We are in full planning mode for our Spring Appalachian Trip. We have a few points we want to check out on the east side of the mountains but most of our trip will be exploring the west side. This trip we are also going to spend a lot more time out of the Jeep exploring on foot. Hey, exploring is exploring be it in a Jeep or on foot.
Any trip along the Appalachians heading north from Florida or Georgia has to start at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Yes, its just my opinion but it is such a cool place and the food is great. On our last trip we had planned on exploring the three Nantahala dams but didn't have time, so we will be hitting them this time. The focal point of the three dams is the Fontana Dam and hiking part of the Appalachian Trail starting at the dam. We are also going to be running some trails in the Nantahala National Forest then checking out the Cherohala Skyway as we cross over the mountain.
Our first major stop will be the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Plans call for several days of hiking, most notable being the John Muir Trail. Our next stop will be a brief one at the Cumberland Falls before heading to the Cumberland Gap National Park for another couple days of hiking.
The return route takes us through Del Rio and Hot Springs. Hot Springs is a notable stop on the Appalachian Trail and we plan to do some more hiking on the AT. Our next stop will be at the Jocassee Gorges and Table Rock in South Carolina. Our last stop will be at the Ocmulgee National Monument, Georgia, checking out the Indian Mounds.
We are still mapping out our route to spend less time on asphalt.
Any trip along the Appalachians heading north from Florida or Georgia has to start at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Yes, its just my opinion but it is such a cool place and the food is great. On our last trip we had planned on exploring the three Nantahala dams but didn't have time, so we will be hitting them this time. The focal point of the three dams is the Fontana Dam and hiking part of the Appalachian Trail starting at the dam. We are also going to be running some trails in the Nantahala National Forest then checking out the Cherohala Skyway as we cross over the mountain.
Our first major stop will be the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Plans call for several days of hiking, most notable being the John Muir Trail. Our next stop will be a brief one at the Cumberland Falls before heading to the Cumberland Gap National Park for another couple days of hiking.
The return route takes us through Del Rio and Hot Springs. Hot Springs is a notable stop on the Appalachian Trail and we plan to do some more hiking on the AT. Our next stop will be at the Jocassee Gorges and Table Rock in South Carolina. Our last stop will be at the Ocmulgee National Monument, Georgia, checking out the Indian Mounds.
We are still mapping out our route to spend less time on asphalt.
