Trail Map: The Hike: This hike in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is challenging. The Ewing Trail is steep and rocky in places, although the elevation gain of 2,000+ feet is spread over 3+ miles. There are a series of steep steps to descend down to the cave and a rock scramble to climb up […]
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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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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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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.
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: Crabtree Falls (not to be confused with a falls of the same name in Virginia) is just off the Blue Ridge parkway. This majestic 70’ falls is considered on of the most photogenic in western North Carolina. The trail is well marked and well maintained. This is a popular hike so
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
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Trail Map: The Hike: This hike in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park has lots of history and a decent view at the top. Several signs and placards tell the story of the people and events in this area. The trail is well marked and well maintained. From the parking area, followed the paved path to
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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