We’re getting to that time of year when the following debates occur on the trail: Is that a copperhead or a corn snake? A northern banded water snake or a cottonmouth? A black snake? Sure, but what kind?
Sunday, leading a hike in Panthertown Valley in far western North Carolina, there was no doubt about what was blocking the trail just 10 feet ahead. The markings may have been a bit murky, but the rattle sure wasn’t.
Panthertown Valley near Cashiers in western North Carolina has been called the Yosemite of the East. Even its most ardent supporters will acknowledge that’s a bit of a stretch. Which isn’t to say it’s not a memorable place to explore.
At just 6,311 acres, this pocket of the Nantahala National Forest is full of great views, numerous waterfalls, and mountain streams noted for their trout. It also has 30 miles of trail to help you see it all. It may not be Yellowstone; rather, it’s a microcosm of what Yellowstone is known for. It’s also one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country.
Today, we focus on the sometimes traumatizing prospect of hiking a trail with creek crossings — creek crossings that don’t have bridges, and sometimes don’t even have a decent rock-hop. Streams that may come above your knee, streams that may have a strong flow.
We’re looking at our first 90-degree weekend of the year and it’s only mid-Spring! If you’re like us, your hiking hormones have only recently become activated. And since there’s no harnessing an unleashed hormone, there’s no sense canceling your hiking plans for the weekend. You just need to alter them a wee bit.
The weather is finally turning springlike, which means that many of you are starting to think about the epic hikes you have planned for summer. Since nothing can torpedo an ambitious hiking trip quicker than legs that aren’t up for the task, it’s time to start getting your gams ready for game day.
