Nantahala National Forest to the Rescue

Let’s be brutally honest. It has a been a fresh hell for hikers as COVID-19 has shut down access to our places of spiritual renewal and physical challenge. Die-hard hikers have worked together to flatten the curve and stay safe, while also searching for trails that are open and safe Read more…

Early April wildflowers: Appalachian Ranger District

We revisited the Appalachian Ranger district to camp and hike the first weekend in April in an area where there were no trail closures. It was quite cold, and the presence of early April wildflowers was highly dependent on the orientation of slopes and elevation. Some south-facing crags displayed a Read more…

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Fork Ridge, Appalachian Trail & Baxter Cliffs

3-29-19 The Fork Ridge trail leads from the Shelton Laurel backcountry to the Appalachian Trail, near the Jerry Cabin Shelter. If you want a good workout, this is your hike. Along the way, there is a side trail to Baxter Cliffs- well, sort of. It’s not much of a trail, Read more…