Podcast by two middle-aged, beginner hikers who travel upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina providing reviews, tips, tricks, and real information about the many hiking trails in the region. We cater to new hikers, people in less-than-perfect shape (like us), and those just looking for accurate information on difficulty, length, scenery, and experiences. This is a fun take designed to help inexperienced adventurers get outdoors.
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Grandfather Mountain State Park: Grandfather Loop
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55:51
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In this full episode, we are in North Carolina and discuss the Grandfather Mountain State Park's Grandfather Loop. We also have a super-sized fun-fact segment about Grandfather Mountain, and review a nice Scottish restaurant minutes from the park's entrance - The Tartan Restaurant.Af Casual Climbers
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Warriors Path State Park: Sinking Waters Trail
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15:28
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we discuss Sinking Waters Trail in Warriors Path State Park in Tennessee. This fairly short trail is one of the few we may not recommend to listeners.Af Casual Climbers
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Nantahala National Forest: Whiteside Mountain Trail
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55:29
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In today's full episode, we are in North Carolina and discuss the Whiteside Mountain Trail in Nantahala National Forest. We also have a fun fact about a daring rescue on the mountain in 1911, and review some battery powered warming gloves that are great for winter hikes.Af Casual Climbers
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Sumter National Forest: Yellow Branch Falls Trail
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we are back in the Carolinas for the Yellow Branch Falls Trail in Sumter National Forest. This challenging trail ends in a breathtaking 60-foot cascade waterfall that is truly something to behold.Af Casual Climbers
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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Object Lesson Road to Tri-State Peak Trail
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In this week's full episode, we are in Kentucky and discuss two trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Object Lesson Road to Tri-State Peak Trail. We also have a fun fact about some amazing women who helped bring literacy to rural Kentucky in the early 1900s, and review the Dutch Treat, a great Dutch deli, bakery, and store in Rose Hill…
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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: Cumberland Falls Trails 4 and 6
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we are in Kentucky and discuss two trails in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: Cumberland Falls Trails 4 and 6. These trails provide you with a spectacular view of the famous Cumberland Falls and an awe-inspiring rock formation.Af Casual Climbers
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Natural Tunnel State Park: Natural Tunnel and Lover's Leap Trails
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49:08
In this week's full episode, we are in Virginia and discuss two trails in Natural Tunnel State Park: The Tunnel Hill and Carter Log Cabin Trail and the Lover's Leap Trail. We also have a fun fact about Jemima Boone -- Daniel Boone's daughter -- and review a great community pizza place nearby - Pizza Plus in Duffield, Va.…
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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Gap Cave Trail
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we stay west and discuss Gap Cave Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky. This 1.5 mile there and back trail takes you to a great cave that you can tour with a reservation in the summer.Af Casual Climbers
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Pine Mountain State Resort Park: Chained Rock Trail
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In today's full episode, we head a bit west and discuss the Chained Rock Trail in the Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Kentucky. We also have a fun fact about Chained Rock, and review a great cabin from AirBnB right there in the area. Link to Elk Creek Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42665807…
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Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve: Glassy Mountain Trail
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we discuss a short hike near Pickens, SC in the Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve: Glassy Mountain Trail. This short loop takes you to the top of Glassy Mountain, and offers really great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in several spots along the trail. To support the relief efforts from the devastation left by…
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Pisgah National Forest: Sams Knob Summit Trail
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In today's full episode, we discuss the Sams Knob Summit Trail in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. We also have a fun fact about a civil rights icon from the area, and review a cool, light-weight trail stool.Af Casual Climbers
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Pisgah National Forest: Foster's Creek Trail
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we discuss a short hike near Hendersonville, NC, in the Pisgah National Forest called Foster's Creek Trail. This easy short loop trail takes you through a beautiful, but dense hardwood forest with lovely views of valleys and slopes.Af Casual Climbers
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Dupont State Forest: Covered Bridge and Grassy Creek Falls Trail
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In this week's full episode, we discuss the Covered Bridge and Grassy Creek Falls Trail in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina. We also have a fun fact about how people fought to keep this area public, and review a nearby mountain-top apple orchard - Skytop Orchard.Af Casual Climbers
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Trail Snacks: Five 15-Minutes-or-Less Waterfall Hikes
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In this supersized Trail Snacks episode, we discuss five waterfalls that you can reach in 15 minutes or less -- Looking Glass Falls, Whitewater Falls, Silver Run Falls, John's Jump Falls, and DEW Falls. Four of these are in the Nantahala Forest of North Carolina, and the other is in the Pisgah National Forest right near the Blue Ridge Parkway.…
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Nantahala Forest: Frolictown and Granny Burrell Falls Loop Trail
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In this week's full episode, we discuss the Frolictown and Granny Burrell Falls Loop Trail near Sapphire, NC. We also have a fun fact about something truly record breaking discovered in those mountains, and review a great BBQ stand -- On the Side BBQ -- only a few minutes away from the trail.Af Casual Climbers
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Trail Snacks: Toccoa Swinging Bridge Trail
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover the Toccoa Swinging Bridge Trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia. This short, beautiful trail is a must-do for anyone near Blue Ridge, Ga.Af Casual Climbers
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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Fall Branch Falls Trail
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In this week's full episode, we discuss a short, but rewarding trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Fall Branch Falls Trail. Donna's Fun Fact is about the earliest known sightings of a bigfoot creature in the area (Tsul'Kalu), and we review an amazing place to stay while in the area -- Bearfoot Bungalow in Blue Ridge, Ga. A special of…
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Trail Snacks: Davidson River Trail
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover Davidson River Trail in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. This is the first trail we've reviewed where we actually do not recommend it to anyone hiking. This trail is clearly a mountain biker's paradise, but the narrowness and blind corners makes this a bad trail for walking hiker…
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Pisgah National Forest: Lovers Leap Loop
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In this week's full episode, we discuss a short, but very challenging trail in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina: Lovers Leap Loop. Donna's Fun Fact is about Kathleen Lipe and her survival story during the Great Flood of 1916 near Asheville, NC, and we review whitewater rafting right there on the French Broad River through Nantahala Outd…
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In this special episode, Roy and Donna discuss the top five trails we've covered so far: Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail; Craggy Gardens Trail; Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls Trail; Carrick Creek Loop; and Abrams Falls Trail. Which one will take the top spot? Don't forget to check out their trail photos at casualclimbers.com and subscribe to …
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Trail Snacks: Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve Loop
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover the Eva Chandler Heritage Preserve trail in Cleveland, SC. This very short trail offers a stunning vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains and we have dubbed it "Baby Bald Rock." This secluded, fairly unknown trail is definitely on our must-see list for anyone in the area.…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Abrams Falls Trail
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In this week's full episode, we discuss a challenging, but tremendously enjoyable trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Abrams Falls Trail . Donna's Fun Fact is about Cades Cove, where Abrams Falls is located, and we review a nice hotel to stay at during your GSMNP trip: Tremont Lodge and Resort in Townsend, TN.…
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Trail Snacks: Buckeye Trail and Spruce Flats Falls
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In this week's Trail Snacks episode, we cover Buckeye Trail leading to Spruce Flats Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This short, but challenging trail features a great payoff with a spectacular waterfall at the end, but also a surprising mountain vista halfway through. We also congratulate Sklyar and Laura, who got engaged right th…
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Montreat Wilderness: Graybeard, Harry Bryan, and Sanctuary Loop Trail
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53:56
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In this week's full episode, we discuss a short hike in Montreat, NC: The Graybeard, Harry Bryan, and Sanctuary Loop Trail. Donna talks about the history of the quaint little town, including the story of an amazing young settler, Dr. Mary A. Holbrook, and we review a great restaurant nearby: The Berliner Kindl German Restaurant.…
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This week features a new format for some of our podcasts: Trail Snacks. Trail Snacks are bite-sized episodes that only feature a trail review. This week, we cover Crabtree Falls Loop Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. This great trail features not only the tallest waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but also a surprising mountain v…
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DuPont State Forest: Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls Trails
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This week, we discuss an incredible trail route in North Carolina's DuPont State Forest: the Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls trails. Donna talks about the Bedford Boys, men from a small town in Virginia who lost the most lives per capita during D-Day than any other in the U.S., and we review our favorite hiking water shoes - Eddie Bauer …
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Blue Ridge Parkway: Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
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This week, we discuss a waterfall loop trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Graveyard Fields Loop with upper and lower falls spurs. Donna talks about the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute and reviews her favorite hiking boots - Keen Pyrenees.Af Casual Climbers
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Pisgah National Forest: Pink Beds Loop Trail
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This week, we discuss a fascinating loop trail in the Pisgah National Forest, the Pink Beds Loop. Donna tells the story of the birth of forestry in the U.S., the amazing Edith Vanderbilt Dresser, and we review the Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center in the park.Af Casual Climbers
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Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Bottoms Trail
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This week, we discuss a great trail right on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Gardens Trail. Donna tells the story of the first white settlers to the area and the bravery of two women, including an American patriot Ruth Davidson, and we review the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center right on the parkway.Af Casual Climbers
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Metcalf Bottoms Trail
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This week, we discuss a fairly easy, but historically significant trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Metcalf Bottoms trail and Walker Sisters homestead. Donna tells the story of the incredible and fascinating Walker Sisters of Greenbrier Cove, and I review GuideAlong, a great app for traveling.…
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Table Rock State Park: Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail
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This week, we discuss a very challenging, but interesting trail at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina: the Pinnacle Mountain Falls trail. Donna tells the story of the prehistoric petroglyphs on the mountain, and I review my new favorite hiking backpack.Af Casual Climbers
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Keowee-Toxaway State Park: Natural Bridge Loop Trail
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This week, we discuss a short, but beautiful trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina: the Natural Bridge Loop trail. Donna tells the story of the now-submerged 18th century Fort Prince George, and we review Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, the highest point in the state.Af Casual Climbers
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Jones Gap State Park: Rainbow Falls Trail
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This week, we discuss the very challenging Rainbow Falls trail at Jones Gap State Park. Donna tells the story of famous American roadbuilder Solomon Jones, and we review a great local hangout and diner: F-Mart in Marietta, SC. This one definitely brought the pain for us unfit hikers, and you won't want to miss our tips to make it the best hike poss…
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Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls
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This week, we have an easy "two-fer" featuring the Issaqueena Falls waterfall and unfinished 19th century train tunnel in upstate South Carolina. We also discuss the tunnel history and construction and the legend about Issaqueena Falls, as well as a product review of my new favorite hiking accessory.…
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Oconee State Park: Hidden Falls Trail
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This week, we talk about a trail featuring two waterfalls in upstate South Carolina: Hidden Falls Trail at Oconee State Park. We also discuss the incredible historic Cherokee Trail Trees you can see on the trail, as well as the nearby Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina.Af Casual Climbers
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Oconee Station State Historical Site: Station Cove Falls Trail
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58:00
This week, we talk about one of the easiest, yet most rewarding waterfall hikes in upstate South Carolina: The Station Cove Falls trail. We also discuss the 18th Century buildings at the park, as well as one of the coolest little produce stand/general stores in the region - Picket Post Produce.Af Casual Climbers
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Table Rock State Park: Carrick Creek Loop
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This week, we discuss one of the most beautiful trails in upstate South Carolina: the Carrick Creek Loop at Table Rock State Park. Donna tells us the story of an early Table Rock hiker that you won't want to miss, and we talk about Aunt Sue's Country Corner.Af Casual Climbers
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Caesar's Head State Park: Raven Cliff Falls Trail
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This week, we cover Raven Cliff Falls trail at Caesar's Head State Park. We also discuss the creation of the very unique Devil's Kitchen feature at the park, a great local coffee shop for a nice place to eat and recover, and we review we favorite hiking app. Also, Donna may just find Roy braiding Bigfoot's hair one day.…
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Special Episode: Interview with Park Ranger Shawn Llewellyn
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47:40
In this week's special episode, Donna and Roy interview Paris Mountain State Park Ranger Shawn Llewellyn, one of the architects of many trails in the South Carolina state park system. He gives us a ton useful information on trail design and upkeep, special tips on trails at the park, his favorite trails, and how new hikers can get the best experien…
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Paris Mountain State Park Part 6: Sulphur Springs Trail
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59:04
In our final episode in the Paris Mountain State Parks trail series, we review the park's flagship trail. We also introduce two new segments: Fun Facts and Product Reviews. In this week's Fun Facts, we discuss the hilarious story of Richard Pearis, the park's namesake. Donna and Roy review their trekking poles, and help new hikers understand what t…
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Paris Mountain State Park Part 5: Feel-The-Burn Hikes
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This week, we cover the tough Brissy Ridge and Pipsissewa trails. Overall, not our favorites, but there are some real highlights. Also, Donna rats out Roy for putting forest stuff in his mouth!Af Casual Climbers
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Paris Mountain State Park Part 4: Feel-The-Burn Hikes
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This week, we cover the Kanuga and North Lake Loop trails - 6.65 miles of feel-the-burn outdoor fun. This is one you won't want to miss while at the park!Af Roy Padrick
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Paris Mountain State Park Part 3: Break-a-Sweat Hikes
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In this episode, we detail two break-a-sweat hikes for beginners at Paris Mountain State Park: Sassafras Loop trail and the Sulpher-Springs/Firetower/Kanuga Loop trail. Designed for beginner hikers or out-of-shape middle-agers like us, this podcast will provide useful info on the difficulty of the hikes (the REAL difficulty), completion times, and …
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Paris Mountain State Park Part 2: Easy Hikes
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30:28
In this episode, we detail the two more easy hikes for beginners at Paris Mountain State Park: Mountain Creek Trail and Mountain Lake via Sulpher Springs. Designed for beginner hikers or out-of-shape middle-agers like us, this podcast will provide useful info on the difficulty of the hikes (the REAL difficulty), completion times, and tips for brand…
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Paris Mountain State Park Part 1: Easy Hikes
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In our inaugural episode, we detail the two easiest hikes for beginners at Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville, SC. Designed for beginner hikers or out-of-shape middle-agers like us, this podcast will provide useful info on the difficulty of the hikes (the REAL difficulty), completion times, and tips for brand new hikers.…
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