Great hike from Fontana to Tapoco Lodge on the Benton Mackaye trail. The trail was in much better shape than I anticipated for this time of year. Already thinking how great a hike it will be this fall!
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This is one of the best wildflower hikes for early April, but what would otherwise be a moderately difficult hike becomes much more difficult due to numerous tree, falls from dead hemlock
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There are really only 2 serious climbs getting to the Hangover, one being up to the junction with Stratton Bald trail and the other one at the ascent up to saddle tree gap. Very well marked and the views at the hangover are some of the best in the east. Quite a few campsites along the way and apparently plenty of water sources according to locals, which I did not search for.
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Beautiful drive along Big Snowbird creek beneath a canopy of forest on Big Snowbird Rd. Road Dead ends at the trail head which has 3 spectacular waterfalls along the hike.
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The road along Big Snowbird creek is a drive through a rainforest canopy which ends at a hiking trailhead to Middle Falls, Upper Falls and Sassafras falls. Just an all around beautiful experience.
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Took longer than anticipated, bee’s were abundant, but overall great hike
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Great gravel roads. Little traffic
Mostly tight pack, fast gravel.
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This is a hard hike. Ended up ~1.5 miles longer than expected. Steep initial climb, levels out a bit around creek camp, then up rest of the way. Plan for extra water given the workout. Slippery rocks and several creek crossings. But beautiful wildflowers, fungi, and views well worth it.
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