Looking to jump-start — or simply start — a hiking program? There’s no better time than now, the start of spring. Temperatures are on the rise, there’s more daylight and choose your trails wisely and there can be a whole lot to see. After a brief delay thanks to an unusually cold winter, the spring wildflower display is on.
Category Archives: Hiking
Play nice on the trail this weekend
Sunday, I was running the bike and bridle trail at Umstead when I came upon a sizable obstacle: a phalanx of hikers bearing backpacks spanned the width of the trail, spilling over onto the shoulders. The trail is quiet generous, a converted fire road that should be capable of handling boatloads of trail users without conflict. Provided those trail users are cognizant of other trails. Which brings us to today’s topic:
A winter’s climb up Clingman’s Dome
Up for a little escape? How about a climb to the top of Clingman’s Dome?
From the beginning of December to the end of March, the road to the top of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed. Just like that, one of the most popular attractions in the country’s most popular national park is deserted. Making this the perfect time to visit.
There’s a little of everything at Cedarock Park
Last weekend, I discovered a new park. This weekend, I rediscovered a park that, somehow, had flown off the radar.
Every couple of weeks, usually on a Saturday, Marcy and I pick a direction and drive. Whatever we discover along the way is what we do for the day. Yesterday, our compass pointed west.
Carolina dreamin’ on a winter’s day …
Things I dream of doing if the temperature ever gets above 60 again …
Run in shorts. I having nothing against running tights and I’m not an exhibitionist. But you can’t truly appreciate the freedom running offers unless you’re in shorts and a sweaty t-shirt. (And, to a growing number of runners, no shoes.)