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Hiking Black Balsam Knob

Intro

Bald is beautiful. Especially when referring to the grassy bald known as Black Balsam. A short ramble through a fragrant forest of Balsam Fir trees leads you to panoramic views atop the Great Balsam Mountains on this high country adventure. A picturesque drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway climbs from the fertile French Broad River Valley up into the highlands of the Pisgah National Forest for stunning 360 degree views. Ease of access, endless views and a short summit hike of less than a mile make this a mountain worth visiting.

What Makes It Great

Heading north along the Art Loeb,the trail meanders through a short stretch of evergreen forest before a dramatic panoramic vista and view of the summit suddenly appears. The beauty of the area and the high mountain experience will drench your senses from here on, as every step offers uninterrupted Appalachian views.

Follow the well-defined trail the rest of the way to the summit. Drink in the views and take your time on top; make sure to never rush a summit experience!

A camera is a must have for this hike! Black Balsam rises high above its surroundings and offers clear lines of sight for spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Consistent morning fog in the river valleys below creates the feeling of being on an island in the sky and blankets the foreground for spectacular photo-ops in the mornings.

The National Forest service requests visitors follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem atop Black Balsam. A wide variety of established campsites lie on the slopes and summit plateau of Black Balsam. Bring plenty of water since none will be available on the top and leave the place cleaner than it was when you arrived!

Recommendations

Show up early, stay late and head out on a weekday to beat the crowds which can grow quite large on weekends.
The Alpine summit of Black Balsam is one of the premier areas in the southeast for a moonlight ramble. Gather your headlamps, a group of friends and a light up Frisbee for some real fun in the dark.
Early fall is peak season for wild blueberries atop the Great Balsams. You won’t find any on the summit itself but venture out to nearby areas where you can pick handfuls in stride.
Get there early and pick a campsite sheltered from the wind; face your vestibule eastward and enjoy a gloriously warm sunrise and warm beverage from your sleeping bag.

Who is Going to Love It

Bring the family and friends along for this adventure. This trail is suitable for all ages and ability levels, and the bonds we make on a mountain live with us forever so bring your crew to share the experience.

Make your day even more memorable by bringing some quality food along to enjoy a scenic picnic on the summit. Don’t skimp on your menu items for this picnic; with the proximity of the trailhead, it’s easy to carry all the goods to the top.

Expect temperatures to be 10-15 degrees cooler than in Asheville. Weather conditions can change rapidly on top of a mountain; come prepared for cooler temperatures and varying weather conditions.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Asheville, catch the Blue Ridge Parkway near the North Carolina Arboretum and head south for 25 miles.

The drive will wind up a beautiful mountain grade until the Parkway begins to parallel a towering ridgeline with expansive views of the Pisgah National Forest below. Just after mile marker 420 there will be a sign on your right for the Black Balsam area. Take a right on this road (816) and follow it upwards for nearly 1 mile until the road levels out amongst a stately grove of Evergreens. Park your vehicle here and look for the white blaze of the Art Loeb Trail (right hand side of road).Spring, summer, and fall are all wonderful times to visit the Great Balsams. Spring and summer provide the opportunity to see the blooms of native wildflowers and Mountain Laurel. Fall brings wild blueberries and even wilder color schemes to the surrounding landscape. Black Balsam is also beautiful in the winter but access can be difficult with the Blue Ridge Parkway closing frequently for snow and ice. Access in winter is possible via the Flat Laurel Creek trail off of road 215. Check road conditions on the parkway before you go.

Featured image provided by Abby Crahan

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Hikes

Hiking to the Top of Looking Glass Rock

Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock is an iconic natural presence that beckons climbers and hikers from all over. For trail runners and hikers, it’s one of the top 10 hikes around the city of Asheville (which is saying a lot considering the peaks and forests of Western Carolina are brimming with such a dazzling array of hiking adventures).

And for many, just photographing or driving past this prominent feature and witnessing it from other vantage points in the national forest area is satisfying and inspiring enough.

Everyday there are those who feel the call to summit and stand on the rounded granite face of Looking Glass Rock. And for those who do, they’re rewarded with a fantastic, flat sitting picnic area and the company of commanding panoramas.

Beginning the hike to the summit of Looking Glass Rock.
Jake Wheeler

Getting to the trailhead is pretty simple. Located only 5.5 miles outside of Brevard, NC on Forest Service Road 475, it’s hard to miss the well-maintained and well-trodden path, not to mention the big, brown park sign showing you the way.

Not for those who are out of shape, this trail gains a total of 1,700 vertical feet in just over three miles on its way to the 4,000’ summit of Looking Glass. And a good thing to note when heading there is that this is one of the most popular hikes in Western North Carolina, so you’ll want to arrive early because the parking lot can quickly fill up.

Following the yellow blazes, and getting lost in the lushness of the trail.
Jake Wheeler

The trail to the top is a singletrack path etched into the mountainside that switchbacks its way up the mountain for for an out-and-back journey totaling 6.4 miles.

You’ll start with a comfortable stroll through thick virgin hardwoods and verdant fern gullies, following a creek up through a hollow, until the trail begins to start switching back and forth, winding its way up the backside of the mountain towards the granite dome summit. At times, this hike can be a little challenging, but the closer you get to the top, the less steep it becomes. And trust me, the views are worth the effort and energy.

Winding up one of the many switchbacks along this hike.
Jake Wheeler

Towards the top, the hike begins to get a little rocky, foreshadowing the rock face summit to come.
Jake Wheeler

Roughly two miles into the trail hikers will pass a relatively flat rock clearing with a large, painted “H.” From aerial heights, this “H” signals a landing pad for helicopter crews who come to rescue injured climbers. From the ground let this “H” stand as your reminder to watch your step during the rest of your journey! A spur trail leads from the back of the helicopter landing zone to the Lower Looking Glass Cliffs. Taking this short spur allows views of the main cliff face and a chance at solidarity from the crowds.

Otherwise, continue through a few open balds and scattered granite rock gardens that foreshadow the future sights ahead. You’ll pass through wooded areas that have a few scattered campsites amongst them, and then you’ll pass through a canopy of trees that create a rather welcoming tunnel for you to walk through as you make your way to the top of Looking Glass Rock.

The summit of Looking Glass is jaw-dropping. Just make sure you don’t make it cell phone, lunch, or hiker friend dropping. Be careful.
Jake Wheeler

Enjoying the views from Looking Glass Rock.
Jake Wheeler

The summit of Looking Glass is a somewhat of an anomaly in the Blue Ridge: it’s flat-topped, thickly forested, and not particularly tall. In fact, you’ll be gazing up at the mountains that engulf you, not down upon them. If you continue past the actual summit, that’s where you’ll reach the good stuff: the views from Upper Looking Glass Cliffs are simply good for the soul.

We recommended packing a small daypack with water, some granola bars, a camera, lunch for the summit, and a light pullover if it’s windy on top. If you’re thinking about hiking to the top of Looking Glass Rock, share your adventures with us by tagging #RootsRated. And remember to always Leave No Trace.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Hikes

Hiking DuPont Forest

Intro

DuPont State Recreational Forest is a beautiful 10,000-acre outdoor playground in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With roughly 80 miles of multi-use trails meandering through dense forests, alongside mountain lakes, and next to cascading waterfalls, DuPont is a hiker’s paradise.

What Makes It Great

Options are something you’ll have plenty of in DuPont. The 4.5-mile trail to Cedar Rock is a wonderfully scenic route with excellent views and not too much strenuous elevation gain. Both the short and long routes to the summit of Stone Mountain- the tallest point in DuPont- are grueling hikes with steep grades, yet amazing views. And hiking alongside one of the five lakes within DuPont is always a pleasant experience, most notably the 99-acre Julia Lake. But perhaps what DuPont State Forest is most known for is its waterfall hiking. The Little River flows through the park and creates four waterfalls on its way. Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are all worth seeing, and you can actually reach three of these in one fell swoop on an easy 3-mile route. By parking at the Hooker Falls lot, you can reach the 12-foot cascade of Hooker in a matter of minutes, followed by a 1/2 miles jaunt upstream to the impressive 120-foot cascade of Triple Falls, and finally another 1/2 walk to the grand finale of 150-foot High Falls. After you’ve had your fill, simply turn around and return from where you came.

Who is Going to Love It

No matter what adventure you choose to have in the DuPont State Forest, it’s sure to be quite memorable for any nature lover. Oh, and movie lovers, a few scenes from “The Hunger Games”were filmed here, so that’s just the cherry on top.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From the DuPont State Forest website: “Take I-26 east toward the Asheville Airport. Exit at the Airport (exit 40) and head south on NC-280 for about 16 miles. Turn left onto US -64 (heading east) for about 4 miles. In Penrose, turn right onto Crab Creek Road for about 4 miles to DuPont Road. Turn right on DuPont Road and continue for 3.1 miles.”

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Featured image provided by Osajus

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Hikes

5 Most Photogenic Landscapes Near Asheville

What are the Blue Ridge Mountains besides an immense exhibition of natural beauty: wide-open vistas overlooking an ocean of rolling mountain peaks, rivers of whitewater and clear pools with wildflowers clustered at the banks, sunlight catching rainbows on the curtain of a waterfall. You could wander this wilderness for season after season, camera at the ready, and never get a disappointing shot. But if you’re looking to stand amidst the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes that Western North Carolina has to offer, here are our top five—the best of the best, the cream that rises to the top—a photographer’s paradise.

1. Hawksbill Mountain

The views from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain are as stunning as anything you will find this side of the Mississippi.
James Lautzenheiser

At an elevation just above 4,000 feet, the panoramic views from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain are as stunning as anything you will find this side of the Mississippi. A steep and strenuous 1.5-mile hike through the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area culminates in a tremendous reward: a jutting outcrop of rock where you can perch and shoot photos of the granite-rippled summits of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Shortoff Peak, and beyond them a rolling mountainscape so far reaching that, on certain clear evenings, the glittering lights of Charlotte are visible. Peer below into the canyon of the gorge and you will see the powerful Linville river cutting through the valley floor some 2,000 feet below you.

2. Crabtree Falls

The beautiful Crabtree Falls.
Forest Wander

Forty-five miles north of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls is a study in contrast: a gauzy white veil of water spilling over 70 feet of black rock, nestled inside an emerald forest. Photographing water is an art form in and of itself, and this unique aquatic feature, which some say resembles a massive, dark beehive, is an impressive subject. From the bridge that spans the creek directly in front of the falls, you can shoot the spectacle in any number of ways, from a close-up snap of water droplets, sharp and suspended, to a wide angle, slow shutter-speed capture of swirls and soft curtains.

You can access the base by a 3 mile out-and-back trail, or climb to the ridge just above the falls via a slightly more strenuous 3.5-mile loop.

3. Roan Mountain

A rhododendron garden atop Roan Mountain.
discutant

In the summertime, Roan Mountain becomes so spectacular with blooming Catawba Rhododendrons that an annual festival is held on its grassy summit each June, celebrating the rare beauty of these natural gardens. Bright fuchsia and deep purple blossoms set against a background of dark green spruce-fir forest and an entire spectrum of blue rolling off into the distance creates a pallet so rich and resplendent it would be impossible to take a mediocre photo.

The ridge line that compiles Roan Mountain—the longest continuous stretch of grassy balds in the Appalachians—remains one of the South’s most picturesque landscapes in every season. Flame azalea light up the mountains in spring, in autumn the forests are ablaze with wildfire foliage, and in winter the pristine balds sparkle under smooth blankets of heavy snow. The best day hiking begins at Carver’s gap and traverses five miles over Round Bald, Jane Knob and Grassy Ridge. The Appalachian trail runs through these mountains, offering a wealth of options for overnight backpacking. Whether you’re out for the day or out for a week, in the heat of summer or the tangy cool of autumn, just remember to pack your camera.

4. Max Patch

Jason A G

With all the hype surrounding Max Patch, you may be tempted to believe that this pastoral Appalachian destination is overrated. That notion, however, will vanish the moment you arrive, and realize that it would be impossible to oversell the sheer beauty and scale of the place. Located on the western fringe of the Appalachians, the meadow remains one of the most photographed and iconic landscapes in the Southeast and beyond, and holds the title as the prettiest spot on the Appalachian Trail.

“The Patch” itself is lovely and vast, acres of rolling green hills dotted with wildflowers that spread out in all directions, creating a bucolic setting for hikers, picnickers, kite-fliers, star-gazers and, of course, photographers. However it’s the views—soaring, panoramic, and seemingly endless—that award this field its fame. The Great Smoky Mountains and the formidable Black Mountain range dominate much of the skyline, but the lush Tennessee flatlands to the west allows for a brilliant and unparalleled sunset view. A tripod will help you to capture all the delicate and elusive layers of color from the sun’s last rays.

5. Black Balsam Knob

At the fire pit on the summit of Black Balsam Knob.
Melina Coogan

Never have you seen colors so bright and saturated as you will on the alpine summit of Black Balsam Knob. The weather changes fast up there during the summer months, with frequent thunderstorms sweeping in, dark clouds gathering and then dissipating just as quickly, unveiling cobalt blue skies. Sitting on a rocky outcrop on the Art Loeb Trail and watching clouds of mist swirl up the mountainside, temporarily obscuring the view of the Blue Ridge, the highlands of the Pisgah National Forest, and the fertile French broad valley down below, enveloping you in a cooling mist, is one of the more memorable experiences you will have in this wilderness.

Black Balsam Knob features spectacular sunsets.
Mary Anne Baker

The ribbon of trail winding over the ridge that connects Black Balsam and Sam’s Knob endows the enormous, dramatic mountain-scape with a sense of depth and scale, as well as a leading line that will add story and purpose to your photos. Easily accessible via a half-mile hike on the Art Loeb Spur trail, Black Balsam Knob may be the most popular spot for shooting sunsets in the entire region.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Kenny Lex

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Things to Do Outside

5 Outdoor Dates to Enjoy in the Blue Ridge This Fall

It is a well-documented phenomenon that romance flourishes in the outdoors, particularly in autumn, when chilly temperatures flood us with relief from the sweltering summer. Maybe it’s the brisk wind that pinks the cheeks and sparkles the eye that fills us with a craving for coziness and companionship, or perhaps it’s our inborn desire to find love before the frozen winter. Grab your soul mate (or your tinder date) and spend every moment that you can out of doors during this crisp, bright season. Here are five outdoor dates perfect for autumn in the Blue Ridge.

1. Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

The views from atop fire lookouts inspire romance.
Emily Poisel

Jack Kerouac loved lookout towers. The years he spent living in a remote fire tower on Desolation Peak altered the course of his life and his writings. But you don’t have to be a beat poet to enjoy the stark elegance or the sweeping mountain views of these lofty structures. The 70-foot lookout tower on the summit of Fryingpan Mountain is open to the public, although it remains a bit of a well-kept secret. There’s a good chance you’ll have the tower, and the mountaintop, all to yourself.

The top tower is locked, but five flights of steel stairs will bring you just below the platform, for a breath-taking view that includes the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Shining Rock Wilderness. At such great height, be prepared for gusty winds and chilly temperatures; you may have to draw each other close. If Fryingpan isn’t your jam, we’ve got more lookout towers to explore.

Fryingpan Mountain is accessible by a quick hike up Forest Service Road 450, at milepost 409.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

2. Picnic at Black Balsam Knob

Catching the last of the sun’s rays on Black Balsam Knob.
Melina Coogan

You’ve come prepared with soft cheese, a baguette, a box of chocolates, and a wool blanket to spread upon the summit of Black Balsam Knob. After double-checking the forecast and meticulously timing your approach, you and your companion are basking in the rich and flattering light that briefly illuminates the world directly before sunset. You are 6,214 feet above the sea, yet the hike on the Art Loeb Spur trail was a mere quarter mile long. In short, you have orchestrated the best picnic date in the history of picnic dates.

Do not neglect to bring a pair of binoculars and a small notebook. Then, as you watch the sun drop over Shining Rock Wilderness, Looking Glass Rock, Cold Mountain, Mount Pisgah (and even Mt. Mitchell, but only on a day of astonishing clarity) jot down a plan to climb together up every peak that you can see. Many years later, when you look back on the rich and adventurous life that you have shared, you’ll trace it back to this moment, this one sweet and windy picnic in the Great Balsam Range. Or at least, this is the hope.

From Asheville, catch the Blue Ridge Parkway near the North Carolina Arboretum and head south for 25 miles. Just after mile marker 420 there will be a sign on your right for the Black Balsam area.

3. Group Ride with Asheville on Bikes

Put a spin on the “group hang” with a community bike ride.
Garry Knight

Sometimes, it’s best to keep things casual. If it’s more your style to get to know someone in a laid back and social atmosphere, check out the group rides hosted by Asheville on Bikes , a local nonprofit dedicated to bicycle advocacy and education. A community bike ride puts an athletic spin on the ever popular “group hang,” a dating trend which avoids the potential pitfalls of a one-on-one engagement.

AOB offers scheduled group rides from May to October, as well as a number of bike related events, volunteer opportunities and social mixers throughout the year. Pedal through town at a relaxed pace that just might facilitate good conversation. At the end of the ride, all that fresh air and endorphins will have instilled in you the courage to ask her out to dinner, or maybe to the top of a fire tower.

4. Trails and Wine Tasting at the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore in autumn.
Leonard Silver

Biltmore is the largest privately owned home in the United States, lavishly adorned and preserved in the splendor of its railroad-moneyed heyday. This may sound like an unlikely attraction for the outdoor enthusiast, until one considers the 8,000 acres of forest, ornate gardens, trails, and broad meadows across which a pack of horses can occasionally be seen galloping.

Treat your companion to an unusual date of outdoor opulence, one which delights all of the senses. Hike through fragrant orchards of ripe grapes and apples, savor the autumn foliage of dogwoods, sourwoods, maples, gums, sassafras and oak. Explore the vibrant chrysanthemums and salvias inside the Walled Gardens and study the delicate orchards in a glass-roofed greenhouse.

After you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails, duck inside the Biltmore Winery at Antler Hill Village. A guided tour and complimentary wine tasting are included in the price of admission. (The price of admission is steep, so drink up!)

5. Visit an Apple Orchard

An apple orchard is an idyllic place to fall in love.
Tabitha Blue

Nothing on earth will get you into the spirit and festivities of the season more than an apple orchard. The future holds plenty of opportunity to barrel down steep creeks and stand atop rugged summits with your love interest by your side; for now, allow yourself to relax and bask in the campy pleasures of hayrides, scarecrows, and corn mazes.

Perched high in the mountains of Flat Rock, North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard offers 22 varieties of apples, pumpkins and gourds, freshly made doughnuts and gallons of cold cider. The farther you stroll from the barn, the more solitude you’ll find amongst the fruit trees. Cap it off with a pizza at the Flat Rock Village Bakery or a plate of wood-fired BBQ at the Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. After this day, you’ll wish it were harvest all year round.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Melina Coogan

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Things to Do Outside

10 Family-Friendly Summer Adventures Around Asheville

Summer days are long and should be filled from sunup to sundown with adventures and enriching outdoor activities. Now is the season for children to get their hands dirty, to chase frogs and climb trees, to hear songbirds and eat freshly picked berries. Asheville and the surrounding mountains are brimming with family-friendly summer adventures that will keep the little ones engaged, entertained, and asking for more. Here are our top 10 picks for an active excursions filled with rivers, sunshine, and delight.

1. Explore the Botanical Gardens

With free admission, plenty of parking, and stroller-friendly trails, Asheville Botanical Gardens may be the easiest and most convenient way to introduce your children to the beauty and diversity of Asheville’s great outdoors. The gardens include over 600 species of trees, wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and sedges that are native to the Southern Appalachian mountains, including many that are rare and endangered. Guided tours are available or simply let the little ones splash in the creeks, dash through the meadows and explore the wildflower coves.

2. Go Star Gazing

Explore the night sky.
Christian Reusch

Here’s a compelling reason to keep the kids up past their bedtime. Plan a family stargazing session and prepare for one of the most memorable evenings of the summer. Getting started is easy and inexpensive.

3. Fly Through the Trees

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park offers kids off-the-ground thrills.
Loco Ropes

Climb, jump, swing, fly, and rappel through the woods at Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, a wild and elaborate outdoor jungle gym just five minutes outside of town. Where else could you kayak through the canopy or snowboard through the sky? The park features five separate adventures trails, each with their own set of obstacles that will appeal to a wide variety of ages, experiences and comfort levels. Kids are guaranteed to have a blast and discover the adventurous side of physical fitness, all the while being kept safe and secure with the latest “smart belay” technology. This will be one of the most fun and active afternoons you’ll have all summer — just don’t be surprised when they ask to go back the next day.

4. Meet the Butterflies

The Hop’n Blueberry Farm features a butterfly house that kids love.
Nick Page

The Hop’n Blueberry Farm is a water-and-sun powered sustainable family farm located outside of Black Mountain, North Carolina. The farm’s unique array of specialties range from medicinal herbs and hops to butterflies and blueberries. Take a hands-on tour of this innovative Blue Ridge establishment, which dates back for seven generations, and learn about sustainability, permaculture, and pollination. Children will love the butterfly house, where you can reach out and have a friendly monarch land on your hand. During the summer months, you can observe every stage of these beautiful creature’s lives: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult. You can even purchase all things butterfly to bring home, including nets, butterfly grow kids and plant seeds.

5. Beat the Heat at Splashville

Splashville is a great way to beat the heat in downtown Asheville.
StacyVann

Splashville, a brand new interactive water fountain in Pack Square, is by far the coolest way to beat the heat in downtown Asheville. Children never seem to tire of chasing the jets of water that leap out of a tiled surface in this bustling and historical section of the city. Their shrieks and laughter mingles with live music of street performers and the chatter of shoppers, museum-goers and patrons dining outside of the many restaurants that surround the square. For an extra-special summer afternoon, treat the kids to an ice cream from nearby French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

6. Slide down Sliding Rock

Kids and adults will both be thrilled by this 60-foot natural waterslide.
William Whyte

Sliding Rock is a popular natural water park located 8 miles outside of Brevard, North Carolina. Children of all ages love the thrill of this exhilarating summer adventure, which includes lifeguard supervision during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. After you slide down a 60 foot face of smooth, steep rock, fueled by 11,000 gallons of water, and land with a splash in a deep, icy pool at the bottom, you’ll only have one thought: “I have to do that again!”

7. Visit the WNC Nature Center

This 42-acre wildlife park has plenty of critters and interactive exhibits to enjoy.
anoldent

This 42-acre wildlife park and sanctuary is home to more than 60 native species of animals, including bobcats, black bear, red wolves and cougars. The Western North Carolina Nature Center provides a refuge for animals that have been imprinted, injured, orphaned, or otherwise rendered unable to survive on their own. Children of all ages will enjoy the interactive exhibits, such as touching reptiles, identifying songbirds, and observing the animals’ daily feeding. A highlight of your visit will be Otter Falls, a newly designed collection of pools and waterfalls chock-full of curious, playful river otters.

8. Have an Orchard Adventure

The Appalachian Heritage Center features live music, barn dances, mountain art and other cultural programs in addition to apple picking.
jchapiewsky

If you’re looking to take the family on a daytrip, The Orchard at Altapass should be on the top of your list. Located 55 miles north of Asheville off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 105 year old orchard has been converted into an Appalachian Heritage Center, and features live music, barn dances, mountain art and other cultural programs in addition to apple picking. Children can listen to stories of the land’s remarkable history as they enjoy an orchard wagon ride, play an old fashioned game of checkers in the kids corner, hike on the nature trails, or participate in any number of hands-on art programs. Take home a jar of local jam to remember your idyllic day in the countryside.

9. Go Whitewater Rafting

The Nantahala Outdoors Center is the longest continually operated outfitter on the French Broad River.
Donald Judge

The French Broad River — the third oldest river in the world — is the perfect place to introduce your children to the world of whitewater rafting. A river trip is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the outdoors on a hot summer day. The Nantahala Outdoors Center is the longest continually operated outfitter on the French Broad, and will provide your family with a safe and thrilling day of class II and III rapids while keeping you entertained with stories of the river’s dynamic history. The full-day trip even includes a plunge down a class VI drop, something your family will be telling stories about for years. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as kingfishers, bald eagles, and even black bears as you glide through a remote section of the Pisgah National Forest.

10. Go For a Hike

The Pink Beds Loop Hike is about 5 miles in total, mostly flat, and surrounded by water,
Bad Kleinkirchheim

Pink Beds Loop Hike is a great trail for sturdy young adventurers who already have a bit of experience on nature trails. The hike is 5 miles in total, but mostly flat and surrounded by water, including creeks to cross, streams to splash in, mountain bogs to explore and beaver dams to observe. A series of bridges, boardwalks and foot-logs keep the hike fun and dynamic, and an optional waterfall offers an additional reward. The abundance of pristine water and bogland creates a rich habitat for aquatic species and endangered plants, so keep a sharp eye out for critters.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Jessica Reeder

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Things to Do Outside

Top 5 Swimming Holes Near Asheville

The West coast may have hot springs and glacier-fed lakes, but here in the sultry Southeast we have our swimming holes — and we’re damn proud of them. Just listen to the Top 40 Country Countdown: people are always jumping into water, fishing in the holler, lying by the creek, and getting into trouble down by the river. A summer spent fully immersed in mountain-fed pools would be a fine summer indeed. Here are five of the coolest and coldest swimming holes within two hours of Asheville.

1. Sliding Rock

Jenn Deane

Just eight miles outside of Brevard, Sliding Rock is Mother Nature’s answer to the slip n’ slide. You will shoot sixty feet down a perfectly smooth rock face, fueled by more than 11,000 gallons of cascading water, into a pool that is six feet deep and shockingly cold. This could be the perfect conclusion to a long day of mountain biking in the Pisgah National Forest.

As one might expect, this natural water park is extremely popular during the scorching Appalachian summers. A lifeguard is on duty between Memorial Day and Labor day, between the hours of 10am-6pm. If big crowds and long lines are not your cup of sweet iced tea, then make sure to visit Sliding Rock outside of these hours.

There is a $2 charge during lifeguard hours; bathrooms and showers available onsite.

2. Skinny Dip Falls

Jenn Deane

This may come as a disappointment for some and a relief to others, but Skinny Dip Falls is not actually a clothing-optional swimming hole. This rugged and serene pool is located at the headwaters of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River. Waterfalls, jumping-off rocks, a deep plunge pool, and shallow areas for wading make it a very popular swimming spot. If you’re determined to go au naturel , there are plenty of secluded spots to be found by exploring upstream.

Located just a half mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail, Skinny Dip Falls is a great place to cool down after hiking in nearby Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam Knob, or the Shining Rock Wilderness.

A blazed spur trailhead is located at Milepost 417 near the Looking Glass Rock Overlook.

3. Compression/Twisted Falls

Ry Glover

Some of the best cliff jumping in the Southeast can be found in Cherokee National Forest, not quite two hours outside of Asheville. A series of curving back roads and a steep, mile-long hike will lead you to the base of Compression Falls—also known as Twisted or Twisting Falls—a 40 foot curtain of cascading water on the beautiful Elk River.

Although this area is becoming increasingly popular, its remote setting and steep access trail keeps the massive summer crowds at bay. A wide pool beneath the falls is ideal for swimming and sun bathing, and there are plenty of cliffs and jumping rocks to keep you entertained. Thrill seekers can find quite the adrenaline rush (not to mention photo op) by sliding directly over the falls into the pool. (While lots of people do this, be aware that any time you willingly or unwillingly plunge off of a waterfall, you are risking bodily harm. There have been a few unfortunate incidents of severe injuries resulting from people going over the falls.)

Your best landmark is Elk Mills Store on Route 321 in Elk Mills, TN. Find a map here.

4. Hooker Falls

DuPont State Forest’s Hooker Falls
mrnoy9n

DuPont State Forest is a complete, all-in-one summertime destination. Hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy over one hundred miles of multi-use trails, including the sweet, soaring downhill of Ridgeline Trail, the exposed, sun-beaten Slick-Rock Trail, and the many spectacular waterfalls for which the forest is best known. No day of exploration is complete in this natural playground without taking a dip in the pool beneath Hooker Falls — the only waterfall in DuPont that is safe for swimming.

Explore the misty chasm behind the pounding veil of the fall, plunge off the rope swing, or float in the languid downstream waters. Because the pool is part of Cascade Lake, there is no current or downstream waterfalls to watch out for. Hooker Falls are a mere quarter mile from the parking lot, so bring a floaty, a cooler, and stay ’til your waterlogged.

Park in the Hooker Falls Parking Area. Port-a-johns available in the parking lot. The forest closes at 10pm.

5. Midnight Hole

Melina Coogan

The mountain-chilled, emerald water of Midnight Hole provides a refreshing oasis from the oppressive humidity of a Carolina Summer. This swimming hole, studded with jump rocks and fed by a small waterfall, is one of the many natural treasures you can find hidden away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located on Big Creek on the Carolina/Tennessee State line, after an easy 1.4 mile hike on the Big Creek Trail.

Park at the Big Creek Campground Parking Lot.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Melina Coogan

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Hikes

A Quick and Dirty Guide to the Best Hiking in Asheville

A voluminous network of trails spiderweb the mountains that surround Asheville. Soaring ridge lines, breathtaking views, and an epic array of terrain have long established this city as one of the hiking epicenters of the country.

The tireless efforts of such organization as The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and the Conservation Trust for North Carolina have not only protected the existing state parks and forests, but have been able to expand upon them by thousands of acres. From the heights of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak on the East Coast, to the waterfall-studded trails of Dupont, to the sublime views of Max Patch, the outdoor opportunities in the Southern Appalachians are limitless.

Mount Mitchell

Robert Aberegg

Hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and naturalists flock to the summit of Mount Mitchell not only for the beauty of its surroundings, but also because it is the highest peak East of the Mississippi. Towering above the Black Mountains, the views from the top are truly exceptional.

One of the best ways to reach this acclaimed summit is to begin at Black Mountain Campground on the South Toe River in Burnsville. The steep, thickly wooded trail climbs 3,600 feet in just over 5.5 miles. The forest transforms as you quickly gain elevation, a welcome distraction to the grueling uphill hike. When you reach an alpine meadow abloom with wildflowers, allow yourself a well deserved break, as the rigorous pace of the trail soon picks up again. Even experienced hikers will find this a strenuous, all day excursion, but the the reward of heavenly views and pristine mountain air at the summit are worth the effort.

When you arrive, take a moment to pay tribute to Elisha Mitchell, for whom the mountain was named. This scientist, explorer, and professor was the first person to measure the mountain and declare it the highest in the East. She is buried on the summit.

Shining Rock

Daniel Meacham

Luminous with bright white quartzite rock, the summit of Shining Rock is a veritable gem of the Appalachians. In the Shining Rock Wilderness, high in the Great Balsam Mountains, miles of soaring ridgeline string together grassy balds laced with wildflowers and surrounded by ethereal views. Perched high in the rugged and remote wilderness, the quartzite garden atop the summit is a popular spot for star gazing.

Although a collection of trails leads to Shining Rock, the most picturesque of these includes a section of the Art Loeb Trail. Park at Black Balsam Knob Trailhead on Road 816 off of the Blue Ridge Parkway; head North and follow the white blazes of the Art Loeb Trail. You will reach the top of rounded summits, traverse five miles of spectacular ridgeline, and drop down mountain passes before reaching Shining Rock Gap. From there, scramble up a network of unmarked trails to the summit and watch the sunlight bounce off crystalline rock formations.

Dogs are more than welcome, and no fees or permits are required to hike or camp at Shining Rock. However, it is a designated Wilderness Area, so be aware of the specific guidelines that come along with that.

DuPont State Forest

Mark Stoffan

In 2012, DuPont State Forest gained notoriety as the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the smash blockbuster hit The Hunger Games. Before then, this 10,000 acres of wooded wilderness was best known for its abundance of waterfalls. The Little River cascades through the forest, careening over Bridal Veil Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and more. Eighty miles of meandering, multi-use trails and five cold water mountain lakes makes DuPont a hiker’s oasis during the hot summer months.

For a mellow and scenic excursion, check out the 4.5 mile trail leading up to Cedar Rock. It awards sweeping views without much elevation gain. If you’re up for something a bit more strenuous, both routes to the top of Stone Mountain, the highest point in DuPont, are steep and demanding, but offer gorgeous and far reaching views (and a lot less people than the popular waterfall trails). At the end of the day, take a dip in the expansive, 99 acre Lake Julia.

Linville Gorge Wilderness

Weekend trip to Linville Gorge & Grandfather Mountain
Michael Sprague

The 12,000 acres of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area are some of the most rugged and wild in all of North Carolina. Thirty nine hiking trails fan out from access points on the East and West Rims. Although the trails vary in length and intensity, with a few easier options on the rim, most carve their way steeply down to the bottom of the 1,400 foot canyon. Certain strenuous hikes will even cross the Linville River before marching sharply upwards again.

The beauty of this remote wilderness and its spectacular, long-reaching views cannot be overstated. Towering cliffs (often slung with ropes and dotted with rock climbers) and a thriving mixed hardwood forests surround you as you plunge deeper into the canyon. When the river is high, it is considered one of the best, albeit dangerous, class V whitewater kayaking runs in the Southeast. At lower volumes, you will have your pick of swimming holes, cliff jumping and small waterfalls to explore.

Backcountry camping is allowed in Linville Gorge. Between March 1st and October 31st, permits are required for weekends and holidays. You can find these at the Information Cabin on Kistler Memorial Highway or the Grandfather District ranger office in Marion.

Max Patch

Jarrod Doll

Roughly 20 minutes outside of Hot Springs, NC, Max Patch is one of the Southeast’s most acclaimed and spectacular viewpoints. This enormous, verdant meadow lies on the Appalachian Trail as it follows the crest along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The exquisite, panoramic skyline includes the Great Smoky Mountains, the Great Balsam range, the Roans, and the Black Mountains. In the evening, the sun bleeds purple fire over the rolling, expansive view of Tennessee to the West.

‘The Patch’ is a versatile destination enjoyed by day hikers, backpackers, Appalachian thru-hikers, and sightseers alike. Most of the 4,600 foot climb is accomplished by driving the long and winding access road; from the parking lot, the summit is just half a mile away. For a longer hike, explore the 2.4 mile loop which circumnavigate the meadow. If you prefer a bit more distance, just point towards Maine or Georgia on the Appalachian Trail and wander for as long as you please. For an easy adventure with a huge payoff, camp in the forest that runs alongside the bald. Be sure and wake up in time for sunrise.

Resources:

Organizations: Carolina Mountain Club , Conservation Trust for North Carolina , Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
Retailers: Frugal Backpacker and Diamond Brand Outdoors

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Melina Coogan

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Hikes

4 Epic All-Day Hikes Near Asheville

Despite your alarm going off before it’s even light out, despite the relentless climbs and knee-shaking descents that seem to go on forever, you know it’s worth it. That moment when the sheltering forest gives way to soaring summit views is even more dazzling when you’ve been earning it for hours. Even the flattened peanut butter sandwich from the bottom of your pack tastes like a million bucks. And then there’s that weightless feeling when, at the end of the day, you’re finally off of your feet and savoring a cold beer. These are just some of the rewards of tackling an epic, all-day hike.

Here, four of our favorite trails near Asheville that will keep you moving from sunup to sundown.

1. Appalachian Trail to Roan Mountain

Carver’s Gap wildflowers on Roan Mountain.
Keith Callahan

There are plenty of ways to access the five mile long massif of Roan Mountain, one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Southeast, but the longest and most challenging (and thus, most gratifying) of these is the Appalachian Trail. ‘The Roan’ is located on the North Carolina/Tennessee State line, and is famous for its massive gardens of Catawba Rhododendron that bloom a brilliant purple in the early summer. You’ll definitely want to choose the long way through this heavenly stretch of mountains.

Beginning at Carver’s Gap in Roan Mountain State Park, the AT heads northeast and ambles 14 miles over a number of breathtaking balds, including Jane’s Bald, Little Hump, and Yellow Mountain. The glorious, non-stop views from this rolling ridgeline will make the miles melt away. This marathon of a day hike (also a gorgeous and highly recommended overnight) ends at the trailhead on Highway 19E in Tennessee, so remember to leave a shuttle vehicle.

2. Old Butt Knob Trail to Shining Rock

Daniel Meacham

After you’ve thoroughly soaked in the views and are ready to turn for home, unwind with a more gentle and scenic descent on the Shining Creek Trail. The path begins with a steep plunge, but don’t despair; it soon mellows out and follows a creek for the next three miles. Take a breather at one of the many small trailside waterfalls, and treat your feet to a well-deserved soak.

The Old Butt Knob to Shining Creek linkup is an 8.5 mile loop. Park at the Big East Fork Trailhead off US 276. Begin on the Shining Creek Trail, and look for the northwest turnoff onto Old Butt Knob Trail approximately 1 mile in. Pay close attention, as trails are notoriously easy to miss within the Shining Rock Creek wilderness. The trail will be on your right and begin with an immediate steep climb.

3. Big East Fork

The Art Loeb section of the Big East Fork Trail
Patrick Mueller

If you’re in the mood for a lengthy hike, but you’re not necessarily jonesing for a punishing climb, this 11 mile loop on The Big East Fork of the Pigeon River will be just the ticket. This lovely and meandering route stitches together sections of the Shining Creek, Art Loeb, Graveyard Ridge, and Big East Fork trails for a dynamic day of rock hopping, river fording, and switchbacks. You will follow the pristine water of the Big East Fork as it tumbles through lush forest, and take in panoramic mountain views at Ivestor Gap. With deep pools for swimming and ample spots for picking wild blueberries and blackberries, the Big East Fork provides the perfect summer escape.

4. Black Mountain Campground to Mount Mitchell

The tallest peak east of the Mississippi.
David B. Gleason

Earn your bragging rights by summiting the highest peak on the east coast on the most direct and difficult trail. Who needs switchbacks when you can reach the towering, 6,682 foot summit of Mt. Mitchell by climbing straight up? Begin in the early morning at the Black Mountain Campground, and prepare for a sensational suffer-fest as you climb 3,600 feet in 5.5 miles. (You may also want to mentally prepare yourself for the trail runners who will dart by, speedy and light, as this trail is popular amongst the most gnarly and super fit athletes in the east.)

As you gain in elevation, the shifting landscape may distract you from the burning in your legs: you will come across new species of plants and animals every 500 feet. The summit of Mount Mitchell has an ecosystem that is otherwise only found in Canada, including Saw-whet owls and northern flying squirrels. From this mighty peak, the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are unparalleled. If you decide to plunge down on the same trail that you came up, you will have completed a truly grueling 11 mile day. But the views from the top (and the beer at the bottom) make it all worth it.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Rachel Titiriga

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

Trail Running

5 Refreshing Trail Runs Near Asheville

The days are starting to feel a little shorter, and the copper-hued afternoons of autumn loom just around the corner. You know you should be logging some mountain miles and soaking up the last leg of summer, but we get it—finding the motivation to run through soaring August temperatures is not easy. To help you get going, we’ve found five of the most refreshing trail runs in the Blue Ridge. Get ready to slosh through streams, run alongside the river, and quench your thirst for summer adventure while you still can.

1. Warren Wilson College River Trail

The peaceful, pastoral campus of Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina, is home to one of the most charming trails in Buncombe County. Carved into the banks of the Swannanoa River, the River Trail is a flat, 5 mile out-and-back ramble through idyllic countryside. The gentle current and clear water flowing beside you will prove tempting in these last dry weeks of summer, and there are plenty of pebbly shoals and deeper pools to take a post-run dip.The varied terrain of the River Trail includes working farmland, swathes of pastel meadows, shaded forest and even a small bamboo grove. The path is foot traffic only, and you’re likely to encounter a handful of fellow runners and barefoot college students out for a stroll between classes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept leashed at all times, a policy that is strictly enforced. Trailhead is located at Charles D. Owen Park, 875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa, NC.

2. Vineyard Gap and Riverside Trail

For more experienced runners, the Vineyard Gap Trail in Pisgah National Forest climbs 2.3 miles up and over Forge Mountain, then descends into the South Fork of Mills River. Here you will meet up with the Riverside Trail, which will eventually loop back to the parking lot, totaling 7.4 miles of sweet mountain running. As always in Pisgah, roots, rocks and ruts will keep you on your toes, but the remote landscape and cool, quiet forest make for a pleasant and absorbing experience. The trail crosses the river several times, and these invigorating interludes will cool you down and keep you running strong. The water is knee-deep at times, so be mindful of slippery rocks and river levels, and do not attempt to cross at high water.

Access from the Turkeypen Gap Trailhead Parking area on Turkeypen Road (FS 297).

3. Reasonover Creek Trail to Lake Julia

Lake Julia awaits at the end of the Reasoner Creek Trail.
Melina Coogan

This beautiful singletrack trail rises and falls over moderate hills for 3.27 miles, all within the shade of a dense hardwood canopy. Toward the beginning of your run, make your way carefully across a wide creek by hopping across twelve neatly positioned rocks, or wade through the shin-deep water for an initial cool down. You will splash across the creek a few more times before getting your first glimpse of Lake Julia, smooth as glass and glinting through the trees. Although accessible by forest roads, Lake Julia is remote enough that it remains relatively quiet and calm, a novelty for most DuPont swimming spots. You may share the lake with other runners, mountain bikers, and stand up paddlers, but there is generally a corner of solitude to be claimed. When you’re ready to turn for home, head back on the same, scenic trail that you came in on. As always in DuPont, be on the lookout for bikers.

Park at the Fawn Lake Access area on Reasonover Road. On foot, turn right after the gate for 0.1 miles. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Conservation Road.

4. Stone Mountain Falls

The view from Stone Mountain.
bobistraveling

Nothing epitomizes the beauty and grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains like a waterfall, and nothing could be a more welcome and refreshing site at the culmination of a hot summer’s run. The Stone Mountain Loop trail in Stone Mountain State Park is a super fun, 4.5-mile adventure that will lead you to a 200-foot granite monolith of cascading water on Big Sandy Creek. Explore the pool at the base and exult in the mist before tackling the man-made staircase that climbs the east slope of the Mountain to the top of the falls.

Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, NC, spans across Wilkes and Alleghany counties. Access the trail at the park’s lower trailhead, 2.5 miles down the road from the visitor center.

5. Bent Creek Trail

Azaleas in bloom alongside the Bent Creek Trail.
Erin Brierley

This is a perfect option for beginners, or anyone looking to sneak in a run before work. Bent Creek trail meanders on even ground for 1.3 miles through the North Carolina Arboretum , alongside the diamond clear waters of its namesake creek. It even passes through a portion of the National Native Azalea Repository, making for a brief but stunning loop that is guaranteed to make your short-list. The trail parallels Bent Creek Road, where you will find several intersecting trail and road options to explore beyond the Arboretum and the adjacent Pisgah National Forest.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Julia Pethtel

August 31, 2017/by RootsRated

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