HAW RIVER STATE PARK

After visiting Mayo River State Park for a few hours I drove about 30 minutes down the road to Haw River State Park. Never visited Haw River State Park before I assumed it would be similar to all the other State Parks I visited in the past, not the case. Haw River State Park was a Retreat and Conference Center originally owned by the Episcopal Diocese. Catering more toward the Environmental Education and Conference Center and not really to the public, Haw River State Park is a unique facility. However, Haw River State Park has acquired a vast amount of land for developing a more traditional park with the amenities we are accustomed to for a State Park. The park does offer several small hiking trails and a 6-acre lake for fishing and canoeing. I took my chances and hiked some of the trails; the Lake Loop Trail, River Overlook Trail and the Piedmont Loop Trail. The River Overlook Trail is a mile out-in-back boardwalk trail through the wetlands. This trail was a surprise for me to see the wet marsh, plant-life, and an abundant amount of colorful fire-flies swarming around. Haw River State Park will be a park I'll wait to visit again after the development of the new section.

Hike: 2.2 Miles

MAYO RIVER STATE PARK

Upon my quest to visit all 41 NC State Parks, I visited Mayo River State Park yesterday. Although the park is in its' infancy stage of the parks masterplan Mayo River State Park still has a lot to offer including two fishing ponds, picnic areas, a picnic shelter with a huge fireplace, restroom facilities, a .5 mile short loop trail (red) and a 1.8 mile longer loop trail (blue). The longer loop trail is an easily marked trail that takes you deep into the woods along a well maintained ATV style trail. The forest has very little underbrush creating a nice picturesque hike. Early into the hike you will see an old abandoned homestead on the left of the trail. Underneath the blanket of canopy are massive tree trunks stretching high toward the sky fighting for the suns' attention. The trail eventually follows the creek that feeds the two fishing ponds before closing the loop. Bailey enjoyed chasing the frogs and turtles back into the ponds. The Mayo River, which is not in the park itself, has been a draw for paddlers alike. Eventually the Mayo River State Park will encompass sections of the Mayo River offering even more amenities. The NC Division of Parks and Recreations has pictures of two scenic waterfalls posted but I couldn't locate them. I believe they are on the Mayo River and the future section of the park.


Hike: 1.8 Miles

CANOE FISHING ON MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE

Today I went to Latta Plantation to do some lake fishing off the shore of Mountain Island Lake. The water was back to normal after a few days of sunshine. A week ago it was about 5 ft over the banks flooding the picnic area and closing some of the trails after weeks of rain. Off one of the trails I set up my fishing gear for an afternoon of fishing in a cove just behind the canoe rental shed. Not having any luck I tied Bailey up and walked out of the woods to the canoe rentals. Once I'm in the water I paddled over to the cove and loaded up my dog and fishing gear. Bailey was a little skittish and not trusting my intentions but once we paddle off shore a ways he calmed down and started to enjoy the ride. The main stream was active with jet skies and water skiers but the coves were pretty calm. In one of the coves, several people were fishing at a nearby parking lot within the Latta Plantation. I cast my line into the murky water for a chance at a catfish or bass dinner. Had to catch Bailey from jumping into the water and retrieving my bobber after every cast. Just like our trips in the past where Bailey goes swimming for some sticks. Caught a couple of brim in this cove but they were too small to keep. Explored a few other coves before returning to the rental shed.

Primitive Camping at Stone Mountian State Park

I have been to Stone Mountain State Park a 1/2 dozen of times and experienced almost all of the amenities the park has to offer including car camping, shower facilities, hiking trails, great fishing, abundant wildlife, scenic waterfalls, and unbelievable views. Only one of the parks amenities, primitive camping, has been eluding me until this weekend. A friend of mine has been having some relationship struggles lately and needed to get away for some mind clarity. What better way to do that then going deep into the forest? We arrived at the park around 4pm Friday, registered at the backpacking parking lot, geared up and headed out. We registered for campsite E. I had always believed that the trail descended into the woods through a small foot trail along the right side of Wilson Falls but not the case. It actually ascends up the ridge on the left side along an ATV size trail. The first 300 - 400 yards of the 1.5 to 2 mile trail is rather steep then flattens out. At the top before it flattens out we saw a deer with really big ears looking at us before scampering off. The trail continues to mimic Wilson Creek with 3-4 foot bridges crossing it. At one point the trail passes the remnants of an old and abandon homestead with an old sturdy chimney protruding through a bed of wildflowers. Once you pass campsite A the trail splits, straight ascends sharply up a cove for campsites B, C, and D while to the right ascends sharply up another cove to campsites E and F. Campsite A was just so perfect that we just had to stay there. And the fact that there's a 10' waterfall just 20 yards away and I was carrying a 65 lb backpack made it even better. Jorge has never been backpacking and only had a day pack so I carried the tent, hammock, cooking tools, food, water, and other essentials while he took his personal items, snacks and a sleeping bag. It didn't take long to pitch camp. Jorge took care of the fire while I cooked stroganoff for dinner. After a few shots of Seagram's 7 and an in-depth discussion we both called it a night. Taking turns with the hammock I retreated to the tent. Surprisingly, the night brought great darkness even with a new moon. The night turned to day fairly quickly. Popping out of the tent I noticed Jorge had surrendered the hammock to a sleeping bag on the ground. After morning coffee and blueberry pancakes we packed the day pack with lunch, snacks and water and started down the trail. Near the old homestead I watched a huge hawk gliding through the trees with such ease. Back at the parking lot we loaded up and drove to the upper parking lot to the trail head of Stone Mountain Loop Trail ( 4.5 miles). At the summit we relaxed, hung out and broke out some lunch. We then hiked down the other side toward the lower parking lot, the homestead and the base of Stone Mountain. I haven't hiked this side for some time and noticed the park had made some significant changes to the trail with cable fencing and makeshift steps in many areas. We didn't stay long at the old homestead, took some photos and moved on to Stone Mountain Falls. Bailey and I cooled off by wading in the shallow pool at the base of the falls. The water was numbingly cold but felt really good to my aching feet. Some kids really took a shine to Bailey swimming in the waterhole. Jorge wouldn't wade so we climbed the massive 260 step staircase and back out. We drove around to observe the deer population that runs rampid within the parks' boundaries. I always see dozens and dozens of deer every time I visit Stone Mountain but this trip we only saw 6 deer. Stopped at Wilson Creek Falls for more pictures but the crowd was too thick. On our way back to our campsite, passing a creek crossing, I noticed Bailey messing with something and then jumping back. With further investigation I see a nice size brown snake retreating under a rock. We loaded up with firewood before getting to the campsite since the forest floor near camp has been picked clean. Jorge kicks back on the hammock contemplating on his relationship so I took this opportunity to go wash up and change clothes. I gathered my things and went to the 10' waterfall were I went skinny dipping in the nature-made shower of water coming off the waterfall. The water was breathe takingly cold and had quite the force to it, but wow, did it feel good and cool me down. Dinner was Asian chicken rice with added chicken chunks. After observing several groups of backpackers pass our site, it was evident that all the campsites are now full, but yet so far apart for plenty of privacy. Our second fire took little longer to get started with the green wood we found. Breakfast consisted of country ham and mini bagel sandwiches. Packed up and hiked back to the real world. All good trips must come to an end.

Hiked: 11.5 Miles                        Deer: 6

Old Sturdy Chimney

10' Waterfall

Jorge on Stone Mountain

Me & Bailey on Stone Mountain

Our Lunch View

Bailey

View from the Old Homestead

Stone Mountain Falls

The 10' Waterfall Near Campsite A

My Nature-made Shower Is Above Bailey

Jorge Eating Dinner

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Me & Bailey Cooking

A Day Hike at Grayson Highland State Park

The plan was to explore everything Grayson Highland State Park has to offer and then hike up the AT trail and do some primitive camping for a long Memorial Day weekend but an engine light put a kibosh on that plan. The alternative plan was for an overnight outing so I called up my daughter and her husband to see if they were interested in going. Brandon was committed to a golfing outing but Cassidy agreed to go if only for a day hike. Grayson Highland State Park is two hours away up I-77 off US 221. Once we got there we drove around the grounds and ended up at Massie Gap with several trailheads. The first trail we explored was the Cabin Creek Loop Trail (1.8 miles) featuring two waterfalls. Only 10 yards into the dense spruce forest you could feel a 15' drop in temperature and today, that was refreshing. This trail is moderate to difficult with a steady decline to cabin creek over rocks and roots. The backside of the trail was flat. The forest floor was getting less dense with a layer of ferns and the sun piercing through the holes of the tree cover. This and the two waterfall was well worth the exertion. Back at Massie Gap, we prepped for a picnic lunch with a cold mini watermelon and ham sandwiches. Once replenished, Cassie and I hiked across the open grass field that was dancing in the wind like ripples crossing an undisturbed lake and through the gates at the start of the Rhododendron Trail. Ascending up the trail to the barren hills and the majestic views of distance NC mountain ranges. Reaching the intersection of the Appalachian Trail we follow the northbound trail toward Mt. Rodgers. Along this trail we encountered some wild ponies grazing on the high grass. These beautiful creatures are more docile than wild allowing everyone to touch and pet them while they lick the salt from the sweat of your bare skin. but what freedom they live. Cassie looks at me and said "This is worth the 2 hour trip here". I would have to agree but there's even more to see. The AT trail takes us past Grayson Highland and into the Mt. Rodgers Recreational Area through an outcrop of rocks to the nearest peak at 5400'. With the satisfaction of making it, the cool breeze brushing against our faces, an unbelievable scenery of the landscape in every direction and sharing it with my daughter is the makings for what I call a perfect day. After taking in as much as we can it's time to start back down through the outcrop of rocks, past the Rhododendron bushes, across Wilson Ridge and the barren hills, past the wild ponies grazing and back down through the dancing field of tall grass. Before piling into the car and heading home we finished off the watermelon. This day trip was so I could scout out the area for an even longer stay and I have to say I will be back and soon.

Trail: 6.5 miles

Cabin Creek Falls

Upper Cabin Creek Falls

Upper Falls

Massie Gap

Rhododendron Trail

Wild Ponies

Wild Ponies

Wild Pony

Wilburn Ridge

NC mountains in distance

Cassidy

Unknown Peak at 5400'

Cassidy with Wild Ponies

Awesome View

Fly-fishing on Davidson River

After a rough week at work I needed to get out of the fast pace of Charlotte and into the tranquility of the mountains. So I called my dad to meet me at a pull-off about 3 miles down SR485 just past the fish hatchery in the Pisgah National Forest. I had to drive 3 hours from Charlotte and dad had to drive about 1 1/2 hours from Sylva. I told him to meet me at 11am. I wasn't really expecting him until sometime after 12pm but to my surprise, he pulls up exactly at 11am. We then pitch camp at a site just 20 yards down the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail. Our campsite was hidden behind a wall of Rhododendrons on one side and a 20 ft wide tributary on the other. Once the campsites assembled, we suit up in our waders, gear and fly-rods and scurry into the cold rapid water. The catch and release regulated section of the Davidson River has a reputation of being one of the best fly fishing rivers on the east coast. With an excellent population of large trout we head upstream. Looking for brown, rainbow, and brook trout in the deep pockets, pools, and the glassy flat water while dodging other anglers on the stream. As proficient at fly fishing as we are, our creels are devoid of any catch. After a few hours on the stream we change plans and head down below the Davidson River Campground to the hatchery supported trout waters. This is were our luck changed. My dad caught two brooks, a 14" and a 10" and I caught a 10" brook, just enough for supper. We both caught them in the fast riffling water along the edge of the banks. Back at camp and with a cup of Evan Williams in hand we start cooking up supper. Dad takes his place as the roll of cook and I ignite the campfire. Fresh trout and our traditional side dish of grilled potatoes and onions was on the menu. With full bellies we take a short hike up to view the Jackson Falls nearby. The rest of the night consisted of finishing off the Evan Williams, stoking the fire, and listening to the rhythm of the stream pouring past us. Bailey is really enjoying his freedom exploring the perimeters of camp without challenging my limitations for him. Dad calls it first and retreats to the tent and Bailey soon follows. Staring into the fire at night with water flowing in the background makes for heavy eyelids faster than a cocktail of beer and Nyquil. Time for me to call it. An hour in a group of four young people stroll through our campsite to a second site about 15 yards behind us. And then a group girls follow. For the next two hours or so the soothing music of the stream gets drowned out with excessive chatter. The temperature drops to around 40' or so. I slept solid with a few interruptions of waking myself up to my own snoring. Early morning brings warmer temperatures and sunshine. Breakfast consisted of two over-easy eggs, Warren Wilson's sausage, and hashbrowns. One of the young campers strolls back through our campsite apparently leaving and without even saying one word to us. Taking our time we pack up and haul everything to our trucks. We then traditionally scour around the campsite to make sure we leave it cleaner than the way we found it. I also checked the other site and find some trash the young campers left after just one night. This has been a great trip spending valuable time out in the woods with my dad. The older you get the more meaningful it becomes.

PS. There are unwritten rules when it comes to the great outdoors. One is "Leave it cleaner than how you found it" or "Pack it in, pack it out". Another one is "Respect others campsite and go around". Please teach your kids some unwritten rules ( that I have just written ).

Butterfly

Gearing up!

Jackson Falls

Dad's catch

Supper!

Bailey watching over the campsite

Dad cooking supper

Campfire

A hidden unknown waterfall

Competition on the river

Rock face behind the fish hatchery