A unplugged sunset hike at Sam’s Knob in the Blue Ridge Mountains hits an unexpected twist.
Category: The Great Outdoors
My Gripes With the 2026 Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy Winter Hiking Contest
At the end of last year, I published a blog announcing that I was going to take part in the … More
Nothing Went Right On My Rich Mountain Fire Tower Sunrise Hike
Nothing went right for me on my recent hike to Rich Mountain Fire Tower outside Hot Springs, NC.
You Don’t Need to Optimize a Sunrise
Sometimes a sunrise could just be a sunrise.
I Just Signed Up for the 2026 SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
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.
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.
AshevilleExplorer 