Turtleback Falls

Saturday, we headed to the mountains for the weekend in search of cooler temperatures. Our first stop was Gorges State Park, where we parked at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. The trail begins along an old road, and at first it seemed like it would be manageable with the stroller. Harper walked part of the way, and the smooth trail made pushing the stroller fairly easy. There were a couple of creek crossings, but even those weren't too difficult to navigate. Once we crossed into Pisgah National Forest, however, the trail became much less stroller-friendly. Roots, rocks, and numerous steps made progress slow and challenging. Several times I had to pick up the stroller and carry it over obstacles, and by the time we reached Turtleback Falls, I was completely exhausted. Fortunately, the cool water was the perfect reward. I spent some time sliding down Turtleback Falls while Sandy, Amaroq, and Harper stayed on dry land and watched. The water was icy cold but incredibly refreshing after the strenuous hike. After enjoying the falls for a while, we continued to nearby Rainbow Falls, where we took photos and admired the impressive cascade.

A few adventurous visitors were even free-climbing the rock face before jumping into the pool below.

The return hike was a little easier, but the experience confirmed that this is definitely not a trail I'd attempt with a stroller again. 

After leaving the park, we drove to Brevard for dinner at Oskar Blues. Harper had a great time playing with a couple of little boys and a toy dump truck, happily filling it with gravel and dumping it back out again. From there, we continued to Flat Rock and checked into the Mountain Inn for the evening, ready to relax after a long day of hiking and adventure.

Jones Lake Hikes

On Saturday, I took Amaroq on a weekend hiking and camping trip to Carolina Bay Country in Bladen County. We started at Jones Lake State Park and headed out on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail into Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest.

I was pleased to find the bridge had been replaced, finally making the trail continuous through the forest.

We connected with the Duncan Trail and followed it to the forest entrance, where the MST veered off.

Continuing on the Duncan Trail, we made a pleasant loop around the forest.

A short side loop on the Turnbull Creek Trail offered nice views of the creek the forest is named after.

Near the trailhead, a friendly ranger stopped to say hello and of course, to pet Amaroq.

Along the way, we passed several interesting forestry exhibits, including some vintage trucks along the trail.

Near the end of the loop, we came across a beautiful patch of irises just beginning to bloom.

After completing the loop, we returned via the Mountains-to-Sea Trail back to Jones Lake. From there, we headed to the campground and set up at site 10. With plenty of daylight left, we set off again on the Bay Trail.

The last time I visited, this trail had been flooded, but this time we were able to hike the full loop.

Past the visitor center, we took the Cedar Loop, which led to a scenic overlook of the lake.

Continuing on the Bay Trail brought us to another overlook, then out onto sandy roads and the familiar section I’d hiked before.

We eventually closed the loop back at the campground, where I was delighted to discover another large patch of irises blooming right at our campsite.

Unfortunately, the state forest service had issued a burn ban, so we couldn’t have a campfire to take the edge off the unseasonably cold evening.

Amaroq's 5 Overlooks Hike

On Sunday morning, we rose early, broke camp, and drove to the Hanging Rock State Park visitor center to tackle the classic 5 Overlooks hike. We kicked things off with a return climb up the Hanging Rock Trail.

Starting at first light, we were only the second group to reach the summit, savoring the peaceful morning views all to ourselves before the crowds arrived.

On the descent, we passed a steady stream of hikers heading up, proof that our early start had paid off.  From there, we followed the Wolf Rock Trail to its dramatic overlook, where we shared the spot with just one other small group.

Continuing along Cook’s Wall Trail, we reached House Rock and paused for a quick snack with a great vantage point.

The next highlight was Cook’s Wall itself, the fourth overlook, offering beautiful panoramic views stretching in both directions.

We then looped back via the Magnolia Spring Trail down to Moore’s Wall before beginning the climb back up.

This section felt like the steepest of the day, especially as temperatures climbed into the warmth of late morning. By the time we reached Moore’s Knob—the final overlook—it was noticeably busier.

We found a spot for a short lunch break, soaked in the sweeping vista one last time, and then started the descent. Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed when we returned, so we couldn’t pick up Amaroq’s park patch, we’ll just have to make another trip to claim it.

With that, we pointed the car toward home, already looking forward to the next weekend adventure. Another perfect camping getaway in the books.

Hanging Rock Bike Trails

Saturday marked Amaroq's and my first camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park and we made the most of every hour. We left early and headed straight for the Bike Trailhead, a section of the park I'd never explored before. After crossing the road, we picked up the Round-necked Trail, a winding path that climbed to bluffs overlooking the Dan River before looping back as an out-and-back.

Near the trailhead, I noticed the bridge over Cascade Creek had washed out, so we crossed back over the road and joined the Original Loop instead. The Original Loop wound through gorgeous, quiet forest before connecting with the Major Tom Trail.

We followed it up to a ridge along the edge of the property, where Moore's Knob came into view - stunning, though the harsh midday sun made a photo impossible. From the top, we descended via the Rattler Trail, passing a trail-building crew hard at work on the way down.

A detour at the Farmhouse parking area brought us to a small waterfall on Cascade Creek.

A worthwhile stop before we looped back and finished out Major Tom and the Original Loop. 

Hungry and satisfied, we grabbed pizza at Rocky River Cafe. I had my heart set on a beer from Green Heron Ale House, but they were closed for the season, so we headed back to the park for one more hike, the new Hanging Rock Trail.

Near the base of the rock, the new section branches off along an old road and makes a sweeping switchback to the summit. It was crowded at the top, but I enjoyed a good conversation with a park ranger about trails in the area before we made our way back down. By then, it was finally time to check in.

With the tent pitched, we took a leisurely walk down to the lake and on to Upper Cascade Falls.

The sun had dropped low enough to soften the light, and I got a decent shot at last. Then it was back to camp with a fire crackling, the day finally slowing down around us.

Fort Macon Hike

On Monday morning, with the rain finally cleared, I rose early and took Amaroq for a refreshing beach walk. We strolled a few miles west along the shoreline, turning back just as the first hints of dawn appeared. The return journey was breathtaking - the sky gradually brightened, painting everything in soft, glowing light.

We timed it perfectly, arriving back at the hotel right as the sun rose over the horizon.

After a quick pack-up and checkout, we enjoyed one last breakfast at Banks Grill before heading to Fort Macon State Park for a final beachside adventure. We brought the stroller, but Harper surprised us by hiking a good portion of the Elliot Coues Nature Trail on her own. We began on the soundside, passing the historic Coast Guard station and winding through a serene maritime forest filled with stunning views of Bogue Sound.

The path was dotted with vibrant yaupon holly berries, adding pops of red to the greenery.

The trail soon crossed over to the oceanside, where a short spur connected us briefly to Atlantic Beach.

Looping back, we climbed through the rolling dunes, rewarded with beautiful vistas of the beach and Atlantic waves.

With the loop complete and spirits high, we started the drive home, making a tasty stop for lunch at East Coast Wings in Kinston. It was the perfect, relaxed way to cap off our coastal getaway.

Crowders Mountain Ridgeline Hike

For President's Day, I took Amaroq for a day hike at Crowders Mountain State Park.  We parked at the Boulders Access Area and took the short spur trail past the picnic area.

In about a quarter-mile, we turned right on Ridgeline Trail and soon came to the first road crossing.

Past here, a short spur led out to the Boulders Overlook.  I didn't climb with the dog but we walked around and got come pictures.

Continuing on, the trail followed the ridgeline with lots of ups and downs but nothing too steep.  In a couple miles, we crossed NC-161 and then Pinnacle Road after that.  It was a pretty steady climb from that point up to the Pinnacle, the highest point in the park.

This area was pretty crowded though we hadn't really seen anyone else on the hike up.  We took a break up here and enjoyed the views then started making our way back.  Back at the start, we continued on Ridgeline Trail to the South Carolina state line as it was less than a mile.

There was a clearing here to denote the boundary and the trail continued into Kings Mountain State Park.  We took a short break and then headed back.

Late Fall Hike at Medoc Mountain

Saturday, I headed east for a couple of hikes in Halifax County.  I left early and first stopped at Brinkleyville Game Land.

The gates were opened and I hiked down some of the open and gated roads.

It was a pretty but cold morning and I went a couple miles before turning back.

By this time, the park was open and I headed to Medoc Mountain State Park.  The day-use area was closed so I parked at the visitor center and hiked the bike trails to Little Fishing Creek.

I took the trails close to the creek, passing the closed area and when the trail approached Medoc Mountain Road, I crossed to head to the equestrian section of the park.  Hiking down the Main Trail, I turned on Pine Connector Trail.

This trail connected with Pine Loop and several other trails to make a couple loop hikes around the area.

Finishing up the bridle trails, I re-crossed the road and finished up the hiking trails to head back to the start.

On the way home, I stopped for a beer at Tar Banks Brewing in Louisburg.