April 14, 2017 Laurel Mountain Trail is my last trail in what is known as the Mills River area. 7.3 miles in length, it extends from Yellow Gap on F.S. 1206 to the M.S.T. near Mt. Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is rated as moderate and while there are steep sections, it was … More Laurel Mountain Trail, Laurel Mountain Connector Trail
April 9, 2017 Many years ago, I was day hiking by myself in South Mountain State Park; when from afar I see a middle-aged woman with a giant St. Bernard dog. As I’m prone to do, I yelled out, “Is your dog friendly?” The woman quickly shakes her head and says, “No!” She then kneeled … More Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail, Pilot Cove Loop Trail
April 2, 2017 On a sunny spring day, the masses will flock to a select few trails in the Pisgah Ranger District: Pink Beds, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, Black Balsam Knob. Hidden near these other beautiful destinations is a gem: Pilot Rock Trail. I hiked three trails: Thompson Creek Trail (#602), Pilot Rock Trail … More Pilot Rock Trail, Pilot Rock Extension Trail, Thompson Creek Trail
March 26, 2017 In the Pisgah 400 challenge, I come across many types of trails. On this day I saw one of the worst trails and one of the best, in a weird forest dichotomy. I parked my car next to F.S. 5050, just outside of the North Mills Recreation Area on F.S. 1206. I … More North Mills River Trail, Yellow Gap Trail
March 19, 2017 Located in the North Mills River area, the Big Creek Trail is partially a pleasant stroll amongst a verdant forest and calm creek and partially a ball-buster of a haul up a mountain. Big Creek starts at the Hendersonville Reservoir, a convergence of Fletcher Creek and Big Creek which creates the North … More Big Creek Trail
March 5, 2017 “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” —Rachel Carson, Silent Spring Spring is making itself … More Fletcher Creek Trail, Middle Fork Trail
February 19, 2017 “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” -Theodore Roosevelt The Rainbow Falls … More Rainbow Falls Trail
January 29, 2017 “To many a city man there comes a time when the great town wearies him. He hates its sights and smells and clangor. Every duty is a task and every caller is a bore. There come visions of green fields and far-rolling hills, of tall forests and cool, swift flowing streams.” -Horace … More Bad Fork Trail
January 22, 2017 In between two thunderstorms, I managed to make it out for a short hike. I’ve spoken before about my affinity for hiking in the rain. Lightening is another thing altogether. Bear Branch Trail (#328) is located just outside Asheville near the North Mills Recreation Area. The trail itself is very family friendly, … More Bear Branch Trail
December 18, 2016 Barnett Branch Trail is best known for bisecting Pink Beds, a popular destination for families and day hikers. The northern trailhead starts off the Buck Spring Trail and runs to the Black Mountain Trail to the south. The National Geographic map indicates it is 3.1 miles, which is false, it’s closer to … More Barnett Branch Trail