Now that Spring has officially sprung, temperatures are rising, wildflowers are blooming, and the peak season for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains is just around the corner. If you’re anything like us, this time of year is perfect for getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, hiking trails, chasing waterfalls, and spending long, lingering days … Read more
[Updated on December 5, 2023] Growing up in North Georgia, some of my favorite childhood memories involved camping and hiking in the mountains with my family. My parents led our church youth group on incredible excursions, hiking up to the summit of Blood Mountain, trekking 14 miles on the Appalachian Trail, and going to visit … Read more
I’ve been a big fan of hiking for as long as I can remember. My love of nature was inspired by my parents, who led our church youth group on camping trips to hike the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and explore the North Carolina mountains when I was a young boy. In my 20s, I … Read more
People head to the Smokies of North Carolina and Tennessee for many reasons. Some want to go on epic Great Smoky Mountains hikes, while others want to witness the mysterious Great Smoky Mountains fireflies (a.k.a. Blue Ghost fireflies). Many Smoky Mountains visitors come on a pilgrimage to see lots of waterfalls, but some just want … Read more
The 10 Best Apps for Hikers and Backpackers, all of which are free on the App Store (with paid subscriptions for guides or offline content).
From basic items like extra clothing, food, and water to survival gear, read on for our 10 hiking essentials packing list.