Casual Climbers: Unfit Hikers in the Carolinas

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we discuss a short hike near Hendersonville, NC, in the Pisgah National Forest called Foster's Creek Trail. This easy short loop trail takes you through a beautiful, but dense hardwood forest with lovely views of valleys and slopes.

In this week's full episode, we discuss the Covered Bridge and Grassy Creek Falls Trail in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina. We also have a fun fact about how people fought to keep this area public, and review a nearby mountain-top apple orchard - Skytop Orchard.

In this supersized Trail Snacks episode, we discuss five waterfalls that you can reach in 15 minutes or less -- Looking Glass Falls, Whitewater Falls, Silver Run Falls, John's Jump Falls, and DEW Falls. Four of these are in the Nantahala Forest of North Carolina, and the other is in the Pisgah National Forest right near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In this week's full episode, we discuss the Frolictown and Granny Burrell Falls Loop Trail near Sapphire, NC. We also have a fun fact about something truly record breaking discovered in those mountains, and review a great BBQ stand -- On the Side BBQ -- only a few minutes away from the trail. 

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover the Toccoa Swinging Bridge Trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia. This short, beautiful trail is a must-do for anyone near Blue Ridge, Ga.

In this week's full episode, we discuss a short, but rewarding trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Fall Branch Falls Trail. Donna's Fun Fact is about the earliest known sightings of a bigfoot creature in the area (Tsul'Kalu), and we review an amazing place to stay while in the area -- Bearfoot Bungalow in Blue Ridge, Ga. A special offer for all of our Casual Climber listeners, get a...

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover Davidson River Trail in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. This is the first trail we've reviewed where we actually do not recommend it to anyone hiking. This trail is clearly a mountain biker's paradise, but the narrowness and blind corners makes this a bad trail for walking hikers.

In this week's full episode, we discuss a short, but very challenging trail in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina: Lovers Leap Loop. Donna's Fun Fact is about Kathleen Lipe and her survival story during the Great Flood of 1916 near Asheville, NC, and we review whitewater rafting right there on the French Broad River through Nantahala Outdoor Center.

In this special episode, Roy and Donna discuss the top five trails we've covered so far: Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail; Craggy Gardens Trail; Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls Trail; Carrick Creek Loop; and Abrams Falls Trail. Which one will take the top spot? Don't forget to check out their trail photos at casualclimbers.com and subscribe to their podcast for more hiking tips and trail revie...

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover the Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve trail in Cleveland, SC. This very short trail offers a stunning vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains and we have dubbed it "Baby Bald Rock." This secluded, fairly unknown trail is definitely on our must-see list for anyone in the area.

In this week's full episode, we discuss a challenging, but tremendously enjoyable trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Abrams Falls Trail . Donna's Fun Fact is about Cades Cove, where Abrams Falls is located, and we review a nice hotel to stay at during your GSMNP trip: Tremont Lodge and Resort in Townsend, TN.

In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover Buckeye Trail leading to Spruce Flats Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This short, but challenging trail features a great payoff with a spectacular waterfall at the end, but also a surprising mountain vista halfway through. We also congratulate Sklyar and Laura, who got engaged right there at the waterfall when we were hiking!

In this week's full episode, we discuss a short hike in Montreat, NC: The Graybeard, Harry Bryan, and Sanctuary Loop Trail. Donna talks about the history of the quaint little town, including the story of an amazing young settler, Dr. Mary A. Holbrook, and we review a great restaurant nearby: The Berliner Kindl German Restaurant.

This week features a new format for some of our podcasts: Trail Snacks. Trail Snacks are bite-sized episodes that only feature a trail review. This week, we cover Crabtree Falls Loop Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. This great trail features not only the tallest waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but also a surprising mountain vista that should not be missed.

This week, we discuss an incredible trail route in North Carolina's DuPont State Forest: the Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls trails. Donna talks about the Bedford Boys, men from a small town in Virginia who lost the most lives per capita during D-Day than any other in the U.S., and we review our favorite hiking water shoes - Eddie Bauer Laketrail Hiking Sandal.

This week, we discuss a waterfall loop trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Graveyard Fields Loop with upper and lower falls spurs. Donna talks about the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute and reviews her favorite hiking boots - Keen Pyrenees.

This week, we discuss a fascinating loop trail in the Pisgah National Forest, the Pink Beds Loop. Donna tells the story of the birth of forestry in the U.S., the amazing Edith Vanderbilt Dresser, and we review the Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center in the park.

This week, we discuss a great trail right on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Gardens Trail. Donna tells the story of the first white settlers to the area and the bravery of two women, including an American patriot Ruth Davidson, and we review the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center right on the parkway.

This week, we discuss a fairly easy, but historically significant trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Metcalf Bottoms trail and Walker Sisters homestead. Donna tells the story of the incredible and fascinating Walker Sisters of Greenbrier Cove, and I review GuideAlong, a great app for traveling.

This week, we discuss a very challenging, but interesting trail at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina: the Pinnacle Mountain Falls trail. Donna tells the story of the prehistoric petroglyphs on the mountain, and I review my new favorite hiking backpack.

This week, we discuss a short, but beautiful trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina: the Natural Bridge Loop trail. Donna tells the story of the now-submerged 18th century Fort Prince George, and we review Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, the highest point in the state. 

This week, we discuss the very challenging Rainbow Falls trail at Jones Gap State Park. Donna tells the story of famous American roadbuilder Solomon Jones, and we review a great local hangout and diner: F-Mart in Marietta, SC. This one definitely brought the pain for us unfit hikers, and you won't want to miss our tips to make it the best hike possible.

This week, we have an easy "two-fer" featuring the Issaqueena Falls waterfall and unfinished 19th century train tunnel in upstate South Carolina. We also discuss the tunnel history and construction and the legend about Issaqueena Falls, as well as a product review of my new favorite hiking accessory. 

This week, we talk about a trail featuring two waterfalls in upstate South Carolina: Hidden Falls Trail at Oconee State Park. We also discuss the incredible historic Cherokee Trail Trees you can see on the trail, as well as the nearby Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina. 

This week, we talk about one of the easiest, yet most rewarding waterfall hikes in upstate South Carolina: The Station Cove Falls trail. We also discuss the 18th Century buildings at the park, as well as one of the coolest little produce stand/general stores in the region - Picket Post Produce.