In a single instant I perceived movement and felt something strange underfoot and a brush across my right leg. The brain neurons that instruct flight reaction fired and I bounded a couple of quick steps before I understood that there was a rattlesnake in the trail. ...
This loop hike includes unmaintained trails with sections that are difficult to navigate. Leg coverings such as gaiters or long pants are recommended for protection from heavy undergrowth in some sections. The area is remote and not frequently hiked, therefore precautions should be taken to avoid rattlesnakes. Headphones should not be used while hiking in this area, since rattlesnakes are nearly always heard before being seen. [caption id="attachment_2543" align="alignleft" width="640"] View of ridge line that includes the section of Fires Rim Creek trail that I hiked. Tusquitee Bald is...
January 30, 2016 Overview: Trail with as much as 5 inches snow. Hiked to Pinnacle with 360 degree views and camped at site 3 on Pinnacle trail. Hiked beyond Blackrock Mountain. After hiking the Oconaluftee River Trail, I headed to Sylva to hike to Pinnacle overlook. After a stop at Subway to get a sandwich for the trail, I got started about 11 AM. There is self registration at the parking lot. This area has plenty of trail signs. My intent was to hike to the Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond...
January 30, 2016 This 1.5 mile trail runs along the river from the park visitors center to Cherokee, NC. Along the way it passes under the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trout fishing.Mountain Farm MuseumFinished the trail. Now I have to hike back. This really really did complete my hike of every trail in the Smokies!! Got it right the 3rd time. -Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone...
Though unseasonably warm, I suppose most people spent their weekends at Christmas parties rather than on overnight hiking trips. I was the only overnight hiker. I met a day hiker on the 2nd day and a trail runner on the first day. The trail ran over the ridge crossing knobs and peaks so that there were more ups and downs than I expected. Even the "down hill" return hike had steep climbs. I counted a total of 13 ascents on the return to Wallace Creek. The "up hill" direction...
These two trails are similar in that they are short easy walks and very accessible. The Tow String trail is near the North Carolina park entrance at Hwy 441 and the Twin Creeks trail only a few miles from the Tennessee park entrance at Hwy 441. Both trails are a couple of miles long. If attempting to hike the "map" of the Smokies, both trails are easily overlooked. So was the case with me. I ran these last 2 trails to finish up my 900 miler qualification. Well, once...