One of the most rewarding hikes I have ever taken happened this past weekend. This hike had been planned for a couple of months with my friend Anthony Toribio. Originally we wanted to start our hike on Saturday, but due to the weather, we decided to do it at 2 a.m. Friday morning. I left my house at 11 p.m. on Thursday and arrived in the Newfound Gap parking lot at 1:30 a.m., Toribio was sleeping in his car until I arrived. Toribio noticed me when I pulled in and we got out o

Setting near Hot Springs, North Carolina, in the Pisgah National Forest is a 4,600-foot bald mountain promptly named Max Patch. It is famous the world over for its 360-degree view and a small trail you may of heard of, the Appalachian Trail. In the early 1800’s it was cleared to make room for a pasture; today, it is a highlight along the Appalachian Trail and a prime spot to come visit and have a picnic. Max Patch is a must-see, and it offers some incredible views of the area

Roan Mountain and the Roan Highlands are considered to be one of the most beautiful and most scenic spots along the Appalachian Trail. Roan Mountain itself is a 20-mile massif stretching from Big Rock Creek to U.S. Route 19. Roan also boasts the world largest natural rhododendron garden, which brings people from all over during their peak blooming period. Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest also converge along the top of Roan Mountain. Roan Mountain consists o