Apalachian Trail
Laurel Fork Trail
The Laurel Fork Trail is located just upstream from the very popular trek on the Appalachian Trail to Laurel Falls. Designated as Cherokee National Forest Trail #39 this hike, however, is much more secluded, adventurous, and extremely remote. It requires numerous and often difficult stream fords, deep and muddy areas dammed up by beavers, some … Continue reading
Grayson Highlands Backpacking: A.T./Pine Mountain Loop
This is a loop hike in the Grayson Highlands that I tend to do about once per year, so I’ve posted it a couple times before, but not with all the snowy conditions that I experienced this time. My daughter Taylor and her boyfriend Cameron joined me over their spring break around the end of March. And … Continue reading
Iron Mtn Backpacking: TN91 to Wilbur Dam Road
I finished up a small section of Appalachian Trail that I had not completed before, covering the Iron Mountain ridgeline from TN91 to Wilburn Dam Road. This was a southbound 16 mile hike, spending one night. About 3 miles into the hike my first stop was the Nick Grindstaff Monument. This is very eerie place with … Continue reading
Watauga Dam
Watauga Dam was completed in 1949 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, creating a very beautiful lake at 2000′ elevation. At the time of its construction, it was the highest elevation earthen dam in the world, and today it still remains as the highest in the eastern United States. What makes this area so picturesque is … Continue reading
Whitetop Mountain & Buzzard Rock
Whitetop Mountain is the State of Virginia’s second highest peak at 5525′, along with having the highest maintained road in the state. You can make this a very short and easy day-hike by taking this road all the way to the top of the mountain, but I decided to climb it on foot instead… starting … Continue reading
Grassy Ridge
Grassy Ridge is a prominent peak in the Roan Highlands sitting at 6180 feet in elevation. This expansive Southern Appalachian Bald offers 360 degree, unobstructed views, which are undoubtedly some of the best in the eastern U.S. This is also the highpoint of Avery County, NC. I left the house very early in the morning … Continue reading
Grayson Highlands State Park – Rhododendron Trail
First, I want to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I went on a 4-day backpacking trip about a month ago and injured my knee, so I haven’t been out much since that trip. I hope it is healing up so I can get back out on some longer hikes very soon. I’ve made … Continue reading
Round Bald Summit
If you’re looking for a short walk to amazing vistas, check out the summit of Round Bald in the Roan Highlands. This is a 5826′ elevation mountain with 360 degree-panoramic views. The hike is entirely on the Appalachian Trail and is only a mile trek (round trip). See my Hike Planner below for all … Continue reading
Grayson Highlands Backpacking: A.T. – Pine Mtn Loop
I made my first backpacking trip of the year on a loop starting in the Grayson Highlands State Park (at the Backpackers Overnight Parking area). I’ve done this exact trip a couple of times before, and as always I’ve found it to be a great hike if you’re looking for a short, relaxing loop for … Continue reading
Elk Falls & Jones Falls
100′ Jones Falls I took advantage of all the rain this week and hiked to two of the most grand waterfalls in our region… Elk Falls and Jones Falls. Elk Falls (also known as Big Falls) is probably one of the most visited and well-known waterfalls in the area… easily accessible by car. And with … Continue reading