Comments for WNCOutdoors.info Blog

Comment on We’re Social by Jordan Mitchell

Jordan Mitchell — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:07:28 +0000

Deborah,

May is one of my favorite times for hiking in the mountains. It’s my second favorite month, after January (I love snow!). It’s a bit past the main spring wildflower bloom, but you’ll still find plenty (especially at higher elevations in the early half of the month). But the Flame Azalea bloom in May, and the rhododendrons start blooming at lower elevations the same month. The foliage is fresh and green, and the weather isn’t into the hot weeks of summer yet. So if I could recommend any moth, that’d be it!

There is some fantastic hiking on the balds in that part of the mountains. Wayah Bald and Andrews Bald come to mind, with many others in the Smokies. Wayah is well-known for its flame azaleas. As for a guidebook, I have this one and it should have some great options in it: http://www.amazon.com/50-Hikes-Mountains-North-Carolina/dp/0881504491.

Have a great trip!

Comment on We’re Social by Deborah Berry

Deborah Berry — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:30:26 +0000

I would love some info on hiking in south west NC. My husband & I are visiting friends this spring and would love to experience hiking a “bald”. We are avid hikers of the Catskill Mts. in upstate NY and love hiking different geographic areas. Our schedule is flexible, we want to come before in season summer traffic, but not so early as to find trails still closed. Can you suggest a good guide book for hiking a bald and tell me the best month to come down ?

Thanks for any info you can share.
Deborah Berry

Comment on WNC’s Forests Threatened by Exotic Diseases by Jordan Mitchell

Jordan Mitchell — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:41:32 +0000

Oh, is the documentary out yet? I can’t wait to see it!

Comment on WNC’s Forests Threatened by Exotic Diseases by M.Lemell

M.Lemell — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:52:31 +0000

go to http://www.thevanishinghemlock.com/content/tvh/Home.aspx
for more info…

Comment on Yellow Gap Road Reopened by Jordan Mitchell

Jordan Mitchell — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:53:15 +0000

So any of the Forest Service roads (especially the gravel ones) are subject to being closed during the winter and/or bad weather. It’s reopened from the semi-permanent closure due to the strange goings-on in the area last spring, though.

Comment on Yellow Gap Road Reopened by Tom

Tom — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:50:20 +0000

Hey I was there 2 wks ago, 1/11/10 and gate was closed. I use to flyfish(catch and relesash) the area and stupidly let some horse people know about it, big mis stake. You should be able to access these lands without restrictions. If it’s icy you can’t get there, lol.

Got looking why road was shut down. Great cut thru from haywood to points east. Go Gov and dwi’s Gotta get the ole rednecks while out of staters get to enjoy the beauty. Love WNC.

Comment on A New Battle Between Mt. Mitchell and Clingman’s Dome? by Richard Harper

Richard Harper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:57:54 +0000

Very interesting article. As someone who visits both mountains as often as possible, but Mt Mitchell more often.. I would love to hear a followup on the true elevation of Mt Mitchell. I have been to both many times, and for some reason, Mt Mitchell seems much higher to me. It might be that the vertical incline of Mt Mitchell is higher than that of Clingman’s Dome, but not sure if that is the only reason alone.

Comment on How a Bear Made Me Sick by Terry

Terry — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:57:24 +0000

Your story points out my biggest concern with meeting bears. So far all my bear encounters have been exciting woods experiences with no bad consequences and I feel like as long as one does the common sense thing – leave the bear alone and don’t come between mama and cubs – the odds are in my favor to have a good experience. But I have frequently thought about the possibility of being in a situation where doing the common sense thing in regards to the bear(s) may lead me into a situation which would tax my own stamina to a dangerous degree, and here you’ve given a perfect example. Kind of scary. Glad it turned out all right. Additional lesson – always take more water than you think you will need!

Comment on Pink Beds Trail Relocation by Terry

Terry — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:42:28 +0000

As of 11/15/2009 the new route seemed to be finished and all bridges intact. Had a lovely walk around the whole loop and never got my feet wet. The new section being higher has some nice views this time of year. It’s really a very nice addition to this pleasant trail.

Comment on Pisgah Area Trail Updates by Jordan Mitchell

Jordan Mitchell — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:22:04 +0000

The closest parking to North Boundary Road is at Rice Pinnacle, near the intersection of FR 491 and the main road into Bent Creek. Honestly, though, unless you’re into hiking up a wide, muddy road that’s seen lots of logging and construction traffic recently, it’s not my favorite trail to recommend!