Casual Climbers: Unfit Hikers in the Carolinas

Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve: Glassy Mountain Trail

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we discuss a short hike near Pickens, SC in the Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve: Glassy Mountain Trail. This short loop takes you to the top of Glassy Mountain, and offers really great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in several spots along the trail. To support the relief efforts from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, go to redcross.org and give what you can.

Pisgah National Forest: Sams Knob Summit Trail

In today's full episode, we discuss the Sams Knob Summit Trail in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. We also have a fun fact about a civil rights icon from the area, and review a cool, light-weight trail stool.

Pisgah National Forest: Foster's Creek Trail

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we discuss a short hike near Hendersonville, NC, in the Pisgah National Forest called Foster's Creek Trail. This easy short loop trail takes you through a beautiful, but dense hardwood forest with lovely views of valleys and slopes.

Dupont State Forest: Covered Bridge and Grassy Creek Falls Trail

In this week's full episode, we discuss the Covered Bridge and Grassy Creek Falls Trail in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina. We also have a fun fact about how people fought to keep this area public, and review a nearby mountain-top apple orchard - Skytop Orchard.

Trail Snacks: Five 15-Minutes-or-Less Waterfall Hikes

In this supersized Trail Snacks episode, we discuss five waterfalls that you can reach in 15 minutes or less -- Looking Glass Falls, Whitewater Falls, Silver Run Falls, John's Jump Falls, and DEW Falls. Four of these are in the Nantahala Forest of North Carolina, and the other is in the Pisgah National Forest right near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Nantahala Forest: Frolictown and Granny Burrell Falls Loop Trail

In this week's full episode, we discuss the Frolictown and Granny Burrell Falls Loop Trail near Sapphire, NC. We also have a fun fact about something truly record breaking discovered in those mountains, and review a great BBQ stand -- On the Side BBQ -- only a few minutes away from the trail. 

Trail Snacks: Toccoa Swinging Bridge Trail

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover the Toccoa Swinging Bridge Trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia. This short, beautiful trail is a must-do for anyone near Blue Ridge, Ga.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Fall Branch Falls Trail

In this week's full episode, we discuss a short, but rewarding trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Fall Branch Falls Trail. Donna's Fun Fact is about the earliest known sightings of a bigfoot creature in the area (Tsul'Kalu), and we review an amazing place to stay while in the area -- Bearfoot Bungalow in Blue Ridge, Ga. A special offer for all of our Casual Climber listeners, get an extra 10% off a vacation stay when you use the code "casualclimbers" at checkout. Book your satay between now and Sept. 30, 2024! Go to https://bearfoot.swallowtail.homes to reserve your stay now!

Trail Snacks: Davidson River Trail

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover Davidson River Trail in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. This is the first trail we've reviewed where we actually do not recommend it to anyone hiking. This trail is clearly a mountain biker's paradise, but the narrowness and blind corners makes this a bad trail for walking hikers.

Pisgah National Forest: Lovers Leap Loop

In this week's full episode, we discuss a short, but very challenging trail in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina: Lovers Leap Loop. Donna's Fun Fact is about Kathleen Lipe and her survival story during the Great Flood of 1916 near Asheville, NC, and we review whitewater rafting right there on the French Broad River through Nantahala Outdoor Center.