Casual Climbers: Unfit Hikers in the Carolinas

Top 5 Trails: Mid-Year Edition

In this special episode, Roy and Donna discuss the top five trails we've covered so far: Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail; Craggy Gardens Trail; Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls Trail; Carrick Creek Loop; and Abrams Falls Trail. Which one will take the top spot? Don't forget to check out their trail photos at casualclimbers.com and subscribe to their podcast for more hiking tips and trail reviews.

Trail Snacks: Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve Loop

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover the Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve trail in Cleveland, SC. This very short trail offers a stunning vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains and we have dubbed it "Baby Bald Rock." This secluded, fairly unknown trail is definitely on our must-see list for anyone in the area.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Abrams Falls Trail

In this week's full episode, we discuss a challenging, but tremendously enjoyable trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Abrams Falls Trail . Donna's Fun Fact is about Cades Cove, where Abrams Falls is located, and we review a nice hotel to stay at during your GSMNP trip: Tremont Lodge and Resort in Townsend, TN.

Trail Snacks: Buckeye Trail and Spruce Flats Falls

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover Buckeye Trail leading to Spruce Flats Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This short, but challenging trail features a great payoff with a spectacular waterfall at the end, but also a surprising mountain vista halfway through. We also congratulate Sklyar and Laura, who got engaged right there at the waterfall when we were hiking!

Montreat Wilderness: Graybeard, Harry Bryan, and Sanctuary Loop Trail

In this week's full episode, we discuss a short hike in Montreat, NC: The Graybeard, Harry Bryan, and Sanctuary Loop Trail. Donna talks about the history of the quaint little town, including the story of an amazing young settler, Dr. Mary A. Holbrook, and we review a great restaurant nearby: The Berliner Kindl German Restaurant.

Trail Snack: Crabtree Falls Loop

This week features a new format for some of our podcasts: Trail Snacks. Trail Snacks are bite-sized episodes that only feature a trail review. This week, we cover Crabtree Falls Loop Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. This great trail features not only the tallest waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but also a surprising mountain vista that should not be missed.

DuPont State Forest: Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls Trails

This week, we discuss an incredible trail route in North Carolina's DuPont State Forest: the Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls trails. Donna talks about the Bedford Boys, men from a small town in Virginia who lost the most lives per capita during D-Day than any other in the U.S., and we review our favorite hiking water shoes - Eddie Bauer Laketrail Hiking Sandal.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Graveyard Fields Loop Trail

This week, we discuss a waterfall loop trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Graveyard Fields Loop with upper and lower falls spurs. Donna talks about the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute and reviews her favorite hiking boots - Keen Pyrenees.

Pisgah National Forest: Pink Beds Loop Trail

This week, we discuss a fascinating loop trail in the Pisgah National Forest, the Pink Beds Loop. Donna tells the story of the birth of forestry in the U.S., the amazing Edith Vanderbilt Dresser, and we review the Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center in the park.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Bottoms Trail

This week, we discuss a great trail right on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Gardens Trail. Donna tells the story of the first white settlers to the area and the bravery of two women, including an American patriot Ruth Davidson, and we review the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center right on the parkway.