What does it take to be considered a classic hike? Most hikers have two criteria at the top of their Classic Hikes list: great views, and lots of ‘em, and water, preferably of the cascading variety. Minus those, a trail is hard-pressed to make the list. Yet few hikers who have experienced the Tanawha Trail along the eastern flank of Grandfather Mountain would scratch the Tanawha from their North Carolina list, despite the fact it spends much of its time in dense tree cover. Perhaps part of the allure comes from the fact some of that tree cover is old growth. Part of the attraction likely comes at those times when the trail does emerge — into cozy mountain meadows, onto rocky outcrops, and atop the one spot with a view, Rough Ridge, where a rocky knob elevates you above the surrounding heath.(There is at least one waterfall of note, on Boone Fork). All of which qualifies the Tanawha for inclusion in our #GetHiking! North Carolina Classic Hikes series for 2015. Each month, we’ll hike one of the state’s classic trails, most of which you’ve likely heard of, a few of which may have flown under your hiking radar. We’ll have a kickoff event for GetHiking! North Carolina’s Classic Hikes in January, but you can sign up for the program today. Learn more — and sign up — by visiting … greatoutdoorprovision/blog/explore-more-in-2015-hike-north-carolinas-classic-trails/
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:05:01 +0000