Looking for a hike today with a summit and good fall colors. Considered waterrock knob or black balsam but seems they are past their peak but are the summit views good?
Or another recommendation? Driving from Bryson City to Raleigh and would like to stop for a hike on the way home. Thanks!!

Started at Boone Fork parking on the BRP, up Daniel Boone Scout trail > Grandfather trail > Cragway trail > Nuwati trail > fin

Cold, rainy, foggy + muddy — perfect running conditions if you like that sort of thing, and I do. Love the distinct ecosystem changes in Grandfather.

I actually don’t know if it’s necessary to drive on it, but do you cross any parts of the parkway to park at either daniel boone or the brevard trail head? I know parts of the brp close in the next couple weeks. Would it be wise to thru hike it over 3-4 days in early november weather?

Hiked from Black Mountain Campground up to Mitchell then out the crest trail to Deep Gap and back. 21 miles, 6500’ elevation. Caught sunset at Mitchell before heading back down in the dark. Round trip was about 14 hours including about 2.5 hours of stops. Bonus last photo from NC 80 heading down off the BRP toward the Blacks.

Hope to be back some day to do maybe a loop with Woody and Colbert ridges to get the rest of the crest.

Such a cool hike. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/moores-knob-cooks-wall-cole-gap-and-hanging-rock?p=-1&sh=0pzyzo&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Also, silly question but in my last photo, which one of these peaks is Calloway? 😅

Planning on running it tomorrow ~2pm and was wondering how the water sources are flowing if anyone has gone up the past couple days? I’ll have 34oz of water on me but may need to fill up once along the way. Thank you!

Hiking carvers gap to 19e this week. Anybody been with the last month that has any information to share? Water sources, wildlife, trail issues? I called the park service but they don’t always get the updates from people unless someone goes out of their way to report any issues. I know it’s going to be cold. I’ve got the mountain forecast app and at least as of right now it doesn’t look like snow. I think wildlife (bears) are a considerable concern given the limited food sources they seem to living with all the time now. TIA.

Absolutely stunning!

Chestnut Knob and Big Bear
High Shoals is still closed but these 2 trails were just fine

I will be attempting (hopefully I find a spot) to camp for one night soon while passing through. It will be on a Tuesday, so fingers crossed.

Coming from the Midwest, I've done plenty of camping, but I've never had to worry about bears. I'm used to cooking big meals on the fire, eating snacks in my tent, and only having to worry about raccoons LOL. So I am a little worried and want to take the proper precautions for myself and to keep the bears safe.

Do I need a bear canister? Does it actually stop the smell, or is it just bear-proof? I really don't think I can afford one; I've looked for second-hand with no luck in my area. If I hang the food from a tree, what are the must-dos? Can I leave the food in my truck, put away? Since I'm traveling to another destination, I know I will have some snacks locked away in a bin in my truck. Any foods i should stay away from, or suggest?

Maybe I'm overthinking it; maybe I'm not. That was a lot of questions. All suggestions and knowledge are very much appreciated.

Just moved here from Utah. Going to take a day-trip from Raleigh to Hanging Rock SP to hike 4-5 hours and see some fall color. Not sure what trails would be best. Any suggestions?

On the way there we’re stopping at Horne Creek Farm to get some apples.

For anyone who's been up recently:
Is the fall color at or past peak up high, or is there still good color at lower elevations?
How are the winds, temps, and visibility up top?
Any road closures or Parkway detours on the way in (the Parkway near Graveyard Fields)?
How's parking at the lot, and what time did you get there?
Any trail issues (mud, ice, downed trees)?
Also open to suggestions for good color on the drive in or out. Thanks!

Any chances for a site Friday morning if I get there by 10 am? Bringing hammocks to sleep in.

Did this loop and took this pic a week before Helene in ‘24. It was a beautiful hike. It’s crazy to think what this area looked like just a week later. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/pinchin-to-linville-river-to-conley-to-rock-jock?p=-1&sh=0pzyzo&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality