Max Patch Mountain Parking Area Repaired & Improved

posted in: Outdoors | 0

The Forest Service has announced repairs and improvements to the parking area at Max Patch Mountain after vandals had their way with it earlier this year. It was a shame to see this beautiful place destroyed the way it was, … Continued

Crabtree Falls Trail Open, but Campground to Remain Closed

posted in: WNC Hiking, WNC Waterfalls | 9

Due to the 5% decrease in the Park Service’s budget this year, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Crabtree Falls campground near Spruce Pine & Little Switzerland, NC will remain closed throughout the 2013 season. This is in addition to several other … Continued

Forest Service Trail Strategy Document Completed

posted in: Indoors | 0

The US Forest Service has released the draft final Non-Motorized Trail Strategy document, which is available on their web site for review. The final Trail Strategy collaborative meeting for Pisgah is to be held tomorrow, Thursday Feb. 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the … Continued

Blue Ridge Parkway General Management Plan & Final EIS Announced

posted in: Indoors | 0

The National Park Service released the General Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Blue Ridge Parkway today. This begins a 30 day “no action” period, after which time they’ll officially select an alternative for implementation. While there is … Continued

New Trail Shelter Completed on the AT

posted in: WNC Hiking | 1

Hikers on the Appalachian Trail in the Standing Indian area of the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin, NC have a new trail shelter to enjoy. Located at the head of the Long Branch drainage, the new, sturdy structure replaces the … Continued

Forest Service Closes Shining Rock to Camping

posted in: WNC Hiking, WNC Waterfalls | 2

The National Forests in NC just announced a camping ban, until further notice, in the Shining Rock Wilderness and Graveyard Fields areas, due to bear activity (trying to get food inside campers’ tents). The news release is below: Date(s): Oct … Continued

Dry Falls Reopens Saturday

posted in: WNC Waterfalls | 0

The Forest Service has announced that Dry Falls, along US 64 near Highlands, NC will reopen Saturday, September 22. The area has been closed since April while the trail leading behind the falls was rehabbed Just in time for the … Continued

Chimney Rock State Park Map

posted in: Indoors | 1

After a great hike there in the cooler weather on Sunday, we’ve added a GPS map of Chimney Rock State Park, including the Hickory Nut Falls hike. We only have a few more maps to make before we have them … Continued

Catawba Falls Trailhead Added

posted in: WNC Hiking, WNC Waterfalls | 0

We’ve added the Catawba Falls Trailhead page, which is a part of Pisgah National Forest’s Grandfather Ranger District near Old Fort, NC. Now that the parking area is officially open, this becomes one of the highly recommended waterfalls in the … Continued

Forest Service Reminder: Linville Gorge Camping Permits

posted in: WNC Hiking | 1

The Forest Service reminded Linville Gorge Wilderness visitors about weekend and holiday camping permits this summer. Permitting is in place from May 1 thru October 31 to ensure a good visitor experience in the gorge. The full press release is … Continued