All the seasons pass so quickly, but mid to late June found us revisiting favorite orchid habitats in hopes of finding the utter perfection of Small Purple Fringed Orchid and Round Leaf Orchid. These days, our hikes are shorter, but the scenery is no less spectacular. On our way to Read more…
Our time on the trail was limited over the summer, but the wildflower offerings were no less spectacular. It is a gift to bear witness to the transition of seasons, when newly emerging leaves display all hues of green. Summer’s understory is a soothing, lustrous emerald carpet, with blooms interspersed Read more…
Since 2013, I have been a bit obsessed in the search for purple-fringed orchids, and other native orchids that hide amidst the herbaceous understory of the Southern Appalachians. Purple-fringed orchid, both large and small, are found in our beautiful mountains. Sometimes their locations are easily accessible and other times, you Read more…
Both of these hikes on the Appalachian Trail began at the Nolichucky River, heading north (NOBO) on the AT one week, and two weeks later, south (SOBO). I am always amazed by the difference in plant communities that are found on trails in close proximity to each other. The first Read more…
The final two weekends in January were marked by good weather and even better hikes. Last weekend, we wanted a hike with long range views and a good climb. One obvious choice is the grassy bald, Beauty Spot, that is accessible via Indian Grave Gap that crosses the Appalachian Trail. Read more…
In mid-January, we had a stretch of wet, windy and warm weather. In the past week, the temperatures have ranged from highs in the sixties to lows in the teens. Yes, the weather can change rapidly here, but it has been a bit more extreme than usual. Our destination was Read more…
The first weekend of January brought cold temperatures, along with rain or snow, depending on the elevation. Our destination was towards the Spring Mountain Shelter, starting at Allen Gap on the Appalachian Trail. Due to my foot injury, I was alternately frustrated and positive about my ability- and limitations- to Read more…
There is no doubt that the plant kingdom has fine-tuned the intricacy of seasonal change that belies the stark landscape of winter. Hiking in winter feels hushed and peaceful, as though everything around you is in deep slumber. Even before the winter solstice arrived, we had already hiked twice in Read more…
Earlier in August, my hiking buddy Joan and I opted for higher elevations, and hopefully cooler weather in the Roan Mountain area. Our trek began near the Overmountain Victory trail at Yellow Mountain Gap, and joining the Appalachian trail towards Grassy Ridge. We covered 12 miles, and experienced a drop Read more…
To celebrate a steamy Independence Day, we went high in elevation to hike in the Roan Highlands. Our starting point was Hughes Gap, where the Appalachian Trail winds upwards through spruce-fir forest and crosses over Roan Mountain. Our total mileage was 10.2 miles. Our hike began in beauty, with Turk’s Read more…