Though I haven't traveled very far across this country, or internationally, I am whole-heartedly convinced that no other place will have my heart like the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina.
I came to Appalachian State's campus for the first time in June of 2013, and I fell in love with the beautiful environment I found myself in, and in August of the same year, found myself a part of.
And in these unseasonably warm conditions (you can thank climate change and climate change deniers for that), I suggest you hit the road and explore some of the most pristine scenes in these good ol' Blue Ridge Mountains.
All the pictures were taken on my iPhone. The cover photo was taken in my Eno hammock from my balcony at the Cottages of Boone when I lived there in 2014.
1. Rough Ridge
The first peak I ever climbed was Rough Ridge. I know, I know; it's the stereotypical first hike a freshman goes on when they come to App State.
Nevertheless, I stood on the edge of that peak for a good five minutes, my mind blown from seeing the beauty God had laid out for me to witness that day. I was blessed to have two amazing friends who took me up there that day. This is what started my hiking fervor.
2. Trout/Bass/Price Lakes
These three lakes are stunning. I walked on Bass Lake whne it was frozen over in the dead of winter up here in Appalachia. I camped out at Price Lake during an in-between period in my leases. They fill any gaps in an exploration day on the Parkway.
3. Harper's Falls
A site uncovered by my freshman floormates and bros, the Lovill 4th Floor boys (back when it was an all-male dorm.) This place hosted two camping trips for us, and the site is a jewel. If you have never been there before, it would be hard to find, and that is what makes it so perfect. Hidden treasures like these are what makes exploring so amazing!
4. Howards Knob
Howards Knob is the peak that sits just behind Boone's historic business district, downtown King Street. This peak overlooks the entirety of Boone, even the sprawling campus of Appalachian State University. If you go at night, you'll see the entire town lit up; the picture above doesn't do the view from Howards Knob any justice, trust me.
5. Mt. Jefferson
Nestled behind Ashe County High School in West Jerfferson, NC, sits Mt. Jefferson, a mountain that resembles Howards Knob, in that it overlooks its entire surrounds, also. My ex and I traveled up the mountain for a relaxing peak-chill day in my Eno, and I must admit it was a success. Seeing the views before me makes me feel so small and insignificant in this big, big world.
6. Elk River Falls
One of many waterfalls I've leapt from, including Harper's Falls (mentioned above). This waterfall is exhilarating, and by no means scary to jump from, as some are. It also has the added bonus of having a sandy shore, however that ended up happening. Perfect place for any day-cation in the mountains.
7. Linville Falls/Gorge
My freshman year of college, Linville Gorge caught fire, and burned for days on end whilst enveloping the rest of its surroundings in a blanket of thick, white smoke. The valley surrounding the falls, however, wasn't touched, and that's how I was able to visit this wondrous place a year later. It's a sight to behold!
8. Snake Pit/Trash Can Falls
Snake Pit is a river. It runs through Watauga county and into Tennessee. It also has a tributary that connects the waterfall Trash Can Falls to it. Both places are perfect if you're trying to relax on a hot free day before going to out that night. Don't let the name of Snake Pit fool you; I've never seen a snake in the waters.
These are only the places I've gone that I actually remembered to take pictures of, but I've been to so many more breath-taking peaks and scenes.
It is worth-while to go out and take in as much of this beautiful planet as you can, while it still looks as beautiful as it is. These precious sites won't always be the oases of magnificence that they are, unless we as a human species get out there, experience them, and then pledge to preserve them.
