming a spine across the surrounding landscape. … More Cattail Peak, Balsam Cone
July 17, 2016 I’m glad to be back in North Carolina, on the familiar trails that I know and love. Maybe everyone feels that way about home. But, there’s something special about having Shining Rock Wilderness and Pisgah Forest in your backyard. Those staggering peaks over 6,000 feet, the balds with views for miles in … More Art Loeb Spur
May 21, 2016 According to the U.S. Forest Service, Mount Pisgah’s name is derived from the late 18th century: “a minister climbed (or viewed, depending on the version one accepts) this mountain and, considering the fertile French Broad River Valley below it, named it after that from which Moses first viewed the Israelites’ Promised Land.” … More Mount Pisgah Trail
May 15, 2016 “[T]he Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided income, purpose and education to young men and their families. The CCC also provided labor and manpower needed to restore America’s forests.” [1] The fruits of their labor are still enjoyed by the masses to this day. “In addition to fighting fires, major accomplishments included building … More Fryingpan Mountain