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Blue Ridge Parkway: our favorite hiking trails near Asheville
Winding, twisting, curving and carving through the landscape, the Blue Ridge Parkway travels some of western North Carolina's most scenic terrain. This 469-mile, all-American road meanders through Asheville, offering access to some exceptional high-elevation views from the overlooks peppered along its path.
But if you've only experienced the Parkway for the drive, you're missing out: scattered along the parkway, trailheads lead to some seriously great hiking and running trails. Grab a hike or trail run to rushing waterfalls, through rolling forest, to lofty summits with see-forever views, and through grassy meadows filled with endless wildflowers and wild berries in the summertime months. Thanks to its already-high elevation, most Blue Ridge Parkway hikes don't have to venture far – making many of these hikes beginner-hiker-friendly.
The Parkway follows a lofty ridge for much of its drive. Elevations along the road are often much cooler than nearby Asheville, so pack a jacket, even in summertime, and dress in layers to stay comfortable on your hike. And before you go, check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for road closures, especially in snowy winter months.
Grab your hiking boots (or running shoes), hit the Parkway and get ready for an adventure – and enjoy the spectacular drive to the trailhead, too.
Deep Gap Trail to Mount Craig
Hike the two tallest peaks east of the Mississippi River on the Deep Gap Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park, catching stunning high-altitude views along a ridgeline from Mount Mitchell to Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain.
Craggy Gardens Trail
It's a can't-miss hike just north of Asheville: hike the Craggy Gardens Trail through a beautifully surreal, gnarled forest of rhododendron and blueberries to an idyllic, grassy mountaintop.
Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop
Climb two summits, hike five miles and catch many epic views. This loop hike is one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most scenic, trailing over the grassy bald mountaintops of Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain.
Shining Rock Mountain via the Art Loeb Trail
Hike the Art Loeb Trail from Black Balsam Knob, rolling elevation over grassy, wildflower-covered balds into the Shining Rock Wilderness. The final destination: the summit of Shining Rock, which offers stunning views from enormous, white quartz boulders and rock outcrops.
Linville Gorge: hiking the Plunge Basin Trail
Hike this just-off-Parkway trail to up-close views of the Linville Falls waterfall, trekking to the Plunge Basin Overlook and the floor of Linville Gorge.
Mount Mitchell Summit and Balsam Nature Trail
Hike a two-trail duo to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, and through a gorgeous, shady forest filled with sweet-scented balsam fir.
Graveyard Ridge and Graveyard Fields Loop
Hike a loop at Graveyard Fields, one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most popular hiking destinations, to ridgeline views, two waterfalls and through fields of wildflowers, wild blueberries and blackberries.
Craggy Gardens: Hiking the Craggy Pinnacle Trail
Our favorite Craggy Gardens hike climbs to gorgeous 360-degree views on the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, hiking through a mossy, lush, green forest of gnarly-branched rhododendron.
Art Loeb Trail to Black Balsam Knob
It's one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's best: hike the Art Loeb Trail to the sun-drenched, grassy summit of Black Balsam Knob, climbing through a forest of sweet-scented black balsam fir.
Linville Falls Trail
Hike to exceptional views of some of the best waterfalls near Asheville, trekking to three overlooks with views of upper and lower Linville Falls and some beautiful views into Linville Gorge.
Sam Knob Trail
Hike the Sam Knob Trail to some exceptional summit views, trekking through a wide, open meadow filled with wildflowers, from a trailhead off the Parkway near Black Balsam Knob.
Skinny Dip Falls Trail
Hike to a popular summertime swimming hole south of Asheville, where a multi-tiered waterfall spills into deep, crystal-clear pools in a beautiful, shady cove at Skinny Dip Falls.
Mt Pisgah Trail
It's a moderately difficult climb, but the views are well worth the effort: hike to the Mount Pisgah summit south of Asheville to catch some stunning long-range views.
Fryingpan Mountain Tower Trail
Just south of Mount Pisgah, the Fryingpan Mountain Tower Trail summits a mountain and climbs a historic steel fire tower, catching some stunning 360-degree panoramas.
Devil's Courthouse Trail
It's a short climb from the Blue Ridge Parkway, but so worth the effort. Hike to the towering, jagged Devil's Courthouse summit through a beautiful high-elevation forest to catch some stunning summit views from the top.
Graveyard Fields Trail
Two waterfalls, beautiful views from the trailhead and miles and miles of rolling terrain filled with wild blueberries and blackberries: it's no wonder that the Graveyard Fields Trail is one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most popular hikes.
Written by Eric Champlin for Asheville Trails and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Asheville Trails
August 21, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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Art Loeb Trail – Backpacking/Camping
Art Loeb was a man who "deeply loved these mountains." If you travel to the highest point on the trail bearing his namesake you will see a weathered plaque commemorating these words. On a clear day, from this high point, you will also see picturesque, long-range Appalachian views in all directions. The 30.1 mile trail takes you through the wonders of the Pisgah National Forest before traversing the iconic crest of the Great Balsam Mountains to the crown jewel of the Shining Rock Wilderness. Easy access to both end points, multiple campsites, two shelters, plentiful water and epic views make the Art Loeb a must do on the life list of all Appalachian hikers.
This acclaimed trail connects the Davidson River Campground in Brevard to Camp Daniel Boone in Haywood County, NC. The Pisgah National Forest divides the Art Loeb Trail into four sections. The trail's southern terminus can be found off of highway 276 on the Davidson River Campground Access Road. The first section of trail begins here and takes you to Gloucester Gap. Highlights along this section of trail include an up close view of Cedar Rock and a shelter at Butter Gap.
From Gloucester Gap hikers begin their climb upwards towards the crest of the Pisgah Ledge. If you are a glutton for punishment you will enjoy every steep step up Pilot Mountain. Eventually you will reach the top and a grand reward, paid with awe-inspiring views, lies on the narrow summit ridge of Pilot Mountain. After you descend the backside of Pilot rest your weary legs and quench your thirst at the Deep Gap shelter. The trail continues upwards, crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, and ascends a series of steep switchbacks to finally gain the ridge line, and briefly merge with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Once atop the ridge line, a traverse along a pathway cut through a coniferous forest, which lines the airy edge of the Pisgah Ledge, leads hikers to Black Balsam Knob.
Section 3, the reward for your massive uphill climb, starts here. A majestic chain of Appalachian Balds reveals itself atop the summit of Black Balsam. Your next 5 miles of trail will take you up and over a string of lush peaks with panoramic views in every direction. If you goal is a through hike we recommend a campsite within this section of trail. Chances are you will be rewarded with a heavenly sunrise or sunset, and a close up view of starry skies. Shining Rock stands tall and shimmering at the end of the this string of Balds. Quartzite cliffs on Shining Rock's summit allow some incredibly fun scrambles onto exposed sections with long range views. Shining Rock gap has access to water and rhododendron-canopied camp sites perfect for tents and hammocks. From Shining Rock the trail crosses a section known as "The Narrows" on its way to Deep Gap, another aptly named, Deep Gap in the ridge line. At Deep Gap a spur trail on your right leads to the summit of Cold Mountain, made famous by a book of the same name.
The fourth section of trail (3.8 miles) descends steadily along the flanks of Cold Mountain towards the Camp Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp and the northern terminus of The Art Loeb trail. Trailhead information and parking for a shuttle vehicle are available here as well as a lovely creek to cool off in after a completed thru hike.
Whether you are practicing for a longer trail or rekindling your love for backpacking The Art Loeb Trail is the perfect choice for a 3-4 day trip. Both trailheads are easily accessible and the Blue Ridge Parkway bisects the trail making for easy shuttle and resupply opportunities.
From the trail website: "Starting at the Davidson River near the Davidson River Campground, near Brevard, NC, Section 1 of the trail climbs Shut-In Ridge and travels generally west-southwest."
Written by Steven Reinhold for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold
August 5, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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North Carolina waterfalls: our top 10 favorite hikes near Asheville
The rolling, mountainous terrain of western North Carolina near Asheville is simply gorgeous. Tree-covered mountain summits and grassy balds fill the horizon. And deep cut river valleys and gorges slice through the landscape, spilling and tumbling and diving in scores of majestic waterfalls.
When river meets towering rock, something seemingly magical happens, as water begins to tumble and spill into a pool below. Waterfalls are simply beautiful. They're strikingly photo-worthy. And those tumbling tendrils of water somehow stir remarkable emotion in the soul.
In Asheville's mountainous and river-filled terrain, waterfalls are plentiful: there's no shortage of great waterfall hikes to be found near the city. We've hiked many, exploring the area's towering and thundering falls to the more gentle cascades set in stunningly beautiful forest. With so many amazing falls, it was tough to choose ten, but we've carefully hand-picked our favorites, all under a two hour drive from the metro Asheville area. Pack a picnic and hit the road: it's time to chase some classically gorgeous North Carolina waterfalls.
Hike the Rainbow Falls Trail at Gorges State Park.
Asheville Trails
1.Rainbow Falls Trail
Rainbow Falls is a stunner, tumbling down over a towering, 150-foot cliff in a single, dramatic drop. Hike theRainbow Falls Trail from Gorges State Park near Cashiers, NC to a series of spilling falls on the Horsepasture River and abundant summertime wildflowers.
Hike DuPont State Forest to Triple Falls, Hooker Falls and High Falls.
Triple Falls, Hooker Falls & High Falls
Three incredibly beautiful waterfalls, in less than five miles: it's a falls-filled adventure. Hike a three-trail combo at DuPont State Forest near Brevard tothree of western North Carolina's most beautiful and popular waterfalls.
Hike to the Linville Falls waterfalls at Linville Gorge, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
3.Linville Falls Trail
The Linville River makes a dramatic entrance into Linville Gorge, spilling down through a steep-walled rocky wonderland in a multi-tiered waterfall. Hike theLinville Falls Trail to three overlooks of the falls, or the nearbyPlunge Basin Trail to an up-close view of the waterfall on the gorge floor.
Hike the High Falls Trail at Lake Glenville near Cashiers, NC to a stunning double-drop waterfall.
4.High Falls Trail at Lake Glenville
Drop from the shores of Lake Glenville through a lush, green forest into a steep-walled gorge on theHigh Falls Trail, catching views of High Falls as it tumbles in a double-tiered waterfall.
Hike to the Graveyard Fields waterfalls off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
5.Graveyard Fields Waterfalls Trail
Graveyard Fields, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville, is a land of rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, wild blueberries and blackberries, and stunning waterfalls. Hike a relatively easy 3-miler on theGraveyard Fields Trail to the upper and lower waterfalls, and trek through some incredibly beautiful terrain.
Hike the Skinny Dip Falls Trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway to this multi-tiered waterfall and popular summertime swimming hole.
6.Skinny Dip Falls Trail
Hike toSkinny Dip Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades into deep pools of crystal clear, chilly water. Framed in steep, angled rock and rhododendron, the falls are gorgeous, and it's one of the most popular summertime swimming holes near Asheville.
Hike to Dry Falls, a towering walk-behind waterfall near Highlands.
7.Dry Falls Trail
At barely a quarter mile, roundtrip, it's more of a roadside attraction than our typical definition of a hike. But it's really, incredibly beautiful. TheDry Falls Trail wraps behind the 65′ waterfall, offering a unique behind-the-falls waterfall view.
Hike to Moore Cove Falls, a 50-foot waterfall that spills into a beautiful, forested cove near Brevard, NC.
8.Moore Cove Falls Trail
Between Brevard, NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway,Moore Cove Falls tumbles dramatically in a single sheet from a tall rock outcrop in a beautifully forested cove. It's a great, family-friendly hike nearLooking Glass Falls.
Hike to Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, near Cashiers.
9.Whitewater Falls Trail
At just over a half mile, roundtrip, this hike packs a ton of scenic beauty into a short stretch of trail. Hike to two overlooks on theWhitewater Falls Trail to catch views of upper Whitewater Falls as it tumbles and cascades more than 400 feet, the highest waterfall in North Carolina.
Hike the Catawba Falls Trail near Old Fort, east of Asheville, through a waterfall-filled river valley.
10.Catawba Falls Trail
One of ourfavorite waterfall hikes near Asheville, the Catawba Falls Trail crosses several shallow river fords and treks through a waterfall-filled, shady valley to a century-old hydroelectric dam and several exceptionally beautiful waterfalls.
**Waterfall photography
Love taking waterfall photos, but struggle to get that great, wispy whitewater look? You'll need to increase your camera's exposure time, so your camera doesn't freeze the action and suspend the waterfall's water droplets in mid-air.
Mount your DSLR, mirrorless camera or point-and-shoot camera with exposure controls on a sturdy, lightweight tripod. Hike to a waterfall. Frame the waterfall in your viewfinder, switch to aperture priority mode, and then set a small aperture (f/16, f/22 or smaller) and a low ISO (100). This will help force your camera into a longer exposure, slowing waterfall to a blur, and the tripod will keep the other landscape details crisp.
For the best results, don't shoot mid-day, or on sunny days. Shooting on cloudy days, at dawn or dusk, or adding a polarizing filter or neutral density filter to your lens will reduce the amount of available light, slowing the shutter speed and increasing the wispy-water effect.
**Waterfall hiking: safety
Hike safely: since the rocks surrounding a waterfall are often wet, they're usually slippery too, so don't climb, swim or hike on, around or over a waterfall. Falls can be fatal. And the best time to hike is usually not after a recent rain: a high-volume waterfall can be dangerous (and when raging, usually loses some of its magical, photo-worthy beauty).
Please help preserve North Carolina's exceptional outdoor beauty. Pack out everything you pack in, and leave no trace. And don't drink the water, as cool and refreshing as it may look: rivers and streams may may contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Some water sources may be safely filtered.
July 22, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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10 Toughest Adventures in North Carolina
Home of majestic mountains, immense national forests, and seemingly infinite stretches of pristine coastline, North Carolina is not only laden with stunning natural landscape, it is also full of gritty and grueling outdoors adventures. Take your pick: churning whitewater, storm swollen Atlantic swells, high peaks of the southern Appalachians—if you can dream it, you can do it in North Carolina. These are just a few of the Tar Heel State's most thrilling outdoor adventures.
1. Thru-Hike the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The 1,150-mile Mountains to Sea Trail offers stunning vistas throughout the state.
Joe Giordano
Stretching 1,150-miles from the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge in the Outer Banks, North Carolina's Mountains-to-Sea Trail is nearly half the length of the Appalachian Trail. Winding past rolling blue-tinged peaks, tannin-stained swamps, and mixed hardwood forests all the way to the coast, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is also arguably one of the country's most unique thru-hikes, rambling over both the loftiest peak (Mount Mitchell 6,684 feet), the highest sand dunes on the East Coast, and past the country's tallest lighthouse (Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, 207 feet).
2. Paddle the Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway offers a wide variety of paddling options in North Carolina.
US Army/Pamela Spaugy
Running 3,000-miles along the Atlantic coast, the Intracoastal Waterway was once a major trade artery, offering vessels a sheltered route protected from the perils of the open ocean. Today, the extensive thoroughfare offers excellent recreational paddling, especially along North Carolina's coast. Sometimes offering up vast stretches of open water, in other places reduced to a narrow channel fringed by tracts of maritime forest, the Intracoastal Waterway passes everything from biodiversity-rich wildlife refuges to historic coastal towns like Beaufort, the 17th-century haunt of the pirate Blackbeard.
3. Navigate the Narrows
Whitewater on the Green River will challenge any paddler.
Angela Greenwell
Featuring rapids with names like "Pincushion," "Nutcracker," and "Go Left and Die," the Narrows section of the Green River is no float trip. The Class V run's most notorious stretch is undoubtedly a section known as "The Gorilla." This segment requires paddlers to thread a narrow, 4-foot-wide slot called The Notch before taking on not one but two waterfalls, including the 18-foot Flume and the 10-foot Scream Machine. The churning, whitewater obstacle course is celebrated every November as gutsy paddlers from all over the globe make the annual pilgrimage for the Green River Race, one of the most treacherous and technical kayak races in the country.
4. Cycle 100 Miles in the Piedmont
Savor the stunning landscapes of North Carolina's Piedmont with an extensive ride in one the state's most eclectic regions. Cycle past groves of towering pines, sprawling horse farms, historic tobacco towns, culture-loaded colleges, and some of the country's most legendary fairways. Cover some serious mileage on the nearly 200-mile Piedmont Spur, stretching from the edge of the Blue Ridge to the outskirts of Charlotte. Concoct an iconic century loop linking Southern Pines and Pinehurst, known as the home of golf in America, or cycle a circuit on the 30-miles of bike-able roadway in the 7,000-acre Duke Forest.
5. Climb the Biggest, Baddest Cliff on the East Coast
Whiteside Mountain is one of the East Coast's most difficult climbs.
Thomson20192
Rising 4,930 feet above the massive Nantahala National Forest, Whiteside Mountain is one of North Carolina's most iconic summits—and one of the East Coast's gnarliest climbs. Streaked with shimmering slivers of quartz and feldspar, the stunning slab of rock is also laced with formidable climbs, from the long routes on the southeast face to the less frequented approaches of the northwest face. If the mountain's sheer cliffs are a little too foreboding, hit the two-mile hiking trail leading to the summit and admire the weather-warped tangle of red oak trunks crowning the summit.
6. Mount Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon
The Black Mountain Range is home to one of the toughest races in the U.S.
Kolin Toney
Tackle some of the toughest terrain in in the Tar Heel State with western North Carolina's most arduous duo of adventure races. The Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge both begin together, in the mountain-framed town of Black Mountain. For a stretch, both races follow the same route, but while the marathoners turn around at Black Mountain Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the challengers continue to the 6,684-foot summit of Mount Mitchell, covering a total of 40-miles with a staggering 4,324-foot elevation gain in the first half of the race.
7. Blowing Rock Fall Classic
Cyclists can choose from three races—or do them all—in the Triple Crown of Carolina.
Brampton Cyclist
Featuring a 72-mile loop circling the massive Pisgah National Forest—and 6,000-feet of elevation gain—the Blowing Rock Fall Classic is no Sunday afternoon ride in the park. The late September bike race is a part of the Triple Crown of Carolina cycling, which in addition to the Blowing Rock Fall Classic, includes the 90-mile Blood, Sweat, and Gears loop in late June, beginning just outside Boone, and the Beech Mountain Metric in May, which features 8,000-feet of climbing, culminating at the summit of Beech Mountain.
8. Surf a Stormy Swell
Surfing at North Carolina's Outer Banks.
North Carolina's Outer Banks, a slender string of nearshore barrier islands, offer not only seemingly endless stretches of pristine Atlantic beaches, but they also serve up some of the premier swells on the East Coast. The combination of exposure and location, and merging forces like the chilly Labrador Current and warm Gulf Stream, make the Outer Banks, and especially Hatteras Island, consistently surf-able any time of year (wetsuits sometimes required). Even better, with an off-road (4X4) vehicle and a little wanderlust, it's legal to drive along the Hatteras Island National Seashore until you find your own secret surf spot.
9. Slickrock Singletrack
Fall is a great time for mountain biking in North Carolina.
Ride the rugged, view-laden ridgelines of the sprawling, 10,400-acre DuPont State Forest. Aside from the quad-burning climbs and technical, white-knuckle descents, both the Big Rock and Cedar trails include expansive stretches of granite slickrock dappled with plenty of dips, divots, drop offs, and sweeping Blue Ridge vistas. Craft your ideal singletrack expedition on the forest's 80-plus miles of rideable roads and trails.
10. Bag a Brag-Worthy Day Hike
The Slickrock Creek Trail in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness is one of the toughest day hikes in the state.
Chris M Morris
Take on one of the most challenging hikes in North America, the 13-mile Slickrock Creek Trail in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, spread between North Carolina and Tennessee. Fondly nicknamed "The Ballbuster" by intrepid locals, the trail includes more than a dozen stream crossings and a total of 3,700-feet of elevation gain. Besides earning bragging rights, hardy hikers are rewarding with stunning vistas of untouched wilderness.
Written by Malee Baker Oot for RootsRated in partnership with Visit North Carolina and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Jeff Bartlett
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Hiking to the Top of Looking Glass Rock
Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock is an iconic natural presence that beckons climbers and hikers from all over. For rock climbers, it's one of the premier multi-pitches in the South. For trail runners and hikers, it's one of the top 10 hikes around the city of Asheville (which is saying a lot considering the peaks and forests of Western Carolina are brimming with such a dazzling array of hiking adventures).
And for many, just photographing or driving past this prominent feature and witnessing it from other vantage points in the national forest area is satisfying and inspiring enough.
Everyday there are those who feel the call to summit and stand on the rounded granite face of Looking Glass Rock. And for those who do, they're rewarded with a fantastic, flat sitting picnic area and the company of commanding panoramas.
Beginning the hike to the summit of Looking Glass Rock.
Jake Wheeler
Getting to the trailhead is pretty simple. Located only 5.5 miles outside of Brevard, NC on Forest Service Road 475, it's hard to miss the well-maintained and well-trodden path, not to mention the big, brown park sign showing you the way.
Not for those who are out of shape, this trail gains a total of 1,700 vertical feet in just over three miles on its way to the 4,000' summit of Looking Glass. And a good thing to note when heading there is that this is one of the most popular hikes in Western North Carolina, so you'll want to arrive early because the parking lot can quickly fill up.
Following the yellow blazes, and getting lost in the lushness of the trail.
The trail to the top is a singletrack path etched into the mountainside that switchbacks its way up the mountain for for an out-and-back journey totaling 6.4 miles.
You'll start with a comfortable stroll through thick virgin hardwoods and verdant fern gullies, following a creek up through a hollow, until the trail begins to start switching back and forth, winding its way up the backside of the mountain towards the granite dome summit. At times, this hike can be a little challenging, but the closer you get to the top, the less steep it becomes. And trust me, the views are worth the effort and energy.
Winding up one of the many switchbacks along this hike.
Towards the top, the hike begins to get a little rocky, foreshadowing the rock face summit to come.
Roughly two miles into the trail hikers will pass a relatively flat rock clearing with a large, painted "H." From aerial heights, this "H" signals a landing pad for helicopter crews who come to rescue injured climbers. From the ground let this "H" stand as your reminder to watch your step during the rest of your journey! A spur trail leads from the back of the helicopter landing zone to the Lower Looking Glass Cliffs. Taking this short spur allows views of the main cliff face and a chance at solidarity from the crowds.
Otherwise, continue through a few open balds and scattered granite rock gardens that foreshadow the future sights ahead. You'll pass through wooded areas that have a few scattered campsites amongst them, and then you'll pass through a canopy of trees that create a rather welcoming tunnel for you to walk through as you make your way to the top of Looking Glass Rock.
The summit of Looking Glass is jaw-dropping. Just make sure you don't make it cell phone, lunch, or hiker friend dropping. Be careful.
Enjoying the views from Looking Glass Rock.
The summit of Looking Glass is a somewhat of an anomaly in the Blue Ridge: it's flat-topped, thickly forested, and not particularly tall. In fact, you'll be gazing up at the mountains that engulf you, not down upon them. If you continue past the actual summit, that's where you'll reach the good stuff: the views from Upper Looking Glass Cliffs are simply good for the soul.
We recommended packing a small daypack with water, some granola bars, a camera, lunch for the summit, and a light pullover if it's windy on top. If you're thinking about hiking to the top of Looking Glass Rock, share your adventures with us by tagging #RootsRated. And remember to always Leave No Trace.
Written by Jake Wheeler for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler
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July 9, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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The Top 5 Swimming Holes Near Asheville
The West coast may have hot springs and glacier-fed lakes, but here in the sultry Southeast we have our swimming holes—and we're damn proud of them. Just listen to the Top 40 Country Countdown: people are always jumping into water, fishing in the holler, lying by the creek and drinking cold beers down by the river. A summer spent fully immersed in mountain-fed pools would be a fine summer indeed. Here are five of the coolest and coldest swimming holes within two hours of Asheville.
1. Sliding Rock
Just eight miles outside of Brevard, Sliding Rock is Mother Nature's answer to the slip n' slide. You will shoot sixty feet down a perfectly smooth rock face, fueled by more than 11,000 gallons of cascading water, into a pool that is six feet deep and shockingly cold. This could be the perfect conclusion to a long day of mountain biking in the Pisgah National Forest .
As one might expect, this natural water park is extremely popular during the scorching Appalachian summers. A lifeguard is on duty between Memorial Day and Labor day, between the hours of 10am-6pm. If big crowds and long lines are not your cup of sweet iced tea, then make sure to visit Sliding Rock outside of these hours.
There is a 2$ charge during lifeguard hours; bathrooms and showers available onsite.
2. Skinny Dip Falls
This may come as a disappointment for some and a relief to others, but Skinny Dip Falls is not actually a clothing-optional swimming hole. This rugged and serene pool is located at the headwaters of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River. Waterfalls, jumping-off rocks, a deep plunge pool, and shallow areas for wading make it a very popular swimming spot. If you're determined to go au naturel , there are plenty of secluded spots to be found by exploring upstream.
Located just a half mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail, Skinny Dip Falls is a great place to cool down after hiking in nearby Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam Knob, or the Shining Rock Wilderness.
A blazed spur trailhead is located at Milepost 417 near the Looking Glass Rock Overlook.
3. Compression/Twisted Falls
Some of the best cliff jumping in the Southeast can be found in Cherokee National Forest, not quite two hours outside of Asheville. A series of curving back roads and a steep, mile-long hike will lead you to the base of Compression Falls—also known as Twisted or Twisting Falls—a 40 foot curtain of cascading water on the beautiful Elk River.
Although this area is becoming increasingly popular, its remote setting and steep access trail keeps the massive summer crowds at bay. A wide pool beneath the falls is ideal for swimming and sun bathing, and there are plenty of cliffs and jumping rocks to keep you entertained. Thrill seekers can find quite the adrenaline rush (not to mention photo op) by sliding directly over the falls into the pool. (While lots of people do this, be aware that any time you willingly or unwillingly plunge off of a waterfall, you are risking bodily harm. There have been a few unfortunate incidents of severe injuries resulting from people going over the falls.)
Your best landmark is Elk Mills Store on Route 321 in Elk Mills, TN. Find a map here.
4. Hooker Falls
DuPont State Forest's Hooker Falls
mrnoy9n
DuPont State Forest is a complete, all-in-one summertime destination. Hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy over one hundred miles of multi-use trails, including the sweet, soaring downhill of Ridgeline Trail, the exposed, sun-beaten Slick-Rock Trail, and the many spectacular waterfalls for which the forest is best known. No day of exploration is complete in this natural playground without taking a dip in the pool beneath Hooker Falls—the only waterfall in DuPont that is safe for swimming.
Explore the misty chasm behind the pounding veil of the fall, plunge off the rope swing, or float in the languid downstream waters. Because the pool is part of Cascade Lake, there is no current or downstream waterfalls to watch out for. Hooker Falls are a mere quarter mile from the parking lot, so bring a floaty, a cooler, and stay 'til your waterlogged.
Park in the Hooker Falls Parking Area. Port-a-johns available in the parking lot. The forest closes at 10pm.
5. Midnight Hole
The mountain-chilled, emerald water of Midnight Hole provides a refreshing oasis from the oppressive humidity of a Carolina Summer. This swimming hole, studded with jump rocks and fed by a small waterfall, is one of the many natural treasures you can find hidden away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located on Big Creek on the Carolina/Tennessee State line, after an easy 1.4 mile hike on the Big Creek Trail .
Park at the Big Creek Campground Parking Lot.
Written by Melina Coogan for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Melina Coogan
June 18, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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Keep Your Gear Like New: Cleaning, Repair, and Storage Tips
After a few days in the great outdoors, the last thing you want to do when you finally get home is tackle the task of cleaning your gear—we get it. But, as any outdoor enthusiast knows, gear is pricey stuff—and that's if you buy it once. However, putting in just a little bit of time and effort into keeping your gear cleaned, fixed, and stored properly has big impact on its lifespan and performance.
Fortunately, many wear-and-tear issues can be eliminated with proper maintenance and storage, and most damage can be addressed without replacing the item. By getting into a "Repair > Replace" mindset, you'll save money and be more environmentally friendly. Your used gear is already part of the waste cycle, and by repairing instead of replacing, you're reducing the carbon output of the manufacturing process.
We're stoked to see brands jumping on board with this. From Osprey's All-Mighty Guarantee to Patagonia's Worn Wear initiative, eco-conscious brands actually encourage customers to repair their gear. A great place to start is your local gear shop for a variety of repair kits, including waterproof patches, hammock and tent kits, seam tape, and more. And, if it's a bigger fix you don't feel equipped to handle, many brands have a warranty repair program.
Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert to keep your gear in good working order; it just takes discipline and know-how. Here are some insider tips on how to clean, repair, and store your big-ticket items, which will keep more money in your bank account and raise your dirtbag cred at the same time.
Your tent is your home away from home; treat it with some extra TLC to keep it functioning well.
Paxson Woelber
Cleaning: Before breaking down your tent, pick the whole thing up and shake it out, removing potentially abrasive debris. For a more thorough cleaning at home, set up the tent and wipe down the fly and body with a diluted mixture of hand soap and warm water. Never use detergent or put the tent through the washing machine—it can damage any protective coatings.
Repairs: Silnet is a great product created specifically for treated nylon products like tents. It works like Super Glue and can be used for seam reinforcement or to fix pinhole tears. Small rips in the mesh can be repaired with mesh repair patches, which have an adhesive that allows you to fix the tear without a sewing kit. Clean fabric with rubbing alcohol beforehand, allowing sufficient drying time, to help the patches stay in place.
Storage: The first rule of thumb: Always store your tent flat and clean! Resist the urge to crumple it into the bottom of a stuff sack. Yes, it's so easy to let camping gear get strewn everywhere after a trip, but take the time to lay your tent out and fold it along the seams, where it's least likely to crack, and you'll improve its lifecycle.
Down Jackets and Sleeping Bags
Cleaning: Experts recommend washing down items at least every season, which helps maintain the loft and warmth-to-weight ratio. Find a front-loading machine (the agitators in top-loading machines can damage the fill) and wash on a gentle, cold cycle with a small amount of down-specific wash. It helps to add a few other items in the machine to balance the spinning. Tumble dry on a gentle setting, checking often—if the dryer gets too hot, the face fabric can melt. When the item is nearly dry, add a few tennis balls to the dryer to break up any clumps of fill.
Repairs: A small tear in the face fabric shouldn't be the end of a jacket or sleeping bag. Take a glance around any group of outdoorsy folks, and you'll see gear decorated with patches of duct tape, which is all it takes to fix a small tear.
Storage: Always stash your down items at their highest loft possible, which means don't compress them into tight bags for long-term storage. Leaving down compressed can degrade the loft and creates weakness in material treatment. Upon returning from your trip, remove the sleeping bag or jacket from its stuff sack and shake it out. Your sleeping bag likely came with a large mesh or lightweight bag—perfect for storage. If you don't have the original, you can find one online or at a local gear shop.
Cleaning: Rain gear needs to be washed a few times per season, especially gear with an ePTFE membrane. ePTFE is an expanded plastic membrane with 9 billion pores per square inch. This technology creates a waterproof, breathable layer that prevents water drops from saturating, but allows the vapor to leave. ePTFE—utilized in garments listing Gore-Tex or eVent—is oleophobic, which means oils from your skin can clog the microscopic pores and cause the jacket to lose breathability. No matter what the waterproofing, rain gear has a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) treatment on the face fabric, and residue from campfires and other contaminants can reduce the effectiveness of the coating. Washing garments with mild powder detergent or a tech wash will revive it.
Repairs: Feel like your older raincoat is losing waterproofing? Make sure you're not just sweating it out—the jacket might just need to be washed. Second, check along the seams. If you find a seam failure, a product like Seam Grip can come to the rescue. For small tears on the face fabric, a patch kit from the manufacturer or your local gear shop will do the trick. To revive an older garment, give it a DWR treatment and it'll feel nearly good as new.
Storage: Store your rain gear out of direct sunlight, preferably hanging up and not crumpled. This will help prevent the laminates from cracking. And it should go without saying, but never shove the jacket into the closet when it's still wet, which breeds mildew and other funky, damaging stuff.
Putting some effort into taking care of your hiking boots means they'll really go the distance on the trail.
Cody Ash
Cleaning: While much of the backpacking world is migrating to synthetic trail shoes, leather hiking boots still hold a corner of the market. Keep yours clean and supple by scrubbing dirt off with mild soap and an old toothbrush, and treating with a leather cleaner every few months. Never put boots through the washing machine.
Repairs: If your waterproof boots are wetting out, apply a waterproofing agent, following the package instructions. If the outsole is beginning to separate, it might be a job for your local repair shop, or you can try to DIY by applying an adhesive like Shoe Goo.
Storage: When it's time to put away the boots for the season, clean them thoroughly before storing them, removing all caked-on dirt. If the midsoles are removable, pull them out to allow ventilation.
Cleaning: Have you ever given your backpack a thorough cleaning? Probably not, which means the straps are caked with sweat, the bottom is filthy, and something spilled inside at least once. Hand wash the pack in the tub with mild hand soap, turning it inside out and scrubbing inside every pocket. If you run the pack through a front-loading washing machine, place it in a pillowcase to avoid getting the straps and buckles caught. Always air dry—dryers can wreak havoc on the synthetic material, zippers, and other features.
Repairs: There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a pack, and most don't warrant a full replacement. Torn mesh, broken zippers, failing buckles, and fabric tears are all replaceable or easily fixed. Gear companies will likely send you the exact strap or buckle you need, and many will stitch mesh or fabric back together. Your patched-up pack will have way more personality.
Storage: This one's easy. Just store the pack clean without anything nasty caked to the inside.
Cleaning: If you choose to wax your skis yourself, you probably have a good idea of what you're doing. In short, you'll clean up the edges with a diamond stone, apply a coat of wax with an iron, let it cool, then thoroughly scrape it from tip to tail with a scraper. Brush with a brass brush, then polish with a fiber pad. Not sure how to do it? Watch a video or ask someone at a ski shop before tackling it for the first time.
Repairs: Take care of any dings right away—minor damages to the base can be peeled off with a sharp knife to prevent catching and dragging. The gouge can be patched later.
Storage: Clean and dry your skis, and take care of any minor burrs that could result in rust. Store skis upright, preferably in a rack out of direct sunlight.
Your climbing rope is a critical piece of gear; make sure you take care of it properly.
Cleaning: Self preservation means keeping load-bearing (i.e. life-saving) gear in peak condition. Keep as much dirt off the rope as possible by flaking it on a rope bag or tarp when climbing outside, and never step on it. When your rope gets dirty, wash it with warm water and a designated rope wash and rope brush, feeling for soft spots, which can mean that section is core shot. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Hang the rope in large loops over a railing to avoid annoying pigtails as it dries.
Repairs: The best way to repair a rope you're unsure about is to not repair a rope you're unsure about. Don't risk it. Turn it into outdoorsy home decor by making a lovely rug.
Storage: After thoroughly cleaning and drying your rope, flake it loosely into a rope bag or tie it into a butterfly coil. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. When you take it out for the first use of the season, check the entire length up and down for soft spots.
Written by RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by John Strother
June 6, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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POTM! Hoka One One Clifton 6
Our product of the month spotlight goes to the new Hoka One One Clifton 6.
The shoe that changed runners' perceptions of what HOKA ONE ONE® could be, the Clifton 6 joins the award-winning Clifton family. Building upon the Clifton's best qualities, the "6" continues to deliver that perfect combination of soft and light. The Clifton 6 has a smoother ride with a more comfortable fit and includes an embroidered design that improves lockdown without extra weight. Find your sweet spot in the Clifton 6.
Available in mid June in for men and women!
May 30, 2019 /0 Comments/by KJ Johns
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May 23, 2019 /0 Comments/by RootsRated
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