For the last couple of years dad and I have hiked to a new peak every Father's Day. We have made hiking a Father's Day tradition. This year we were trying to find a new destination somewhere in/around Asheville, NC since I would be traveling back from Georgia (we spent Father's Day weekend at my in-laws with our friends in Gainesville). Considering we would be passing through Asheville on our way back home on Sunday, we figured we should pick a hike somewhere along the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway. I came across Craggy Pinnacle Trail when I was searching for hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville area). I saw a picture of the views from atop and read the rhododendrons would be in bloom along the trail until late June so I knew this would be the perfect Father's Day Hike. The hike was super easy and only 1.2 miles round trip with no chance of getting lost along the trail. It was also extremely easy to find- from downtown, take the Blue Ridge Parkway 18 miles north. Pass the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at Milepost 364.6. After passing through the Craggy Pinnacle tunnel, turn left into the Craggy Dome parking lot at Milepost 364.6. The drive out to the trail is absolutely stunning. There isn't a better drive than this one I can promise you that. The winding road of the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you all throughout the mountains with tons of different places to stop and take pictures along the way. Once reaching the top you have 360 degree views of the mountains. This is the perfect hike if your looking for something easy and short with a big reward. With an elevation of 5900 ft, the temperature drops about 10 degrees when you reach Craggy Dome, so we had perfect weather with a light breeze. If you are in the Craggy Pinnacle area it is worth it to take the ten minute drive over to Mt. Mitchell and park at the visitor center and walk to the summit. It's an easy ten minute walk to the top from the parking area. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6684 ft in elevation.
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Rainbow Row, Charleston This past weekend my best friends and I took a miniature vacation to my favorite place, Charleston, South Carolina. I have always been obsessed with this town because of its beauty, history, and it's fun beach atmosphere. If I could live anywhere, this Southern town would be my number one pick. I went with four of my closest friends for a girls getaway and it was a blast. I've been on many trips, vacations, and cruises with these girls but none where all five of us went all together. We only had three short days to spend here so we didn't take a lot of pictures or do too much exploring, but we had so much fun together! Drinks at The Cocktail Club on King Street. Laying out at Folly Beach Driving across the Ravenel Bridge to get to Sullivan's Island Our favorite beach spot is at Sullivan's Island- go eat at Poe's Tavern for lunch!! Last night out with my favorite twins View from our hotel room, Charleston has some of the best sunsets I've seen
Two years ago today my dad and I hiked to the most photographed point on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob. We had seen pictures and heard about McAfee but didn't want to make a three hour drive to start the trail since the trail head starts near Roanoke Virginia. We decided a couple months later we would make a pit stop on our way to Virginia Beach and make the hike. This is by far one of my favorite hikes we've ever done, one of the most exhausting, but one of the most rewarding as well. We were a little under prepared for the hike not knowing it was 8.3 miles round trip. Not to mention the 4.4 miles to the point was pretty steep a lot of the time. We only packed two water bottles since we thought it was just going to be an hour or so to the point. Do your research before hiking! It ended up taking us about 3 hours to reach the peak and by that time we were out of water and exhausted, but it was totally worth it. We ended up picking a perfect day to hike the trail since the air was clear and there was hardly any haze blocking our view. Not only is this the most photographed point on the App Trail but it is also a very popular camp site for those making the 2,000 plus hike from Georgia to Maine. We ran into some hikers along the way who had been hiking for a few months and had their camps set up near the peak of the trail. The views from the top were spectacular and there was plenty of room on the boulders to relax, hang out, and eat (Pack a picnic! You'll be hungry and will need more energy!) The trail is well maintained and would be nearly impossible to get lost. It was also super easy to find- Take I-81 to exit 141. Follow signs to VA-311. and the parking lot is located about 5.5 miles down 311.
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