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Annapolis Rocks & Black Rock Cliffs

Trail Map: The Hike: This is one of the most popular hikes in Maryland. It has two great views: Annapolis Rocks and Black Rock Cliffs. We were joined on this hike by Pete’s sister Nan and our niece Hannah. They had hiked this section of the AT before and were excited for a repeat. The […]

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AT: Cross Mountain & Osborne Farm

Trail Map: The Hike: This hike is an easy walk on the Appalachian Trail through mountaintop pastures, with scenic views of surrounding mountains. A half-mile section of the trail is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. The AT winds through several pasture areas before entering the forest at just under one mile.  We were greeted at

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Watauga Lake & Dam

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

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Laurel Fork Falls

Trail Map: The Hike: There are two hikes on the AT to Laurel Fork Falls—this is the shorter one. The other hike is a bit further north and follows the AT southbound for 2.5 miles. This hike follows the AT northbound. We planned three AT hikes on one day, so we got an early start.

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Flat Rock

Trail Map: The Hike: This easy, short hike is great for kids of all ages. Flat Rock has great views of the Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain. Interpretive signs tell the story of the plants, trees, animals, and geological features of the forest.  Hike Photos: Click on an image below for an enlarged view. Beer

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Rough Ridge on the Tanawha Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: This short hike on the Tanawha Trail has some amazing views. It’s rocky and steep, but the views are well worth the effort. The trail leads through a dense thicket of mountain laurel and rhododendron and reaches a boardwalk and wood observation platform. The Rough Ridge Lookout has some of the

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Big Falls and the Pinnacle

Trail Map: The Hike: This easy trail has nice river and waterfalls views. The trail is well marked and well maintained. The hike begins with a swinging bridge across Big Cedar Creek. The trail soon becomes a wide, gravel path and passes beside the creek. Wildflowers line the trail with numerous nice creek views. Hikers

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