Sep
01
2008

"Land of Boardwalks"

North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway
Tanawha Trail - From Rough Ridge parking area to Wilson Creek Overlook
2.9 Miles Round-trip


In order to preserve the delicate environment yet allow access,
a 200-foot-long elevated boardwalk crosses the landscape.

Trail Corridor

The rest of the trail, however, takes you through narrow corridors over rocky paths.
Due to the recent rain, most of the trail was slick and required you to
pay close attention to footing in order to avoid slipping.

Boardwalk w/ Rock Outcropping

Once you reach the beginning of the boardwalk,
you gain spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

Rock Outcropping w/ Vista

And along the way, you pass some very lofty rock
outcroppings as you make your way to the top.

Mountain Ash

I spotted some bright red-orange Mountain Ash.

Ringneck Snake

As well as, an itty bitty ringneck snake.

Wilson Creek Overlook

Reaching the summit of Wilson Creek Overlook,
you can't help but become filled with an unequaled sense of space.

Which got a little smaller when I stumbled into a powwow of guys I donned the smoke squad.
It was quite unusual to find people smoking cigars after a heart-pumping hike.
But after talking with them for a few moments,
I decided they were a harmless bunch just out to enjoy a beautiful day.

Smoke Squad

The ropes you see in the above two photos are there to keep
people from trampling the plant-life and accelerating the speed of erosion.
When hiking trails it is always important to stay on the designated trails!

Careful

Just another way they work to preserve the natural history of the Appalachian mountains.

If you have yet to do so, please take part in helping to preserve
our land's natural history, by taking a pledge.
Taking a pledge doesn't require much from you.
The widget on the right is where you can join me in the fight to end mountain top removal.

ILoveMountains

REMEMBER
  • I am willing to donate one dollar on your behalf to the cause mentioned in the "I Heart Mountains" post once you have pledged.
  • At the end of this week, I plan to match the pledges.
  • And so I know who joined in, please leave a comment stating, I LOVE MOUNTAINS!