Tanya T

Explorer

06/13/26

Awesome views of Lake Chatuge and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amazing for sunset, also lovely at sunrise when clouds fill the valley below. The drive up is steep and narrow but paved. Parking is ample and there are views from the lot and additional views up several stairs to platforms at the top.

Explorer

01/11/26

Moderate trek with roots and rocks, but well maintained and easy to follow. Steep stretch at the end and classic, gorgeous Linville Gorge views at the top.

Explorer

01/04/26

Great hike, beautiful place, a favorite trail. Didnt make it all the way to Grassy because I wasn’t prepared for the amount of ice on the trail. Ice spikes or poles would have been very helpful! Otherwise, a great morning and incredible views!

Really beautiful waterfall a very short walk off the road. A treat to see it after an overnight snowfall. Would be a great seimming hole jn warmer months!

Explorer

12/06/25

Lovely trail that follows a beautful large stream through the forest and past several pretty cascades and swimming holes leading to a spectacular waterfall at the end. Not a crazy amount if elevation gain but plenty of rocks and stairs keep this on the easy side of Moderate. Would be incredible during peak fall color!

Explorer

10/11/25

A bit crowded but gorgeous views!

Gorgeous woodland trail off the parking lot at Mt Mitchell to the summit. Easy to moderate, some roots and tocks byt not overly steep. Beautiful ferns, mosses and trees along the way. 360 views from the top on a clear day. This area is often shrouded in fog, so always a good idea to check the forecast before coming if you are hoping for long range views!

A forever favorite. Well marked; phenomenal views, easy parking, just ebough challenge. Particularly great for sunrise and sunset. The late summer wildflowers were spectacular today, with just the first hint of fall on the trees. Its popular though, expect company!

Explorer

08/27/25

Short, steep, paved hike to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak for sunset. The walk up will get your heart rate up but its well worth it for 360 degree views. $5/per person after hours. Amazing spot for sunset or sunrise, but check the weather and layer up, its always 10 degrees cooler up there and often windy

Sunrise hike from Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge. Foggy but beautiful conditions this morning. Abundant late summer wildflowers. Long range views limited due to clouds but it was enchanting nevertheless!

Explorer

08/15/25

Early morning drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to catch sunrise at Pounding Mill overlook. The overlook was empty when I arrived but got busier closer to dawn. I continued on to East Fork Overlook and then looped back the way I came. Very little traffic for a summertime Friday!

Explorer

08/04/25

Explorer

08/02/25

Explorer

08/02/25

Sunrise hike at Max Patch. The fog made sunrise a bust but the mountian was beautiful nonetheless, with abundant wildflowers. Everything is well marked and maintained, and parking is abundant. Perfecg spot for sunrise, sunset or a picnic with 360 degree views from the top.

Wonderful hike to a stunning waterfall. Lots of campsites allong the trail and places to cool off in the water. Well marked and maintained.

Mild hike with incredible views and access to the one of the most unusual and iconic Faroe Island landmarks, the floating lake. I hiked this in late afrernoon and stayed for sunset. Absolutely amazing. Highly recommend.

Explorer

06/01/25

I visited Fossa on a rainy day in April. Its an easily accessed roadside waterfall with a grand two tier drop. My group had the falls to ourselves, but between the rain and the spray we were all glad to be decked out in rain gear!

Explorer

05/31/25

One of my favorite trails in every season but Spring is especially good. Unbeataable views and a varied terrain make it an easy one to keep coming back to. The mountain laurel were incredible today. Very rocky throughout, with some sheer drop offs in places. Rather exposed going up, so definitely bring water and sunscreen.

Explorer

05/26/25

Well maintained trail off of a popular group campsite in Pisgah National Forest. Two stunning waterfalls that are both accessible via a short scramble. A couple great spots for swimming too. Mountain laurel in bloom today, made everything especially lovely, This trail is used by mountain bikers, so definitely keep an eye out. Note that you can go further on the trail than I did…I turned back due to time constraints today. Great morning in the woods!

Explorer

03/29/25

First time back to this trail since Helene. Definitely evidence of tree damage, but the trail is accessible and mostly clear. Dry, early spring conditions today, with lingering smoke in the air from regional wildfires. Trail is rocky and all downhill to start, so save your legs for the climb out. Great views throughout, and if you’re good with a steep scamble, the best view is at the very end (see my recording).

One of my favorite trails in WNC. I did Carver’s to Grassy Knob and back. The trail was a bit icy from recent freeze thaw conditions, but navigable with some caution. Caught sunrise from Round and enjoyed spectacular views throughout. A beautiful way to spend the morning!

Explorer

02/27/25

Well maintained largely flat trail that follows the Laurel River near Hot Springs. Rocky and rooty, but minimal incline so very family friendly. I visited on a winter weekend and saw only a handful of fishermen and a few other hikers. Minimal impacts from Helene in and easy access to water. A perfect spot to return to on a summer’s day. Great for trail running too!