Monday, October 31, 2011

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.

11 comments:

mrs.mfc said...

That looks so gorgeous!! What a perfect time of year to get out and enjoy how beautiful everything is. You're always up to something fun!

Jess at Just Rainbows and Butterflies said...

I love weekends that are full of good friends and fun activities. Glad you guys had a blast!

DSS said...

I went to Little Switzerland once upon a time w/the family on the way from FL to VA. I don't remember much about it, but the name :) Of course, we didn't do any of this fabulousness when we went. The leaves are gorgeous!!

Impulsive Addict said...

I'm so jealous! I would LOVE to hike that!

It looks like you guys had a great time. I agree with MFC...you're always doing something fun. Still jealous.

Have a great week Miss Dee!

Ashley said...

What gorgeous views! If I wind up living near NC next year I will have to check that out!

love jenny xoxo said...

gorgeous photos!!! I didn't take full advantage of the fall colors this year :( I'll have to plan something like this for next year!

XOXO

Sara said...

Oh my goodness - it's GORGEOUS!! Love all the pics. And the Fall colors?? Stunning. What a great weekend trip!

MCW said...

Beautiful! I really need to step up my outdoor activities.

PS - I read "hiking shortoff" as "hiking SHIRToff." WTF is wrong with me?

Nikki said...

I'm so jealous! I haven't done any fall hiking yet. During the week we have beautiful weather, and then the weekends are mostly rain rain rain!

Monica said...

I love all the pretty Fall colors.

Maggie said...

Thanks for the blog link. I've been looking for good area hiking blogs. Beautiful scenery!