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
February 20, 2016 This is a great 10-mile hike for those wanting undulating hills, scenic mountaintop vistas, streams and waterfalls. I hiked east on Cat Gap Trail to the John Rock Trail. The trail was generally uphill, but nothing insurmountable. The hike up to the summit of John Rock is a steady climb, before heading … More John Rock Trail, Butter Gap Trail
February 14, 2016 Rachel Glazener McCall was born in 1811 and died in 1881. Her father was Isaac Glazener, Sr. and her grandfather was George Isaac Glasner, born in Germany. In 1824, when she was 13 years old, she married Robert McCall, a farmer. While Robert and Rachel undoubtedly had many children, the first conclusive … More Long Branch Trail, Cemetery Loop Trail
February 13, 2016 People shy away from hiking in winter for obvious reasons: the cold, the lack of green, the lack of flowers. For me, this is the best time to hike. No other hikers, the wind, the crispness of the air burning my lungs as I press upward a mountain, the vistas for miles. … More Summey Cove Trail, Courthouse Falls Trail