From the blog

Hiking Tips for the Appalachian Summer

The hiking trails around Asheville are truly some of the most beautiful in the world. A sampling of the great nearby trails include:

  • Appalachian Trail
  • Mountains-to-Sea Trail
  • Max Patch Trail
  • Lookout Trail
  • Craggy Gardens Trail
  • Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
  • Grassy Knob Trail
  • Linville Falls Trail
  • Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
  • Black Balsam Knob Trail
  • Hawksbill Trail

There’s a reason that nature lovers from near and far flock here to explore our trails. The Appalachian outdoors are not to be missed during your visit to Asheville, North Carolina. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for your hike in the mountains. Plan Ahead Many hikers fail to plan adequately. As a result, they don’t have as good of a time because of it. Research the hiking trails around Asheville to find what sort of experience you can expect. Some trails are very mild while others can be grueling. Keep your fellow hikers in mind — some people want to rough it, while others might be looking for a scenic walk through the woods.

Planning ahead means bringing whatever accommodations you might need. Water and snacks are crucial, and many people underestimate how many provisions they’ll need to recharge during their hike. Furthermore, the weather can change drastically throughout the day while hiking trails around Asheville. What starts as a hot day might end as a surprisingly crisp evening. And rain can sweep through without warning. Bring extra clothing even if you’re not planning to camp out. Mind the Creatures Near the Hiking Trails You should know that our trails house a remarkable variety of life. Be mindful that some of the plants you might encounter are poisonous to the touch, while others are lined with barbs. If you’re not familiar with the different kinds of vegetation you’ll find here, just avoid touching any plants excessively. A common strategy to avoid allergic reactions and cuts is to wear long pants. Tuck the bottoms of your pant legs into your socks so that no skin is exposed on your legs. This is also a classic tip to prevent ticks from getting down your socks or up your pant legs. When you get back to your cabin, always check yourself thoroughly for ticks since they often are difficult to detect. Bug repellent also is a good bet to keep the bugs away.

Be aware that you are likely to run into animals — including bear — on the hiking trails around Asheville. The black bear in this region are normally timid, so they are likely to be frightened enough to hide from hikers if they hear you coming. The most dangerous situation is to startle a bear. For that reason, it’s a good strategy to make a decent amount of noise as you hike — this is a respectful way to give bears the heads up that you’re coming, and they will normally stay out of your way. Use the Environment You will find plenty of tools all around you as you hike. While experienced hikers and outdoorsmen are can fashion all sorts of implements out of stones and plants, you can learn to make use of nature in a simpler way. For example, fashioning a good hiking stick that’s sturdy and fits you comfortably can help you conserve energy, keep your balance, and clear obstacles out of your path. Rock formations might not seem like tools, but they often can present a very natural place to rest, eat and regroup. Be aware that the world around you is your friend as you enjoy the hiking trails that Western North Carolina offers.  

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