Where to Hike: The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Appalachian Trail.
Photo courtesy of Visit NC Smokies.
COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we play and travel . If you’re anything like me, you might have found yourself very thankful over the last few months that hiking is an inherently socially distant pastime.
While I'm sure we will be able to travel again one day, in the meantime perhaps one of the best things we can do to help our economy is to ‘think globally and act locally’. And that includes travelling within our own county, state or country.
I’m pleased to be sharing my latest blog series to help you plan “Where to Hike” in the US. I’ve reached out to local tourism destinations, outfitters, accommodations and more to put these together (as well as used my own experience in some cases), so please consider clicking on the links and checking them out when you plan your next backpacking trip!
As a backpacker, when I think of North Carolina and neighboring Virginia, my mind immediately conjures up images of the Appalachian Trail. How could it not? Nearly a quarter of the 2,200-mile thru-hike winds its way through Virginia alone, and North Carolina boasts the highest summit on the AT.
So with all that said, have I hiked it? No. But I'd like to someday, that's for sure! And with all this time at home, I've had a LOT of time to plan my future adventures. While a thru-hike isn't in the books for the near-future, I can settle for a piecemeal version of hiking the AT (Bill Bryson, anyone?)
So without further ado, I present: the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Photo courtesy Star City SkyCams - Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
It's "America's Favorite Drive", spanning 470-miles through the stunning mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. There's no fee to drive the parkway, and there's no large commercial vehicles allowed on the route either. This means you get to cruise and enjoy the scenery without a big semi blocking the view (or waking you up in the middle of the night with their jake brake as you sleep in your tent).
There's so much to see and do along this corridor, but to keep it simple I'm breaking down two main areas: the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
NORTH CAROLINA
The Great Smoky Mountains
You'll find 46 scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County, North Carolina, including the highest point of elevation along the entire parkway (6,053 feet, if you were wondering!)
Nearby, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers up 800 miles of trails to explore, including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail. While the park is not technically a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's just a stone's throw away and it's free to enter. More than worth the trip, if you ask me.
Where to Hike
Black Balsam Loop Hike
Photo Courtesy of Visit NC Smokies
This 5-mile loop hike will take you through aromatic balsam firs to the grassy balds of Balsam Knob. You'll be treated to panoramic views as you continue on to the summit of Tennent Mountain.
Further along you will wind through dense blackberry and blueberry bushes on your way to Ivestor Gap. The elevation is rolling with the hardest climb at the end. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Keep in mind that if you feel compelled to stop and eat the berries along the way, there's some big, furry creatures that may want to do that too.
There are campsites near the trailhead, but if you're willing to brave potentially strong winds, anywhere on Black Balsam Knob is fair game to pitch your tent.
How to Get There:
Head up Highway 276 to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go South and just past milepost 420, look for the road to Black Balsam on the right. Parking is available on the side of the road.
Midnight Swimming Hole
This short, 3-mile hike is perfect on a hot summer day in the Smokies when you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs.
This trail into Midnight Swimming Hole is shared (and popular) with horseback riders and follows a gradual incline. Winding along the rushing waters of Big Creek, there are several areas you can explore along the way and take a dip in the cool, clear water.
If you're up for a longer hike you can choose to continue past the swimming hole to Mouse Creek Falls.
How to Get There:
From North Carolina take I-40 West to the border of Tennessee and get off at the first exit 451, Waterville Rd. Left at the end of the exit ramp taking you under I-40. Left at the stop sign the take the first left. Continue right on Waterville Rd. River will be on your left. Continue straight at stop sign entering Great Smoky Mountain National Park on Big Creek Rd.
GPS: Big Creek Trail, Cataloochee, NC 37821
Know Before You Go
COVID Considerations
Masks are required when entering businesses in North Carolina. You don't need to wear one on the trail, but it's a good idea to always carry one with you in case you can't stay 6-feet apart on the trail for some reason.
Always check for the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines for the area you plan to visit: https://visitncsmokies.com/blog/covid-19-updates-live-blog/
Fido-Friendly?
Like all national parks, dogs are not permitted in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. However, many of the side trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway allow dogs, so it's worth doing your homework ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
VIRGINIA
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Joseph Mesite - Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Virginia is for lovers...of outdoor pursuits. The AT juts across the state, winding through George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. But it's also got another claim to fame: the East Coast Mountain Biking Capital (it's recognized by the IMBA). With a moniker like that, you know there's some good gradient at play, and that means spectacular views!
Where to Hike
McAfee Knob
McAfee Knob is one of the most iconic viewpoints on the Appalachian Trail, and one of the most photographed (for good reason). It's a 9-mile there-and-back hike that climbs 1,700 feet to the top of Catawba Mountain, where you'll be treated to 270-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Photo: Brent McGuirt Photography - Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
The knob is also a popular place for picnics and photo-ops on the legendary ledge (see what I did there?), so plan to see other people. It's especially crowded on weekends, with very limited parking availability. Consider hiking the trail during the week to avoid larger crowds.
The Virginia Triple Crown
It's worth noting that McAfee Knob is one of 3 Appalachian Trail hikes that make up the Virginia Triple Crown, alongside Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs. Knock them all out over a long-weekend visit or complete the 32-mile mission as one giant loop, camping overnight. Note that camping is prohibited on McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs, so you'll need to plan ahead and camp in one of the designated shelters along the AT.
How To Get There:
From Interstate 81, take Exit 141 to VA 419/311. Go north for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right on Route 311. Travel 5.5 miles north on Route 311 to the top of Catawba Mountain, where there's a gravel parking lot and the spot where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road. From the parking lot, walk back across Route 311 to begin the hike.
The Peaks of Otter/ Sharp Top Mountain
At milepost 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find the Peaks of Otter, a set of sister peaks known as Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill.
Hiking Sharp Top Mountain is one of the best ways to experience the Peaks of Otter and get an incredible view of the surrounding Peaks of Otter area.
Photo: Sam Dean Photography - Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
The 3-mile return trek to the summit of Sharp Top is the most popular hike at the Peaks of Otter. The trail is unblazed but well worn; continue along a rather steep, and consistent, ascent to the top until you see a stone cottage and the summit. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzard’s Roost, a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area.
How To Get There:
The trailhead is near the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center.
Drive to gravel trailhead parking lot. Accessible via US-460 to SR-617 then SR-695. Or take the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 86.
Know Before You Go
COVID Considerations
Virginia’s Blue Ridge moved into Phase Three of the Forward Virginia recovery plan on July 1.
Masks and social distancing are required and many businesses have adjusted their services to adapt to the guidelines encouraged by the Governor of Virginia, the CDC and public officials. Visitors are encouraged to check businesses websites/Facebook pages for specific updates.
More information can also be found at VisitVBR.com and governor.virginia.gov