March 13, 2016 A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods. –Rachel Carson Several years ago I decided to day hike on the A.T. over the Roan Mountains in extremely heavy rain and wind. The gales buffeted me as I made my way across the balds, the rain lambasting my … More Bennett Gap Trail, Perry Cove Trail
March 12, 2016 I have a theory: if you draw an imaginary 3 miles radius around a parking lot at a trail head; all conversation within that 3 miles is awful. All conversation outside of it is exponentially better. Why? I have no idea. The second hike of the day was just outside of Coontree … More Coontree Loop Trail
March 12, 2016 I try to keep my blog positive. I do not want to languish in the quagmire of a difficult hike, or complain of people or places. Alas, in the pursuit of hiking every trail in the Pisgah Ranger District, I am faced with hiking trails I normally would not venture upon. The goal … More Grassy Road Trail, Thrift Cove Loop Trail, Starens Branch Trail, Staamns Branch Trail
March 8, 2016 Sycamore Cove Loop Trail is a wonderful little path just north of Davidson Campground. Meant for use by hikers and mountain bikers, the trail traces the outline of Starens Branch and the surrounding ridge. The best part of this medium grade hike was the appearance of trout lilies, the surest sign of spring yet. … More Sycamore Cove Loop Trail
March 8, 2016 The North Slope Trail starts in the Davidson Campground, just outside of Brevard. I parked my car at the Pisgah Ranger District Office, walked east on Hwy 276 for ¼ mile, before turning right into the Davidson Campground. It’s a further ¼ mile walk to the trail head on the left, indicated … More North Slope Trail, North Slope Connector Trail
March 5, 2016 “I like the mountains because they make me feel small,’ Jeff says. ‘They help me sort out what’s important in life. – Mark Obmascik There are three challenging, yet short trails surrounding Looking Glass Rock. I believe they are meant for rock climbers, but they offer the day-hiker an up-close look at the … More Slick Rock Falls Trail, Sunwall Trail, North Face Trail
March 5, 2016 Looking Glass Rock Trail is likely one of the most popular in the Pisgah Ranger District. For the past four (4) weeks, as I have hiked in the vicinity of the trailhead, I have seen countless cars there. I decided to get an early start this morning, as to beat the crowd. … More Looking Glass Rock Trail
February 28, 2016 Davidson River Trail is an easy, short trail that runs between F.S. 50 and Davidson River. The trail starts at the Fish Hatchery or at the Cove Creek Campground parking area. It is not steep and most parts are lined with gravel. The Davidson River thunders below and the sky is littered … More Davidson River Trail
February 28, 2016 As I pursue the Pisgah 400 Challenge (hiking all the trails in the Pisgah Ranger District) the greatest surprise are the sheer number of waterfalls near Brevard. There are two waterfalls within a relatively short distance of our house in Sylva, NC, and that’s it. Every single trail that I have hiked … More Cove Creek Trail, Caney Bottom Trail
February 28, 2016 Cat Gap Loop Trail is an excellent trail for good views, moderate terrain, creek crossings and wonderful pine trees. In fact, I saw many couples, presumably from Brevard College, on this sunny, warm February day. The trail starts from the parking lot of the Fish Hatchery on F.S. 50. There are several … More Cat Gap Loop Trail, Cat Gap Bypass Trail