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 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
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
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
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-mile Shining … Continued
Mt Mitchell is the highest summit east of the Mississippi River. The area offers the standard features of a state park (stores, restrooms, picnic tables, campsites, restaurant, etc). Like Clingman’s Dome, the vast majority of visitors drive to a parking … Continued
I stumbled upon Turnpike Creek Beach while hiking a patchwork loop through the Shining Rock Wilderness. I camped near the Ivestor Gap/Art Loeb Trail intersection. After breaking camp the next morning, I took the Fork Mountain Trail north to this … Continued
Craggy Gardens is an attraction in Pisgah National Forest just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. It’s nestled between Asheville and Mt Mitchell, so it’s easy to add to your day trip itinerary. There are 2 different parking … Continued
Crabtree Meadow is a campground and hiking area in Pisgah National Forest off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. It’s about 16 miles north of Mt Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The map point below … Continued
Read about my complete John Muir Trail experience, including prep, gear, logistics, and post-hike impressions. I had been told by some NOBOs that I should plan to wake up around 4:00 am if I wanted to summit Mt Whitney in … Continued