Triangle TRACKer - Says, Take A (family) Hike!

Why not embrace what a sluggish economy has to offer: A chance to adjust our vantage point; An opportunity to get off on the right foot.

Here's my idea: Do it literally, by hiking along North Carolina's amazing Blue Ridge Parkway.

The idea may sound daunting, but when taken step by step, doesn't have to be.

Wikipedia, in it's infinite wisdom, describes "Hiking" as "an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails". Simple enough.

A "family hike" is as easy as this:
Pick a weekend. Pick a trail. And GO!
No experience, atheleticism, or even giant back pack needed.
(Although, I always recommend a picnic. I'll tell you the best place to pick up sandwiches in Valle Crucis in my next blog!)

You can get to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 3 hours from the Triangle.
To make things even simpler, I'm going to tell you where to go.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is mapped mile by mile, with interesting stops signified by their "mile marker".
Our family loves the hikes between mile markers 294 and 316.

This 20+ mile stretch of the BRP (that's Blue Ridge Parkway to you newbies) between Blowing Rock and Linville Falls offers up a number of fantastic hikes for all levels of hikers.

Here are a few standout hikes, noted by their mile marker:

295.4 - Sims Creek Trail- easy 1 mile
295.9 - Green Knob Trail- strenuous 2 miles, round-trip (FYI - nice changes of terrain throughout this hike)
299.0 - Tanawha Trail to Julian Price Campground -moderate 3.8 miles (FYI - This is a GREAT campground!)
303.7 - Tanawha Trail to Rough Ridge Parking - strenuous 1.45 miles (FYI - Awesome view!)
304.4 - Tanawha Trail to Wilson Creek Overlook- strenuous 1.35 miles (FYI - Love the scenery!)
304.8 - Tanawha Trail to Linn Cove Visitor Center- strenuous .65 mile (The Visitor Center is a GREAT stop. I always pick up at least one book...usually by Bill Bryson)

305.2 - Beacon Heights Trail- moderate .35 mile (FYI - Awesome View; Careful with small children!)
308.2 - Flat Rock Self-Guiding Loop Trail - easy .7 miles, round trip (FYI - Great for little ones)

316.4 - Linville Falls Trails - moderate-strenuous, 1-1.6 miles, round-trip

This story peaks with a cherry on top: This area of the Parkway is within 30 minutes of Blowing Rock, Boone, Valle Crucis, Banner Elk, and Linville- all charming towns with great restaurants, shops and places to stay.

I guarantee- you and yours will LOVE this weekend of hiking. Enjoy!

Check out all the BRP hikes here.