I had a chance to visit my brother this past weekend and unexpectedly was able to go hiking with friends Table Rock State Park. The park is just outside of Morganton with easy access to I-40. Table Rock is in the Pisgah National Forest which is a big hiking and recreation area for Western NC. 
It was 80 degrees when I started my trip early Friday morning. The 2 1/2 hour leisurely drive to Chimney Rock Campground was easy and there was little traffic. I knew that it was going to be hot though, the weather forecast was mid 90’s and a chance of thunderstorms. 
When I arrived and set up camp, it was obvious that it was too late in the day to travel the additional distance to the Dupont National Forest. Continue reading
Traveling in the mountains of NC is a joy, winding roads, cool breeze and beautiful scenery. This past weekend, I decided to take some family members to Chimney Rock State Park, just outside of Morganton NC. A short 20 minute ride from the main interstate puts you smack in the middle of great recreation. 
The Broad River winds through the area creating many pportunities to kayak, tube and fish. Continue reading
Just inside Utah, above the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful parks in America. The Zion National Park is literally as awe inspiring as the Canyon. 
The park is very busy, it is visited by millions of people per year. You have to go regardless. 
As you start to get closer to the park the rock formations begin to take on a different hue, the lines of millions of years of erosion begin to show clearly from miles away. Continue reading
Pick a place, any place and start your hike. Go as far as you like. Go up, down, stay on the flat areas. Look for woods, views, streams and lakes. The Blue Ridge Parkway has it all. I have hiked a good portion of the Parkway in North Carolina and parts of Virginia and it never gets old. The park service does a great job of keeping the trails clear and accessible. 
The overlooks are nice and there are plenty of rest stops and camping areas. Continue reading
A few weeks ago, I was in Phoenix for some awesome training with the US Marshall Service. I took some additional time off and traveled through the state with my brother Randy. We started in Phoenix and went up towards Sedona. Our first stop was in Prescott. Continue reading
Since Pilot Mountain is so close to my home, it is a favorite destination when I am just needing to get away, even during the week. I can hook up the trailer in a few minutes and be at the campsite in less than an hour. Continue reading
The sun came up early and I wanted to get out to the mountainside before others got on the trails. The day before I had been able to hike without seeing many other hikers. 
This day the weather was cool and clear. I started by going to a trail on the other side of the park, passing a few bike riders along the way. I needed to hit the trail hard since I had family coming up to hike the summit later that day. Needless to say, it was a great hike, good clean trails, good picture taking. Continue reading
One of the biggest lakes in North Carolina is Lake Norman. This man made lake is also home to Lake Norman State Park. The park is full of things to do, including, biking, camping, boating, hiking, and plenty more. Just before Charlotte NC, the Park is in Mooresville, a small town that being discovered by more people each year. 
The park however, seems to be somewhat lost in the mix, it is always full, but has a peaceful feeling. Continue reading