LNT

Leave No Trace!
It is a simple concept, but unfortunately not always understood or accepted in the outdoors. Twice this summer I have seen defaced rock at Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest. Before you carve your sweetheart's name in the rock, please think twice. Let's leave as little mark behind so all generations can enjoy our magnificent parks! For more information about LNT, check out their website here.

A few simple tips when heading outdoors:

Avoid short cuts through switchbacks, which cause erosion.
Leave what you find and take what you brought.
If you MUST use toilet paper, please bury it with your poo WELL off the trail.
Stay on the trail when hiking to minimize impacted areas.
Respect animals, plants, and rocks. Leave them there!

Pisgah National Forest- The Pink Beds

I was skeptical when I headed out to the Pink Beds on a Saturday morning, nervous that this loop would be crowded due to its lack of difficulty and its proximity to The Forest Discovery Center and its large picnic area. But, I was pleased to find the 5 mile loop was fairly empty. I headed out with trusty Daisy intending to hike, but when I was 3/4 of the way going clockwise around the loop, I was thirsty for more. I headed up the Barnett Branch Trail, saw a small black bear, got a peak at The North Face of Looking Glass, headed left at the Buckhorn Gap Trail, and turned around at the Buckhorn Gap Shelter. This tidy and cozy shelter easily sleeps 6 in wood bunk platforms and looks like a serene spot to camp. Knowing that the return trip was mostly downhill, I decided to jog home. By the time I returned to the car, I think I had logged about 10 miles, and the hike/ run had truly tuckered both of us out.

The Pink Beds Loop itself is really enjoyable for a variety of hiker levels, since it is mostly flat and has a spot to shorten the loop if you desire. You cross through lovely meadows, babbling creek bogs and the South Fork Mills River. The picnic area is roomy enough for some ultimate frisbee in your Chacos while your burgers cook on the grill. Another great day in Pisgah National Forest!

4th of July Sale!

Come on in to Looking Glass Outfitters and take advantage of our
Freedom, Fireworks, & Bottoms Sale!

All Pants & Shorts on Sale through Monday July6th. Get a bargain on great pieces from Mountain Hardwear, Arborwear, Prana, and more. Enjoy 4th of July!

Photo Courtesy Mountain Tree Studios

Beach to Mountains in the Carolinas

Sometimes even a mountain girl has to head to the beach. I spent a long weekend with family at Pawleys Island last weekend. Amongst gobs of sunscreen and trying to stay under an umbrella every moment, the beach was great (minus my sunglasses floating away- good thing we have a fresh shipment of Smith Sunglasses!) I think I successfully recovered from the pasty whiteness of living in Idaho for a year, where the water was never "just right."

On the way down, my brother, sister-in-law and I stopped at Cheraw State Park. This easy-to-never-hear-of park was a real treat and one of the many gems you can find in the Carolinas if you venture off the beaten path. For a whopping $3 an hour, rent a kayak and paddle amongst cypress wetlands in 300 acre Lake Juniper. Pack a picnic, and enjoy a quiet afternoon.

I do love the versatility of the Carolinas for the Beach to Mountain living! Although, my heart truly lies here in western North Carolina. I am back in Brevard, where you still need a layer in the evenings, the air is crisp, and the afternoon showers keep things cool and green. Enjoy the weekend and stop in the shop before heading out on your next adventure!

www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

Top of John's Rock

I grabbed Jasmine the other day for a post work hike to the top of John's Rock from The Fish Hatchery parking lot. For unknown reasons, I decided not to change out of my jeans. I was quickly remembering why true outdoor enthusiasts insist on synthetics! My jeans quickly felt like a steamy sponge in the famous southeastern humidity. Nonetheless, we had a nice hike. It may have been a bit of an ambitious jaunt for my 12 year old dog, but definitely a worthy hike with incredible mountain laurel, fabulous views of Looking Glass and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Peregrine Falcon Closures have been...

Its official! The closures have been lifted for all routes right of the Glass Menagerie on the North Side of Looking Glass as well as Shortoff Mtn in Linville Gorge. However the NC Wall in Linville, Big Lost Cove, Whiterock Cliff and Eagle Cliff as well as Whitesides Mountain still remain closed. Get out and enjoy the opened areas and steer clear of the closed areas. Stop in or contact Looking Glass Outfitters for more info.
Thanks!
Phil

City of Rocks

I sure loved every trip Phil & I made to City of Rocks, and I hope that we will get to climb there again. I always marveled at how my pictures of the area did not do it justice, but then I recently saw these pictures by Boone Speed. I was both humbled and reminded what a gem this area remains for everything from moderate multi pitch to difficult sport and trad climbing! Check out the City of Rocks, outside of Almo, Idaho if you have the chance-- you won't be disappointed.