10 miles south of Moses Cone Manor, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find one GEM of a leg-stretcher. Park at the Rough Ridge parking area, and follow the trail up, up, up! Although the hike from the parking area is steep, it is relatively short, and worth the effort! The views from atop Rough Ridge will challenge any in the area. At the top you will find a pleasant boardwalk built by the Park Service to protect the local flora, which consists of many rare species only found in the area. Rough Ridge trail is a small section on the 13 mile Tanawha Trail, stretching from Linn Cove to Cone Manor.
The purpose of this site is to share some photos, experiences and fun encountered while hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas. I have found hiking in general to be one of the most exciting ways to spend a couple of hours, or a few days.
Calling home the piedmont of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains create a magical place, close enough to be convienent, yet far enough away to prevent familiarity. I have been visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains regularly my entire life, and have never ceased discovering new adventures. The trick is not aways finding new places, but more often discovering new aspects of previously visited areas. Sometimes a change in weather can shed new light on familiar ground!
Thanks for taking the time to visit and enjoy the scenery, now get away from that computer and head for the hills!
