Of the 2,000-plus miles of AT stretching up the East Coast, the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina has just under 100 miles of the world-famous trail coursing through it. Another 217 miles are shared along the Tennessee border. Nevertheless, some of the most beloved sections are part of the Appalachian Trail in NC, including Clingmans … Read more
Whether you want to spend a day hiking through scenic forests, enjoying a sun-drenched day on the lake or river, or experiencing Fall in the North GA mountains, there are numerous state parks that offer countless outdoor adventures. When your day of exploring is done, many of these Georgia State Parks offer cottage and cabin rentals. … Read more
Boone NC is perhaps best known for its iconic Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and the easy access it offers to excellent campgrounds, hiking, snow tubing, and downhill skiing options. But thanks to the area’s continual growth, in recent years Boone has also become home to a number of popular breweries that are frequented by locals and … Read more
From the minute I first step foot onto the trail at Raven Cliff Falls, hear Dodd Creek flowing nearby, and see how quickly the forest swallows me, my breathing begins to normalize. I know I’m in for some breathless moments on this moderate hiking trail in North Georgia, but my immersion into the forest canopy … Read more
In addition to being one of the best Western NC small towns to live in, Boone NC is also a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers of all ability levels. So naturally the area is home to a surplus of Boone campgrounds, ranging in comfort levels from primitive backcountry campsites to luxury glamping. Each … Read more
Traversing 2,190+ miles in the Appalachian Mountains across 14 different states, 8 national forests, and 6 national parks, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic and popular hiking trails in the world. Because of its incredible length, it typically takes adventurous thru-hikers 5 to 7 months to tackle the entire trail. And while … Read more
My wife and I live in the northernmost part of Western North Carolina, less than 20 miles from the Virginia border. It’s a great place to be, providing easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and many of the best NC state parks and forests. Yet we are equally close to the best outdoor attractions … Read more
From basic items like extra clothing, food, and water to survival gear, read on for our 10 hiking essentials packing list.
If I’m being completely honest, visiting the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke VA, was not even on our itinerary. We literally hadn’t even considered going there during our 3-day trip. But, being fast hikers and busy bodies, my wife Emma and I had already managed to hike up and down McAfee Knob before noon. … Read more
Helen GA is a relatively small mountain town, measuring just 2.17 square miles, with a population of around 600 people. Yet it attracts around 3 million annual travelers with its unique shops, delicious restaurants, intriguing roadside attractions, and quirky reputation as “Georgia’s Alpine Village.” The town is also home to Oktoberfest, one of the longest-running … Read more
