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 […]
Rough Ridge on the Tanawha Trail 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
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Trail Map: The Hike: The Charit Creek Trail is a short section of the Sheltowee Trace, a 319-mile National Recreation Trail that spans the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee. The trail also leads to Charit Creek Lodge, a rustic and historic wilderness hike-in lodge located
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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
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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
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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
Trail Map: The Hike: This challenging hike is a steep cardio workout. However, the views and rock formations are well worth the effort. The North Fork Mountain Trail (NFMT) spans nearly 25 miles from US 33 north to WV route 28. This hike begins at the northern terminus of NFMT. The trail is well marked
Trail Map: The Hike: The rocky summit of Seneca Rocks dominates the landscape. This has been a popular destination for generations. Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA) contains the highest peak in West Virginia with some of the best rock climbing in the east. This is a very popular destination and the steep trail to
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 is said to have some of the best views in Great Smoky Mountains NP. We certainly understand why it is so popular. This eight-mile round trip hike on the Appalachian Trail has an option one mile extension on the Jump Off Trail with even more amazing views. Dogs are
