Along the way, I took a 4.4 mile out-and-back hike and encountered a historic farmstead, a flock of sheep and goats, muddy trails, scenic creeks, a distinctive edible mushroom, more muddy trails, an old mill dam, and–oh yeah, did I mention?–more muddy trails. … More Hiking to an Old Mill Dam at Cedarock Park
I’ve hardly been there in the past few months due to the closure of the Overlook — over which there were health concerns due to the large crowds gathering there in the early days of the pandemic. … More Hiking to the Occoneechee Mountain Overlook and Brown Elfin Knob
You have to know when to throw in the towel in life, especially when you’re living with a chronic illness. Likewise, when you’re hiking, you have to be able to distinguish between a trail that’s just a little bit challenging and one that may literally result in your funeral. … More Seven Lessons I’ve Learned from Hiking with a Chronic Illness
Not knowing what to expect, I approached and looked closely. And when I did, I was awestruck. For what I had thought was merely a big log was in fact a gigantic tree sculpture, almost like a carved mural in wood. … More Hiking Sycamore Trail to Chainsaw Log, a Fallen Tree Sculpture in the Woods
While there, I covered 4.1 miles on three trails and had one of the most enjoyable hikes of the past year — during which I encountered a big lake, several blackberry plants, a scenic creek, a tulip poplar in bloom, and an oak tree growing straight out of a rock. … More Hiking to Big Lake and Oak Rock at William B. Umstead State Park
Mark Explores 