Barr said hikers should wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing (no cotton) and shoes with good tread.
Wool socks are also recommended.
MacDowell added that hikers should carry one to two liters of water per person.
Credit:Katie Linsky Shaw
She also suggested hiking poles to help with elevation climbs and descents.
MacDowell recommends hiking with a loud whistle which she said is usually enough to scare off a bear.
Barr uses bear spray if hiking in areas where bears have recently been active and problematic.
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Do not play dead.
Black bears are naturally afraid of humans and prefer to be left alone.
Temperature and Seasonal Closures
The Blue Ridge Parkwaycloses portion when temperatures drop below freezing.
Credit:Katie Linsky Shaw
Visitors can still walk and bike the closed section.
If visiting in winter, check for any parkway closures here.
Oh and like keep your dogs on a leash.
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Foundation ruins, original stairs, and the well house are all that remain.
The forest trail winds through meadows of flowers while crisscrossing a stream.
Wooden bridges and boardwalks guide hikers over the swampy areas.
Credit:Katie Linsky Shaw
Watch your step because of exposed roots along the trail.
Its located about an hour from Asheville and 23 minutes from Brevard.
You could easily spend a full day in the area.
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Two trailsan easy trail and one thats more strenuousstart from the same parking lot.
Head toHooker Falls Parkingas your base for both hikes.
Theres plenty of space and restroom facilities for cleaning up.
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Know that the area is popular and the lot might be full on warm weekends.
Barr said she reminds visitors that the water here is very cold year-round.
The entire trail is only 0.8 miles roundtrip.
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Some hikers use this short route and swimming hole to cool off after hiking the next trail.
The trail was recently reopened with improvements like wider paths and expanded access to the Upper Falls.
I saw at least one owner carrying his very large pup down the stairs.
Credit:Katie Linsky Shaw
My dog reluctantly made the climb.
The trail can also be completed as a loop by adding the new ridgeline trail.
No matter which way you choose, I was thankful for the swimming holes for cooling down.
Credit:Katie Linsky Shaw
Good hiking boots are a must and poles can be helpful.
If you dont have poles, MacDowell said to hike hands-free meaning without holding a water bottle or phone.
That way, youll be able to easily and safely steady yourself as needed.
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Leave time to pull over at one of the many overlooks on the way to your hike.
The trail is challenging in sections but offers incredible views throughout the route.
TheSam Knob trailis also accessible from the same parking lot.
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But the views are amazing.
We recommend you hike it counter-clockwise.
This is a great spot to rest and enjoy a snack.
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Watch for slippery wet rocks at the top and hey keep your dog on a leash.
Head to the picnic area turn-in which is three miles before the Craggy Gardens visitors center to enjoy lunch.
The area has two options for hiking.
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Watch for fog rolling in.
This can happen quickly and block those picture-worthy views.
After Craggy Gardens, continue on the parkway for another 25 minutes to Mt.
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Mitchell State Park which at 6,684 feet, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.
Its an easy walk up the hill from the parking lot to an observation deck.
The trail is accessed by Bearwallow Mountain Road off Hwy.
74 on the way to Lake Lure.
The road eventually turns to gravel before reaching the trailhead with parking along the road.
Its about 0.8 miles to the top and is ranked by the AllTrails app as a moderate hike.
Dont be surprised to see a few cows at the top near the fire tower in the warmer months.
(Watch for cow patties!)
Theres plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy a snack.
To loop down, follow the gravel road below the meadow back to the trailhead.
But for those who require a bit more of a challenge, weve got that covered, too.
The views at the top are incredible.
There is a spot near the top that requires a little scrambling over rocks.
The trail follows the path originally blazed by George Vanderbilt from the Biltmore Estate to his hunting lodge.
Here are two trails suitable for different skill levels within one family.
This is where your easy level hikers can relax while the more moderate ones head to Discovery Falls.
The trailhead is located past the Pisgah Forest Horse Stables.
Going counter-clockwise, the trail winds through the woods with several scenic stream crossings.
The first waterfall can be seen from the trail or reached by hiking off the path.
Continue hiking until you reach beautiful Twin Falls before looping back down.
This is a great waterfall hike for avoiding the crowds.
