Discover how an Instagram scroll led me to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Winter Hiking Challenge 2026—and why I’m committing to 60 miles of winter hiking in the North Carolina mountains and Southern Appalachian trails.
Category: The Great Outdoors
A Shortoff Mountain Sunset Hike Was Almost as Chaotic as Black Balsam Knob
A local compares Black Balsam and Shortoff Mountain sunsets—two iconic WNC hikes with unexpectedly chaotic vibes, weddings, parties, and unforgettable views.
Lessons From My First Full-Moon Hike in Western North Carolina
I finally checked “full moon hike” off my Western North Carolina bucket list with a nighttime trek up Black Balsam. Here’s what I learned about timing, trails, and how to make a full moon hike actually magical.
A Sunrise at Mt LeConte
After getting laid off at a Virginia rest stop, I hiked to watch the sunrise at Mt. LeConte. Reflections on layoffs, friendship, and the kind of clarity only the Smokies can give you.
I Woke Up Early to Catch a Smoky Mountain Sunrise, and All I Got Was This Gloomy Photo
I woke up to see a gorgeous Smoky Mountains sunrise, but nature had other plans.
My Side of the Mountain
Despite hating the way many Ashevillians gatekeep local haunts, I’ve decided to keep my favorite WNC waterfall a secret.
A Solo Sunset at Sam’s Knob
Sam’s Knob might be the best place in Western North Carolina (and Asheville-adjacent) to get a mountain sunset all to yourself.
The Best Sunrise Hikes in Asheville (and Western North Carolina)
I recently updated my list of favorite sunsets in Western North Carolina, so I thought it was only fair to … More
An Updated List of the Best Sunsets in Asheville (and Western North Carolina)
This blog includes all the best places to watch sunsets in Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Nature is Terrifying
If I had to pick what my biggest takeaway from Helene was, it’s not anything about climate change ignorance, the … More
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