Linville Gorge / Grandfather Mountain State Park

Being an outdoor enthusiast, I checked the weather channel for my traditional Thanksgiving weekend camping trip. Only hearing sunny skies and ignoring the warning for a cold front with 20 mph winds coming thru, I head out to Linville Gorge. Two hours later I pass the Linville Falls parking lot, following the dirt road along the ridge searching for a camping spot. The dust was kicking up and coating all the shrubbery that embraces the Service Road 1238 like glaze on a donut. Most of the closer campsites has been abandoned and is fading back into the forest. I did pass a favorite spot for our family that is still active and chose a nice open campsite with a fire still smoldering. With a naked forest, lacking the coverage of leaves, I can see spectacular views on both sides of the ridge line. There's only two other campsites occupied and three or four cars covered in dust at the trailhead of the Linville Gorge Trail. It seems to be getting colder and windy by the minute. Eating roasted hotdogs by the fire while watching the sunset. Bailey and I were wrapped up like a burrito within two sleeping bags and an old comforter listening to what I can only describe as the sounds of waves crashing on a nearby beach. The 20 mph wind was pounding the ridge in waves over and over all night. Bailey was like a 40 lb hand warmer generating a lot of heat but not quite enough to compensate the 18' mountain air. Why is it that the stars and moon is so much brighter and defined high up in the mountains? It was like nature in HD. Woke up pretty early then quickly drove down to Wiseman's View to get a better look at the sunrise rising over the ridge line on the opposite side of the gorge. On the way back I noticed that the two other campsites were now empty. I guess the cold had gotten to them and they left in the middle of the night. Back at camp, I made toast with honey and scramble eggs with ham, onion, cheese, and parsley. I noticed the cooler, gallon of tea, and water container were all frozen. Now, off to explore. I hiked the Bynum Bluff Trail, part of the Cabin Trail, the Hawksbill Trail and the Linville Falls Trail, all before noon. The Bynum Bluff Trail goes along the ridge about a mile to a pinnacle and ends abruptly at a drop off with trees obstructing what I imagine has to be a panoramic view of the gorge. The Cabin Trail ventures down into the gorge. The Hawksbill Trail connects to the Linville Falls Trail. The Linville Falls Trail heads down to the Upper and Lower Linville Falls as well as Erwin's Viewpoint and Chimney Viewpoint. Back at the truck, I headed out of Linville Gorge to nearby Grandfather Mountain. Driving up 221 to GMSP everyone and I mean everyone had a Christmas tree strapped to their car. Some had two or three. Grandfather Mountian State Park is $18 to enter but you will receive a CD offering a audio tour of the mountain, a flyer with a map, and a dog biscuit for Bailey. Half way up the 5946 ft mountain, I stopped at a picnic area to eat a ham sandwich left over from thanksgiving while observing a spectacular view and a wild fire off in the distance. The wind was so ferocious that it slammed my truck door open bending the hinges. I then walked up the Black Rock Trail to the top leading to the base of the swinging bridge. The wind was howling so much that the bridge was singing. Bailey crawled on his belly about 5 ft onto the swinging bridge before I had to retreat back to the truck and cross the bridge on my own. The wind was so cold that it would burn any exposed skin. I couldn't take many pictures due to shaking so much. The nearly 360' view of layers upon layers of various shades of blue mountain ranges was quite majestic and very much worth enduring the frigid wind. Once I returned to camp I made the decision to pack up, loaded up the truck, made adjustments with to my backpack, and headed down into the gorge. Hoping this will block the wind and maybe be a little warmer I hiked down the Linville Gorge Trail to the river. Nope, it's just as cold if not colder. I set up camp at a pre-existing campsite. Started a fire and made some soup for supper. Instead of the sounds of rolling wind, the river took over as it gushed along splitting the gorge in half. As tired as I was the morning came quick. After exploring the river for about an hour I packed up and hiked out. Back at the truck, I opened the tailgate and made breakfast; toast, eggs over easy, liver mush, and hot apple cider. I then travelled into Pisgah National Forest off  NC181 where there's a turnout for the Upper Creek Falls trail head. This 1.8 mile loop trail descends to Upper Creek where the 100 ft Upper Creek Falls and the 15 ft Lower Creek Falls cascades down the mountain. The hike back up from the Lower Creek Falls was pretty strenuous with many switchbacks. Two miles pass the turnout is the Brown Mountain Overlook with panoramic views of Big Cedar Mountain, Little Cedar Mountain and Brown Mountain on one side of the road with Table Rock Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, and Chimney Mountain on the other side. After a picnic lunch on the picnic tables at the overlook it's time to head home and warm up.

WNC State Parks: 14                         Miles: 16


Grandfather Mountain State Park 
From Charlotte take N-16 N to I-40 W to US 321 N to US 221 S to Grandfather Mountain entrance. Grandfather Mountain State Park is one of the newest state park with over 4000 acres was established in 2008. Calloway Peak is the highest point along the Blue Ridge Escarpment reaching an elevation of 5946 feet. At the entrance of the park is MacRae Meadows, the site for the annual Highland Games & Singing on the Mountain. Park fees are $18 and goes to the Stewardship Foundation to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest, and participate in educational and research activities. There are plenty of picnic areas thru-out the park. One picnic area has walking trails with informational kiosks for animals and nature. Sphinx and Split Rock is on the right. Half way up the mountain is the Fudge Shop, Animal Habitats, Nature Museum and Restaurant. The Animal Habitat houses black bears, river otters, cougars, Eagles, and white-tail deer. The mountain is also habitat for as many as 200 different bird species. Just pass that is the Cliffside picnic area with spectacular views. Black Rock parking area is the starting point for over 12 miles of alpine trails through Grandfather Mountain backcountry, including a trail up to the swinging bridge. Once you pass Black Rock parking area the road has several switchbacks with some hairpin curves to the top. The building at the mountain top parking lot house a gift shop, restrooms, and an elevator to the swinging bridge. The swinging bridge was put in place in 1952. It is America's highest suspension footbridge at 228 ft and spans 80 ft chasm at more than 1 mile in elevation. The galvanized steel connects to Calloway Peak at 5946 ft with breathtaking views. During high winds the swinging bridge will sing.
 

Linville Gorge
 From Charlotte take N-16 N to I-40 W to US-64 N to NC-181 N to NC-183. Service Road 1238 will be on the left with a well marked sign pointing the way. As soon as you turn in onto this dirt road Linville Falls parking lot and trail head will be on the left.  Stopping here and walking to the falls is a must. Further down the service road an informational cabin with a kiosk and restroom privies is on the right. All along this dirt road is pull-offs for car camping, parking for several trail heads, and a Wiseman's View. The Wiseman's View is a quick walk from the parking lot to a breathtaking birds eye view into Linville Gorge. Fishing Linville river is Hatchery Supported / Wild Trout and provides great fishing with some nice pools for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Camping is free. The Service Road 1238 will continue a few miles down the mountain to Lake James.

Informational Cabin at Linville Gorge

Wiseman's View into Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

View from Service Road 1238

View from Bynum Bluff Trail

View from Bynum Bluff Trail

Upper Linville Falls

Linville Falls

Linville Falls

Linville Falls

Linville River

Linville River

Linville Gorge

Black Rock parking lot at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Swinging Bridge at GMSP

Building on top of GMSP

Calloway Peak at 5946 ft

View from GMSP

View from GMSP

Switchbacks and hairpin curves up to GMSP

Grandfather Mountain

View from Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain

View from Overlook heading up to GM

Water Cascading at Upper Creek

Top of Upper Creek Falls

Upper Creek Falls

Lower Creek Falls

Brown Mountain

Table rock on the left and Hawksbill at center

Around my neighborhood!

Walking Bailey around my neighborhood gives me the opportunity to observe some of the local wildlife. Within the last month or so I have seen a deer, geese, mallards, three hawks, a huge owl, rabbits, a box turtle, and a possum. Next time I go walking Bailey I will take my phone to take pictures.

A DAY HIKE AT ANDREW JACKSON STATE PARK

Within the 360 acres of Andrew Jackson State Park lies the presidential homplace of the 7th President of the United States of America. The park has an Andrew Jackson museum with Revolutionary War artifacts as well as Andrew Jackson artifacts, an 18th-century replica schoolhouse, and "The boy of the Waxhaws" statue. In addition, Andrew Jackson State Park provides a 25 campsite campground, primitive group camping, 2 picnic shelters, a nice playground, two one-mile hiking trails, an 18-acres lake, a fishing pier, and a boat dock for boat rentals. Andrew Jackson State Park is only 30 miles south of Charlotte. Follow I-485 to Hwy 521/Johnson Rd, AJSP is about 12 miles past the South Carolina border on the left. There is a small fee of $2.00.

With a late start this Sunday, I arrived at the park at 1:30pm. There was a moderate crowd within the park, most were picnicking. Bailey and I started down the one-mile Crawford Loop Trail, a relatively flat trail going deep into the woods pass the primitive group campsite then back out. I then explored the homestead area before heading to the other trail. Garden of the Waxhaw Loop Trail hugs the 18-acres lake. This trail is engulfed with many Red Oaks competing to be the tallest tree in the forest. Not as stout in structure were the Dogwoods, American Holly, and the Red Cedars. Beware of the Southern Black Racer snake hanging out along the trail. Tossed a line in the lake for some bass, bream, or even a catfish. After about an hour of fishing I realized I was in South Carolina and without a South Carolina fishing license. I pulled in my line and called it a day. Andrew Jackson State Park is a nice nearby park for an afternoon of outdoor activities.

WNC Parks: 13 (AJSP doesn't count)               Miles: 2

Andrew Jackson State Park, SC

Primitive Group Campsite

"The boy of the Waxhaws" statue

A birdhouse

18th-Century replica schoolhouse

18-acres lake

View from the fishing pier

View off the Garden of the Waxhaws Trail

Garden of the Waxhaws Trail

Southern Black Racer snake

Ducks

Lake in Andrew Jackson State Park

Gorge State Park

Gorge State Park is one of the newer State Parks when development began in Spring of 2007. Encompassing nearly 7,500 acres, Gorge State Park is the only state park west of Asheville. The state of the art visitor center had its' grand opening Oct. 12th with a moderately showing of support from the community. Future plans for the park includes additional trails and a camp ground. Gorge State Park currently offers two picnic shelters, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, equestrian trails, two primitive campgrounds, great fishing along the Toxaway River and Bearwallow Creek, boating in the Jocassee Lake, scenic views, and some spectacularly scenic waterfalls, some with easy access and some off-trail searching. Along the west border lies the Horsepasture River, a Federal Wild & Scenic River and a State Natural & Scenic River. Gorge State Park receives an excess of 80+ inches per year that feeds the streams for cascading waterfalls. To get to Gorge State Park from Charlotte, NC. take I-85 to NC 74W to US 26 connect onto NC 64W then finally NC 281. The drive is about 2 hours and 45 minutes but well worth the trip.

Speaking of a well worth trip, I invited my Dad to go on an extended weekend backpacking trip to Gorge State Park for some primitive camping. I made the reservations online at www.reserveamerica.com. Playing hooky from work, I left Charlotte early friday, around 7:30 am, for the 3 hour drive to Sapphire, NC. I arrived at the trailhead around 10:30, two hours earlier than the meeting time. So eager to get started, I headed down the .75 mile trail with my backpack. Once you see the turkey fetch blanketing the forest floor you have arrived. The primitive campground has 8 campsites equipped with a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, lantern hook, a catfish pond, an informational kiosk, and a privy. (Warning: no water). After dropping my pack and going around stealing firewood from all the other empty campsites, Bailey and I headed back up the trail to meet dad at our meeting time, 12:30 pm. I was pleasantly surprised to see him gathering his gear in the parking lot after just hiking out. Usually, he's a few hours late. Helping dad carry some gear back down the trail, smelling the galax along the trail. We then settle in for a weekend of camping and fishing. Two young couples moved in two sites down. I was hoping we would have the campground all to our selves. The darkness of the night came quick. After a few shots of Wild Turkey and staring into the campfire for a few hours it's time for bed. Crisp mountain air, 50' chill, and zero critters wrestling makes for a nice night of snoring. Bailey even got in on the act. After breakfast ( sausage from Warren Wilson College, grits, toast and sausage gravy ) we decided to hike out for some much needed water. On the way out of the park we encountered two tom turkeys running around under the protection of the state park. Back in the park and with fishing poles in hand we branch off our usual trail toward the scenic Horsepasture River. This river reminds me of Santeelah River but double the volume of water. This 4 mile scenic river provides a lot of pools for fly-fishing. We headed upstream toward the Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. Back at our campsite, empty-handed, it's time for a relaxing nap in my ENO hammock with Bailey by my side. This hammock is sooo comfortable. After an afternoon nap I watched dad catch a few catfish out of the pond. All 8 campsites are full now. After more Wild Turkey, a bigger fire, and a night of snoring comes Sunday morning. Packed up and back in the parking lot we say our goodbyes. I still have some hiking in me so off to Bearwallow Falls. Next, nine miles down the road and into Pisgah National Forest, another hike up to Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of Mississippi. Ending a perfect weekend outdoors.

Only two more state parks left to complete my 2012 goal: Chimney Rock State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park.

WNC Parks: 13                                Miles: 9 miles                           Turkeys: 2

WILD TURKEYS

VIEW FROM VISITORS CENTER

VIEW FROM VISITOR CENTER

ROAD SNAKING DOWN THE HILL

CAMPSITE #3 AT RAY FISHER PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND

RAY FISHER PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND

CATFISH POND

LUNCH TIME

DAD FISHING A WATER HOLE

FLY-FISHING HORSEPASTURE RIVER

SCENIC RAINBOW FALLS

RAINBOW FALLS

TURTLEBACK FALLS

RELAXING IN MY ENO HAMMOCK

TURKEY FETCH

WHITEWATER FALLS

MOUNTAIN VIEW

MOUNTAIN VIEW

UPPER BEARWALLOW FALLS

CANOEING ON MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE

It's the beginning of Fall and such a wonderful day with blue skies and a cool breeze. I just bought a Pelican Explorer DLX canoe a few days ago and am very anxious to try it out. So today, going home from work I call up (or really text) my daughter to see if she wanted to get out on the water.  She has been studying all day and needed a break. We loaded up the canoe and drove to Latta Plantation at a favorite spot Bailey and I like to go for an afternoon swim ( Bailey swims and I watch ). We drop the canoe into the motionless water. I've seldom seen this lake so still and smooth. Cassie gets in the canoe first and then I get in but Bailey isn't convinced. After struggling with my dog to jump into the canoe and actually staying in the canoe, we shove off to deeper waters. Paddling around the first bend, we interrupt a fisherman out in his boat casting along the shoreline. Just pass the fisherman was a blue heron perched in some trees scouting for his dinner. Oops we got too close so he takes flight around the next bend. There are schools of fish jumping everywhere. Wish I had my fishing pole with me. The blue heron is taking advantage of this opportunity diving in the waters with great precision but then clumsily takes flight again. We paddle around the lake for a little while but then turn back toward the shoreline. Cassie has to get back to meet up with Brandon and Bailey was getting very anxious to get back as well. So we loaded back up and headed out of Latta Plantation. But before we left a huge hawk with beautiful markings swooped down across the road about 20 ft in front of us. This has been a great day for me just to do some kind of an outdoor activity with my daughter, even for just a few hours.

Help me! I'm lost

The Blue Heron in the trees over Cassie's right shoulder

The Blue Heron in flight

MY NEW CANOE

Just bought my new canoe. Can't wait to get out on the water.

A Pelican Explorer!