Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain

Two of be most amazing peaks are just a short hike just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 420! Black Balsam Knob (6,241 feet) and Tennent Mountain (6,040 feet) are two peaks that afford 360 views into some of the Southern Appalachian's most beautiful terrain. Views span across Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, Mount Pisgah, Cold Mountain and Shining Rock. Both peaks are located just a few minutes hike from the trailhead that doubles as the Art Loeb Trail and North Carolina's Mountain to Sea Trail.



To find this trailhead, go just past mile marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Black Balsam Road and just a little over a half a mile up the semi-paved road is where the Art Loeb Trail and the Mountain to Sea Trail crosses the road. Stay on the Art Loeb Trail / MTST and it crosses both peaks. Black Balsam Knob is a little over a half mile from the trailhead and Tennents Mountain is less than a mile from Black Balsam Knob. These are two peaks that you cannot pass up if you're ever in this area.

Shining Rock

First off, a warning to the beginner hiker, the Shining Rock Wilderness Area is a true wilderness area. There are no blazes - only the occassional Tarma. Either a map, which you should never hike without, and/or a book with a good trail discription is absolutely madatory if you have never hiked this area. Also, don't expect to see the view of Shining Rock in the picture above along the Shining Rock Creek Trail or the Old Butt Knob Trail. This picture of Shining Rock was taken from Tennants Mountain along the Art Loeb Trail. Again, another hike - another blog entry.

Now that a disclaimer has been given and the picture situation has been cleared up I can get on with the hike. On 11/7/09, me and two friends, Jay and Ashleigh, decided to do the 9.5 mile loop to Shining Rock in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. The drive to the trailhead was an easy one, but that's where the easiness of the trip ended. We parked at the Big East Fork Parking Area off of Highway 276. The plan was to take the Old Butt Knob Trail over to Shining Rock and take Shining Rock Creek Trail back to the car. Well, as they say, the first casualty in battle is always the plan.



As we headed along the Shining Rock Creek Trail, the unblazed Old Butt Knob Trail shrouded itself in a mountain laurel patch and we walked right by it. Therefore, we continued along the Shining Rock Creek Trail, leaving and rejoining Shining Rock Creek several times. This was a fairly gradual ascent headed towards Shining Rock. The trail was sometimes lost in the leaves and hard to determine where the trail actually went. Nonetheless we always seemed to find way back on to the trail. As we began our steepest ascent nearing the Art Loeb Trail, the trail was only designated by the strategically placed Cairn. Finally, the Shining Rock Creek Trail came to an end as it dead ended into the Art Loeb Trail.



We followed the Art Loeb Trail directly to the top of Shining Rock. Along the Art Loeb Trail are several designated camping areas, which apparently are popular camp sites as they were all full. From where the Shining Rock Creek Trail dead ends into the Art Loeb Trail is but a couple hundred yards to the summit of Shining Rock (5,940 feet). The views from atop the summit are limited because there is not a 360 view; however, the views are rewarding looking towards Tennants Mountain, Black Balsam and Mount Pisgah. After summiting this peak we used a books description along with input from other hikers and we finally stumbled upon the allusive Old Butt Knob Trail.



The Old Butt Knob Trail was a fairly easy trail to begin with as it crossed Dog Loser Knob and Old Butt Knob. There were a couple of places to pull off for vistas looking across the Shining Rock Wilderness Area; however, after crossing Old Butt Knob it was completely down hill. The combination of a slick dry leaves and a steep decent combined to make this an almost miserable downhill trek. We all encountered our own stumbles and falls, some more than others, but all found it equally miserable. We finally rejoined the Shining Rock Creek Trail, where we should have picked up the Old Butt Knob Trail to begin with, and hiked back out to the Big East Fork Parking Area.

I can't say that this is one of my favorite hikes as it was not blazed, it had a pretty tough ending, and the reward in the end wasn't what I thought that it would be. However, at least I can say that I hiked it now.

Until the next hike!

Coosa Backcountry Trail, Vogel State Park, Georgia

The weekend of October 17 - 18, me and two friends, Jay and Blake, tackled the Coosa Backcountry Trail in Vogel State Park, which is right outside of Blairsville, GA. I thought it interesting to include the exact date of the hike because it snowed and sleeted on us during the thrid weekend in October. Per a State Park Official, it was the earliest that it had snowed in Northern Georgia in 25 years! Thankfully we were prepared for the cold weather.



The trail is a 12.9 mile loop that leaves Vogel State Park and enters the Chattahoochee National Forest and returns back to Vogel. This was a pretty good trek but I'm sure it could be done in a day if you got an early enough start. The trail is well blazed and hardly had any traffic on it. There are several improved camping areas along the trail for an overnight stay. Don't look for vistas though, that is, until the leaves have completely fallen off. There are, however, a couple of pretty good views crossing Duncan Ridge looking towards Blood Mountain. A word of advice about the trail: most information regarding the trail dictates a clockwise route; however, I found it a whole lot easier if the trail was done in a counter-clockwise direction. Another option along the trail is a spur trail that summits the Appalachian Trail's famed Blood Mountain, but that will be another trip.



Finally, if you make this trip, be sure to check out Mountain Crossing at Walasi-Yi (Pronounced Wa-La-See-Yee). This is a full service outfitter that housed in an original Civilian Concervation Corps building that construction began in 1934 and completed in 1937, ironically the same year the Appalachian Trail was completed. Also, the Appalachian Trail actually runs right through the building!

Until the next hike!

Peaks of the Southeast

Earlier this year I set a personal goal to summit the tallest peak in each of these states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. After topping Brasstown Bald in Georgia in October, I have completed my goal. So, check out the descriptions and pictures of each and hopefully it will help you if you ever chose to visit any of these places.



The tallest peak in South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain at 3,560 feet. It sits right on the North Carolina border above Table Rock off of Highway 178. It’s a little difficult to find as the road labeled “Rocky Bottom Road” on the maps has no sign designating it as such. The best way to get there is to go to the Rocky Bottom Community and head east on the only state road heading out of the valley. Eventually this road will turn in to Sassafras Mountain Road. From there, just follow the winding road to the top. However, don’t get your hopes up of seeing amazing views from this peak, especially when leaves are still on the trees, because South Carolina’s tallest peak has been relegated to nothing more than a home to radio and cell phone towers. There’s a parking lot at the base of the peak and then about 100 yards to the top. Also, the Foothills Trail crosses the summit of Sassafras and there are several primitive spots where you can camp.



The tallest peak in North Carolina is the famed Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet. This peak also holds the title of the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. It is located in Mount Mitchell State Park near Black Mountain, NC right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 355. There are options to get to the top of the peak. Option one is to park at the ranger station about 2.5 miles after entering the park and hike the Commissary Trail to Alice Camp Trail that ends to the summit or take the Old Mitchell Trail that also ends at the summit. Both trails are about 2 miles each with about 600 to 800 feet of elevation change. Option two is to drive to the base of the summit and take a 100 yard walk to the summit. Either way, the views are VERY rewarding. On a clear day the 360 degree views from the platform at the peak affords you visibility as far away as Tennessee. However, be prepared because the weather here can change on a moment’s notice and the wind is always an issue. During the summer months, the park runs a snack shack, a gift shop and an informative display. There’s also great camping in Deep Gap (about a 4 mile hike north on the Deep Gap Trail that takes you over four 6,500 ft. plus peaks!) as well as camping right within the park boundaries.



The tallest peak in Tennessee is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. This peak holds the title of the third tallest peak east of the Mississippi; third only to Mount Mitchell and Mount Craig, both in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome is located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park near Newfound Gap on Highway 441, aka the Blue Ridge Parkway. FYI, the road to the summit is closed in the winter months but the peak is still accessible via the Appalachian Trail as it crosses the summit of the peak – the highest point on the 2,175 mile journey of the A.T. However, if you choose not to take the long way to the summit, there is a shorter way: take Clingmans Dome Road to the parking area at the base of the peak and hike up the steep half mile asphalt trail to the observation deck at the summit. Be prepared with additional clothes as the temperature at the top can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding lower elevations. The views here are supposed to be amazing, but I wouldn’t know. The times I have ever been to Clingmans Dome a thick fog has teased me as to what actually lies just beyond the ridge.



The tallest peak in Georgia is Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet. Brasstown Bald is located south of Blairsville, GA off of Highway 19. This is the only peak that charges a fee for admittance. There is a $3 fee to park at the base of the peak and there is another $3 fee to ride to the peak in a van if you decide to not take the half mile trail that rises over 500 feet to reach the summit. The van ride suited me as I had just got off of another 14 mile trail in nearby Vogel State Park. At the summit of Brasstown Bald there is an observation tower that gives you 360 degree unobstructed views. I must say, this is one beautiful place. Inside the tower plaza is a small museum that gives you the history of the area and the property itself. On a clear day the price of admittance is well worth it.

Hope you enjoy these peaks for yourself!

Until the next hike,

~ Ryan

Max Patch Bald, NC

Max Patch Bald (4,629 feet) is the one hike that everyone must do, even if you're not a hiker. Max Patch is located off of exit 7 on I-40 in North Carolina heading into Tennessee. It's about 6 miles, or a 20 minute drive up a winding gravel road to the base of the summit once you get off the interstate and enter the Harmon Den Area of Pisgah National Forest. The summit affords 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and the Black Balsams.



Once you get to the base of the mountain, it's but a short hike to the summit, less than 1/4 mile. However, there is a longer, more gradual assent to the top that wraps around the summit, about 1.5 miles, if that better suits you. The Appalachain Trail crosses the spine of the bald and is blazed by posts with the infamous white blazes that run the length of the bald. Although I have not spent a night there yet, I hear that the star gazing from atop Max Patch is amazing!



Lisa, Mallory (aka, the dog) and I made this hike on 7/11/09 and the temperature remained in the 60's even though we were there in the middle of the afternoon. If you're ever headed to Tennessee from North Carolina via I-40 and have a little time, definitely don't pass up the opportunity to see Max Patch.

Crowders Mountain State Park, NC

Crowders Mountain State Park is just across the South Carolina border in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I'm biased towards this state park because this where I was introduce to hiking. I took my first backpacking trip here when I was in high school and immediately became adicted. Obviously, I've been going to Crowders for years now and I have done all the trails there, but I still enjoy this place each time I go. The state park boundaries includes two great peaks, Crowders Mountain (1,625 feet) and Kings Pinnacle (1,705 feet), that rise up 800 feet above its surroundings just west of downtown Charlotte.



The amazing thing about the views once you're on top of one of these peaks is that you can look east and see downtown Charlotte and look west and see the South Mountains - and even the Blue Ridge Mountains on a clear day! Even though the views are spectacular during the day, the sunsets and the stargazing here are unbelievably amazing! All the trails here are well blazed and the camping is great - tent pads, water sources, picnic tables and firepits.

Lisa, Mallory (aka the dog) and I took an overnight trip to Crowders Mountain State Park on 5/30/09. FYI, this was Lisa's first camping trip she had ever been on. We arrived early enough to get our camp area set up and rest for a while before we would tackle Kings Pinnacle just before dusk to watch the sun set. We took the Pinnacle Trail from the camping area to the summit, about 1.5 miles. This trail is listed as strenous, but it's actually not that bad other than the elevation change and the rugged terrain. Either way, the trek to the top is well worth it.



The next morning we woke up, packed up camp and hiked back to the parking area. Lisa survived her first camping excursion and was ready for the next outting.

Until the next hike,

~ Ryan

Rainbow Falls, Gorges State Park, NC

Gorges State Park lies between Rosman, NC and Sapphire, NC off Highway 64. This area is in the proclaimed "Land of Waterfalls" of Brevard and Transylvania counties. So, if you love waterfalls, definitely check this park out.



On our trip on 5/23/09, Lisa, Mallory (aka, the dog) and I hiked the Rainbow Falls Trail to Rainbow Falls. It's a 3 mile total, there and back hike. Of course the hike to the falls is pretty easy as it goes down hill to the falls. However, the hike back is a climb back out of the gorge. Don't be discouraged though, the falls is something to see. Also, if you don't mind the cold water, bring a bathing suit as there are tons of swimming holes along the way as well as an opportunity to jump from the cliffs below the falls.

Trail Days, Damascus, VA - May, 2009

If you have never been to Damascus, VA (aka Trail City, USA), its well worth the trip. Just over the North Carolina border, north of Boone, Damascus is a quaint little town with a population of under 1,000 and the bulk of the economy is supported by the Appalachian Trail, the Virginia Creeper Trail and the other trails surrounding the area; thus the Trail City, USA designation. Usually the third weekend in May (this year it was the weekend of May 18th) the town hosts the annual event called Trail Days. Although the town is usually a sleepy little town, during Trail Days this calm little town comes alive!

First off, if you ever have the good fortune visit Damascus, stay at a little bed and breakfast called The Lazy Fox. It's billed as the best breakfast on the Appalachian Trail. I must say, to beat Mrs. Jenny's breakfast spread one must search far and wide; that is if you can move after eating her homemade breakfast! Also, you have to visit Mount Rogers Outfitters while you're there. If you're fortunate, you may be able to meet Dave, the allusive owner of the establishment. The stories he has will keep you entertained for hours. An A.T. thru-hiker, he has a deep passion for the A.T. and his little town. Oh, he also has a pretty good outfitter store, too.



If you are ever there during Trail Days, the city is alive with activity. There are vendors selling food, there are companies doing demonstrations of the newest equipment and there is tons of gear for sale and swap. Tent city, which is on the outskirt of town, is the place where the thru-hikers camp for the week long festivities. However, you'll find that tents are set up about everywhere througout the town. At tent city you'll find the gear repair stations from Greggory, Osprey, and others are there to repair packs, bags, and other equipment at no charge! Also, be sure to check out the parade. This is an entertaining feat all in itself. The Tent City Thru Hikers dress in costumes and declare all out water-war on the parade watchers! It becomes a water balloon tossing, water gun shooting riot. Don't worry though, if you don't engage the paraders, you remain a dry casual observer.



Regardless if it is the third weekend in May, if you love hiking, biking or meeting good people, this is one town you need to visit.

Gregory Bald, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Gregory Bald Summit I did was an improvised loop hike near Fontana Dam, NC. I did this hike with a friend of mine, Jamie. This was a three day hike we began on 5/8/09. We began the hike at the Twenty Mile Ranger Station in the GSMNP. The first day we hiked approximately 5 miles along the Twenty Mile Trail connecting with the Long Hungry Ridge Trail and camped at camp site #92 the first night (you do not need a reservation to stay at this camp site). The weather was perfect when we began considering that it rained torentially on the way there. That evening, deer walked within feet of us through our campsite, which was a real treat.



The next morning we continued along the Long Hungry Ridge Trail to the Gregory Bald Trail. It was about a 7 mile trip to our next camp site #13, Sheep Pen Gap, one of the best camp sites in the park (you have to make reservations to stay at this camp site). The Long Hungry Ridge Trail gains elevation steeply once you leave camp site #92. On top of the elevation increase, the rain began to pour on us. Once we summited Gregory Bald (4,949 feet), the rain was blowing in sideways and the views were obstructed by a dense fog. We continued on to camp site #13 and set up camp. After the rain stopped that afternoon, we hiked back up to the bald, but the fog had barely lifted, thus no real views; only teases of what lied beneath us. Again, that night the weather brought us torrential downpours and serious wind gusts. We survived the night and slept peacefully.

The last day on the trail we woke up early to a beautiful crisp spring morning. We hiked back to the top of the bald to watch the sun rise and watch the sun spread its light into Cades Cove below us. This was a magnificent sight to behold. Looking north into Cades Cove and south towards Wolf Ridge. After pictures we headed back to camp and packed up and headed back towards Twenty Mile Creek Ranger Station.



On the way back crossed Parson Bald (4,724 feet). This bald is in the process of being reclaimed by mother nature. The GSMNP only maintains two true high elevation balds in the park - Gregory Bald and Andrews Bald. We continued back to the Twenty Mile Ranger Station via the Wolf Ridge Trail, about 7 miles. The remainder of the hike was down hill all the way back to the parking lot after crossing some of the make shift bridges over gushing creeks from the recent rain.

This is one of the best hikes I've ever done. It's got everything you want in a hike. Awesome views, tumbling creeks and a pretty good challenge. I would like to do this hike again in early June when the Flame Azeleas are in full bloom. Check out the picture from Gregory Bald. Happy Hiking!

Until Next Time.

~ Ryan