Trail Map: This is a nice walk in the woods on the AT with some decent mountain and lake views. The AT crosses over the Watauga Dam which spans the Watauga River Gorge. The AT enters the Shook Branch Recreation Area near the beach. Follow the AT northbound through a hardwood forest with several nice […]
Watauga Lake & Dam Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Grandfather Mountain has been on our hiking radar for a long time. The hike exceeded all of our expectations. First up: this is not an easy hike. The hike is nearly four steep miles of elevation gain. The rocky trail, switchbacks, 600+ wood and stone steps, rock scrambles, and ladders make
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Dolly Sods is well known for its unique ecosystem and for muddy trails. On our early May hike, we were lucky as the famous mud didn’t materialize due to a few weeks of dry weather. This hike combines three trails: trail 522 Bear Rocks, trail 521 Raven Ridge, and trail 524
Rocky Knob in Dolly Sods Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This technical hike has a little bit over everything, waterfalls, stream crossings, rock scrambles, wildflowers, views, and caves. It has been described on AllTrails as “the hikiest hike I’ve ever hiked” and we agree!! Navigating this hike can be challenging. The trail is well marked; however, it winds over, under, and
Trail Map: The Hike: Northeastern Tennessee has some amazing sandstone rock formations. This hike in Pickett CCC Memorial State Park gives hikers a close-up view of some incredible geology—sandstone bluffs, caverns, and a small stone arch. From the parking area, follow the green blazes. In .5 miles, reach the junction of the loop, we opted
Trail Map: The Hike: This was one of our favorite rails to trails hikes. The trail is a wide, packed gravel path following the route of the railroad used by coal trains. The trail slopes gradually downhill to the Clinch River. The Guest River is partially visible throughout the hike with several nice views. You
Trail Map: The Hike: We were originally planning to do this hike in mid-October for peak foliage views. However, we had too many schedules to coordinate so we hiked on a beautiful day in early November after all the leaves were down. Pete’s sister Nan, our niece Hannah, and nephew Jack joined us on this
Mount Marshall via the AT Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This is a great hike if you’re looking for solitude along with some great views. We hiked on a rainy Saturday and only encounter three other hikers. The Golden Winged Warbler has experienced a dramatic decrease in population in the past 50 years. Its namesake trail passes through ideal habitat for
AT & Golden Winged Warbler Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This fantastic hike has a little bit of everything: sweeping vistas, wild ponies, free range cattle, rhododendrons, rock scrambles, stream crossings, and dense forests. It’s one of our all-time favorites. The trails are well marked and well maintained. Several trails are combined to form this loop so download the AllTrails map
AT, Wilburn Ridge & Crest Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: AllTrails lists this hike as part of a 10-mile hike which loops around the summit of Rocky Mount and returns on the Gap Run Trail. We decided to shorten the hike to an out and back on the Rocky Mount Trail. It has all the great views and while still a
