Blog
Wilson Creek, Section C
This is drop-dead gorgeous terrain with killer whitewater. Killer? Poor choice of words, but there are sections of Wilson Creek that are for experts only. Those would include sections A...
Deep River, Section 5
The Deep’s name is deceptive: it refers not to the depth of the river but rather, it’s believed, to the steep banks found along much of the river. Thus, the...
Eno River, Section 2
For a Piedmont river, the Eno is surprisingly montane, especially it’s upper reaches above West Point on the Eno city park in Durham. This stretch, which runs just east of...
Flat River, Section 3
Because of its small watershed, the Flat can usually be run only in the immediate aftermath of a good rain. But when it is runnable, long-timers say this is a...
Haw River, Section 8
The most popular whitewater run in the Triangle and the go-to place for intro classes. The stretch is popular for several reasons. For one, when water levels in the region...
Haw River, Section 10
Look downstream as you pass over the US 64 bridge, even in the driest of times, and you’ll have no trouble seeing why this is the place the Triangle’s experienced...
Croatan NF Neusiok Trail
The Neusiok Trail, much of which runs through a swamp, has a limited hiking window; if you don’t hit this classic between late October and mid-March, you’ll be sorry (and...
North Carolina Bartram Trail
The North Carolina Bartram Trail was established by the N.C. Bartram Trail Society to honor naturalist William Bartram, who spent four years (1773-1777) exploring the Southeast documenting the flora and...
Shuckstack/Lost Cove/Lakeshore Loop
A favorite Smokies adventure is this loop that starts near Fontana Dam and follows the Appalachian Trail up for 3.7 miles. It’s a steady climb, never grueling and the pay...
Schoolhouse Ridge Loop
January can be a dicey time of year for exploring in the mountains. The higher you get, the greater the chance for snow and ice — more a problem for...
Shining Rock Wilderness via Ivestor Gap
A popular hike for so many reasons. One, with the trailhead at about 5,900 feet, you’re looking at minimal elevation gain. The views are are everywhere as the trail spends...
Sam Knob Loop
This loop off the Blue Ridge Parkway on the edge of the Shining Rock Wilderness is ideal because it is on the edge of the Shining Rock Wilderness, the big,...
Price Lake
This hike is a high-country favorite. For one, it’s easy and accessible for most folks, even the non-hikers in the crowd (read: something active to do with your more sedentary...
Tanawha Trail/MST
The 88-mile stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Grandfather Mountain area north to Stone Mountain has several memorable stretches. A favorite is this nearly...
Linville Gorge Area, Mountains-to-Sea Trail to Table Rock Mountain
Out-of-town visitors are always looking to do “name” adventures — a place the folks back home probably have heard of and would likely be impressed by. Linville Gorge is one...
Slickrock Creek Loop
Like a good stream crossing to cool off in on a summer’s day? Then you’ll love this loop: in the first 8 miles or so there are 16 crossings of...
Harper Creek/North Harper Creek Loop
This is a classic warm-weather water hike, the first mile of which is quite popular. That’s where the trail encounters Harper Creek Falls, which plunges 65 feet into one of...
Fires Creek Area
“Backpacking North Carolina” refers to the 21,000-acre Fires Creek area as “a backpacker’s playground.” For similar reasons, it’s also a hiker’s playground. A 25-mile trail traces the horseshoe-shaped rim of...