Outdoors

Though I didn’t see a Forest Service announcement to this fact, I have confirmed with a personal visit that Yellow Gap Road appears to be open again. This closure was in the Pisgah National Forest near the Pink Beds area. … Continued

According to an article in the Asheville Citizen-Times (which I won’t link to anymore since they delete their articles from their web site after a few days), the Blue Ridge Parkway between the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area will be reopening … Continued

The Forest Service has installed gates on FR 1206 and the road is completely closed to all uses, including hiking and mountain biking. Originally, only FR 476 leading to the South Mills River trail was closed, but due to individuals … Continued

The State of North Carolina agreed to purchase Grandfather Mountain Monday, securing the conservation status of one of the State’s most recognized and cherished landmarks. This marks the second acquisition of a high-profile, privately-owned landmark in recent years (the last … Continued

A retaining wall failed below the Parkway just south of the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. The repair is expected to take a year, and the Parkway will be closed from the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area all the way to Mount … Continued

The fall color this season hasn’t been as bad as some predicted, but at the same time, hasn’t been that great either. Muted to bright yellows are quite common, as are leaves that are turning brown and falling directly off … Continued

The fall color season has really cranked up in the last week or so. Some high elevation areas peaked last weekend, and mid elevation sites should be peaking this weekend into next at lower elevation sites. As usual, fall color … Continued

As reported in this Asheville Citizen Times article, more greenways are envisioned for Western North Carolina – including connections to Hendersonville, Brevard, Dupont State Forest, and Tennessee from Asheville. But don’t hold your breath. Only 6 of 29 miles of … Continued

North Carolina has agreed to pay $24 million for the coveted piece of land. More importantly, the park owners were willing to accept it – after asking $55 million to begin when the park was put up for sale. You … Continued

The iconic tower atop 6,684′ Mount Mitchell has been torn down. It will be replaced with a 10-foot high circular platform, and the formerly stairstepped summit path will be paved, thus making it completely accessible. Get more information in this … Continued