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Hiking Biltmore

Intro Famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed the grounds at Biltmore with visitors in mind. Flowers, shrubbery, and trees were his brush strokes as he intended the landscape to resemble a "walk through painting." If you are…
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Trail Running Big Creek Trail

Intro The Big Creek/Spencer Gap/Shut-In loop is an excellent trail run in the heart of South Pisgah. The tour begins at the rim of the Mills River Valley and drops down into a forgotten corner of the North Mills area. A long steady climb up…
Big Creek Trail

Hiking Big Creek Trail

Intro When we take the time to relax beside the roaring waters of an Appalachian stream something incredible happens to our psyche. The roaring thunder of the water drowns out all the worries and doubts you carried with you from “real life”…
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Hiking Waterrock Knob

Intro On the crest of the Plott Balsam range, at an elevation of 6,292’, stands the majestic Waterrock Knob. The Blue Ridge Parkway climbs high up the sides of Waterrock Knob to within a few hundred feet of its’  summit. Where the Parkway…
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Hiking Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain

The Appalachian Mountains, the oldest mountain range in the world, is a crown jewel of the American wilderness. Grandfather Mountain, which lies just outside of Boone, North Carolina and boasts four separate summits of rippled rock and stunted…
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10 Best Hikes in Asheville

You're holed up at a coffee shop in downtown Asheville, sipping an espresso and pouring over a stack of trail guides. What would you like to do today—summit the East coast's highest peak, or explore the East Coast's deepest canyon? Scramble…
Looking Glass Rock

Hiking Looking Glass Rock

Intro Dare we say that Looking Glass Rock suffers from Half Dome syndrome? It's prominent presence can be seen from virtually all viewpoints within the Pisgah National Forest. The granite walls of this 600’ Rock Pluton beckon adventurers…
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Hiking John Rock Loop

Intro The 5-mile John Rock Loop is a hike that, on a clear day, affords some of the most stunning views of Pisgah's wilderness and mountains. The hike takes you to the top of John Rock, which is a large open face that you stare at as you climb.After…
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Hiking Shining Rock

Intro In the heart of the Shining Rock Wilderness, high atop the Great Balsam Mountains, stands a peak of other-worldly beauty. Locals consider Shining Rock to be the “crown jewel” of the Appalachians. An elaborate network of Quartzite…
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Hiking Art Loeb Trail

Intro Art Loeb was a man who “deeply loved these mountains.” If you travel to the highest point on the trail bearing his namesake you will see a weathered plaque commemorating these words. On a clear day, from this high point, you will…