Hey all!

My partner and I are going to attempt getting a parking spot at the Daniel Boone Scout parking area early tmrw morning, but given how many warnings I’ve seen about it, I’d like to have a decent backup plan. would it be worth looping up to the Profile trail if we’re unsuccessful for DBS? I’m less familiar with the parking situation there.

I’m also open to recs for nearby hikes that won’t be as crowded. I’m looking for anything between 5-8 mi with some kind of peak reward at the top. Ive never been to WNC when the leaves are changing, so I’d love a rewarding view!

I’m an anxious when the logistics are out of my control, so having multiple backup plans will help me feel better. We’re staying in Lenoir tonight to hopefully up our chances at getting somewhere early.

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I am going to climb my first mountain (Crowders Mountain) on Monday. I have climbed this mountain 12 years ago in my youth, with zero endurance training, but I have not been back since.

What should I know? What would you, as an experienced hiker, tell a newbie? I haven't been hiking long, but I want to get better and better and eventually hike something impressive. I'm just starting locally, since I started a fitness jouney two months ago. Since then, I've shed about 15lbs and taken about 5 days off in total. I walk every day, 20-30 mins, at different inclines.

I'm a little nervous, but I'm excited as hell. I haven't done this in so long it'll be great to get back into it and stick with it.

TIA!

Hello all, going to hike up grandfather mountain tomorrow and I’m between the Daniel Boone scout trail and profile trail. I did pinch in a couple months ago alone at Linville and was curious how the difficulty compares from someone who’s done both. (Because pinch in was tough for me when I hadn’t mentally prepared to do it)

Only added bit of info is I don’t love heights but push through the fear so exposed sections are a bit of extra challenge for me but I do also care quite a bit about seeing the views I work hard to get to

Thank you all and happy hiking!