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Hiking Mt. Cammerer

Intro

Your journey to the top of Cammerer will begin on Chestnut Branch Trail, which runs beside a picturesque creek plunging its way through a rhododendron filled holler for the first mile and half. You will share this section of trail with a group of stoic, old-growth oak trees which were lucky enough to survive the pre-park logging rush of the 1930s. Turning right, and leaving the creekside, the trail gains in elevation towards the ridge line and its intersection with the Appalachian Trail.

What Makes It Great

This intersection is clearly signed and from here you’ll follow the AT south for three miles to the Mt. Cammerer spur trail. After two miles on the AT, there’s a photo-worthy rock outcropping on your left that overlooks the Big Creek water shed. Continue to climb through a fragrant grove of large hemlocks and balsam fir. Upon gaining the ridge line, you’ll will see a clearly-marked intersection for the spur trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Cammerer and the lookout tower. Take your time and relish the last .6 mile of easy trail to the summit as you capture sneak peeks of the views through a tunnel of mountain laurel. A short scramble up an easy rocky section allows your first glimpse of the lookout tower and its 360 degree views.

Who is Going to Love It

Hiking to the lookout tower at Mt. Cammerer is for people who like burly climbs and big views.

What to Bring:

Trekking Poles: The Smokies are notorious for rocky terrain that is perpetually slick from the area’s rain forest like climate. Throughout the hike, your eyes will wander from the beautiful flora to the long range views. Bring your sticks to avoid a slip whilst distracted by such beauty.

Time Lapse Camera: The lookout tower was positioned to have expansive views of the area. A clear view to the east and west make this a prime location for sunrises and sunsets.

One Extra Hour: Start your trip a little early, pack a quality lunch, and take your time to drink in the views from this airy perch.

Tips from a Local:

Climbing Cammerer during the weekdays or in the winter months will give you a chance at solitude on the summit of this highly visited peak.

The giant hemlocks of Appalachia are quickly disappearing due to climate change and an invasive species known as the wooly adelgid. Several large, healthy trees are still living along this trail. Give one a hug and take a picture; one day you can show your grandkids how magnificent these trees once were.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The most scenic access point to this peak from Asheville begins from the Big Creek Ranger Station.

From Asheville, drive west on Interstate 40 to the North Carolina/Tennessee line and take exit 451 for Waterville. At the stop sign take a left, cross the large concrete bridge over the Pigeon River and veer left onto Waterville Rd.

Enjoy the close up views of the Pigeon River and be entertained by throngs of rafters in the summer months as you drive on Waterville Road for two miles towards a 4-way stop.

Follow the signs for Big Creek as you continue straight through this intersection. In .2 mile, the Big Creek Ranger Station and your trailhead will be on your right.

Bathroom facilities, trail maps ($1 donation), and overnight permits are available at the Big Creek Ranger Station.

Featured image provided by Logan Mahan

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What You Need to Know About August’s Total Solar Eclipse

Are you ready for the Great American Total Solar Eclipse? It’s rapidly approaching, hitting us full force this coming August 21. Millions of people will be traveling to see the moon cover the sun and all the crazy extras that go along with the phenomenon. The last total solar eclipse crossed the mainland states in 1979, so make sure you get out to see this one, because the next one won’t happen until 2024. Here’s our unofficial guide to everything you need to know.

The Solar Science

The paths of 21st Century North American eclipses.  Michael Zeiler, www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com

It sounds like sci-fi, right? “OK guys, one day in the future, the moon is going to completely blot out the sun. Day will turn into night! Stars will shine brighter than the sun! It’s going to be epic!”

So, sci-fi guy is right, but there’s some real science behind the eclipse. This is the time, celestially, when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in line together. The moon will rotate on its path around Earth and pass directly through the middle of our visual path to the sun. In this short period of time, the moon will completely cover the sun—at which point you will look up to see quite the spectacle. Day will have turned into twilight and the sun’s wispy atmosphere will extend around the moon. You’ll see stars in the daytime and colors streaking across the sky. That’s at full coverage. At partial coverage, the sky won’t darken much—but you will be able to get a clearer view of Venus.

Geometry plays an important role in this solar eclipse, too. The moon is about 239 thousand miles away from us here on Earth—which is oddly exactly the right distance to make it look the same size as the (much bigger and much farther away) sun, allowing it to completely cover the light during the eclipse.

Where to Catch a Glimpse

Gearing up to a seriously special celestial event—a time, when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in line together.  Thomas Lok

If you’re in the US, you’re lucky—you’ll be able to see anywhere from a total eclipse to 48 percent coverage. The path of totality (where you can see the sun completely covered by the moon) is a much smaller range, though. It goes through only 12 states: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And the totality viewing in those states is limited to very specific 70-mile-wide sections.

NASA has put together a selection of interactive maps allowing you to zoom in on the exact spot you should head to if you want to see the whole shebang. Totality only lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds at the max with this eclipse, and it’s predicted to be a massive traffic day full of people trying to get to that center line. So go early.

This chart, compiled by Space.com and NASA, outlines totality times in the best cities to see the eclipse, all in local time:

Totality times for each state in the best cities to see the eclipse. Data from NASA

Where to watch in North Carolina

Asheville’s got plenty of viewing parties planned for spots like Pack Square Park and UNC Asheville, but you’ll only get to see the path of totality if you head further west. Tickets for viewing at Clingmans Dome have already sold out and certain areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be closed on August 21. However, if you can turn the once-in-a-lifetime viewing into a weekend, some campsites and hotel rooms may still be available near Sylva, Brevard, Cherokee, or Murphy. Romantic Asheville has rounded up a comprehensive list of spots to watch the eclipse in the mountains.

2017 solar eclipse racing over Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Michael Zeiler on Vimeo.

Tips to See the Best Show

August 21, 2017 is predicted to be one of the most highly-trafficked days ever, as millions of people will be traveling to the path of totality.  NASA HQ PHOTO

Two words: eye protection. This is the most important tip we can give you for viewing the eclipse. Don’t go thinking you’re going to look straight at the sun—even if it’s partially obscured by the moon—and come away unscathed. You could burn your retinas to tiny eyeball-shaped ash piles. You could go partially blind. In short: you’ll damage the heck out of your peepers.

The sad reality is that the majority of the country will be out of the narrow path of totality the eclipse takes. It’s only 70 miles wide stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. The only people who can look at the full eclipse unencumbered by equipment are those in the path of totality. Most of us won’t see the sun completely covered by the moon, so we’ll definitely need eye protection of some sort. According to NASA, that means “special-purpose solar filters” like eclipse glasses. Sunglasses or homemade filters won’t work. Apparently only four companies make the glasses to international standards: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.

Another option? Pinhole projectors. But you won’t be able to look directly at the sun—it’s an indirect method of viewing. Sky and Telescope suggests this process: “Poke a small hole in an index card with a pencil point, face it toward the Sun, and hold a second card three or four feet behind it in its shadow. The hole will project a small image of the Sun’s disk onto the lower card. This image will go through all the phases of the eclipse, just as the real Sun does.”

Of course, if you’re super fancy you can just use a properly filtered telescope.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

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4 Tips for Fishing in the Dark

Summer’s arrived in western North Carolina and a very wet spring means mountain rivers and streams are higher and faster than they were last year. While that’s a welcome change, the longer days and higher temperatures of July and August bring challenges for anglers.

Warmer water and bright sunshine drive fish into deeper cover, making for a longer and hotter day on the water. That’s what makes this a great time to explore evening-into-the night fishing! A kayak is the perfect vessel for taking advantage of this opportunity as it’s more mobile than standing on the shore and bounces off rocks much better than a fiberglass hull. You’ll also find just about as many fish biting as an early morning outing.

Night fishing isn’t for everyone and introduces new elements of risk such as loss of visual cues and predators that like to hunt in the darkness. It can be a welcome change for those with busy schedules and allows a fresh perspective on trips you may have taken dozens of time under the sun. Before you head into the night, take these tips into consideration.

Plan Ahead

When picking your night spots, stick to familiar areas. Any body of water will look brand new at night, even if you’ve paddled it many times before. Make note of landmarks and bring a buddy, if possible. Two anglers can cover more water and watch out for each other.

Grab the Right Gear

You’ll need a few basic tools, most of which you already have. Essentials include a PFD, a GPS to steer clear of rocks and pinpoint fishy water, a radio to communicate with fishing partners in case you get separated, highly reflective flag, and a good light. Light will keep you visible to other anglers, recreational paddlers, and boaters. A 360-degree light elevated from the deck of your kayak, headlamp, and floating flashlight are all good recommendations. A hand-crank flashlight or lantern isn’t a bad idea, either. You should always wear a PFD when you’re on the water, but going without isn’t even an option for night excursions. Even if you don’t plan to be out after sunset, prepare for it.

Turn on Your Lights Before It Gets Dark

Always check your gear before getting on the water to make sure it’s charged. Turning on your lights early means less scrambling as the sun goes down and less chance of finding yourself night swimming instead of night paddling!

Have Fun!

The best fishing usually occurs at least an hour after the sun goes down, so don’t get discouraged if you find it dying down. The fish will be biting again soon! Of course, this advice can only go so far. You’ve got to get on the water and try yourself.

Be sure to check local regulations about operating watercraft between dusk and dawn as they vary across the region.

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Big Super Saturday Brings Big Names Together for a Good Cause

Join us for Big Super Saturday, a full day celebrating the simple things we can do with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. The free event features live music, giveaways, apple cider, outdoor treats, contests, and more. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, local nonprofits Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Eblen Charities, and Diana Wortham Theatre benefit from events during the week. Big Super Saturday takes place on November 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at our flagship store in the Parkway Center on 1378 Hendersonville Road in South Asheville.

The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with Native Watercraft and Liquidlogic’s Factory Warehouse Sale. Current and previous season boats will be on-site and priced below wholesale, including models that have never been available in Western North Carolina region. Native Watercraft and Liquidlogic are international companies headquartered in the area with their factory located in Fletcher, North Carolina. Thule specialists will be on hand to answer questions, talk about products that best fit your needs, and show off some of the coolest accessories for 2017.

The fun continues and takes a turn to the kid-friendly side at 3:00 p.m. Steve Longenecker of Falconers of Falling Creek Camp will host his popular Birds of Prey presentation with live raptors including a Peregrine, male and female American Kestrel, Red-Tailed Haw, Great-Horned Owl, and an Eastern Screech Owl.

At 4:30 p.m., the Fall In Love With The Outside Road Tour touches down in North Carolina. Marmot and RootsRated have traveled to 30 different cities around the country, but Diamond Brand Outdoors has something special in mind for its Asheville stop. The family-friendly (and dog-friendly) event celebrates with live music, tent pitching contests, Marmot gear raffles, s’mores, apple cider, outdoor trivia, a photo booth, and good ole’ conversations about where to go outdoors. A suggested $5 donation includes hot cider, a Ball® mason jar pint glass, and entry into Marmot’s awesome raffles. 100% of donations benefit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

November 19 is also the kickoff for Diamond Brand Outdoors’ annual coat drive for Eblen Charities. Anyone who brings a gently used coat will receive 20% off one item from Diamond Brand Outdoors (with some limited exclusions). This continues through December 24.

Earlier in the week, Diamond Brand Outdoors hosts the sixth annual Step Out & Shop, a benefit for Diana Wortham Theatre on Thursday, November 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free event offers a 20% storewide discount to shoppers and 10% of the sales benefit the programs of the downtown performing arts venue.

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Additional Vendors, Entertainment Announced for Asheville Outdoor Show

The wait is over! We’re happy to join Frugal Backpacker in announcing the entertainment and second set of vendors for the Asheville Outdoor Show. Another bonus announcement: the first 300 attendees will receive a commemorative insulated cooler, perfect for six cans of your favorite beverage. The free public expo brings top innovators from the most popular outdoor companies to recreation enthusiasts in the mountains of North Carolina. The Asheville Outdoor Show will take place on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 4:00 p.m. in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow (12 Charlotte Highway in Asheville).

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING

“The level of outdoor innovation that will be in Asheville is amazing,” said Chris Bubenik, Marketing Manager for Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker. “Our goal has always been to promote outdoor adventure and the lifestyle that comes along with it. Our mix of local talent and brands that are instantly recognized throughout the country is a reflection of our stores.”

Fifth Element Camping, GO Easy, Gorilla Carriers, Mount Inspiration Apparel, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, SimpleShot, Sylvan Sport GO, TerraForma Outdoor Solutions, and Ursa Minor are among the locally-based businesses that can be expected. Farm to Feet, Good to Go Gourmet, Kelty, Klean Kanteen, and Rinse Kit join other previously announced exhibitors.

Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park joins other environmental and conservation nonprofits protecting the natural spaces in the region. Hard Exercise Works will also be on hand with information about the Diamond Crusher, a group fitness competition scheduled for September 24.

LEAF Schools & Streets will hold a special performance at noon to kick off the day’s festivities. A reggae showcase hosted by local mainstay Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt will follow the performance.

Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear. This year includes an expanded music schedule, family adventure zone, yard games, and a nonprofit village. Highland Brewing’s line of beers and food will be available for purchase.

The first round of outdoor brands announced includes locally-based businesses Astral and Eagles Nest Outfitters, as well as Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, ExOfficio, Goal Zero, KEEN, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Salewa, Sea to Summit, Stanley, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., and Wind Pouch.

The first round of nonprofits announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina.

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We’re Expanding the Asheville Outdoor Show This Year

We’re excited to join Frugal Backpacker to announce the first round of vendors for the Asheville Outdoor Show. In its second year, the free public expo brings top innovators from the most popular outdoor companies to recreation enthusiasts in the playground of the mountains of North Carolina. The Asheville Outdoor Show will take place on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 4:00 p.m. in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow (12 Charlotte Highway in Asheville). The festival is open to the public and features an expanded footprint in Highland Brewing Company’s Meadow with over 75 booths, Family Adventure Zone, live music, and games.

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING

“Diamond Brand Outdoors opened the area’s first outdoor lifestyle shop in 1964,” said Chris Bubenik, Marketing Manager for Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker. “We love the outdoors and making sure our customers have what they need for the best experience. That’s why we’ve made the Asheville Outdoor Show open to brands by invitation only. We want to showcase innovators known for their quality, variety, and uniqueness.”

Those attending the festival will enjoy last year’s perks including coupons, discounts, giveaways, raffles, and the chance to chat with industry leaders and demo the newest gear. This year includes an expanded music schedule, family adventure zone, yard games, and a nonprofit village. Highland Brewing’s line of beers and food will be available for purchase.

The day’s schedule, music lineup, raffle beneficiary, and additional vendors will be announced in two parts in mid-August and the beginning of September.

The first round of outdoor brands announced include locally-based businesses Astral and Eagles Nest Outfitters, as well as Buff Headwear, Columbia Sportswear, Deuter, ExOfficio, Goal Zero, KEEN, LEKI, Marmot, Montrail, NEMO Equipment, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Outdoor Tech, Salewa, Sea to Summit, Stanley, Tilley Endurables, Toad&CO., and Wind Pouch.

The first round of nonprofits announced include Asheville Greenworks, Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Mountain True, and North Carolina Outward Bound School.

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Highland Brewing Company is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville, North Carolina. Check out photos from last year below.

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