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AshevilleExplorer

A super original Asheville, NC travel blog. Consider yourselves motivated, inspired, and influenced.

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Tag: hiking

An Unemployed Asheville December Bucket List

As I’ve previously shared, I’m currently experiencing what a more annoying sect of the internet that obviously doesn’t have to … More

Asheville, Deep Thoughts, hiking, life, travel, writing
Shortoff Mountain sunset view over Linville Gorge.

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.

adventure, Black Balsam Knob, hiking, Linville Gorge, nature, outdoors, Shortoff Mountain, sunset, Sunset hike, travel
Full moon hike on Black Balsam Knob in Western North Carolina.

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.

adventure, Art Loeb Trail, backpacking, Black Balsam Knob, Deep Thoughts, Full Moon, hike, hiking, Investor Gap Trail, nature, Shining Rock Wilderness, travel
Sunrise at Mt LeConte viewed from Alum Cave Bluff in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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.

adventure, backpacking, hike, hiking, Mt. LeConte, nature, sunrise, travel
The grand reopening of Zillicoah Beer Company in Asheville 11 months after Hurricane Helene.

Asheville Is Healing

Two big post-Helene reopenings this past weekend in Asheville: Zillicoah Brewing and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Asheville, hiking, Hurricane Helene, north-carolina, travel
A foggy view from the western-most portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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.

adventure, backpacking, Great Smoky National Park, hiking, nature, travel
A sunset at Sam's Knob in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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.

adventure, camping, hiking, nature, Sam's Knob, sunset, Sunset hike, travel
A view over the edge of the New River Gorge in West Virginia.

Living on the Edge: What’s the Purpose of a Guardrail?

While I’m terrified of heights, my fear picks and chooses where and when it wants to manifest itself. I have … More

Deep Thoughts, drives, guardrails, high places, hiking, New River Gorge, Roan Highlands

Has Asheville Jumped the Shark?

Asheville has always been more than a bit of a parody of itself, but part of the reason it doesn’t … More

Asheville, hiking, mountains, north-carolina, travel

Sometimes Instincts Are Correct

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to get less annoyed by people. I’m of the belief that, in general, … More

Black Balsam Knob, Deep Thoughts, hike, hiking, People Are Awful, Social justice warrioring, sunrise

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