history

Sunset Rocks & Appalachian Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: We are working our way through the AT—one state at a a time. This loop hike has almost 4 AT miles, passes by the traditional half-way point on the AT, has a half-mile rock scramble, and finishes with some history and ice cream at the state park. The trailhead in Pine […]

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Alum Cave Bluff Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: We arrived before 8am on a Tuesday in mid-May and parking was filling up quickly. GSMNP charges a $5 per day parking fee. This parking area doesn’t sell parking permits, we purchased one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This is a popular hike and parking areas fill up quickly. The trail

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Charit Creek Trail

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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Hazard Cave and Natural Bridge Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: This hike combines two of the park’s best short hikes into a fun loop. The trailhead is located near the Recreation Hall. Begin on the white-blazed Hazard Cave trail and enter the hardwood forrest. Pass a wood and stone bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s—the park honors

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Big Hump & Little Hump Balds

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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Staunton River Trail to Bear Church Rock

Trail Map: The Hike: We first hiked to Bear Church Rock several years ago from Bootens Gap in Shenandoah National Park. This hike begins just outside the park in Graves Mill. The trail passes beside two rivers as it climbs to Bear Church Rock. This hike combines segments of several trails, so pay attention at

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Settler’s Museum to Glade Mountain

Trail Map: The Hike: This Appalachian Trail section hike doesn’t show up on AllTrails or most hiking websites. It’s a shame as this hike has views of the Great Valley, an AT shelter, several stream crossings, and what may be the longest rhododendron tunnel on the AT. The trailhead is located at an open air

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Roaring Run Hoop Hole

The Hike: This easy hike passes beside Roaring Run much of the way. We hiked following heavy rains and the stream was full and the falls were spectacular. This loop trail combines the Woodland Trail and the Streamside Trail. Both trails begin near the trail kiosk by the restrooms.  We began the loop by following

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