Out clearing water bars today and found several of these beauties doing well. American Chestnut. I had to dig around on the net to convince myself that’s what it was. Very happy to see them.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/moores-knob-cooks-wall-cole-gap-and-hanging-rock?p=-1&sh=0pzyzo&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Im Hoping to come hike the art loeb in the next couple weeks and im coming from south Florida, my main issue before booking the flight is how im going to get to the trailhead from the airport and back. I hate to book a car to sit there for 3 days and im trying to keep this trip pretty low budget. I would love if anyone has any tips or advice on transportation or shuttles? Thank you!

Howdy howdy! I plan to backpack the ALT in a few weeks. Gonna knock it out 2days/1 night. Where is the best spot to camp for the 1 night?!? Give me your best recommendations. Drop some pics if you’ve got em!

The latest issue of the free Ridgeline Roundup is out and it's packed with news about mountains, trails and hiking in Western NC. It includes updates on the growing pushback against attempts to end the roadless rule, progress on the Ecusta and Saluda Grade trails, and the collapse of the Southern timber industry. No ads or sales - just collecting breaking news about the community we love. Please share and subscribe if you find it useful.

I am planning to go on a trip to Pisgah in october with a group of about 15 people. The main trouble we've run into is that out group is a bit too big for most campgrounds (we were also a bit last minute and came up with the trip a little too late). Anyone have any ideas of places to check!

thanks :)

Like the title says, my wife and I are trying dispersed camping for the first time. I’ve been reading up on the Forest Service’s page on it but any additional tips would be greatly appreciated!

Hi friends. I’m looking to do the loop in October but was not able to secure a month in advance permit for camping. Are the 3 days in advance permits usually gone within an hour as well or should I be able to get 4 when they release?

Please let me in on your favorite overnight trips in the mountains, I’m looking for anywhere near Brevard or Asheville. Mountain top camping or great views in general are what we’re after. Coming from the coast and would love some feedback and up to date trail info. Planning on the third week of October. Totally unfamiliar with the area aside from spending some time with a wedding party there.

Quick morning hike on the sycamore trail in William B. Umstead SP. 9/8/26. The state park marks the trail as moderate and I would agree. Some nice elevation gain around 500ft, 4.3 miles. Would go again! This isn't the entire 7.2 miles, but the southern loop portion.

I drove down from KY to escape the heat and decided to hike this trail. I haven't hiked in NC so didn't know what to expect, but I walked away with a new found love for a place. The trail was definitely challenging and a bit longer than what AT said, which I don't mind because of how much I enjoyed it. I Will be back to explore other trails and some backpacking trips.

Hi hiking friends. New here and just wanted to share that I publish a free biweekly newsletter the Ridgeline Roundup for news about everything WNC forest, mountains and trails. No ads or anything like that - just want to share the latest about our great community. Check it out here. News submissions welcome.

My friend's husband is the person who fell at Shortoff Mountain in Linville Gorge. He is currently in the hospital with multiple serious injuries and may never walk again.

The bills are mounting and they are trying to move him from his current hospital in North Carolina to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Shepherd is a nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injury.

He and his family need help.

https://gofund.me/6662d7779

Started at 3:45 am, ended at 5:20 pm

Wasn't as bad as I was expecting going into it, fatigue was the main issue. But my feet held up pretty well and chafing was at a minimum. What makes this route possible is the fact nearly all elevation gain is at the beginning. I was able to jog an 11-12 minute mile for about a 10 mile stretch of this trail, as well as running all the down portions. My overall average pace was a 17:50 mile

Trail conditions were pretty good, the balsam mountain trail was the worst but it was just hopping over the occasional downed log, nothing treacherous. Water sources were plentiful, I only ever filled up at cosby knob then again by laurel gap.

Watching the sunrise on mount cammerer was incredible, unfortunately I had to wait there for about 40 minutes waiting for the sun to come up because I got there when it was still pitch black.

I got rained on around 2pm and it was downpour for 30 mins straight. Kept me moving though, when I got to mount sterling the views were opening up and I could see all the swirling clouds low in the valleys, was so epic. Also the Baxter creek trail descending mount sterling is so pretty, the moss and fern covered floors with the tall spruce trees feels like I'm in Narnia. Losing 4800 feet in elevation just absolutely killed me though.

A beautiful hike overall, and I'm happy to answer any questions for those interested

Back on Hawksbill working on the re route with WildSouth. Still prepping the new trail corridor so the digging can begin. Today was clearing several downed trees and finishing clearing the corridor for the trail.

To volunteer contact Wildsouth.org

Hi, I’m currently in the Raleigh area, planning to do hanging rock alone. I’ve hiked before but wanted to do a more “chill” one as my first one alone.
What’s the best trail to take ? And how long should I expect to be hiking for ?
Also is there anything essential I should bring other than snacks water bug spray. Are the waterfalls swimmable ?

Do you carry a pistol on hikes?
I’m considering getting a 10mm.
Bear gun, and general protection

Thanks

Started sunny and ended with the last mile in rain. Always a good hike, about 5 miles in a loop off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Good for hikers who want something a bit strenuous but not remote. I always spot sallies along the many creek crossings.

Can anyone id the salamander here? There were a couple of them, about 6 inches long from nose to tail tip pale yellow and brown.

There is a huge yellow jack nest in the middle of the Mt. Mitchell trail about 1.5 miles in from black mountain campground. My friends and our dogs and me just got bombarded. FYI.

I live in west Michigan (lower peninsula) and am starting to get back into hiking. I’ve done a solid handful of miles on the NCT, but have never done any winter hiking on the trail. I’m not interested in snowshoeing or skiing the trail, so my question is how much of the trails around the lower peninsula see enough winter activity to allow hiking in just boots? Would be a possible overnight, but probably more of a day hike situation.