November 16, 2017 I envisioned the end of the Pisgah 400 in just this manner. In lieu of finishing a small trail in the middle of the forest, I wanted to hike out of Pisgah. The closest to that would be the Shut-In Trail. It winds along the spine of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) … More Shut-In Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Buck Spring Gap to French Broad River
November 11, 2017 The home-stretch is upon the Pisgah 400. Originally, I thought of doing 28 miles and finishing the challenge in a crazy blaze of glory. As I reflected on that idea, I realized that is not how I have hiked over the past 2 years. I’ve taken my time, enjoyed the trails, savored … More Buck Spring Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Pigeon Gap to Buck Spring Gap
November 9, 2017 Hiking in Shining Rock Wilderness is always an interesting endeavor. The terrain isn’t terribly difficult compared to the Black Mountain Crest or Grandfather Mountain, but the sheer solitude coupled with the lack of blazes makes orienteering a necessity. According to internet searches, I found only three other bloggers that have posted about … More Fork Mountain Trail
October 5, 2017 Squirrel Gap Trail is unique in Pisgah Forest. Most trails derive from established wagon roads or logging routes from days gone by. Squirrel is a single track path that weaves around mountains. From what I’ve gathered online, it was established under the C.C.C. for hiking. Tangentially, I’ve always been fascinated with the … More Squirrel Gap Trail, Horse Cove Gap Trail
October 4, 2017 I’m not sure why I’ve never hiked Turkey Pen Gap Trail. Located at the parking area for Turkey Pen, the trail runs 5.5 miles to the base of Black Mountain. The plan was not to do an out and back, but to hike it and then coast downhill on the Black Mountain … More Turkey Pen Gap Trail
October 3, 2017 Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit. -Edward Abbey Hiking in a federally designated Wilderness is to return to nature, as it was intended, free of blazes, signs and machinery. The Little East Fork Trail starts at Camp Daniel Boone and travels to the heart of the … More Little East Fork Trail
October 2, 2017 On paper, the South Mills River Trail does not look difficult. It’s only 12 miles and follows a river. In actuality, it’s 14.6 miles, crosses the river countless times, and is quite hard. What I thought would be a waltz of a hike turned into a backcountry masterpiece of a trail. The … More South Mills River 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
June 11, 2017 When I was seven years old we lived on a farm with two ponds and ample pastures. As I was walking with my family one day to fish, I stepped over a snake. I don’t remember reacting to it, but my mom was fairly upset. “That’s a water moccasin.” It was just … More Mullinax Trail, Laurel Creek Trail
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