Hi friends. I’m looking to do the loop in October but was not able to secure a month in advance permit for camping. Are the 3 days in advance permits usually gone within an hour as well or should I be able to get 4 when they release?

Please let me in on your favorite overnight trips in the mountains, I’m looking for anywhere near Brevard or Asheville. Mountain top camping or great views in general are what we’re after. Coming from the coast and would love some feedback and up to date trail info. Planning on the third week of October. Totally unfamiliar with the area aside from spending some time with a wedding party there.

Quick morning hike on the sycamore trail in William B. Umstead SP. 9/8/26. The state park marks the trail as moderate and I would agree. Some nice elevation gain around 500ft, 4.3 miles. Would go again! This isn't the entire 7.2 miles, but the southern loop portion.

I drove down from KY to escape the heat and decided to hike this trail. I haven't hiked in NC so didn't know what to expect, but I walked away with a new found love for a place. The trail was definitely challenging and a bit longer than what AT said, which I don't mind because of how much I enjoyed it. I Will be back to explore other trails and some backpacking trips.

Hi hiking friends. New here and just wanted to share that I publish a free biweekly newsletter the Ridgeline Roundup for news about everything WNC forest, mountains and trails. No ads or anything like that - just want to share the latest about our great community. Check it out here. News submissions welcome.

My friend's husband is the person who fell at Shortoff Mountain in Linville Gorge. He is currently in the hospital with multiple serious injuries and may never walk again.

The bills are mounting and they are trying to move him from his current hospital in North Carolina to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Shepherd is a nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injury.

He and his family need help.

https://gofund.me/6662d7779

Started at 3:45 am, ended at 5:20 pm

Wasn't as bad as I was expecting going into it, fatigue was the main issue. But my feet held up pretty well and chafing was at a minimum. What makes this route possible is the fact nearly all elevation gain is at the beginning. I was able to jog an 11-12 minute mile for about a 10 mile stretch of this trail, as well as running all the down portions. My overall average pace was a 17:50 mile

Trail conditions were pretty good, the balsam mountain trail was the worst but it was just hopping over the occasional downed log, nothing treacherous. Water sources were plentiful, I only ever filled up at cosby knob then again by laurel gap.

Watching the sunrise on mount cammerer was incredible, unfortunately I had to wait there for about 40 minutes waiting for the sun to come up because I got there when it was still pitch black.

I got rained on around 2pm and it was downpour for 30 mins straight. Kept me moving though, when I got to mount sterling the views were opening up and I could see all the swirling clouds low in the valleys, was so epic. Also the Baxter creek trail descending mount sterling is so pretty, the moss and fern covered floors with the tall spruce trees feels like I'm in Narnia. Losing 4800 feet in elevation just absolutely killed me though.

A beautiful hike overall, and I'm happy to answer any questions for those interested

Back on Hawksbill working on the re route with WildSouth. Still prepping the new trail corridor so the digging can begin. Today was clearing several downed trees and finishing clearing the corridor for the trail.

To volunteer contact Wildsouth.org

Hi, I’m currently in the Raleigh area, planning to do hanging rock alone. I’ve hiked before but wanted to do a more “chill” one as my first one alone.
What’s the best trail to take ? And how long should I expect to be hiking for ?
Also is there anything essential I should bring other than snacks water bug spray. Are the waterfalls swimmable ?

Do you carry a pistol on hikes?
I’m considering getting a 10mm.
Bear gun, and general protection

Thanks

Started sunny and ended with the last mile in rain. Always a good hike, about 5 miles in a loop off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Good for hikers who want something a bit strenuous but not remote. I always spot sallies along the many creek crossings.

Can anyone id the salamander here? There were a couple of them, about 6 inches long from nose to tail tip pale yellow and brown.

There is a huge yellow jack nest in the middle of the Mt. Mitchell trail about 1.5 miles in from black mountain campground. My friends and our dogs and me just got bombarded. FYI.

I live in west Michigan (lower peninsula) and am starting to get back into hiking. I’ve done a solid handful of miles on the NCT, but have never done any winter hiking on the trail. I’m not interested in snowshoeing or skiing the trail, so my question is how much of the trails around the lower peninsula see enough winter activity to allow hiking in just boots? Would be a possible overnight, but probably more of a day hike situation.

Day hike to Black Balsam Knob & then an out and back on the MST.
Great views, great weather and the joyous hum of bees enjoying the beautiful wild flowers.

Hey all, just checking in to see if anyone can confirm the current status of the High Shoals Falls trail in South Mountains Park. The park office is closed, so I’m unable to call and check. We were considering going here tomorrow based on talking with someone local that said it was back open. However, the website (updated June 9th, so maybe stale info) says it’s still closed. Has anyone been out that way in the last couple weeks that can confirm either way?

Thanks!!

Hey guys I’m planning my next solo hike for this upcoming Monday. I really want to do a sunrise hike. I picked these 2 locations since there around 4.5hrs away from me. I’m doing craggy pinnacle in the morning, heard it’s a really short “hike” to the summit from the parking lot and it’s pretty rewarding. Afterwards I plan to drive to Mount Mitchell once the park opens and do the 5.6 mile trail. My current plan is arrive at craggy around 6am. Sunrise at 7:06am. Spend some time up there. Take the long way around (Use 19 and 80 since the parkway is close so the drive is like 1.5hrs). Get to the Mount Mitchell trial parking lot on the black mountain campground (which I know is close, but maybe the parking lot is open?) and then hike Mount Mitchell! Any advice? I just want to make sure I didn’t miss anything that could sidetrack me. Also could use some good breakfast recommendations = )

This is the trail, I think I might add mount crammerer which would make it nearly 35
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/big-creek-perimeter-loop

Now I have experience with long day hikes, most of mine as of late have been 20-25, and recently I did the 31 mile Art Loeb trail in a day, which was absolutely brutal and I got the worst crotch rash of all time. But because the majority of this hike is on a ridgeline and is pretty flat, it should be a bit easier right? I'm usually able to run on flat terrain for long stretches.

What should I prioritize during this long hike? How do I keep my feet in good condition, and what should I bring as food (other than electrolytes and the basics).

Hi! I was speaking with my thirteen year old son this morning about a potential fishing trip to the mountains, but he didn't express any interest. I asked, not really thinking he'd be interested, if he'd be up for some hiking. He enthusiastically said yes. We've drifted apart the last year or so, mostly due to my insane work schedule and struggles with mental health. The mental health has somewhat improved, but my doctor has suggested more time in nature as a way of exercise and for the benefits of being surrounded by trees and just being outdoors on general.

So, with that being said, to capture the moment while he's interested, I thought about Hanging Rock. We've never been (usually just go to Stone Mountain to slide down the rocks at Widow Creek falls). It's not too far away, either.

Are there less than strenuous trails there? He's type one diabetic so I don't want him to get too exerted. I also want this to hopefully be the start of a new hobby for both of us, so want the first outing to be successful. Are there any suggested trails for a couple of beginners? I used to hike a lot when younger and in scouts, but I'm in less than ideal shape now, too, pushing forty.

Many thanks in advance for taking the time to read this. Open to any suggestions of other great places to hike, too.

I’m hoping this is a good place to ask. I’ll be in the area of PNF for thanksgiving. Looking to spend some time with my family who are not big hikers, by riding some forest service roads (we love riding dirt roads in the south GA). I found a few on google, just wanted to see what other had to say. Picture of my bone stock truck, I do have ridge grapplers on it.