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Hiking the Appalachians and Beyond — Home

A long-running, region-focused blog that provides concise route directions, trail descriptions, waterfall and viewpoint access details across the Southern Appalachians — useful for hikers seeking precise, experience-based navigation and lesser-known hikes.

Indulge in Southern Appalachian Cuisine on the Peaceful Side

A practical travel article from the Smoky Mountains tourism site covering Southern Appalachian food traditions, local dishes, foraging ingredients (ramps, preserves) and recommended restaurants — useful for travelers who want to explore regional cuisine and farm-to-table options.

Discover the Appalachian Mountains | Ultimate Travel Guide

A broad traveler’s guide to the Appalachian region covering wildlife, seasonal highlights, local foods (BBQ, ramps, cider), markets and craft shopping — good for planning when to visit, what to eat, and where to find local artisans and produce.

The Wandering Appalachian — About / Blog

Personal travel blog by a Southern Appalachia enthusiast that features weekend trip reports, trail recommendations, and local-culture observations across NC/SC/GA/TN — valuable for authentic, on-the-ground suggestions and off-the-beaten-path ideas.

Hiking the Appalachians and Beyond — sample trail posts (e.g., Looking Glass Rock, Art Loeb Trail)

Example in-depth trail post from the 'Hiking the Appalachians' site (Looking Glass Rock / Art Loeb Trail) providing mileage, elevation, trailhead directions, photos and tips — useful as a model for practical hike planning and day-trip logistics.

Appalachian Trail (representative endpoints and sections)

Trail spans from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine (passes 14 US states)

Conceived in the early 20th century and completed mid‑20th century, the Appalachian Trail is a continuous long‑distance footpath that links rural and mountain communities, maintained by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and many volunteer clubs.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (Asheville, NC)

195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 (Parkway Milepost 384)

A principal visitor center for the Blue Ridge Parkway — the parkway itself was built in the 1930s–60s as a scenic motor route connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains and showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachians.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

General area: straddles Tennessee and North Carolina (main gateways near Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC)

Established in 1934, the park preserves extensive temperate rainforest, historic Appalachian farmsteads and a rich mix of plant and animal life; it’s consistently the most‑visited U.S. national park.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Park mailing address: P.O. Box 246 / 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV 25846; Sandstone Visitor Center: 330 Meadow Creek Rd, Sandstone, WV (park contains multiple access points)

Designated a national park and preserve for its deep, scenic gorge carved by one of the oldest rivers in North America, the area is celebrated for whitewater, climbing and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

Mount Mitchell State Park (highest peak east of the Mississippi)

1 Park Drive, Burnsville / Mount Mitchell State Park, NC 28714 (general area: Black Mountain/Asheville region)

Mount Mitchell (elevation ~6,684 ft) was named for geologist Elisha Mitchell; the state park preserves high‑elevation spruce‑fir forests and offers panoramic summit views and short trails.

Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)

Walk or backpack on portions of the nearly 2,200‑mile Appalachian Trail — popular section hikes include Springer Mountain (GA), sections through Shenandoah (VA), the Blue Ridge (NC/VA), and the Whites (NH/ME).

Iconic long‑distance trail with superb scenery, accessible day and multi‑day options, deep cultural history of thru‑hiking and trail towns.

Drive and stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Experience one of America’s most famous scenic roads that follows the spine of the southern Appalachians with overlooks, short trails, visitor centers and craft stops.

Spectacular year‑round vistas and fall foliage, easy access to hikes and cultural sites, family‑friendly pullouts and interpretive centers.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore America’s most‑visited national park: old‑growth forests, diverse wildlife, historic Appalachian homesteads and a wide network of trails and scenic drives.

Outstanding biodiversity, well‑maintained trails for all skill levels, rich cultural history and proximity to mountain towns like Gatlinburg and Cherokee.

Explore New River Gorge (rafting, climbing, overlooks)

Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, scenic overlooks and the famous New River Gorge Bridge define this rugged West Virginia canyon area.

Top U.S. destination for adventure sports, dramatic gorge vistas, strong local outdoor‑adventure infrastructure and seasonal festivals.

Scenic drives and overlooks in Shenandoah National Park

Drive Skyline Drive along the Blue Ridge in Virginia, hop out at overlooks and hike ridge‑top and waterfall trails.

Close to major cities (Washington, D.C., Richmond), superb spring/summer wildflowers and autumn colors, many short hikes for quick access to mountain views.