My Leg and the Linville Gorge
I set out to backpack the 22-mile southern loop of the Linville Gorge the first weekend in November of 2018. Not only was it peak colors, but the fact that it was November meant that I didn’t have to worry … Continued
Cat Gap/Art Loeb/Butter Gap Loop (2 Waterfalls)
I have hiked this area pretty thoroughly. I’ve done the Art Loeb Trail in sections both ways and have thru-hiked it twice. Last time, I day-hiked it in 13 hours. I’ve done Cat Gap and John Rock. So imagine my … Continued
Shortoff Mountain
Shortoff Mountain is a 2883-foot summit on the rim of Linville Gorge in North Carolina. The 2.2-mile moderate hike from the Wolf Pit trailhead and parking area ascends 1321 feet, resulting in a 4.4-mile round trip. On the way up … Continued
Lower Bearwallow Falls
Lower Bearwallow Falls is a 55-foot waterfall in Gorges State Park in North Carolina. When most people think of Gorges, they think of Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. But there’s another parking area near Frozen Creek with trails that connect … Continued
Standing Indian Mountain Loop (25 miles)
The Standing Indian Mountain Loop is a moderate 25-mile hike that mostly follows the Appalachian Trail (AT) as it makes a semi-circle around the Nantahala Basin. I usually avoid the AT in the warmer months, but I thought that early … Continued
Eastatoe Falls
Eastatoe Falls is a 60-foot cascade waterfall on private property off Hwy 178 just south of Rosmon, NC. The landowners are very gracious to allow visitors to drop by the site. Please be respectful by visiting during daylight hours and … Continued
Slick Rock Falls
Slick Rock Falls is a 35-foot plunge waterfall below the south face of Looking Glass Rock on FS 475B, also known as Headwaters Road. You can see the falls from the gravel road, but you’ll need to walk up the … Continued
Appalachian Trail & Bartram Trail Loop (58 miles)
I spent most of January fighting off head and chest colds, so I wanted to get out in February and grind out some miles. I considered several trails, but the lack of car shuttling tipped the scales in favor of … Continued
Looking Glass Rock Sub-Summit Overlook
I’ve hiked Looking Glass Rock many times. It’s the hike I take people on when they’re in the area and want to see a spectacle. I mostly do it for exercise. The climb up and back down demands 3400 feet … Continued
Old Butt Knob & Shining Creek Loop
There are lots of ways to get to Shining Rock. The 4.3 mile Ivestor Gap Trail is probably the easiest way in terms of difficulty. The Art Loeb Trail is probably the most rewarding in terms of beauty. The 4 … Continued