Trail Map: The Hike: We first visited Max Patch on a rainy day in 2020 and clouds and fog hid most of the views. On our 2023 western NC hiking trip, we decided to revisit Max Patch. The weather cooperated and we were treated to the outstanding views of which Max Patch is famous. Max […]
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Trail Map: The Hike: This Appalachian Trail section hike reaches two bald summits—Little Hump and Big Hump. The road to the trailhead is gravel/dirt for the last two miles or so. There are some deep ruts and washed-out areas. Our AWD Subaru had no problem. The parking area is on the left, a gate blocks
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Trail Map: The Hike: Beauty Spot is a popular local destination. The Appalachian Trail passes through this bald summit. However, most visitors drive here over a bumpy dirt road. The day of our hike, the weather wasn’t cooperating. The forecast called for clouds and scattered showers much of the day. We waited for the heavy
Trail Map: The Hike: This hike on the Appalachian Trail is a long one—and several sections are a bit steep. The views from the summit of Big Bald make it all worthwhile—especially on a gorgeous day with blue skies. The parking area on Flag Pond Road (near the NC/TN state-line and a stone’s throw from
The Hike: Most hikers reach the summit of Virginia’s highest peak by way of Grayson Highlands State Park. The hike from Massie Gap to Mount Rogers is very popular and the scenery and wild ponies are not to be missed. This hike from Elk Garden approaches Mount Rogers on the AT from the south and
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Highlights: Appalachian Trail, bald summit, great views, wildflowers, wildlife Distance: 6.1 mile loop Elevation change: 1,200 feet Difficulty level: Strenuous Trailhead Parking: Wiggins Springs Road (route 755) becomes Hog Camp Gap Road (Fire Road 48), parking at the AT crossing at Hog Camp Gap. For additional parking, continue past Hog Camp Gap for .25 miles
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Highlights: Bald mountains, wildflowers, great views Distance: 3.2 miles out and back Elevation change: 500 feet Difficulty level: Easy Trailhead Parking: Cherohala Skyway mile post 8, Huckleberry Knob parking is on the right (westbound) and Hooper Bald parking is on the left a bit further west Website: US Forest Service Beer Pairings: Nantahala Brewing—28779 Pale
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Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bald summits, great views, wildlife Distance: 4.8 miles, out and back Elevation change: 1,490 feet Difficulty level: Moderate/Difficult Trailhead Parking: Clingman’s Dome Visitor Center parking area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Beer Pairings: Boojum Brewery—Graveyard Fields porter and Gem & Juice IPA The
Andrews Bald & Clingman’s Dome Read More »
Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bald summits, great views, wildlife, history, birdwatching Distance: 9.7 miles, out and back Elevation change: 1,639 feet Difficulty level: Difficult Trailhead Parking: Purchase Knob trailhead, Hemphill Road/Purchase Road, Haywood County, NC; park at National Park gate. Website: Purchase Knob and AllTrails Beer Pairings: Frog Level Brewery—Dragonfly Session IPA &
Highlights: grassy summit, views, fall foliage, Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest Distance: 3.6 mile out and back Elevation change: 1,000 feet Difficulty level: Moderate Trailhead Parking: Wayah Gap picnic area on Wayah Road, about 14 miles west of Franklin NC Website: AllTrails Beer Pairings: Lazy Hiker Brewing: Springer Fever pilsner and 20 Mile IPA The
Siler Bald via the AT Read More »
