The Blue Ridge Mountains are renowned for their splendor and beauty and boast the best hiking trails in the Southeast. Western North Carolina offers an abundance and variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels. There's challenging courses for the avid outdoorsman as well as leisurely strolls for the amateur "day walker." The one thing they all share is the breathtaking beauty and majestic views.
Hiking in the spring provides an unforgettable experience, as hillsides are painted in white with blooming dogwoods and hues of green as the old forest trees sprout new growth. Maples and old oaks display their distinct leaves while towering poplars crowned in gold and green sway to the gentle breeze. Breaking out of the tree line reveals vast meadows of shimmering green; waves of grass bending in the breeze and brilliant patches of wildflowers dot the landscape.
Some of the most dramatic views and changes in topography occur along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The journey at lower elevations begins with hardwood forests, an occasional hemlock tree and a flowering rhododendron. Blaze a trail higher up to the 4,500 foot level and the trees change to hickory and oak and the air begins to cool. Continue your ascent to discover the northern deciduous forests of birch and finally the spruce and fir trees that crown the peaks at 6,000 feet.
There are many trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway that lead to lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Some are more rugged than others; like blazing a trail up the flanks of Grandfather Mountain. Some are a bit easier; like taking a stroll on a maintained path around Price Lake. One of the most dramatic and most unusual views is the Linn Cove Viaduct Access Trail, which gives the hiker an amazing perspective of the section of the parkway that is suspended out over the edge of Grandfather Mountain.
Some of the most rugged and strenuous trekking is found in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and should only be attempted by seasoned hikers. This area offers a true wilderness experience and provides the ultimate challenge negotiating steep ravines and thick forests. Only the best equipped should venture into the remote gorge. Those that do will be rewarded with rarely seen cascades and waterfalls as the Linville River carves its path through the ancient valley floor.
The Cascades Trail is another one of the High Country's awe inspiring sites along the Parkway. It's also one of the easiest to get to and is only a half mile long. The loop trail leading to the waterfalls is located about three miles north of Deep Gap. Most of the easy to moderate trails average about two miles in length but some state parks, like Doughton and Moses Cone, feature as many as thirty miles of hiking trails.
The aforementioned trails, as well as many others create a utopia for hikers in the Boone area. As long as hikers remain educated and take care of the environment, these trails should continue to thrive and remain for years to come.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Local Wilderness Areas: Part I
Boone is located in the northwest corner of North Carolina. It's location right on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes it a popular jump-off point to explore the region's many attractions. Most of these attractions are in some way related to the area's vast expanse of outdoor wilderness. The southern Appalachians are home to an amazing variety of unique landforms, rivers and wildlife. The area within an hour's drive of Boone contains many different national forests, state parks and scenic highways for tourists to enjoy.
One such place is the Pisgah National Forest. The forest consists of over half a million acres and was donated to the US governement by the Vanderbilt family back in the 1920's. The forest takes its title from Mt. Pisgah, located near Asheville. The mountain was given its name by Reverend James Hall back in 1776, when he likened the peak to the mountain from which Moses supposedly saw the promised land. The forest now stretches from south of Asheville all the way to Boone. Popular designated wilderness areas within the forest include Shining Rock, Wilson Creek and Middle Prong. A designated wilderness area is designed to keep the natural beauty of the land intact, with as little human interaction as possible. These places are protected by the federal governement.
Another great place to visit near Boone is the Grayson Highlands State Park in southwest Virginia. It is located in the Jefferson National Forest, which covers over 700,000 acres in 3 states. The Grayson Highlands are an area of high peaks and rocky, mountainous terrain. The park is home to a herd of wild ponies that can often be seen grazing along the side of one of the many hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail cuts throught the park, following the high mountain crest that defines the region. The park also has many trails that are used for horseback riding. Be sure to pack an extra jacket when visitng the park, as the weather can change quickly and snow has been recorded in all 12 months of the year.
One such place is the Pisgah National Forest. The forest consists of over half a million acres and was donated to the US governement by the Vanderbilt family back in the 1920's. The forest takes its title from Mt. Pisgah, located near Asheville. The mountain was given its name by Reverend James Hall back in 1776, when he likened the peak to the mountain from which Moses supposedly saw the promised land. The forest now stretches from south of Asheville all the way to Boone. Popular designated wilderness areas within the forest include Shining Rock, Wilson Creek and Middle Prong. A designated wilderness area is designed to keep the natural beauty of the land intact, with as little human interaction as possible. These places are protected by the federal governement.
Another great place to visit near Boone is the Grayson Highlands State Park in southwest Virginia. It is located in the Jefferson National Forest, which covers over 700,000 acres in 3 states. The Grayson Highlands are an area of high peaks and rocky, mountainous terrain. The park is home to a herd of wild ponies that can often be seen grazing along the side of one of the many hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail cuts throught the park, following the high mountain crest that defines the region. The park also has many trails that are used for horseback riding. Be sure to pack an extra jacket when visitng the park, as the weather can change quickly and snow has been recorded in all 12 months of the year.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Choosing the Right Gear
The difference between a great hike and a dismal day can often times be as simple as selecting the right gear to bring. With such a diverse range of trails to choose from in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is important that you outfit yourself with the proper gear. Many clothes or other outdoor adventure products that would be great for a hike in the Everglades of Florida would be useless in the Rockies of Colorado, so being educated on the right gear is a must for every smart hiker.
There are many different factors to think about when you are purchasing outdoor gear. The first thing you should ask yourself is "Where will I be doing the majority of my hiking with this gear?" It doesn't make a lot of sense to purchase a $1000 tent that is built to withstand Arctic blizzards if you are camping in Georgia in the spring. Just as you don't need to spend $250 on a top of the line leather hiking boot if you only plan on doing moderate day hikes on heavily developed trails.
The most important piece of gear for any hiker is their footwear. This selection is going to set the tone for every time you set out into the wilderness. There are two major categories to choose from when selecting your shoes; lightweight and heavyweight. Lightweight "trail runners" are very popular for hikers who are carrying light to moderate loads in their packs and like the freedom and agility that these types of shoes offer. These are going to be more similar to your basic tennis shoe, but with stronger materials, better arch support and some water proofing features. Many major name brands offer a variety of "trail runners" for people who actually run through trails as a form of exercise, or for people who enjoy doing their camping trips with lighter footwear. Companies such as North Face, Soloman, New Balance and Montrail have many styles to choose from. There are websites that compare these products and allow you to choose which one is best for you. www.footsmart.com , www.amazon.com and www.zappos.com are just a few examples of these online retailers. Although, it is always a good idea to try on a shoe before you buy it.
For those who need stronger ankle support and more durable footwear, there are many different kinds of hiking boots. Boots are typically more useful when you are embarking on a longer trip carrying a moderate to heavy load. A tried and true choice is your standard leather boot. These are built with durability as the main focus. Companies like Vasque, Merril and Asolo have been making high-quality leather boots for many years. With technology advancing, there are new materials that are helping to make stronger, better boots every year. The emergence of Gore-Tex, a technology that repels moisture, has helped create much more dependable boots to keep your feet dry.
When purchasing things like tents, sleeping bags and backpacks the main thing to think about is "How heavy is my pack going to be?" versus "How much do I want to spend?" For instance, a lightweight, synthetic Mountain Hardware sleeping bag is going to pack down into the size of a softball and weigh almost nothing... but it will cost you $150. A fleece Ozarks sleeping bag purchased at Wal Mart is going to keep you warm, but it will not be very compact and it will last half as long as the Mountain Hardware bag... at the cost of $50. The same comparison can be made for tents, backpacks and other trail accessories. Never is the term "you get what you pay for" more applicable than with camping gear.
If you are serious about hiking and backpacking, then you should save your money and pick your purchases wisely. A good choice on something like a hiking boot will benefit you for many, many years. There are several places where you can go to find quality camping gear. In the Boone area, Mast Genral Store and Foot Sloggers both carry a nice range of mid to high-end products. If you like to do your shopping online, there are a bunch of sites like www.campmor.com, www.backcountry.com and www.moosejaw.com where you can find anything you need. Go to www.blueridgetrailways.com/gear.asp to see what kind of gear is used for all Blue Ridge Trailways trips.
There are many different factors to think about when you are purchasing outdoor gear. The first thing you should ask yourself is "Where will I be doing the majority of my hiking with this gear?" It doesn't make a lot of sense to purchase a $1000 tent that is built to withstand Arctic blizzards if you are camping in Georgia in the spring. Just as you don't need to spend $250 on a top of the line leather hiking boot if you only plan on doing moderate day hikes on heavily developed trails.
The most important piece of gear for any hiker is their footwear. This selection is going to set the tone for every time you set out into the wilderness. There are two major categories to choose from when selecting your shoes; lightweight and heavyweight. Lightweight "trail runners" are very popular for hikers who are carrying light to moderate loads in their packs and like the freedom and agility that these types of shoes offer. These are going to be more similar to your basic tennis shoe, but with stronger materials, better arch support and some water proofing features. Many major name brands offer a variety of "trail runners" for people who actually run through trails as a form of exercise, or for people who enjoy doing their camping trips with lighter footwear. Companies such as North Face, Soloman, New Balance and Montrail have many styles to choose from. There are websites that compare these products and allow you to choose which one is best for you. www.footsmart.com , www.amazon.com and www.zappos.com are just a few examples of these online retailers. Although, it is always a good idea to try on a shoe before you buy it.
For those who need stronger ankle support and more durable footwear, there are many different kinds of hiking boots. Boots are typically more useful when you are embarking on a longer trip carrying a moderate to heavy load. A tried and true choice is your standard leather boot. These are built with durability as the main focus. Companies like Vasque, Merril and Asolo have been making high-quality leather boots for many years. With technology advancing, there are new materials that are helping to make stronger, better boots every year. The emergence of Gore-Tex, a technology that repels moisture, has helped create much more dependable boots to keep your feet dry.
When purchasing things like tents, sleeping bags and backpacks the main thing to think about is "How heavy is my pack going to be?" versus "How much do I want to spend?" For instance, a lightweight, synthetic Mountain Hardware sleeping bag is going to pack down into the size of a softball and weigh almost nothing... but it will cost you $150. A fleece Ozarks sleeping bag purchased at Wal Mart is going to keep you warm, but it will not be very compact and it will last half as long as the Mountain Hardware bag... at the cost of $50. The same comparison can be made for tents, backpacks and other trail accessories. Never is the term "you get what you pay for" more applicable than with camping gear.
If you are serious about hiking and backpacking, then you should save your money and pick your purchases wisely. A good choice on something like a hiking boot will benefit you for many, many years. There are several places where you can go to find quality camping gear. In the Boone area, Mast Genral Store and Foot Sloggers both carry a nice range of mid to high-end products. If you like to do your shopping online, there are a bunch of sites like www.campmor.com, www.backcountry.com and www.moosejaw.com where you can find anything you need. Go to www.blueridgetrailways.com/gear.asp to see what kind of gear is used for all Blue Ridge Trailways trips.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Weather Forecasts & Selcting Trails
When preparing for a hiking trip, there are some things to think about that will greatly benefit the overall quality of your hike. The first place you should start is by taking a look at the weather report of the place where you intend to go hiking. The weather will dictate the best trail to go on, the amount of time you will spend in the outdoors and what kind of supplies you will need to bring. Although the forecast is especially tough to determine in the mountains, it will give you a good idea of what you will be up against. A good resource to use when exploring the mountains of North Carolina is Ray's Weather Forecast, which can be found at www.raysweather.com. This website was created and operated by a professor at Appalachian State University and specifically focuses on the surrounding areas of Boone. The forecast on this site is generally more specific than any national weather site, like www.weather.com.
Once you have determined the what kind of elements you are going to be up against, the next step is to select the trail you are going to hike. This is where the weather comes into consideration. If the forecast is calling for pefect blue skies, moderate temperatures and light winds, then it would be a good day to check out some of the higher elevation hikes in the area. The clear sky will allow for great views from the exposed mountain tops. Places like the Grandfather Trail, that traverses the upper ridge on Grandfather Mountain and the Appalachian Trail near Roan Mountain offer spectacular hiking and amazing vistas. For more information on these trails, check out www.grandfather.com and www.roanmountain.com. However, if the weather is supposed to be cold and wet, these trails would be a poor and potentially dangerous choice. The elevation and lack of cover would leave you exposed to heavy winds and hard rain.
If the weather is calling for light rains and patchy clouds and you don't want to let a little bit of weather stop your hiking trip, ther are other options. As mentioned above, the main thing to worry about with bad weather is being exposed with no cover to protect you. If a little rain is in the forecast you can turn your hike into a "rainforest tour." The lush vegetation that is common around the lower elevations provides an amazing backdrop for hikes that follow rivers and streams. One such area is the Harpers Creek Trail in the Pisgah National Forest. Slicing through thick rhododendron forests, surrounded by blooming mountain laurel and other beautiful flora, this trail follows alongside Harpers Creek, a tributary to Wilson's Creek. The dense canopy provides nice coverage from any weather that might develop. Also, when the creek is up it makes for great viewing of the many waterfalls. These include Huntfish Falls, Graggy Prong Falls and Harpers Creek Falls. This trail can make you feel like you are in a tropical rainforest and is a great way to enjoy a day that would otherwise seem a bit gloomy. For more info on this trail and others in the Wilson Creek area check out www.friendsofwilsoncreek.org.
It is always safe to remember that in these mountains the weather can change at the drop of a hat, and what begins as a clear sunny day can quickly turn into a nasty mess. That is why it is very important to always check the weather before you plan a hiking trip. At Blue Ridge Trailways, we are prepared for anything and are experts at selecting the right trail for the right weather.
Once you have determined the what kind of elements you are going to be up against, the next step is to select the trail you are going to hike. This is where the weather comes into consideration. If the forecast is calling for pefect blue skies, moderate temperatures and light winds, then it would be a good day to check out some of the higher elevation hikes in the area. The clear sky will allow for great views from the exposed mountain tops. Places like the Grandfather Trail, that traverses the upper ridge on Grandfather Mountain and the Appalachian Trail near Roan Mountain offer spectacular hiking and amazing vistas. For more information on these trails, check out www.grandfather.com and www.roanmountain.com. However, if the weather is supposed to be cold and wet, these trails would be a poor and potentially dangerous choice. The elevation and lack of cover would leave you exposed to heavy winds and hard rain.
If the weather is calling for light rains and patchy clouds and you don't want to let a little bit of weather stop your hiking trip, ther are other options. As mentioned above, the main thing to worry about with bad weather is being exposed with no cover to protect you. If a little rain is in the forecast you can turn your hike into a "rainforest tour." The lush vegetation that is common around the lower elevations provides an amazing backdrop for hikes that follow rivers and streams. One such area is the Harpers Creek Trail in the Pisgah National Forest. Slicing through thick rhododendron forests, surrounded by blooming mountain laurel and other beautiful flora, this trail follows alongside Harpers Creek, a tributary to Wilson's Creek. The dense canopy provides nice coverage from any weather that might develop. Also, when the creek is up it makes for great viewing of the many waterfalls. These include Huntfish Falls, Graggy Prong Falls and Harpers Creek Falls. This trail can make you feel like you are in a tropical rainforest and is a great way to enjoy a day that would otherwise seem a bit gloomy. For more info on this trail and others in the Wilson Creek area check out www.friendsofwilsoncreek.org.
It is always safe to remember that in these mountains the weather can change at the drop of a hat, and what begins as a clear sunny day can quickly turn into a nasty mess. That is why it is very important to always check the weather before you plan a hiking trip. At Blue Ridge Trailways, we are prepared for anything and are experts at selecting the right trail for the right weather.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Family Hiking Trips
Why Does Planning a Family Vacation Have To Be So Hard?
If you're planning a summer family vacation to the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, you might be thinking about a rafting or fishing trip, or maybe just kicking back and relaxing. Many families might stay in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas because of the indoor activities such as shopping, movies, bowling and the huge variety of restaurants. For a lot of vacationers, though, those are the same activities they can do at home. Family vacations are for trying new things and having some fun.
A simple family vacation activity that many people overlook is taking an old fashioned hike. The North Carolina high country is home to some of the most beautiful vistas, waterfalls, and natural beauty you can find anywhere. There are trails of every length and difficulty so anyone from an experienced hiker to a family just wanting to take a leasurely stroll can find something to enjoy.
One really great hiking and outdoor recreation spot that many family vacationers like is the Wilson Creek Area of the Pisgah National Forest. This is a huge tract of land that lies below Grandfather Mountain. The terrain on many trails is easy to moderate and some take you past multiple waterfalls with swimming areas for the kids. One trail to consider is at the Mortimer Recreation Area. The Schoolhouse Ridge Trail has a waterfall about 1,000 feet from the campground and you can also see Grandfather Mountain from the ridge. The total trail length is a little over four miles, but remember on any hike you can always walk in as far as you are comfortable and then just turn around and come back out. You are there to have fun, not to try and set an endurance record with kids in tow.
Blue Ridge Trailways can help you select the best trail for you, depending on your experience, group size and how hard you want to challenge yourself. If you would like to hike the mountains of North Carolina, but want to the comfort of being with a trained, professional guide then Blue Ridge Trailways is the answer for you. For more information on the services that Blue Ridge Trailways offers please visit www.blueridgetrailways.com.
If you're planning a summer family vacation to the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, you might be thinking about a rafting or fishing trip, or maybe just kicking back and relaxing. Many families might stay in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas because of the indoor activities such as shopping, movies, bowling and the huge variety of restaurants. For a lot of vacationers, though, those are the same activities they can do at home. Family vacations are for trying new things and having some fun.
A simple family vacation activity that many people overlook is taking an old fashioned hike. The North Carolina high country is home to some of the most beautiful vistas, waterfalls, and natural beauty you can find anywhere. There are trails of every length and difficulty so anyone from an experienced hiker to a family just wanting to take a leasurely stroll can find something to enjoy.
One really great hiking and outdoor recreation spot that many family vacationers like is the Wilson Creek Area of the Pisgah National Forest. This is a huge tract of land that lies below Grandfather Mountain. The terrain on many trails is easy to moderate and some take you past multiple waterfalls with swimming areas for the kids. One trail to consider is at the Mortimer Recreation Area. The Schoolhouse Ridge Trail has a waterfall about 1,000 feet from the campground and you can also see Grandfather Mountain from the ridge. The total trail length is a little over four miles, but remember on any hike you can always walk in as far as you are comfortable and then just turn around and come back out. You are there to have fun, not to try and set an endurance record with kids in tow.
Blue Ridge Trailways can help you select the best trail for you, depending on your experience, group size and how hard you want to challenge yourself. If you would like to hike the mountains of North Carolina, but want to the comfort of being with a trained, professional guide then Blue Ridge Trailways is the answer for you. For more information on the services that Blue Ridge Trailways offers please visit www.blueridgetrailways.com.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Trip Reviews
This blog is open to anyone who went on a trip with Blue Ridge Trailways. Feel free to write about your adventure so others can know what to expect. Please include things like the location, date, weather conditions and overall impressions of your experience. Thanks for joining us on a wonderful adventure and keep exploring!
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