Appalachian Trail, Carver’s Gap Tennessee

By Rebrev

View from the top of Grassy Ridge

The most legendary trail in North America has to be the Appalachian. While I admire the strength and stamina it takes to cover

all 2000+ miles, it is not likely I will be able to undertake that endeavor. (There’s this thing called work – that keeps me away!)

However, we have made several day hikes and if you can’t do the whole thing, maybe you can enjoy it in pieces as we are.

Last year we went on a 6+ mile jaunt which included Max Patch Mountain, just west of Asheville, NC. That hike is highly recommended.

This year, we did two hikes on the AT, one just across the Tennessee line at Carver’s Gap. We headed north a couple of miles to the side trail up to Grassy Ridge and an elevation of 6,180 ft. The starting elevation was 5,500 ft.

In that relatively short hike, we crossed three balds and had wonderful views. There is a fenced in section along Jane Bald that contains Angora goats, which are kept there in an attempt to control the blackberry bushes threatening to take over the area. You can read more about this situation.

The Roan Mountains are also home to Gray’s Lilly, which can only be found in this region.

Gray's Lily

The rhododendron were in bloom and it was a great day all around.

The hike up to Grassy Ridge was well worth the effort and we had lunch with a view words cannot describe.

Check out more of Bob’s adventures.

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Boone Fork Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC

By Rebrev

Recently Eileen and I spent a few days camping at the Julian Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

While there, we also took a hike on the Boone Fork Trail. This trail actually runs through the campground, but the “official” trailhead is at the picnic area.

The trail is a 5.5 mile loop and is rated moderate to strenuous on the National Park Service literature.
There is considerably more moderate than strenuous. It took about 3 hours and we stopped several times

to enjoy the beauty.

The rhodedendrons were in bloom and there were many waterfalls.

Much of the trail is wooded, but there were also pasture lands and open valleys.

We saw chipmunks, squirrels, deer and a variety of birds in the area.

When we finished the hike we had a picnic lunch by the stream.

We highly recommend this hike if you are in the area.

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Give back to the local parks

By Jessica

Most outdoor enthusiasts get good use of state and national parks on a regular basis. I know I do! And though I always pay my parking fees or camping registrations, sometimes I feel like I’d like to do more to give back to the parks that give me so much happiness. In an effort to do so, I’ve been looking into volunteering services and where I can help out. Here’s some info for others that are interested in giving back as well. Be sure to check with your state’s park services for volunteer opportunities. And if nothing else, give back my leaving no trace and picking up after other (less responsible) park patrons.

For Georgia residents like me, it’s easy to find local volunteer opportunities. Check out the Georgia State Parks website and look for the volunteer calendar.

Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club: Help maintain and improve trails at the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park.

Appalachian Tail Conservancy: If you love the AT, help keep it a beautiful place to hike by lending a hand.

Volunteers-in-Parks: Become a true VIP by volunteering at National Parks.

Find your state park’s volunteer info from About.com.

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