A unplugged sunset hike at Sam’s Knob in the Blue Ridge Mountains hits an unexpected twist.
Tag: hiking
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.
A 2026 Western North Carolina (WNC) Bucket List
An Asheville local’s 2026 Western North Carolina bucket list, featuring must-do hikes, weekend trips, food tours, and Blue Ridge experiences.
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
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.
Asheville Is Healing
Two big post-Helene reopenings this past weekend in Asheville: Zillicoah Brewing and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
AshevilleExplorer 