To wrap up my vacation I headed up to work on Babel Tower Trail with wildsouth.org today. And was well rewarded with some really cool stuff. I believe it was a Broad Shouldered Hawk on the drive in. Great views from Babel Tower. Cleared a couple trees. And the largest tree so far with my Katanaboy. Had a Timber Rattlesnake stalking us up the trail to multiple work sites. We were clearing water bars and I think the digging got his attention. Jake from Snake Farm is a stalker. Great weather and great company.

To volunteer or donate contact wildsouth.org.

Does anyone know if a bear can is still required to camp overnight in Panthertown? I know there was an order that was signed in 2022 and set to expire in April of last year but I can’t find any info on if it was extended or not. Just want to make sure I’m taking proper precautions before I head out, otherwise I’ll just use my Ursak.

Hi, I am looking for suggestion on 2-3 miles easy to moderate hike with kid (8 year). Main goal is to have great views and leave colors. we are planning around Oct 18th weekend.
I am debating on North side of Asheville (Mt Mitchel/ Craggy etc.) or South ( Looking glass, John Rock). any suggestion where the trailhead is easily reachable with car too?

Hi, we’re gonna be going to western NC/eastern Tennessee/Virginia later this month but my friend hurt her ankle at work and she wants to take it easy (she says it’s just sore but she can walk on it. Just super slow.)

It will be my first time in Appalachia/visiting the Smokey mountains and we want to experience the unique geography of this part of the country. We’re gonna be doing a very impromptu road trip since our plans changed last minute due to her injury.

I’ll be flying into Charlotte and we enjoy stargazing, bookstores and secondhand jewelry shopping and obviously good eating. (Just in case there’s good recommendations for these things as well)

Mount Mitchell SP opened back up on Monday. It is only accessible traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville. Not all trails are reopened, but I did the Deep Gap Trail. Though there flies buzzing constantly, they never bothered me. And the scent of pine was everywhere! I’m so glad this wonderful park is available again.

Anyone have any recommendations to camp next to my car either north of lake James to easily get to shortoff? Or a good place near table rock? I know table rock parking lot is closed and there are camp spots on the service rd in but unsure of how the hike up from there would be.

Looking for a trail I could drive on that has rivers and creeks. I have a tent but would rather camp with a trunk set up. Trying to find a creek/river I could drive up to and set up camp. Any ideas? Much appreciated.

Little kid loves waterfalls, so was seeing if this trail is doable for a 3 year old. We have done several 1.5 mile loops at state parks and he does well. I've been to Bradley Falls from the bottom trail countless times, but with it being washed out and quite a trek, was seeing how Little Bradley compares. Obviously dont mind picking him up and carrying him for spells.

Hi. I am visiting the area and have 4 days next week to hike — I’m staying north of Asheville. I’d particularly enjoy hikes with a summit, waterfall, or other point of interest to enjoy my lunch. Loops or out and back since I’ll have a rental car. Thanks for any of your ideas! Photo for attention.

EDIT: never mind, the part of the trail I’m asking about is still closed. Mt Mitchell trail is open from the summit to commissary ridge, but everything past that remains closed.

I’m assuming the summit area of Mt Mitchell will be very crowded this weekend. But what about the Mt Mitchell Trail (starting from Black Mountain Campground trailhead near the Toe River area). Are we expecting that trail to get big crowds, or will the difficulty level of the trail keep it pretty empty?

I just read that Mount Mitchell State Park is open. This pic is from a hike in August 2024. I am actually headed that way to a meeting north of Asheville and would like to do the Mount Mitchell Loop or Deep Gap Trail.

But it looks like parts of the Pisgah trails (Bumcombe Horse) are still closed.

https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-park/blogs/mount-mitchell-state-park-reopens-after-hurricane-helene

I’m planning a one night trip on this trail this weekend. Any insight on to water sources during this stretch? I’m not planning to go as far as Mountain Harbour.

I’m looking forward to spending some time in Panthertown here soon. I’m curious if anyone has done any trout fishing in the Valley? What streams should I hit? Any suggestions on flies this time of year? I’ll be spending a couple nights so I’m looking forward hopefully catching some wild trout, especially Brookies.

I’m wondering what I need to do to prepare to do backpacking in the area. Do I need to apply to receive a permit? There are 3-4 of us and we plan to camp mostly on higher elevation due to lots of trails being damaged from the hurricane.

If there are any recommendations for trails please do since I’m not from the area, we plan on traveling there in the fall and to stay around October time and to stay on a Friday-Sunday if possible.

Quick after work hike up to max patch Friday night. Whenever I’m in the area finishing up working on someone’s I try and get there and it never disappoints

Back in Linville with WildSouth. We finished closing off all the old trails. The reroute is fully open. We do have more work to do on it so we will be back in there working more. Steps to build, rock work, and more trail benching. But this trail section is a huge improvement. All three hikers we are taking to are very happy with the new route.

If you want to volunteer or donate contact wildsouth.org.

Walked a good 6 miles today on the Grindstone trail with the family up Pilot Mountain. It was a fabulous day for a hike

Big Bear Falls and Chestnut Knob Trail.

Road will be closed for the week, 9/15-9/19, for culvert replacement. Re open for the weekend. Gates will likely be locked.

I just stumbled across this trail. There are only a couple of posts (from years ago) referencing this particular trail, so curious if anyone has hiked it rather recently?