Trail Map: The Hike: Last year we hiked to Big Bald on the AT and it was one of our favorite hikes of 2023. This hike on the AT approaches Big Bald from the north. We didn’t have time for the 13 mile out-and-back to Big Bald, so we squeezed in a shorter hike to […]
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
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
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak Read More »
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 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
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: This section hike on the Appalachian Trail straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee state line. The open ridge provides spectacular views of both states. The road to the trailhead is paved for a few miles and then turns to gravel/dirt. We had no problems with our AWD Subaru and it should be passable
Big Firescald Knob Read More »
