Warmer weather is finally here, and droves of hikers are hitting the trails in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For some, that means a leisurely stroll along the level paths of the Davidson River in the Pisgah National Forest. For others, it means striving to climb the many steep ridges along the Blue Ridge Parkway. No matter which path you choose, the right foods and...
Learn MoreThe U.S. Forest Service announced the recent completion of work to repair the scenic Max Patch area of the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest. “Working with Forest Service personnel, dozens of volunteers donated close to 300 hours of service to help restore this popular site, and we’re grateful for their help,” said Acting District...
Learn More“Old growth forests are charismatic. People love to see big trees.” Hidden among the expanse of forestland in Western North Carolina are little-known pockets of trees that are several centuries old. Either overlooked by loggers or too difficult to access, the old growth stands act as windows into the past and markers of Appalachian history. Since the end of the Civil War...
Learn MoreThe U.S. Forest Service reports that the Spence Ridge Trail Bridge in the Linville Gorge, NC is closed because of flood-related damage caused by this past weekend’s rains. Located in the north-central part of the gorge, the bridge connects Spence Ridge Trail (233) and Linville Gorge Trail (231). In general, the Forest Service encourages visitors to the Grandfather...
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Southeast of the Cradle of Forestry National Historical Site is a remote area of Pisgah National Forest with trails that will take you along ridge lines with views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass Rock, then follow creeks and streams as they tumble down the mountains to the western end of South Mills River. You will encounter names like Squirrel Gap, Glady...
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Cedar Rock is one of several granite pluton monoliths found in the Davidson River area of Pisgah National Forest. More difficult to get to than its nearby brethren, Looking Glass and John Rock, Cedar Rock has outstanding long distance views from both the east and west sides of its summit. You will have to work to get there, climbing nearly 1,700 feet from the valley...
Learn MoreThe painstaking process of outlining a clear mission for the U.S. Forest Service and how it will manage its expansive public lands in Western North Carolina and the varied — and sometimes competing — interests of the people that use them has begun. Once completed, the new plan will serve as a reference for the coming 15 years on any major decision made about the Pisgah...
Learn MoreThe Cradle of Forestry will be open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., from April 13 – November 10. At various times during the season, living history volunteers will demonstrate wood crafts, fiber arts, blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, broom making and candle making. The Giving Tree Gift Shop at the Cradle offers many of their creations. Events planned in 2013...
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There is a series of waterfalls not far from the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery on Forest Road 475. Collectively known as Cedar Rock Falls, they carry Cedar Rock Creek on its plunge down the mountain to Davidson River. Access to these falls and the wetlands beyond is via the Cat Gap Trail, a jumping off connector trail for many of the...
Learn MoreThe U.S. Forest Service announced the temporary closure of Forest Service Road (FSR) 2074 (Neals Creek) and FSR 63 (Stony Fork) because of damage caused by a storm that brought 12 inches of rain earlier this year. The roads are located in the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, in the counties of Yancey and Buncombe respectively. “Our first...
Learn MoreThe USDA Forest Service plans to conduct a one-day prescribed fire on 33 acres of forest in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest this spring. The prescribed fire will occur on three small parcels of 10, 14, and 9 acres. The prescribed fire is part of a multi-year research study by the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, a research location of the Southern Research Station that...
Learn MoreThe U.S. Forest Service has scheduled all six district public meetings as part of the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests management plan revision. All meetings will be from 6-9 p.m. The following dates and locations have been confirmed: Grandfather Ranger District: March 12 at McDowell Technical Community College, Room 113, in Marion; Pisgah Ranger District: March 18 at...
Learn MoreJoin the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) on Friday, March 15, for a 5-mile loop hike at Pisgah National Forest, the third hike of PAC’s Spring Hiking Series. PAC Land Protection Specialist Pam Torlina will lead the moderate hike on the Cove Creek and Caney Bottom trails [Meanderthals trail report]. The hike will begin on the Cove Creek trail, paralleling the cascading...
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Perhaps you’re looking for a short hike that will really stretch your legs and get your heart pounding. Then you may want to consider the Pressley Cove/Maxwell Cove loop that is not too far from the Pisgah Ranger District headquarters. You’ll climb more than 1,400 feet in just a little over a mile through a beautiful poplar, oak and beech one-age forest....
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One of many trails found off Forest Road 475 in the Pisgah Ranger District near the State Fish Hatchery, Daniel Ridge Loop is a beautiful 6-miler that takes you near the headwaters of Davidson River. As you climb the ridge you’ll have views of the Looking Glass and Cedar Rock plutons on the south side, and drainage off four ridges into Davidson River on the north...
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North Mills River Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest, along with its brother at South Mills River, has a rich and varied trail system. Among them, Fletcher Creek is a typical streamside trail that passes an old beaver pond, thick forest of hardwood and hemlock, several grassy meadows and a number of log bridge crossings over Fletcher Creek, Spencer Branch and...
Learn MoreA public outcry of disgust helped the Forest Service wrangle at least some of the suspected off-road vandals destroying a beloved hiking spot along the Appalachian Trail. Tina Tilley, Appalachian District Ranger with the U.S. Forest Service, said that several individuals were issued citations for resource damage at Max Patch, a scenic mountain bald along the Appalachian...
Learn MoreThe Nantahala and Pisgah national forests have close to 1,600 miles of non-motorized trails. Millions of people visit the two national forests every year, the 2nd most visited national forests in the United States. Since the start of 2012, trail enthusiasts and others with knowledge of non-motorized trails in North Carolina have been involved in providing input on the US...
Learn MoreForest Supervisor Kristin Bail with the National Forests in North Carolina today announced that the agency plans to restore between 8,000 and 10,000 acres of the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests in 2013 using prescribed burning. “Fire has been part of Southern Appalachian forests for thousands of years, and we’ve learned that putting out every fire...
Learn MoreThe U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina is encouraging drivers to stay off all Forest Service roads in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests until the recent storm passes and conditions improve. Heavy rain has produced mudslides in the two national forests. Travel conditions are also dangerous because of the potential for washed out roads and...
Learn MoreThe Art Loeb Trail is a much-loved, 31.1-mile trail running along ridge lines in Pisgah National Forest. It is popular in the spring for its access to acres of wildflowers and in the summer for its high elevations that offer relief from the summer heat. But the trail has been getting lots of attention lately because of a proposed U.S. Forest Service logging project known...
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Quite frequently in winter, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed for snow and ice. Not great fun for those who wish to drive along the beautiful ridges. Ah — but it’s the perfect time for hikers to get out on the trails that parallel the Parkway — like the Mountains to Sea. Between Pigeon Gap and Bennett Gap at miles 412-414 the Mountains to Sea Trail...
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The Black Balsam area of Pisgah National Forest is surrounded by Middle Prong Wilderness on the west, and Shining Rock Wilderness on the east. Some of the best hiking found in Western North Carolina lies in this high country just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the end of Black Balsam Road at milepost 420 on the Parkway, the Ivestor Gap Trail will take you deep into...
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. My regular hiking companions have designated me the lead hiker, so I suppose that makes me the slowest Meanderthal. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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