Appalachian Trail - Three Bald Hike

 The parking lot is just over the North Carolina border on the Tennessee side.

The trailhead.

The trail is mostly open. It's somewhat a mystery how a "bald" (barren area) came to be in an otherwise lush landscape. There were little oases where you could find shade and rest.

The trail straddled the border of NC and Tennessee. This was a spot where you could look to the right and view NC and to the left, Tennessee.

On this day, the National Guard was doing some training  

Wilson Creek - Thorps Creek Trail

 You drive or walk to the end (very back) of Mortimer Campground and that where you'll find the trailhead.

A little waterfall about .25 miles in from trail head.

This final picture was the end of our hike. Katie could neither go over or under this large fallen tree. This was a very challenging hike due to a lot of fallen trees and no bridges over streams and creeks. 

Craggy Gardens

There was really not a lot to photograph at Craggy Gardens in the Summer. Flowers that would otherwise  be in the meadow were not in bloom. 

The excitement came on the way to and leaving Craggy Gardens. I came across 4 bears total and this last picture was a mama bear with two cubs. Unfortunately I was unable to get any pictures of the cups. It's great seeing a black bear in your car; not so much on a hiking trail, which I never have has to date.

 

Linville Gorge Wilderness

Our first glimpse of the river was as we descended down the gorge.

Katie having some fun and refreshment in the Linville River.

We took the Pine Gap trail down into the gorge and came back out the Bynum Bluff.

 

Umstead State Park - Company Mill Trail

With the trail leading into the circle it became a 7.5 mile hike.

One of the preserved millstones. Hence the name of the trail.

Katie, my Great Pyrenees mix. She is very enduring even in the heat. She is like a camel and doesn't drink much water. I try to force her to drink more.

A plaque that gives the history of the park.