Casual Climbers: Unfit Hikers in the Carolinas

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Metcalf Bottoms Trail

This week, we discuss a fairly easy, but historically significant trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Metcalf Bottoms trail and Walker Sisters homestead. Donna tells the story of the incredible and fascinating Walker Sisters of Greenbrier Cove, and I review GuideAlong, a great app for traveling.

Table Rock State Park: Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail

This week, we discuss a very challenging, but interesting trail at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina: the Pinnacle Mountain Falls trail. Donna tells the story of the prehistoric petroglyphs on the mountain, and I review my new favorite hiking backpack.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park: Natural Bridge Loop Trail

This week, we discuss a short, but beautiful trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina: the Natural Bridge Loop trail. Donna tells the story of the now-submerged 18th century Fort Prince George, and we review Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, the highest point in the state. 

Jones Gap State Park: Rainbow Falls Trail

This week, we discuss the very challenging Rainbow Falls trail at Jones Gap State Park. Donna tells the story of famous American roadbuilder Solomon Jones, and we review a great local hangout and diner: F-Mart in Marietta, SC. This one definitely brought the pain for us unfit hikers, and you won't want to miss our tips to make it the best hike possible.

Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls

This week, we have an easy "two-fer" featuring the Issaqueena Falls waterfall and unfinished 19th century train tunnel in upstate South Carolina. We also discuss the tunnel history and construction and the legend about Issaqueena Falls, as well as a product review of my new favorite hiking accessory. 

Oconee State Park: Hidden Falls Trail

This week, we talk about a trail featuring two waterfalls in upstate South Carolina: Hidden Falls Trail at Oconee State Park. We also discuss the incredible historic Cherokee Trail Trees you can see on the trail, as well as the nearby Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina. 

Oconee Station State Historical Site: Station Cove Falls Trail

This week, we talk about one of the easiest, yet most rewarding waterfall hikes in upstate South Carolina: The Station Cove Falls trail. We also discuss the 18th Century buildings at the park, as well as one of the coolest little produce stand/general stores in the region - Picket Post Produce.

Table Rock State Park: Carrick Creek Loop

This week, we discuss one of the most beautiful trails in upstate South Carolina: the Carrick Creek Loop at Table Rock State Park. Donna tells us the story of an early Table Rock hiker that you won't want to miss, and we talk about Aunt Sue's Country Corner.

Caesar's Head State Park: Raven Cliff Falls Trail

This week, we cover Raven Cliff Falls trail at Caesar's Head State Park. We also discuss the creation of the very unique Devil's Kitchen feature at the park, a great local coffee shop for a nice place to eat and recover, and we review we favorite hiking app. Also, Donna may just find Roy braiding Bigfoot's hair one day.

Special Episode: Interview with Park Ranger Shawn Llewellyn

In this week's special episode, Donna and Roy interview Paris Mountain State Park Ranger Shawn Llewellyn, one of the architects of many trails in the South Carolina state park system. He gives us a ton useful information on trail design and upkeep, special tips on trails at the park, his favorite trails, and how new hikers can get the best experience. Don't miss this episode!