Bartram Trail in October

There is no more beautiful time to hike in the southern Appalachians than October. The crisp air, changing colors, falling leaves, and clear views, all combine to create some of the best hiking conditions of the year. Here are some pics from a little jaunt I took on the Bartram Trail today from Jones Gap to Whiterock mountain. I hope you enjoy them.

Winding Stair to Fontana Hike

I joined my brother Matt and AT buddy Floyd for a hike from Winding Stair Gap near Franklin to Fontana Dam last week. It's a beautiful and rugged 56 mile stretch of the Nantahalas and one of my favorite sections to hike.

Highlights (besides getting to spend time with Matt and Floyd) were: camping on the Wesser Bald tower with its spectacular sunsets and sunrises and unspoiled views, rolling into the Nantahala Outdoor Center for lunch, showers, and then packing pizza out for supper on the trail, walking among lots of old growth giants, seeing thousands of beautiful flame azaleas and mountain laurel in bloom, and listening to Floyd yelp as he stepped on a timber rattler! 

Did I mention we had beautiful weather? Thanks once again to Connie and Andrew Sampson who  provided us with yard camping, meals, and shuttle at Stecoah Gap!

The Bartram Trail / Wallace Branch

It's all honey thick sweetness living in southern Appalachia when it comes to hometown hiking.

The Wallace Branch trail head of the Bartram Trail is a short couple miles away from my front door.

Eleven miles up the Bartram is Wayah Bald on the Appalachian Trail. At that point, if I turn and 

follow the white blazes north, I will end on top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine in roughly  two thousand and fifty miles. 

It can be a constant temptation, believe me.

Wallace Branch Hike

It's all honey thick sweetness living in southern Appalachia when it comes to hometown hiking.

The Wallace Branch trail head of the Bartram Trail is a short couple miles away from my front door.

Eleven miles up the Bartram is Wayah Bald on the Appalachian Trail. At that point, if I turn and 

follow the white blazes north, I will end on top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine in roughly  two thousand and fifty miles. 

It can be a constant temptation, believe me.