“In the distance, I could see the demarcation line of destruction above 3,000 feet where wind shear took down most of the big trees. This was a gut punch.”
Tag: hiking
Showing 1-21 of 39 results
The astonishing world of forest fungi
“But for all the botanical diversity these mountains are renowned for, there are roughly twice as many known species of local fungi as there are plants.”
4 unique trips for the hiker who’s tried everything
Consider one of these trips led by local guides for your next adventure in WNC (and eastern Tennessee).
What’s new in food: Little D’s opens in North Asheville
Asheville Proper owners open Little D’s in North Asheville. Also, Asheville Food and Beverage United plans an industry pop up; Mills River Farm Market seeks a permanent home; and more.
Vámonos outside! Conserving Carolina intern shakes change into Spanish-speaking community
“I gave it my all to make sure that there would not be another family that turns back a quarter-mile into a trail, all because they could not understand the signage or felt unknowledgeable about what awaits them.”
Please don’t trample Heller’s blazing star (and other rare treasures)
“Help us make a difference with some of our rarest species by joining thousands of visitors in the simple act of staying on trails and heeding any ‘area closed’ signs.”
Business booms for rural adventure outfitters
As urban dwellers flock to rural counties to get their fix of socially distanced outdoor recreation, local adventure shops are seeing a boom. Those located near trails, rivers and campsites have an added advantage: Close to the action means tailored advice and last-minute purchases.
Hikers set speed record on Smokies trails
Nancy Mercure East, a retired veterinarian from Waynesville, and her hiking partner, Air Force veteran Chris Ford of Knoxville, Tenn., set a new record for hiking all of the park’s trails on Oct. 3 with a time of 29 days, 10 hours and 12 minutes. The two shattered the previous mark of 33 days set by Knoxville trail runner Jeff Woody.
Color show: Short fall walks lead to long views
Xpress contributor Mark Barrett shares his pick of lesser-known Western North Carolina hikes with opportunities to take in the region’s autumn splendor.
Letter: Questions about ‘Hidden Hiking’
“Find out who maintains your favorite trail and go help on trail workdays or donate.”
Hidden hiking: Buncombe lands offer nature close to home
Some places in Buncombe County still offer outdoors solitude without a lengthy drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or an obscure corner of Pisgah National Forest. Mark Barrett offers the following guide to nearby destinations where you typically won’t meet someone at every turn.
Great Smokies author recommends two hikes for eclipse viewing
Ben Anderson, author of Smokies Chronicle, recommends two hikes that offer exceptional vantage points within the path of the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21.
Local author chronicles a year of hiking in the Smokies
In 2016, local writer Ben Anderson decided to examine the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a fresh perspective. To mark the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service, he completed 40 day hikes, which he documented in his first book,
Smokies Chronicle: A Year of Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Letter writer: Hiking offers health benefits, too
“Spending time in nature makes people healthier, both physically and mentally. It’s now accepted that trees, streams and trails heal. Doctors are prescribing an outdoor cure for their patients on prescription pads.”
Asheville practitioners offer advice on natural remedies for SAD
Local professionals agree that a well-maintained wellness routine is the first step in preventing the type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder, which commonly occurs during the winter when light is low and days are short.
Solitary refinement
Letter writer: You can enjoy Appalachian Trail a bit at a time
Thank you for your great article about Gary Sizer’s thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, or AT for short [Tales From the Trail, Feb. 18, Xpress]. I’d like to add a few points: Not all 2,000-milers are thru-hikers. If your life doesn’t allow you to spend five to six months hiking the trail, you can become […]
Keeping our forests safe: Forest Keepers program provides eyes and ears for WNC’s National Forests
. Gathered on an unpaved road, beside a never-bridged brook, in a forest that’s never been logged, the group itches to begin — to explore and experience, assist and learn, and join with the world outside. These are the Forest Keepers, and the wild slopes of wooded places are their workspace.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features a local independent film project and one hiker’s attempt to share his Blue Ridge experience with others through postcards.
WNCA’s Forest Keepers host Saturday, Nov. 8, seminar on navigation, winter tree identification
Feeling lost? Lack a sense of direction? The Western North Carolina Alliance Forest Keepers initiative may be able to help. This Saturday, Nov. 8, a group of forest keepers will trek into the Craggy Mountains for a hands-on field workshop on orienteering and navigating in the woods (both on- and off-trail). The outing will run from 9 a.m. […]
Get outside this weekend: August 15-17
Listen, folks, you live here for a reason. I’ll bet most most of you ride a bike, blaze trails, paddle and/or enjoy a float down the river every now and then. Every weekend in the summer, there are a multitude of events and outdoor shenanigans, and it’s your responsibility as an Ashevillean to put down the remote, […]
