WNC Outdoor Life

Frosty Foot Trail Race - 8k 30k & 50k

2012-01-04T11:35:00.004-05:00

It looks like we missed the registration this year for the Tsali Frosty Foot trail race, at least for the 8k and 30k races. However, if you're the adventurous type, there is are still two spots for the 50k (31 miles!). If you don't run this year, put it on your to-do list for next year like I am going to do.

The race is this Saturday, January 7th at the Tsali recreation area in Swain County, NC. This area is world renowned for its single-track mountain biking trails and is also great for hiking and running. We have discovered how much fun running these trails is this summer and fall. You can adjust your mileage using the shortcuts to make your hikes or runs as long or short as you want. And because the bike trail schedule alternates, you can find a trail to yourself if you're on foot.

Register and get more information at the official Frosty Foot website.

More general information on the Tsali recreation area can be found this website or information on mountain biking at Mountain Bike WNC.

Cheoah River Release Dates 2012

2012-01-04T11:23:00.003-05:00

The release dates have been set for the Cheoah River in Graham County. This river has been described as one of the best in the Southeast, comparing with the big waters of the Western states. The crowds of kayakers and rafters have grown over the past few years since commercial rafting started up on this river...come get in on the fun!

February 25 & 26 (Saturday & Sunday)
March 17, 18 & 19 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)
April 14, 15 & 16 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)
April 28 & 29 (Saturday & Sunday)
May 5 & 6 (Saturday & Sunday)
May 19 & 20 (Saturday & Sunday)
May 26 & 27 (Saturday & Sunday)
July 7 & 8 (Saturday & Sunday)
September 1 (Saturday)
November 3 (Saturday)

And...we're back!

2012-01-04T10:51:00.002-05:00

Wow, time gets away from us all. I realized that it has been more than a year since we posted to this blog. Amber is in graduate school now and between that and moving to a new house, we have just let this site fall to the wayside. However, it was great to log in and see that people have been discovering the site and have actually been commenting. I am very sorry to everyone who asked for advice that I haven't replied to in the past year.

I'm making it my new year's resolution to keep up with this site a lot more. We have recently discovered our love for running and ran our first half marathon this past November and I'm sure we will have a lot more to say about that in the coming months.

So, sorry again and thanks for stopping by! Come back often for more great North Carolina adventures.

Ben

An Appalachian Evening Tickets on Sale

2010-03-25T12:36:00.004-04:00

Season tickets are now on sale for An Appalachian Evening, a summer concert series held on Saturday nights at Stecoah Valley Center (SVC). This year's performers include Balsam Range, Paul's Creek Band, Lonesome River Band, The Kari Sickenberger Band, Dismembered Tennesseans, and Dehlia Low.

You can ORDER TICKETS ONLINE to guarantee a seat. Some shows will definitely sell out, especially Balsam Range. Balsam Range has quite a fan base in the area due to years of exceptional performances at SVC.

I had the pleasure of hearing Balsam Range, Doc Watson, and others perform at SVC last summer and am greatly looking forward to this summer's talent! Hope to see you there!

Easter Festivities @ Stecoah Valley Center

2010-03-25T12:30:00.006-04:00

Next Saturday, Stecoah Valley Center will be hosting Easter fun!

From http://www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/events.html

Saturday, March 27
Easter Egg Hunt & Duck Race. Wear your best decorated Easter hat and join us at 1 pm for an Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds. Refreshments and lots of prizes. Get your photo made with the Easter Bunny. Sign up for our duckie race – a fundraiser for the Center. The race will be held at 2 pm and it's lots of fun to watch all those "ducklings" floating down the creek. Also, this is the first year for our Deviled Egg Cook-Off. Come armed with your best eggs; judging at 2:30 pm.

Saturday, March 27
Natural Dye Workshop. 3 pm. Dye your Easter eggs naturally this year! An informative and experimental workshop for parents and children alike. Participants will learn the basics of dyeing with plant materials and using mordants to set colors. Participants will take hope Easter eggs dyed with local plants such as walnut, oak moss, and marigold. In addition to dyeing eggs, dying demonstrations will show how the pigments of plant materials affect different textiles including cotton and leather. Instructor Karen Taylor, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area featured Horticulturist from Robbinsville, has a deep knowledge of the flora of Western North Carolina comes from a lifetime of experience and learning. The workshop cost is $5 for adults and children are free.

Cheoah River 2010 Release Dates

2010-03-07T19:01:00.004-05:00

The release dates have been set for the Cheoah River in Graham County. This river has been described as one of the best in the Southeast, comparing with the big waters of the Western states. Judging from the crowd that was around for the freezing February 20th & 21st dates, the river will be even busier this year!!

Other 2010 release dates:

March 20, 21 & 22 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)

April 10, 11 & 12 (Saturday, Sunday, & Monday)

April 24 & 25 (Saturday & Sunday)

May 8 & 9 (Saturday & Sunday)

May 22 & 23 (Saturday & Sunday)

June 26 & 27 (Saturday & Sunday)

September 18 (Saturday)

October 2 (Saturday)

November 6 (Saturday)

WNC Snowstorm Update

2010-01-30T20:49:00.004-05:00

A little update on the snowstorm that has slammed the WNC area. We ended up with close to 8 inches of snow here in Graham County. Luckily, the power stayed on through the night and all day here. Other areas north and east of here saw up to a foot of snow and roads were closed pretty much across the whole area. If you want to check on power outages around WNC, check out Duke Energy's outage information on their website here.

I know that at least two counties (Graham and Jackson) enacted curfews to keep people off the roads after about 9:00 pm. Roads are still an issue as temperatures are heading toward the low 20s.

However, it wasn't all doom and gloom and being stuck inside. We got in touch with our inner children and went sledding and built a snowman (and snow dog)! Pictures are below. Everyone stay warm and have fun with the few remaining snow days!

Beautiful snow on every branch.

Abby actually stayed on the sled for one ride down the hill!

Great view of the neighbors horses and barn.

SNOW!

2010-01-29T17:27:00.004-05:00

Well, Am and I were in sunny Florida for the pre-Christmas "Storm of the Decade." However, we're definitely present and accounted for today. Currently, it has been snowing for about four hours and we have over 5 inches of snow! Unfortunately it's the wet, heavy snow that sticks to everything (like power lines!).

Luckily the power is still holding strong, but not sure for how long. All the news organizations are calling for up to a foot of the white stuff over the next two days. I'll update later on with pictures and final measurements.

Swan Cabin

2010-01-29T15:32:00.006-05:00

While on a day hike with my brother over the Thanksgiving holiday, we stopped by the Swan Cabin in Graham County, NC, pictured below.

Swan Cabin is a historic cabin built in 1931 as a family home deep in the Santeetlah area of Graham county. It is now owned by the US Government and can be rented for $25/night. It is in a very remote area and with the only access coming from a dirt road about 15 miles from the nearest town of Robbinsville. There is no electricity or running water, but there is a very effective wood stove and a stream nearby.

For more information on the history of the cabin visit its website here.

If you would like to reserve the cabin, book early as it is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Visit the Recreation.gov site for Swan Cabin here.

Joanna Bald Fire Tower Hike

2010-01-25T18:26:00.004-05:00

After reading some excerpts from Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers, Am and I decided to take the dogs for a walk up to Joanna Bald fire tower here in Graham County. It is on one of the highest peaks, surrounded by communications towers visible from many areas around Robbinsville.

To reach Joanna Bald, you follow Snowbird Road towards Junaluska's Grave out of Robbinsville. Take this road past the Stanley Furniture plant and turn left onto Long Creek road. Stay on this road until it turns to gravel and you reach Tatham Gap. This gap is marked with a sign noting that it was a part of the original Trail of Tears that moved the Cherokee from their homes in the Smokies to Oklahoma. Turn left at Tatham Gap and follow the road to the dead end at a gate.

It's an easy half-mile walk to the fire tower and all the other communications towers. The fire tower is locked to the public for most of the year and our trip was no exception. However, my dog and I braved the almost vertical steps to get a great view of Cheoah Bald and many of the other beautiful peaks in the area.

Carolina Mountain Club highlights many of the other fire towers in the area here. There is also a blog dedicated specifically to NC Lookout towers. They are the sponsors of a just-for-fun contest to see who can climb all of the lookout towers listed in the NC Lookout Tower book. We met a couple from Moresville, NC who were about halfway through the list. Any reason to get people out in WNC is alright with me!

View towards the North with the approach road in the foreground and the Slickrock Creek wilderness area in the background.

Abby braved the steps too! She's not as brave going down them though...

Posing with a great little waterfall on the side of the road on the way up.

Speckled Trout in November

2010-01-25T14:31:00.007-05:00

I know it's been a while since I posted anything, I guess I've been too busy getting out and enjoying the outdoors.

Anyway, back on a beautiful unseasonably warm Saturday in November my friend Billy and I decided to fish a new creek. He owns a copy of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Guide and we just picked a close stream. That stream was the Middle Prong of the Western Fork of the Pigeon River.

To reach the stream, take Highway 276 south out of Waynesville, NC until it intersects NC 215 S/Lake Logan Road. You will cross a bridge at Lake Logan and soon come on Forest Service Road 97 to the right. There is a parking lot here, but during hunting season the gate is open for backcountry access for 4-wheel drive trucks.

If you are lucky enough to be there when the gate is open, you can drive about 3 miles to the third switch-back in the road. Park here and walk about a mile on an old logging road down to the river. If you can't drive, hike the graveled road to this point.

This river is designated native trout waters, meaning only artificial lures with a single hook. We were fly-fishing using a dry fly floater (usually a Royal Wulff) and a nymph dropper (Hare's Ear or Prince Nymph). Once I got my flies sorted out, I caught 9 fish for the day while Billy ended with somewhere near 20. That's a lot of trout for November!

Specks and other trout species do not hibernate, so they need to feed year round. Nymph patterns can be very effective as the weather cools. However, in the cold winter months, the fish do slow down a lot so expect to have to cast over and over to get the presentation just right.

Some more info on the Middle Prong can be found here, from the folks at Fly Fishing Community or here, with a little more emphasis on hiking from HikeWNC.

A few pictures are below:

Nice deep pools and clear water.

Fishing the falls where the creek and trail meet.

Nantahala One Fly Competition

2009-09-26T19:22:00.003-04:00

On the weekend of Oct. 17-18, the Nantahala Outdoor Center will host a unique Fly Fishing competition - the Nantahala One Fly. For those unfamiliar with fly fishing, this is a competition in which you get one fly to catch the most fish...break it off and you're out! For those familiar with fly fishing, you understand the challenge involved because of how easy it is to get caught up in a tree or pull off the fly in a fish's mouth.

The weekend will start on Saturday with a skills competition, including an accuracy and roll casting contest. The top ten anglers will advance to the actual fishing contest on Sunday. There is also a gear swap going on all weekend.

More information can be found on the NOC website: Nantahala One Fly Competition

See you there!

Canning and Freezing Your Own (Homegrown) Food

2009-09-16T20:18:00.002-04:00

I recently wrote about how successful our garden was this past summer. We had an abundance of food…so what did we do with it all? We canned it, of course! I always thought that canning was something they did in the old days…we have grocery stores for that sort of thing, right?

Well, it turns out that canning is easy, practical and helps to save a ton of money. After borrowing a canner last year, we made the investment for our own for this gardening season. We also bought the Ball Blue Book of Preserving, which is THE authority for all things food preservation. After that, we got jars from parents, grandparents and wherever we could find them.

So far this year I have made raspberry jelly from berries on our property, blackberry jelly from farmer’s market berries and peach jam from Graham County peaches. I have also canned green beans and homemade marinara sauce. I have spent a grand total of about five afternoons on these projects, which is fine because it means I will have jelly, jam and veggies all winter…all locally grown and preservative free! Check out the pictures below.

Raspberry & peach jellies, marinara sauce and green beans!

Looks good enough to eat, huh?!

Another way to preserve your garden goodness is to freeze it. This is actually easier than canning because you hardly have to do anything! To freeze corn on the cob, simply boil it for about 10 minutes, drain and wrap in saran wrap before putting it in a freezer bag. I also have made creamed corn for freezing by cutting the kernels off and then scraping the cob to remove the juice (making it creamy)…super easy, cheap and way healthier than the stuff in cans.

With just a little effort, you can enjoy fresh-tasting veggies all winter long. You don’t have to grow your own food to preserve it. This fall, check out a local farmer’s market and stock up. Food preservation doesn’t make you old or old fashioned - it’s all about buying local, knowing what’s in your food and learning a new skill. Have fun and let us know how it goes!

WNC Gardening

2009-09-16T17:44:00.002-04:00

We’re wrapping up another successful gardening year here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Am and I expanded our garden for this year with more room for our favorites and enough space to try out some new things. In four different plots we had green beans, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, three types of corn, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins and cantaloupe!!

We planted two different kinds of green beans this year to have enough for canning and freezing. One is a store-bought pole bean and one is what would be known as an heirloom variety known as “greasy beans.” This is an old line of bean local to the mountains, named for its shiny exterior. I got these beans from my Grandfather, who has been gardening and saving seeds for 40+ years. Greasy beans are excellent for cooking and canning and have large, meaty beans; none of this all-pod nonsense that you get with grocery store beans! An excellent article on greasy beans can be read here. We are saving our own seeds this year and next year it is back to all greasy beans, no more skinny pods with tiny beans for us!

Keeping a small garden is not the hard task that many people think it might be. If you can find a small (15 X 20 ft) plot that gets some direct sunlight, you can have a successful vegetable garden. This year I went completely organic…mainly because I was too lazy to do anything but pull weeds! I did not spray for bugs or dust for fungus, though I did add a little fertilizer when I planted everything. I know that using the pesticides or fungicides would help my plants to stay pretty, but I don’t really mind a few holes in the leaves and if it doesn’t help the taste, why do it?! All in all, it was another great gardening year here in the mountains. Look for a post about canning and freezing and some pictures of our harvest later on!

Here is just a few of our goodies:

Half-bushels of corn and green tomatoes.

Go State! Grow organic!

More corn and green tomatoes.

Huckleberry Pictures

2009-09-09T17:30:00.004-04:00

Here are a few pictures from our huckleberry picking adventures, just in case you don't know what they look like!

A delicious handful of big fat huckleberries!

Still quite a few unripe berries.

The bushes were just loaded down!

Hooper Bald Huckleberries

2009-09-06T09:09:00.005-04:00

After a crazy busy summer, we’re back to catch up on the best WNC outdoors has to offer.

To kick off the fall, Am and I took a ride up the Cherohala Skyway to Hooper Bald in the far western part of Graham County to pick some huckleberries. For those not in the know, huckleberries are basically wild blueberries. They grow wild in much of the Appalachians, usually in elevations above 3,000 feet. The main difference in domestic blueberries and huckleberries is the size and sweetness. Huckleberries are much smaller and have a much sweeter taste to them.

We didn’t have to travel far off the main Cherohala Skyway to find plenty of bushes loaded with berries. If you park at the main Hooper Bald trailhead (map here) and follow the gravel path about a quarter mile to the bald, you’ll soon be surrounded by huckleberry bushes ripe for the picking…but you better hurry, the best berries will be gone by the middle of September!

Am and I picked for about two hours and brought home about 10 cups (almost a gallon) of berries. We froze most of them, but the rest we baked into one of the most delicious huckleberry desserts – a huckleberry pineapple crunch. For your enjoyment, the recipe is below.

Huckleberry Crunch

Ingredients:
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple
4 c. huckleberries (or blueberries)
1 c. sugar
1 box yellow cake mix
¼ tsp. salt
¼ c. sugar
2 sticks margarine, melted
1 c. chopped pecans

Directions:
Use a 9x13-inch baking dish. No mixing is required.

1. Layer pineapple on bottom of dish
2. Place huckleberries over pineapple
3. Sprinkle 1 c. sugar over berries.
4. Sprinkle cake mix over all ingredients
5. Spoon melted margarine over cake mix.
6. Mix sugar and salt together and sprinkle over margarine.
7. Top with pecans, bake at 350 for 1 hour.
**Strawberries can be used in place of huckleberries when in season.

Tsali Mountain Biking Pictures

2009-05-21T21:01:00.007-04:00

As promised...

Left Loop Trail cuts right through this old house...amazing the chimney is still standing after all these years.

Most of the trail is pretty tight single track with these pretty mountain laurel blooming on either side of you this time of the year. I also caught some whiffs of honeysuckle while flying by.

Single track for days!

The first half of Left Loop trail skirts Fontana Lake. That is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you see across the way. This view reminded me how lucky I am to live in the most beautiful place in the world.

Pretty much my only view of Landon all day. I've gotta get back into biking shape!

A very welcome sight after 11+ miles...the Trailhead sign!

And a video of Landon on one of those great downhill stretches.

Mountain Biking at Tsali

2009-05-21T13:16:00.004-04:00

I went mountain biking with my friend Landon yesterday at the world-famous Tsali trails. The Tsali (pronounced SAH-lee) area boasts some of the best single track in the world and people come from all over the country to ride these trails. They are located on Highway 28 between Bryson City and Robbinsville, NC.

We tackled the Left Loop trail, which is eleven miles of rolling singletrack that skirts Fontana lake. Most of the trail is pretty level with a few big climbs that pay off with wide open downhill areas. I hadn't been biking in a while so I was pretty slow, but it was a beautiful day and I got some great pictures so it was definitely worth it.

There is plenty of information available on the web about the Tsali area, here are some links:

Mountain Bike WNC - General information on the history of the area, directions and lodging options.

Tsali Horse and Bike Trail information - Run by Graham County locals with maps, Trail information and a schedule of which trails are open each day

Tsali Area Informational Brochure - PDF of the same map and information given out at the ranger station.

Hundreds other pages can be found just by typing Tsali into Google or your favorite search engine.

I'll post pictures and videos later this evening after I pull them off my camera.

Santeetlah Lake Fishing

2009-05-20T13:42:00.003-04:00

I went fishing yesterday on Santeetlah Lake in Graham County with my Papaw (that's what we call our Grandfathers around here). We didn't catch anything and from talking to other folks out on the lake, nobody else was having any luck either. The general consensus was that the two nights of temperatures in the 30s has slowed down the fishing. Maybe they'll wake back up by the weekend. We were using crickets and redworms for bream, smallmouth or pike. However, we did run into some people who were having some luck catching smallmouth bass on plastic worms.

Santeetlah is a normally very productive lake in the middle of Graham County. From Robbinsville, there are several put ins, but if you take US 129 North out of town, you'll cross the lake twice and can follow the signs for the Cheoah Point put-in. This is a very popular lake with locals as well as visitors, as evidenced by the increasing number of lake houses...usually second or vacation homes. If you like camping, there are plenty of campsites available along the shore (first come, first served) or the campground at Cheoah point (reservations recommended, can be made here).

Maybe next time the fishing will be better...but always remember that a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work!

WNC Gardening

2009-05-13T19:54:00.007-04:00

Well, this is year two for our attempt at backyard gardening. Last year was extremely successful...we are still eating on some of the frozen and canned corn and beans! Our little backyard garden has given us valuable experience growing our own vegetables as well as helped us to eat healthier, save money and know that we are doing our part to help the environment (since we aren't eating veggies shipped halfway around the world).

Growing up in the mountains, I always knew people that gardened. My grandparents all had gardens, as did other folks around the community. I helped out in small ways, from picking and preparing corn for freezing to picking and stringing beans to be canned. However, I never realized the satisfaction of putting seeds into the ground, caring for and nurturing those plants and then harvesting the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor.

I also used to think that gardening was just for old folks. It seemed to me that people gardened because that's what they grew up doing and that's what they were used to. However, I am beginning to understand that those "old folks" understand the value of hard work - that your food tastes so much better when it's your own two hands that have picked it and brought it to the table. I'm also noticing that more young people are getting involved in gardening - whether because of the economy or the eat local movement, it's always nice to have people to share my experiences with.

Another benefit of having your own garden is that you get to control exactly what goes into and onto the food. You have been there from start to finish and have chosen which (if any) fertilizers, pesticides, etc to use. These "old folks" were organic before organic was cool! One day, we'll add to our family and being able to control what we eat will be so great.

Ok, so enough chit-chat, how about some advice? So far this year, I've put out potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, corn, onions, cucumbers and zucchini. That may seem like a lot, but our four beds combined cover about 1200 square feet. This is about double what we had last year. I waited until there was no fear of frost to plant most of the crops (early May for our area) but you can start potatoes, onions and lettuce earlier (early April) since they are more hearty.

I have found that asking people for advice has been the most helpful, whether it was people at the local farming supply store, my grandparents, the local extension office or other farmers. For example, in North Carolina, you can call up your extension office and they'll either help you out or direct you to someone who can. I also like to spend time reading plenty of books. I found that the Guide to NC Vegetable Gardening has been the most helpful, but I also liked all the tips I found in Country Wisdom and Know-how.

If you're thinking about gardening, I say jump in and go for it! What's the worst that could happen? You kill a few plants? I'll try to post some pictures as our garden develops and later on in the fall some tips on canning and preserving. Who knows, this time next year we may have even moved on to livestock...Am wants goats!

An Appalachian Evening at Stecoah Valley Center

2009-05-11T10:49:00.002-04:00

AN APPALACHIAN EVENING June 27 - August 29, 2009
An Appalachian Evening, the summer concert series, offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists. These shows provide quality entertainment for the entire family, and the historic Stecoah auditorium brings back memories of community gatherings in days gone by. Rich in cultural heritage, An Appalachian Evening continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

I highly recommend this concert series - my husband and I attended several concerts last year and we were never disappointed!

2009 Schedule:
• Balsam Range - 6/27 *They were awesome last year!!!
• Red Eye Ramblers - 7/4
• Josh Goforth - 7/11
• Appalachian Fire - 7/18
• Dismembered Tennesseans - 7/25
• Kruger Brothers - 8/1
• Doc Watson & David Holt - 8/8
• New Southern Ramblers - 8/15
• Wayne Henderson, Helen White & Jeff Little - 8/22
• High Windy Band - 8/29

You may also enjoy a very tasty Appalachian Dinner prior to the show. Dinner is served family style at two seatings — 5:00 and 6:15 pm and reservations are required. Snacks are also available in the main building.

For more information:
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
121 Schoolhouse Road Stecoah (Robbinsville), NC 28771
Ph 828.479.3364
info@StecoahValleyCenter.con

NC Cooperative Extension Events

2009-05-11T10:38:00.007-04:00

May 13 - Home Water Gardening
May 21 - Family Fun Night at Robbinsville Elementary School Cafeteria 6:00 - 8:00
May 26 - Basic Canning Class for Non-Acidic Foods $10 includes a Ball Blue Book
(canning bible of sorts) and one can of jelly to take home

May 26- How to Start a Food Business @ Stecoah Valley Center
May 28 - Eat Smart - Move More @ United Methodist Church at 5:00
June 11 - Basic Sewing - Make Your Own Apron

For more information, call 828.479.7979

Nantahala River Fishing

2009-05-03T17:57:00.006-04:00

This weekend, I finally got a chance to get out and do some much needed fishing. My friend Matt and I spent a rainy Saturday on Nantahala River in Macon County. We had originally planned to hike in to Snowbird creek, but the rain made us re-think and stay close to the truck.

Despite the rain, the fish were really biting. At this time of year, Nantahala is under delayed harvest rules - meaning only single-hook, artificial lures and all fish must be released. Because of the muddy water and overcast day, we each used a Rooster Tail spinner with a gold blade which worked really well.

The Nantahala is stocked with brook, rainbow and brown trout and we saw all three species yesterday. The river is also very popular because of its easy access and the number of fish. Fly-fishermen usually rule the area, but we saw lots of spinner fishermen yesterday because of the rain as well as a number of people fishing nymphs along the bottom.

Here are a few pictures from the day:

My first brook trout of the day. Matt had never caught one, but he eventually got his first brookie too!

A little rainbow.

View of the Nantahala during a break in the weather.

Pretty little feeder stream.

Biggest fish of the day - a brook about 9 or 10 inches long.

Non-Profit Trunk Show in Robbinsville

2009-04-15T17:55:00.003-04:00

WHAT: Trunk Show to Benefit Nest

WHEN: May 2 11AM - 4PM

WHERE: The Former Wachovia Building beside Texaco Food Mart on Hwy 129 in Robbinsville

WHY: ALL proceeds go directly to Nest

We will be hosting a trunk show to benefit Nest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses.
The funds for these loans are generated by selling a unique line of clothing, accessories and merchandise for the home produced exclusively for Nest by a group of artists and designers. The Nest line also includes ceramic pottery, women’s clothing and other items with the Nest logo. In addition to these exclusive items created by well-known designers, the recipients of Nest loans in developing countries also make their crafts available to Nest as repayment for the micro-credit loans. These items, too, are incorporated into the Nest line of merchandise. In this way, Nest draws together artists from across the globe into a cooperative network with a shared vision of mutual support.
When you buy from Nest, you have not only have purchased a unique and beautiful item for yourself or your home, you have participated in a proven effort to better the lives of women all across the globe.

Nest and its founder, Rebecca Kousky have been featured on CNN, in Country Living, Cosmopolitan, Martha Stewart's Body & Soul Magazine, and Rachel Ray Everyday Magazine to name a few. I attended Wake Forest University with Rebecca and I wholeheartedly support the Nest mission.

2009 Spring Herb Festival

2009-04-14T18:37:00.006-04:00

The 20th Annual Spring Herb Festival will be held at the WNC Farmers' Market in Asheville on May 1 - 3. Friday and Saturday hours are 9:00-5:00 and Sunday hours are 10:00-3:00. More than 55 vendors will be offering herb plants, herbal essences & oils, soaps, and medicinal products. Admission and parking are free.

What to expect:

Products: The largest selection of herb plants anywhere, plus herbs, herb books, herbal soaps, crafts, vinegars, medicinal herbs, lotions, tinctures, teas, dried flowers, herbal baked goods, herbal gifts

Info Booth: NC State University herb specialists and Master Gardeners from Asheville area are on duty to answer your gardening questions

Food: Herbal and fresh-made lunches, herbal baked goods

DIRECTIONS:

The WNC Farmers Market is located at the intersection of Interstates I-26 and I-40 at Asheville at 570 Brevard Road.

From the South: Follow I-26 north to Exit 33, exit right, turn left end of ramp and follow Brevard Road two miles to Farmers Market
From the West: Follow I-40 to Exit 47, just past where I-26 goes South, exit to right, Farmers Market is on left.
From the East: Follow I-40 to Exit 47, exit to right, turn left at end of ramp, and Farmers Market is immediately on left.
From the North: Follow Hwy 19/23 (Future I-26) to Asheville, head west on I-240, follow signs to airport, I-240 Exit 1 to right, turn left at end of ramp, drive two miles, cross over I-40, Farmers Market is on the left.

There is much more info at the herb festival website. Go to the site and click "location".

Beautiful Day for a Hike

2009-04-05T20:14:00.011-04:00

Today was a great day in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Temperatures were in the mid-70s with just a few big puffy clouds. Am and I took our dogs for a hike along Calderwood Lake to the mouth of Slickrock Creek, a hike I had mentioned in Our Favorite Dayhikes I post.

The trail is in good shape this year and we didn't see anyone until Slickrock Creek where a group was loading a canoe to head back home. We enjoyed a lunch by the creek while the dogs waded and swam a little bit.

I thought I'd share some pictures and help fuel a little spring fever...the weather forecast says we could get some snow in the next two days! Hard to believe after a day like this.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures!

Slickrock Creek as it cascades down into Calderwood lake.

The wildflowers are starting to bloom...

...The trilliums too!

Bridge built over a rock slide by the forest service.

Abby loves to swim!

WNC Fishing Update

2009-03-09T20:40:00.003-04:00

As the weather starts to warm up, my thoughts wander outside to the summer and my time on the creek. Unfortunately, most creeks in Graham County (as well as the region) are closed during the month of March for stocking by the NC Wildlife Commission. The season will officially reopen the first Saturday of April.

According to the schedule here, Graham County is due for over 10,000 trout this month, more than most other counties in the area. Check out the map here (listed under Seasons/Stocking) for more stocking schedules around Western North Carolina.

If you can't shake the itch and need to go wet a line before the first Saturday in April, you have to head to Native Waters, such as Big Snowbird Creek above the junction. You could also fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which does not have a closed season. More information can be found here or here.

Our Favorite Dayhikes - Part III

2009-02-15T15:01:00.005-05:00

Today's featured hike is a quick out-and-back for when you need to get away for just a little bit. It takes you to the highest point in Graham County - Huckleberry Knob, 5,500+ ft. - near the Tennessee state line. The picture of me to the left is on the top of the Knob...no higher peaks around!

The Cherohala Skyway is a very popular road for both people out for a lazy Sunday drive or those motorcyclists who like to enjoy the area's natural beauty at about 75 mph! Not only does the road wind 36 miles through the mountains from Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN, it also rises up above one mile elevation and serves as a great starting point for many great hikes in the area. For more information, check out the Cherohala Skyway website.

To reach Huckleberry Knob from Robbinsville, NC you would follow NC 129 north out of town and follow the signs for Cherohala Skyway. Once you have passed Snowbird Mountain Lodge and the turnoff to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, you are officially on the Skyway. Follow the skyway for approximately 8 miles to the Huckleberry Knob parking area. This will be the 6th overlook area on your right. Park here and begin following the old road behind the gate.

This hike is very easy as you follow the road grade up to the first clearing, called Oak Knob. This is one of a series of "balds" in the area, so named due to their lack of vegitation. Scientists are not really sure why these areas don't have trees - theories range from too much wind to the wrong kinds of soil. The first settlers to this area used to let their cows roam and graze on the wild grasses that grow on these balds. Anyway, as you follow the footpath through Oak Knob, you'll see Big Huckleberry rising up off to your left. You'll enter another stand of trees and then break on through up to Big Huckleberry.

Follow the footpath up toward the top and you'll see a memorial cross and plaque retelling the story of two unlucky men who died on Huckleberry in the winter of 1899. If you geocache, this is also where you might find a treasure! Hang out on the bald for a while and enjoy the 360-degree panorama around you. Off to the east will be Robbinsville and the mountains beyond, to the northeast you can see some of the peaks of the Great Smokies National Park rolling into the distance. If you face west, you can see Tennessee and some of the lakes on the Little Tennessee River system.

I have never camped here, but there is a fire-ring and plenty of soft spots for a tent. The wind can get a little strong here, so make sure to bring some stakes for the tent and check the forecast before you go. If you go in mid-late September, make sure to pick some of the Huckleberries (wild blueberries) that gave the knob its name...they are one of my favorite fall treats!

This is a great trip for anyone just looking to get out for a few hours, whether they're locals or folks just passing through on the Cherohala. The roughly 2.5 miles are easy enough that kids will enjoy the hike and the views from the top can't be beat. For more info on the geocache on Huckleberry Knob click here and for more info and pictures about the trip itself, click here.

Fontana Village

2009-02-11T19:41:00.002-05:00

A great place to plan some outdoor activities when you're in Graham County is Fontana Village. The village is located across Fontana Lake from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along with lodging and restaurants, there is a great outdoor center that can provide information on hiking, mountain biking and fishing.

The Fontana area is full of history. In the early 1900s, this was a bustling area along the Little Tennessee River and home to several logging communities including the town of Proctor. However, during the Great Depression this area was picked by the TVA to be the site of one of their hydroelectric dam projects. The result was Fontana Dam - the highest concrete dam east of the Mississippi - and the displacement of hundreds of families. Power from Fontana Dam was transported across the mountains into Tennessee and used at the Alcoa factories during World War II.

Mountain biking rentals and trails are located right in the village itself and hiking trails can be found all around the village and across the lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shuttle service across the lake and fishing guides are also available.

For more details and options, check out the This Dam Life blog or the site of the Fontana Hiking Club.

Our Favorite Dayhikes Part II

2009-02-09T21:49:00.008-05:00

Today's featured hike is one that I have been making since I was 5 or 6 years old when I was tagging along with my Dad and uncle up Snowbird Creek. Round trip, this hike covers an easy 10 miles and passes several waterfalls, ending up at my favorite - the Middle Falls.

To reach the Snowbird Creek trailhead from the town of Robbinsville, drive 1.4 miles north on US 129 and turn left on SR 1116 (Massey Branch Road) at the sign for the Ranger Station. Continue 3.3 miles on Massey Branch Road and turn right at the intersection onto SR 1127 (Snowbird Road). Follow Snowbird Road for 2.1 miles to a fork where Snowbird Road bears to the left down a hill. Continue on Snowbird Road for 2.1 miles to a very sharp left turn and drive 1 mile to a bridge over Snowbird Creek. Turn right directly after the bridge onto a dirt road. Follow this road 5.9 miles until it dead ends in a parking area.

This parking area is known to locals as the "Junction" because in the early days of the area, this was where the logging railroad intersected the main road and was home to a big log yard. The Snowbird Creek area was heavily logged by the Bemis Lumber Company from 1928 to 1942. My grandfather was one of the hundreds of men that spent their weeks at one of the many logging camps, only to catch the train back into town for the weekends. He told my dad and uncles of catching speckled trout by the hundreds to be fried up to feed the hungry loggers.

One of my favorite things to do on my hikes into the Snowbird area is to imagine the huge logging train filled with logs as it chugged its way down the creek. At many of the sites of the old logging camps, there is still evidence of the men who worked here. This evidence may be huge piles of tin cans from the mess halls or old railroad ties or rails. In some places you can still find lumps of coal left over from the stockpiles needed to fuel the trains. To me, hiking up Snowbird Creek is like taking a trip back in time.

Ok, back to the hike details...after parking at the junction, follow the Big Snowbird trail (Number 64) to the left. Some work is being done to one of the other trails that leaves from the Junction, but make sure you head to the left. Soon you will be following the gentle grade as it rises with the creek. Stay on trail number 64 as it crosses Sassafras Creek after about three miles, the first major creek crossing. After another mile, you will pass by another popular set of falls which you will be able to hear and see from the trail. These falls are formally named the Big Falls but are better known as the Lower Falls as they are the first in the set of three major falls on Snowbird Creek (next comes the Middle Falls, then the Upper Falls).

Passing the Lower Falls, you will soon cross a log footbridge into the Mouse Knob campsites. This was home to one of the major logging camps of the day and is named for Mouse Knob branch which splits the campsites. If you follow the creek, you will see where Big Snowbird Trail stays with the creek for the remainder of the trip. This is your best bet if you don't mind getting wet, as the trail crosses the creek nearly a dozen times in the next mile (an alternate, dryer route is offered at the bottom of this post). This is my personal choice during the summer as I love to fish the stretch from the Mouse Knob campsites to the Middle Falls. I will cover the excellent fishing on Snowbird Creek in a later post.

Following the trail for the wet mile as it crosses Big Snowbird Creek leads you to the Middle Falls. There is a sign that points down to the Falls and if you're paying attention, you will be able to hear them and maybe catch a glimpse through the woods. After dropping off the main trail and heading through some mountain laurel, you'll break through and be hit by the mist coming off the spectacular 20-foot drop. The pool is deep and clear and there are plenty of rocks and grassy spots for lunch or naps. Of course you could always cast a line for one of the native speckled trout that inhabit the creek. On a very hot day, this is the perfect place for a refreshing dip!

The Middle Falls in all it's glory!

Alternate route for those wanting to stay dry: After crossing the foot bridge at the Mouse Knob campsites, keep left and head up the trail that climbs the mountain (Trail 64-A). For the first 0.2 miles, this is a pretty steep climb with several switchbacks until it peaks out and rolls gently for another 0.8 miles. You will be away from the creek for most of this part of the trail, but don't worry, you'll be back soon. As you descend on the other side of this mountain, you will see signs that point toward the Middle Falls and Big Snowbird Trail (Trail 64). Turn left when you intersect with Big Snowbird Trail and the Middle Falls will be down a few hundred yards on the right.

I highly recommend stopping at the Ranger Station on the way into the Snowbird area and picking up a Snowbird Area Trail Map (around $7-$8), it will be well worth it. The Snowbird area is very popular with many marked hiking trails as well as lesser known hunting and fishing trails. I will be covering more Snowbird hikes in the coming weeks as this creek is one of my favorite places in the world.

As requested, a few more pictures:

Casting for a fat speckled trout at the Middle Falls

An average speck from Big Snowbird - look at the coloring.

Shot up the creek at one of the many crossings.

Happy Birthday, Pop!

2009-02-06T17:45:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take a second and wish a big happy birthday to my dad! He is the main reason that I am as into the outdoors as I am. He took me on my first big camping trip when I was about five and all those camping trips since have just been great. He also taught me to fly fish and to appreciate the natural beauty of our area.

He's retired now and this makes me jealous because he and my mom get to go hiking or fishing or puttering around the lake on their pontoon boat whenever they want now. Maybe I'll hit the lottery soon and join them. So happy birthday, Pop...we love you!

Whitewater Rafting in a Nutshell

2009-02-06T12:07:00.006-05:00

So, you're visiting the area and you think you'd like to go whitewater rafting, but you're not sure where to start. I have rafted every river I'm going to talk about except the Cheoah. As a local resident and a former raft guide, I would like to share some of my river knowledge, so here goes. I'll start from the most gentle and work my way up.

Nantahala
I personally love this river. I guided here for three seasons, so I could probably boat it in my sleep. The Nantahala is a dam controlled river (meaning water levels are pretty consistent) and has class I and II rapids, with one class III at the end. It is great for anyone who has never been rafting before and people with children (though there is a weight requirement due to the very cold water). If you do not have a lot of paddling experience, I recommend having a guide in your boat. It will make the trip more enjoyable for you and you let someone else, who knows the river well, do the steering. If you have been rafting and feel comfortable, you can choose to either rent your own boat (you will not be followed by guides) or to be on a trip with guides in other boats. Also, if it is a nice hot day, it is fun to rent 1 or 2-person inflatable kayaks known as funyaks or duckies. This trip takes 2-3 hours depending on a number of factors (crowds, size of your trip, how many rocks you get stuck on if you're guiding your own boat, etc). This is the only river where you will have the option of guiding your own boat. Outfitters for this river are approximately 25 minutes from Robbinsville.

Pigeon
The Pigeon is a great river! It is also dam controlled and is offered in two sections: the upper and the lower. The minimum age is 4 years for the lower and the is 8 years for the upper. This is another river that I recommend for families. The water looks bigger than the Nantahala, and it is, but the rapids are less technical so you will have a smooth, yet exciting ride. Outfitters for this river are 1.5-2 hours from Robbinsville.

Ocoee
The Ocoee River is the site of the 1996 Olympics! This dam controlled river is offered in two sections: the upper and the middle. The minimum age for both sections is 12. I recommend this river for fit and adventurous types who have not been rafting before, or anyone who has rafting experience. It is a step up from the Pigeon - tremendous fun!!! Very exciting! This river is 1.5 hours from Robbinsville. Here is the release schedule for the Ocoee.

Chattooga
This is the only natural flow river in the bunch! For this reason, it is significantly affected by drought. The best time to go on the Chattooga is in spring and early summer when water levels tend to be higher. There are two sections: Section III and Section IV, section III being milder. The minimum ages are 10 and 13. I highly recommend previous whitewater experience before going on Section IV. There are also overnight trips available with some outfitters on this river. Chattooga was the first river in the Southeast to be designated "Wild & Scenic" by Congress and was used as a location for the movie Deliverance.

Cheoah
This river has only recently been opened to commercial outfitters. Ben has already written a lovely post on the Cheoah River, so check it out to see a release schedule (it is only open 18-20 days per year) and to read more about this unique river. This river is for folks with previous class IV-V whitewater experience. Outfitters for this river are located about 15 miles from Robbinsville. If part of your party is rafting and you're not up for this type of river, you can watch your companions float by from the banks at Tapoco Lodge, near the takeout. Here is a link to a map of the river.

Let me also save you the embarrassment of asking some dumb tourist questions. NO, you will not get out of the boat at the same place you got in the boat. This river is not a circle. NO, you should not bring your $800 digital camera and put it in a Ziploc bag. YES, you do have to paddle. YES, you do have to help carry your boat to the water. If you cannot manage that, you shouldn't be rafting. and YES, you will get wet and if you whine you will get wetter.

I hope you enjoy your whitewater adventure! All of these rivers are great fun and will give you lifelong memories.

There are a lot of great outfitters on these rivers, but here are some outfitters that I personally reccommend:

Endless River Adventures (ERA) http://www.endlessriveradventures.com/
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) http://www.noc.com/
Wildwater Ltd. http://www.wildwaterrafting.com/

They may also offer other services beyond rafting, such as kayak lessons, fishing guides, biking, etc.

Upcoming Workshops

2009-02-06T09:30:00.003-05:00

The NC Cooperative Extension is offering several interesting workshops in the next couple months:

February 12th: Chocolate Covered Strawberries!
Make chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's Day - or just because they are delicious! The cost is $10. United Methodist Church at 6:00PM.

February 20th & 21st: Viticulture Workshop
This workshop is for anyone interested in starting a vineyard for commercial bunch grape production.

March 11th: Blueberry Production Workshop
This is for anyone interested in blueberry production. It will be held at United Community Bank from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The cost is $10, which includes lunch and materials. Register by March 6th.

March 18th: Organic Vegetable Production Workshop
This workshop is for anyone interested in growing organic vegetables. The cost is $15, which includes lunch and materials. The location has not yet been announced. Register by March 13th.

March 24th: Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Time and location TBA

For information on any of these workshops, contact the Graham County Extension Office 828.479.7979

Our Favorite Dayhikes Part I

2009-02-05T20:10:00.003-05:00

Throughout the spring, we'll be featuring some of our favorite day hikes in and around Graham County. These will range from a couple miles - perfect for an afternoon - to upwards of ten miles.

The first hike that we'll cover is a great out-and-back that you could turn into a several night weekend trip. This hike skirts Calderwood Lake north of Robbinsville to where Slickrock Creek runs into the lake.

To reach the trailhead, go north about 11 miles on US 129 from Robbinsville, past Tapoco Lodge on the left. There will be a dirt road to the left less than a quarter-mile past the lodge (if you see Cheoah Dam on the right, you've gone too far). Park where you can at the Slickrock Creek trailhead (spaces may be limited in the summer; you can park across the bridge and walk back though). From here, follow the Slickrock Creek trail (FT 42) as it follows the shore of Calderwood reservoir. The trail gently rises away from the lake and soon you will be winding your way in and out of mountain coves as the trail rises slowly over the next two miles to an overlook several hundred feet above the Calderwood reservoir.

There are many options for this dayhike. My personal favorite is to take the dogs along Slickrock Creek trail to the point where Slickrock creek runs into Calderwood lake, about two miles one way. There are several campsites here that are perfect for a leisurly lunch while the pooches take a swim (I might join in the summer...Calderwood is known for its deep, cool waters). After a relaxing afternoon, we follow the same path back to the car.

Another dayhike option includes following Slickrock Creek trail as it fords the creek, past the scenic Lower Falls to where it intersects Ike Branch Trail (FT 45), a little less than 4 miles from the trailhead. Turning left onto Ike Branch trail will take you up to Yellowhammer Gap where you can stay on Ike Branch trail as it drops back to join Slickrock Creek trail where you can turn right and head back to your car. This loop is nearly 7 miles total length and fords the creek twice, so prepare to get wet.

The Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Creek Wilderness area provides countless hiking opportunities and is one of the most popular for hiking and backpacking in the area. We will cover more of these and other local hikes in the next few months.

If you are interested in exploring this area, picking up a map at the local Forest Service office or at one of the local gas stations is a must. Another option is a guidebook; my favorite is Hiking Trails of the Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Creek Wilderness.

A helpful map of the Slickrock Creek trailhead and area can also be viewed here.

Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese

2009-02-05T19:42:00.004-05:00

While you're in town, you should definitely visit one of my favorite places - Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese. Karen makes beautiful pottery on site and Bruce's cheese is addictive. Every spring I look forward to fresh cheese! Several varieties are available, but I highly recommend the basil and the jalapeno. Their shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, Noon - 5PM April through October.

Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese is located about 14 miles from Robbinsville, near Fontana. From Robbinsville, take 143 East to NC 28 North (turn left). Turn right on Yellow Branch Road (about 4 miles) then right on Old Yellow Branch Road.

Birding Workshop

2009-02-05T12:19:00.006-05:00

On Thursday, February 12, Stecoah Valley Center will be hosting Dr. Jeremy Hyman of Western Carolina University for a birding workshop from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Dr. Hyman will speak on his interest in birds, bird conservation and bird projects that he has worked on through the years. He is a lifelong birdwatcher and interested in bird diversity and conservation. He will present his current research, which focuses on aggression and territorial behavior, trying to understand why there is so much variation with a population in a trait like aggressiveness, and why aggressiveness can vary so much in birds from one population to another.

visit http://www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/ for directions

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

2009-02-04T21:49:00.016-05:00

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a great short, easy loop hike in Graham County near Robbinsville. I enjoy hiking it from time to time, whether to see spring flowers, fall leaves or just to exercies myself or my two dogs. I see folks of all ages from young children to seniors, so I recommend it for all ages. The Joyce Kilmer trail is approximately 2 miles long, with a figure-eight loop. The lower loop is 1.25 miles long and connects with another .75 mile loop at the memorial. The largest trees are found along the upper loop. The parking area has toilet facilities, grills and picnic areas. Camping and overnight parking are not allowed in this area.

Map of Loop

This area is named after Joyce Kilmer, a WWI veteran who was both a soldier and a poet. His poem Trees is most relevant to this beautiful area.

To reach Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest from Robbinsville, take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction of Highway 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left onto Massey Branch Rd at the convenience store and proceed West on Highway 143 for approximately 5.0 miles to a stop sign. At the stop sign, turn right onto Kilmer Road. You will drive for about 7.3 miles and arrive at the top of Santeetlah Gap and the junction with the Cherohala Skyway. Bear to your right and continue on for another 2½ miles to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Turn left into the entrance and drive about ½ mile to the parking area.

Also, see a live webcam shot of the mountains around the Joyce Kilmer area here.

A full color PDF brochure about the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest can be found here.

Cheoah River Release Dates

2009-02-04T19:44:00.004-05:00

The 2009 dates have been set for the release of the Cheoah River and the first are just around the corner.

The river will be open Saturday and Sunday February 21-22. No commercial outfitters are running these dates, but there will be many private boaters and spectators.

The other 2009 release dates are:

March 14-15
April 4-5, 18-19, 25-26
May 9-10, 16-17, 30-31
June 20-21
November 7-8

The Class IV-V+ rapids of the Cheoah have been described as the most intense whitewater in the eastern part of the country and compared to the big rivers of Colorado, Montana and even epic rafting destinations in South America.

This river lay dormant for over 50 years after the damming of the Cheoah river in northern Graham county, but has recently seen a rejuvenation thanks to the efforts of American Whitewater and a re-licensing agreement with the Alcoa corporation, who own the dam. The Cheoah is popular for both commercial trips and private boaters, and is also a popular stop for tourists driving across the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) that runs from Robbinsville into Tennessee. The river's awesome rapids were featured in the travel column of the NY Times in the fall of 2006 (link below).

The Cheoah River is located in Graham County, NC. The closest accomodations are at the Tapoco Lodge, which has rooms that overlook the river. There are many other motels and campsites near the river and in the nearby town of Robbinsville.

Related links:

Welcome!

2009-02-04T17:30:00.005-05:00

Hello! Just a welcome to everyone and a little bit about this blog. This blog is all about outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Western North Carolina. We feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and want to share that love with you too!

We love hiking, backpacking, fly fishing and mountain biking and will be sharing advice, places to go, as well as some of our own personal experiences. We will also try to consolidate info from around the 'net and share everything here in one central location.

As the weather warms up and the mountains start to come alive , keep in touch for more great outdoor info from the heart of Western North Carolina!