My biweekly roundup of WNC mountain and trail news is out. Join our fast-growing subscriber list - it's free! Amazing how many exciting new trails are planned for our region. https://michael636725.substack.com/p/the-ridgeline-roundup-for-oct-9-2026?r=7wkto&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcom

Hey folks- I didn’t have any trash bags or gloves today as I was going to Flat Laurel to fish and didn’t have a whole bunch of time. On the off chance you’re planning to hike Flat Laurel tomorrow, could you pack out some wipes left by the trail? I feel bad about not picking up the wipes as I usually have a trash bag for my own stuff but all I had was a ziplock baggy with snacks. If you recently hiked or camped at Flat Laurel and left wipes, a shallow cat hole by the trail and menstrual products, please take a trash bag to pack out your garbage the next time you go out. Biodegradable wipes are not as regale as you think. Leaving a menstrual pad by a stream is unforgivable. Please LNT!!

I'm planning a hiking trip for late October in the Linville Gorge. I've never really been there before, so I'm looking for some advice. I'm a moderately experienced hiker, but kind of in middle of the road shape at the moment. I'd like advice on which trails would be best for me to consider. I'd like something that's challenging, but not the toughest hikes in the gorge. I'll start early, and I'm comfortable with something that will take a good part of the day. I will not be camping. One thing that I'm most concerned about is trail access. I'll be in a Honda Accord, so I'm concerned about access to trailheads being a little sketchy for me to try and get to. I've been to Wiseman's View and found it not particularly difficult at the time I went, but I realize that can change depending on how the weather has been at any given time. I really, really don't want to get in over my head in that regard. I prefer something on the east side of the gorge, but that's not really a huge deal. I'm really most interested in familiarizing myself with the gorge, to the extent I can in a day, and learning what I can for future visits. I appreciate any advice or insights.

Max's Patch is super clear after the controlled burn in March. It feels like they mowed the area. There should be a lot of new growth to watch this summer.

We’re in Cullowhee and I wanted to know of any trails that are still open for dog walking? Or just anywhere outdoors I could walk my dog? We don’t have a fenced in yard and she needs exercise. I’m from out of town and want to exercise outside safely but am not familiar with any trails. I was hoping to get some help on here!