Holy Fall! --Hiking Shortoff Mountain at Lake James

While most of you dressed in crazy costumes and went to Halloween parties I was a big nerd and went up to the Western NC mountains and hiked for the last time this Fall.

It was me, my hiking buddy Kelli and a co-worker/friend Karen.

We left early Saturday morning to hike the Shortoff Mountain Trail.

We read this awesome blog to get more information -- it's definitely bookmarked on my computer now.

There was a fire in this area back in 2007 so it's pretty wide open and the views are awesome as was the Fall color!

 The trail is located near Nebo, NC in the Lake James area.

Even after hiking around this region for 9-years this was my first visit to this particular area.

It WON'T be my last!

 Amazing views of the Linville Gorge Wilderness.

 The views of Lake James weren't too bad either!

The whole way up and the way back down was unbelievable.

 The trail is up and back which is about 4.5 miles round trip.

But, you can keep going to the other side of the mountain if you want on the Mountains to Sea Trail.

 The weather turned off cool this weekend so a warm hat was a must!

 How many of you gals/guys have heard about Tebowing?

Brad insisted that we do this on top of the mountain.

Hysterical!

 Awesome..Awesome hike for any of you that live in this region.

It's obviously pretty popular because there were dozens of people on the trail, many of whom were backpacking.

 Afterwards we happened onto Bear Creek Marina on Lake James.

We saw a sign and said... let's check it out!

 This place was awesome too!

You have to check out their website!

I told Brad that we are taking the jet-ski up there this next Summer and maybe camping or renting a cabin.

 I still cannot figure out why in the world I have never been to the Lake James area before now?

Boggles my mind!

 The Marina had several indoor areas decorated very rustic.

Totally up my alley.

 Nothing like a warm fire, college football on the TV, a friend, and food -- after a long hike.

We spent a good hour or so there then headed up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to our Inn.

We stayed at the Alpine Inn in Little Switzerland last year too.

The view from our room.

 Not fancy but quaint and perfect for a quiet weekend if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

 Thank goodness it had heat because it was COLD in the mountains this weekend.

We showered and went to dinner.

Tomorrow, our hike along the Parkway and a visit to one of Western NC's best wineries.