Max Patch Mountain & AT 5.1 Miles

At 4629 feet elevation, Max Patch is not the highest summit in its immediate vicinity, but this grassy bald is certainly one of the prettiest. Sitting just inside North Carolina along the boundary with Tennessee, the mountain is considered by some to be the “crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail”. 360-degree views and plenty of … Continue reading Max Patch Mountain & AT 5.1 Miles

Deep Creek Loop Hike

Directions to Trailhead:The trailhead for the Deep Creek Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains is located just north of Bryson City, North Carolina. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Rt. 441 and Rt. 19 in Cherokee, drive 10 miles south on Route 19 to Everett Street in Bryson City. Turn right onto Everett … Continue reading Deep Creek Loop Hike

Sawmill Gap to Rocky Bald Ridge Hike

I credit Gail from the Nantahala Hiking Club group for helping me figure this one out! Basically, to get to the trailhead or Forest Road 7134, head toward Standing Indian campground, when you see the LBJ job corp sign turn right on Patton Road then immediately left after the gas station. Then take Wayah Bald … Continue reading Sawmill Gap to Rocky Bald Ridge Hike

Big East Fork Trail Pisgah

Pam and I decided to try a trail we’ve driven by many times but each time we were on route to a different hike. Needless to say, we’d never tried it until today. It’s called the Big East Fork Trail and it’s an 8 mile out and back trail located near Canton, North Carolina that … Continue reading Big East Fork Trail Pisgah

Davidson River North Slope Campsite Fishing Trail

The Davidson River within the Pisgah National Forest is home to several trout species. The North Slope ridge Trail follows the stream and has several campsites we’ll check out for our future camping trips! We will hike the North Slope trail, it’s a neat little loop starting and ending at the Davidson River campground. Starting … Continue reading Davidson River North Slope Campsite Fishing Trail

Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail

I will combine Pilot Cove Loop and the Slate Rock trail to make a 5.8 mile loop trail, all in all we did 9.2 miles total. Starting at the eastern end of our map at the Slate Rock Creek trail-head we found some parking near the guard rail. Slate Rock Creek crosses the road here … Continue reading Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail

GSMNP Walnut Bottom Campsite 37

To get to the turn to Big Creek by auto from I-40 going west, as soon (and I mean as soon) as you see the North Carolina Tennessee line get in the right lane to take the Waterville exit 451. Cross the Pigeon River pass an old paper mill converted into a Duke energy power … Continue reading GSMNP Walnut Bottom Campsite 37

Big Creek / Mouse Creek Falls

At about 7 miles with a relatively smooth and even surface this moderate hike climbs gradually, this is an outstanding easy hike you could even fish on! At first the wide path climbs high above the Big Creek Campground, and away from the creek. After roughly 1.3 miles, however, the trail finally makes contact with … Continue reading Big Creek / Mouse Creek Falls

Vineyard Gap and Riverside Trails, Pisgah National Forest

Get ready for an easy summer hike where you can get wet! At 7.3 miles it may take about 4 hours to complete. Make it a loop trail with both trails follow the Yellow Blaze. The Riverside Trail along the South Fork of Mills River in Pisgah National Forest fords the river several times. You’ll … Continue reading Vineyard Gap and Riverside Trails, Pisgah National Forest

Hike to the Swag

Overflowing with wildflowers in the Spring and Summer seasons and offering great views of Fall colors in October, this hiking area offers a variety of adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Family friendly exploring can be done in the meadow around the Science Education Center that sits at 4840′ with Purchase Knob just … Continue reading Hike to the Swag