Read about my complete John Muir Trail experience, including prep, gear, logistics, and post-hike impressions. I’m calling this Day 0 because it wasn’t technically part of my John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hike. As I’ve already explained, my permit had me … Continued
Rocky Branch Creek Falls and Hospital Rock are attractions in Jones Gap State Park in upstate South Carolina. Most visitors to the park hike the easy trails to Rainbow Falls and Jones Gap Falls. A few people challenge themselves with … Continued
As I’ve said before, I’m more of a hiker than a camper. Even though hikers camp and campers hike, the best part of backpacking for me is the walking. I don’t blog most of my backpacking trips because I start walking when the sun comes up and I make camp when the sun sets. Then I eat and go to bed. At dawn, I pack up and walk until the sun sets. I make camp, eat, and go to bed. Rinse and repeat.
The Graybeard Trail is a 9-mile out-and-back trail in the Montreat area of Black Mountain, North Carolina. It is well blazed with blue, plastic diamonds. The ample signage and maintenance are some of the best I’ve seen since visiting Pearson’s … Continued
The Dismal Creek area is tucked away in western North Carolina, not too far from Panthertown Valley. The trail—and I use that term loosely—features 4 waterfalls. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s a little under 2½ miles from … Continued
I’ve hiked just about all of Panthertown Valley in both directions. It’s a beautiful area that mostly features easy to moderate hiking. There are a few strenuous sections of trail, but they’re avoided with this loop except for the short … Continued
As I’ve said before, I’m more of a hiker than a camper. Even though hikers camp and campers hike, the best part of backpacking for me is the walking. I don’t blog most of my backpacking trips because I start … Continued
Devil’s Courthouse is a 5720-foot rock feature just off the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker 422.4) in North Carolina. Although the summit requires a short, steep hike, I’m categorizing it as an attraction because it’s right off the road. There … Continued
Clingmans Dome is the largest mountain in Tennessee and the high point of the Appalachian Trail. I recently had a couple of days free between some work trips. Since I rarely get the exercise I need on work trips, and … Continued
