Tubing the French Broad: A Local’s Guide

The dog days of summer.

Tubing the French Broad River is a quintessential Asheville experience, one which combines languid, fluvial enjoyment with artistic urban charm. You will float through forests, breeze past breweries, and find ample opportunity to shore up for local brews, bonfires, and food trucks. It’s no wonder that tubing has become a time-honored tradition here in Beer City. Read on for tips and tricks for cruising the French Broad in style.

What to expect

Get ready for a pleasant and peaceful day on the water. There are no rapids within this section of the river, only ripples, so allow yourself to relax and allow the current to gently carry you away. In fact, it’s quite possible to float the whole river without getting wet, although you’ll probably choose to swim or get blasted by the water cannon at the Asheville Outdoor Center.

Be prepared for a highly social excursion. While there are plenty of places to find solitude on the French Broad River, this section is not one of them. On any given summer day you can expect whole legions of floaters, but as long as you know what you’re in for, this can make for a festive and convivial atmosphere.

What to Bring

Now this is how you partake in one of Asheville's greatest summer traditions
Now this is how you partake in one of Asheville’s greatest summer traditions

Melina Coogan

Aside from a raft, water shoes, and the recommended PFD, the seasoned floater will bring along a well-stocked cooler filled with snacks, ice water, and beverages. Most outfitters rent cooler floats, although they strictly prohibit glass containers. A tube paddle is optional but can help you keep up speed during particularly slow sections. Remember to bring a change of clothes, your ID, and plenty of sunscreens.

Getting In

The French Broad from above.
The French Broad from above.

Melina Coogan

As you plan your excursion, take into consideration how many miles you’d like to cover, time in the sun, and how eager you are to drink your take-out beer. Float times will always depend on water levels.

For an extended day on the river, begin at Hominy Creek River Park in West Asheville, just north of the Biltmore Estate. A second option, Carrier Park, is located approximately 1.5 miles downriver, about an hour and fifteen-minute float from Hominy Creek. For a shorter day, put in at Jean Webb River Park, two miles (about a forty-five-minute float) from Carrier.

All three parks offer stacked concrete steps for easy entry. In addition, a number of informal pull-offs and sandy shoals offer even more opportunity to get in the water. Always be minded of private property.

Many riverside businesses offer and encourage river access, including Asheville Outdoor Center, Asheville Adventure Rentals, and 12 Bones BBQ.

Getting Out

A summer evening at The Wedge Brewery.
A summer evening at The Wedge Brewery.

Melina Coogan

While nothing beats a day on the river, some Asheville locals believe that the real fun begins at the take-out. That’s because riverside bars and restaurants offer a seamless transition between cold river and cold beer, no driving necessary.

Your first option for dining is 12 Bones Smokehouse, which offers slow-cooked, scratch-made BBQ cooked in the traditional Carolina style. Their mouthwatering ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sides (tangy pickled okra, jalapeño cheese grits) are famous throughout the Southeast; in fact, President Obama names 12 Bones as his all-time favorite BBQ joint, and claims it’s the number one reason he purchased a home outside of Asheville!

Unfortunately for everyone, their Riverside location is only opened during the weekdays. That’s right, the store owner claims their popularity would utterly overwhelm them on weekends, to the point where the cooks would not be able to keep up with demand! If you’re floating by Monday through Friday, make sure and stop for some of this legendary Southern cuisine. If you’re a weekend warrior, float on by.

Thankfully, The Wedge Brewery is just downriver. This is the most popular take-out for those who put in at Hominy Creek or Carrier Park. Famous for their Iron Rail IPA, The Wedge is a unique brewery that features outdoor seating in an eclectic and inviting ambiance. Split a pitcher of Apricot Pale Ale and a bucket of peanuts, or grab a bite from one of the on-site food trucks, such as El Kimchi or Melt Your Heart Grilled Cheese.

Your final stop on “The French Broad pub crawl” is the Bywater Bar, a hot-spot for adventure enthusiasts offering a full cocktail menu, outdoor grill, and 18 beers on tap. Between the live music, lawn games, and locals milling between bonfires, you may feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a summer camp for grown-ups. Just remember that someone still has to drive the shuttle back to the put-in, so imbibe accordingly.

River cruisers and fans of the River Arts District now have even more look forward to: the much-anticipated opening of both the Smoky Park Supper Club and New Belgium Brewery. Both establishments will offer yet another tempting reason to eddy out for beer, BBQ, and live music.

Rentals and Shuttles

Slow current makes for a peaceful float.
Slow current makes for a peaceful float.

Melina Coogan

For an affordable price,  Asheville Outdoor Center and Zen Tubing offer rentals and shuttle services for a variety of river sections. Asheville Adventure Rentals offers shuttles, gear, and beta for all things paddle sports. Here at Frugal Backpacker, you can find kayaks, tubes, and air pumps, and we will gladly fill up any tube you bring in the door.

By all means, bring along your pup, but keep her safe and happy in the bird Dog K9 Personal Floatation Device, created by Astral Designs, a local Asheville PFD, and footwear company.

More to Explore

Has tubing wet your appetite for the river life? There are some fantastic opportunities for adventure along the 140 miles of the French Broad River. Check out The French Broad Paddle Trail for a multi-day river trip, or bounce down the class III rapids of  Section 9  by raft or kayak. This ancient river is one of Asheville’s greatest assets—go forth and explore!

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Featured image provided by Eli Duke

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4 Strange and Unusual Adventures in Western Carolina

It’s no secret that the wilderness of Western North Carolina is brimming with swimming holes, staggering mountain views, and thousands of miles of trails. But there is also a wealth of fascinating places that lie far off the beaten path—the sites of abandoned infrastructure, forgotten art, and the crumbling ruins of old towns—where human history and the natural world have become enmeshed. For those of us craving an unusual outdoor experience, here are four strange and obscure destinations to check out this summer in Asheville.

1. The Abandoned Runways of DuPont

Mountain bikers in DuPont State Forest are accustomed to the land’s unusual offerings, from plunging torrents of water around every turn, to a bald ridge of rare eastern Slickrock. But riders on the Airstrip Trail may be surprised to come across a bizarre and unexpected feature within the 10,000-acre tract of wilderness: an abandoned and overgrown runway.

Although the airstrip, a relic from the days when the land was owned by the DuPont Chemical Company, is slowly being reclaimed by grass and shrubs around the edges, the enormous slab of concrete, still brightly painted with directionals, certainly makes for a startling and somewhat eerie site.

To be gliding through a cool, shaded forest and suddenly find yourself bumping across a band of exposed pavement, empty and long abandoned, is a unique experience, to say the least. Photographers will be delighted—not only with the unusual scene but also the long-range views of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah National Forest afforded from the runway. As an added bonus, the trail continues with a rolling descent of hairpin turns and dead-ends at the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls.

2. The Back Alley Murals of the River Arts District

A mid-run ramble through the secret murals of the River Arts District.
A mid-run ramble through the secret murals of the River Arts District.

David Clarke

The River Arts District is the epicenter of Asheville’s quirky and artistic culture. Pottery studios, art galleries, and outdoor breweries inhabit the shabby brick buildings and slick new facilities that border an active railroad track and the French Broad River. Between the Greenway, the shady paths of Carrier park, and the community initiatives of the  Asheville Running Company, its no wonder that this neighborhood is a popular place to explore on foot or by bike.

While there are plenty of colorful walls and art displays to be found on the main streets of the River Arts District, many people are surprised to learn that there is an entire block of murals and street art, painted on the sides of several old warehouses- secluded, mostly abandoned, and hidden away like a brilliantly colorful ghost town.

This lurid alleyway is located on Old Lyman Street, behind Riverview Station, a multi-use building of art studios and community spaces. You’ll also find a hand-built skate park, created by local skateboard enthusiasts. Pay a visit to this bizarre and forgotten urban art space to spice up your after-work running route.

3. The Lost Society of Hazel Creek

Fly fishermen in Hazel Creek, great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Fly fishermen in Hazel Creek, Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

John Coley

Intrepid visitors to the  Great Smoky Mountain National Park can get a taste of the area’s deep-seated and somewhat sordid social history by traveling to a virtually deserted section of the park, known as The Lost Society of Hazel Creek. The area is home to the fascinating ruins of what was once the bustling mill town of Proctor, and its few small neighboring townships.

The communities were settled on the banks of Hazel Creek, which flows down from Thunderhead Mountain and Silers Bald in the southernmost corner of the park. At the beginning of the 20th century, Proctor was a booming valley town, complete with a post office, train depot, cafe, barber shop, and even a movie theater. Its heyday ended abruptly in 1928 when the logging mill shut down after depleting the resources in surrounding mountains, and residents began to drain from the town in search of livelihood.

What remains today is acres of creek-side wilderness, strewn with the crumbling remains of cabins and mill facilities. Only one structure still stands, the ghostly and condemned Calhoun House, built in the same year that the mill shut down. The ruins are accessible only by hiring a boat ride across Fontana Lake, or via a rugged, twelve-mile trek. A number of local outfitters can help arrange transportation.

Every year, a handful of backpackers and fly fishermen are drawn to this remote section of America’s most visited national park, either by the promise of seclusion, the historical ruins, or the trout that are found in abundance in Hazel Creek.

 4. The Road to Nowhere

Another history-steeped obscurity in the Smoky Mountain National Park is North Shore Drive and tunnel, best known as “The Road to Nowhere.” This short but scenic route offers a view of the Smoky Mountains, Little Tennessee River, and Fontana Lake as it heads Northwest out of Bryson City, North Carolina. But the road dead ends inside the park boundaries, evidence of a federal promise to local residents that was never fulfilled.

The creation of Fontana Lake and the Fontana Dam in the 1940s displaced homes, farms, and entire townships, including one of the main roads at the time, North Carolina Highway 288. The former residents of these now deserted communities demanded that a new route is built on the north side of the new lake, connecting them with their old homesteads and cemeteries. Construction began on a two-lane road, but because of environmental concerns and funding that quickly dissolved, it ground to a halt in 1972, after a mere 7.2 miles of road had been completed. After a few starts and stops in the years that followed, the project was permanently put to rest in 2010, and Swain County accepted 52 million dollars from the federal government as a settlement.

Today, a dark, looming, 600-foot tunnel marks the terminus of Long Shore Drive. Crumbling and colorful with graffiti, it makes for a fascinating ‘off the beaten path’ adventure. The road peters out just a few hundred meters after the tunnel, but it does offer access to one of Fontana’s beautiful finger lakes and a particularly secluded section of the park. Locals warn against passing through the tunnel at night, as it is haunted by the ghosts of those laid to rest in the old burial grounds within the park’s boundaries, still searching for their displaced relatives.

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Written by Melina Coogan for RootsRated.

Featured image provided by woodleywonderworks

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4 Adventurous Weekend Escapes Near Asheville

High above the High Country.

Autumn has reached its peak here in Asheville, and we have the traffic to prove it. Our small city has been jam-packed with leaf-peepers, weekend-warriors, festival-goers, and tourists in search of pumpkin ale from Wicked Weed and mountain vistas from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Yes, fall is a truly spectacular time to live in the Blue Ridge…but you can also find yourself waiting a long time for a table on a Friday night.

For locals, this season of bright leaves and brisk days might be the best time to hit the road and explore some of the remarkable outdoor destinations that can be found just an hour or two outside of Asheville.

So gas up the car and switch up the scene: tackle a new hike, explore an unfamiliar wilderness, or get lost in a boulder field full of brand new problems. It’s tourist season after all, so why not be a tourist for the weekend? Don’t worry—we’ll give you the insider’s guide. Here are four weekend escapes near Asheville that are definitely worth the trip.

1. The Nantahala Gorge

Nantahala National Forest in autumn.
Nantahala National Forest in autumn.

Dzmitry (Dima) Parul

The Nantahala Gorge  lies only 1.5 hours west of Asheville. Nantahala means “Land of the Noonday Sun” in Cherokee. The river runs through a chasm so steep and narrow that, in some areas, sunlight will only reach the forest floor at high noon. The gorge itself is wild and rugged, studded with waterfalls and sheer cliffs. If you are looking to disappear into the wilderness for the weekend, this is your destination.

For a hiking adventure, Whiteside Mountain is a landmark of the Nantahala National Forest. The mountain is banded by staggering 750-foot cliffs, making for a dramatic and dizzying summit experience. A two-mile loop trail will take you to the rocky outcrop at the top, where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Piedmont.

Mountain bikers should head directly to the smooth, soaring trails at Tsali. Two separate looping courses of single track (open to bikers on alternating days throughout the week) are etched into the shores of Lake Fontana in a series of tight turns and wide arcs, providing some of the fastest and certainly the most fun riding in the entire state.

A mid-November ride at Tsali
A mid-November ride at Tsali

Jeff Bartlett

Any trip to the gorge would be remiss without a stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center . In the fall, after the summer fervor has died down, the NOC is just a cool place to relax and hang out. There’s a riverside restaurant, a gear shop, and always a handful of southbound Appalachian Trail thru-hikers swapping stories around the outside fireplace. The NOC hosts all sorts of outdoor events, classes, and workshops, guided rafting trips, zip-lining, river races, and more, so make sure and check out their schedule before you swing by.

In the evening, check out the Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City for a Little Tennessee Logger or a Chocolate Cherry Covered Stout. The taproom is complete with a stage, and on the weekends the brewery often boasts the best live music anywhere in the Smoky Mountains. When you’re ready to turn in, book one of the coveted yurts at the Nantahala Yurt Village, and enjoy the true meaning of the word “glamping.”

2. Boone, North Carolina

Sitting high above the High Country.
Sitting high above the High Country.

Caleb Forbes

If you were to look up the term “bustling mountain town” in the dictionary, you’d probably find a picture of Boone, North Carolina. Home of the Appalachian State University Mountaineers, Boone is chock-full of cafes, breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants, many of which sit side-by-side on a cozy, old-fashioned Main Street (called King Street). The town is named after the famous American explorer and pioneer Daniel Boone, and fittingly, there is a wealth of outdoor adventure to be found in its vicinity. The drive from Asheville is just under two hours.

Drop by Footsloggers, a downtown gear shop, and guide service, to pick up a guidebook or get some beta from a staff member. They will probably point you in the direction of Julian Price Memorial Park, a gorgeous swath of wooded land nestled at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Seven different trails wind through the forest and bend around a small lake, cutting across meadows and through streams. The 5-mile Boone Fork Loop Trail is the most challenging and the most popular hike inside the park. Before heading towards the trails, stop and see our friends at Hatchet Coffee to try whatever unique drinks they’ve whipped up!

The rugged, rocky slopes of Grandfather Mountain make for another hiking adventure that you won’t want to miss. The Grandfather Trail, also known as the “Chutes and Ladders” trail because of the network of walkways, stairs, and ropes that lead through boulder fields and across exposed rock faces, provides a rigorous full-body workout culminating in an unparalleled view from the 5,946-foot summit. Visitors to Grandfather Mountain also can enjoy more moderate trails, a nature museum, animal habitats, and the iconic mile-high swinging bridge.

Experienced whitewater kayakers can entertain themselves ad nauseam on the nonstop boofs of the Watauga River, the local Class IV/V run. Spectators might enjoy taking the trail down to Stateline Falls to watch the boaters drop over the waterfall, which sits just on the cusp of the North Carolina/Tennessee Border.

Pondering the next move at the Grandmother Boulders.
Pondering the next move at the Grandmother Boulders.

Melina Coogan

For climbers, the fun can be found at Grandmother Mountain. More than 400 established routes are scattered across twenty distinct areas on the mountainside in this beloved bouldering mecca- some quiet and secluded, others, like the Mighty Mouse boulder, are always hopping.

Round out your day in the High Country with a stop at Lost Province Brewing Company downtown. You’ll find live music in the evenings, wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and just about anything else you could desire after an active autumn day. There are plenty of campgrounds at Grandfather Mountain, Julian Price Park, and along the parkway. If you really want to live it up, spend the night in a rented cabin or teepee at Blue Bear Mountain Camp. 

3. Johnson City, Tennessee

The bustling taproom at Yee-Haw Brewing Company.
The bustling taproom at Yee-Haw Brewing Company.

Courtesy of Yee-Haw Brewing Company.

Johnson City, Tennessee has experienced some recent revitalization, with new restaurants and breweries inhabiting the historic train stations, the completion of the Tweetsie Trail Greenway, and an upswing in community initiatives such as downtown music concerts and First Friday events. Most people recognize the city from the ubiquitously played bluegrass hit Wagon Wheel, but what you may not realize is that Johnson City is a notable outdoor destination in its own right. Check it out for a day or two—it’s only an hour away from Asheville.

Since it’s such a short drive, why not throw your bike and your boat on top of the car and plan for a multi-sport adventure? Check out the trail offerings at Warrior’s Path in nearby Kingsport: eight miles of sweet, looping single track. Whitewater enthusiasts can spend the day bouncing down the class III rapids of the Nolichucky River, which slices through one of the deepest canyons on the East Coast. With the exception of the notorious Class IV Quarter Mile rapid, which is easily walkable, the “Noli” is a safe and friendly river for newer paddlers looking to transition to something a bit more juicy and technical.

Just 25 miles from downtown Johnson City, the Roan Highlands of Tennessee offer some of the best views along the entire Appalachian Trail
Just 25 miles from downtown Johnson City, the Roan Highlands of Tennessee offer some of the best views along the entire Appalachian Trail

Dallas Krentzel

Some of the most phenomenally beautiful hikes in the Southeast can be found at Roan Mountain State Park. The hollows, ridges and grassy balds of Roan Mountain are spectacular in any season, but never more so then when they are decked in their autumn finery. Explore the Doe River, which winds through the 2,000-acre park, or hike up to the Raven Rock overlook.

When your day of adventure is winding down, grab a beer at the YeeHaw Brewery Company, located in the refurbished Tweetsie Railroad Depot. For dinner, Holy Taco Cantina is where you’ll find the locals on a Friday night. Rest your head at Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel right off the Appalachian Trail, or treat yourself to a stay at the historic Carnegie Hotel and Spa in downtown Johnson City.

4. Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina

Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park.
Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park.

Scott Oves

It’s possible that you’ve driven by the welcome sign to  Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina on your way up to Greenville and hardly gave it a second thought. Maybe you were confused as to whether the sign indicated a town, or perhaps just an elaborate highway rest stop. As it turns out, the sleepy, unassuming hamlet of Travelers Rest—or TR as the locals call it—has everything you need for an adventurous weekend getaway, including strong coffee in the morning, good beer in the evening, and ample opportunity to play outside in between.

Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, TR is poised between a number of South Carolina’s most wild and scenic state parks, including Table Rock, Jones Gap, Caesar’s Head, and Paris Mountain. That’s right—one tiny town, four beautiful state parks.

Begin your day at the lovely, light-filled Tandem Creperie and Coffee for a breakfast crepe as you consider your options. The fine people at Sunrift Adventures just across the street will be happy to recommend their favorite local excursions, which usually include Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park. A 2.5-mile hike (one way) on the Rainbow Falls Trail leads to the base of this stunning, 90-foot cascade. Autumn foliage only adds to the finery of this aptly named veil of water whispering against the brightly colored rock.

If you’re in the mood for some mountain views, hike to the top of Table Rock Mountain. The Table Rock Trail entails a steady ascent for 3.6 miles (one way), leading to the crown of the imposing granite dome. At the summit, the thrill of height and exposure combines with heavenly views in all directions for a spectacular Upcountry experience.

When the light fades, make the short jaunt back to town and hole up at the Swamp Rabbit Brewery. Enjoy a pint of Black Plague, a robust, dark lager that’s a perfect match for the invigorating autumn weather. When you’re ready for dinner, head out back for some food-truck fair, or make your way over to Sidewall Pizza for a thin-crust pie and some homemade ice cream.

Spend the night at a rented cabin, car-camping site, or backcountry camping site, all of which are available throughout the local state parks. For something luxe and truly out of the ordinary, book a night at Hotel Domestique, a boutique hotel created by bikers that cater specifically to adventure enthusiasts such as yourself.

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Written by Melina Coogan for RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Caleb Forbes

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6 of the Best Summer Hikes in Asheville

The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville are home to a number of oasis-like hikes, perfect for summer.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a paradise in the summer, alive with flowers and fireflies. But the blazing heat can sometimes feel brutal, driving many people indoors to the comfort of air conditioning. There’s no reason to stay cooped up when so many trails offer a respite from the soaring temperatures. Tucked inside the shade of rhododendron tunnels, deep within hardwood forests, and carved alongside roaring rivers, these six refreshing summer hikes allow you to beat the heat while savoring the full splendor of the season.

1. Big Laurel Creek

A rejuvenating creekside hike just 45 minutes outside of Asheville, this even, easy trail along Big Laurel Creek is very popular among locals. The trail is seven miles in its entirety, taking an average of 3.5 hours there and back, although hiking a shorter segment would still be a worthwhile excursion. The best part of your day will be the deep, aquamarine swimming holes that appear occasionally in the Big Laurel River, as well as the cooling mist and sunlit rainbows that arise from trailside waterfalls.

2. Boone Fork Trail

Waterfall alongside the Boone Fork Trail.
Waterfall alongside the Boone Fork Trail.

Joe Giordano

The heavy shade of rhododendron tunnels and a multitude of river crossings make the Boone Fork Trail the ultimate summer hike of the High Trail. This should be your top pick if you are looking to head out of Asheville and explore the Appalachian region for an entire day. This 5-mile loop in Julian Price Memorial Park outside of Boone, North Carolina, is renowned for the variety of terrain that it passes through, which includes coniferous forest, open pastures, boulder gardens and floodplains filled with wildflowers. Slick river rocks, creek crossings and one cut-timber ladder add a touch of challenge to the ever-changing landscape. Don’t forget to cap off your day with a summer ale at  Appalachian Mountain Brewery.

3. Four Falls

Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls

Melina Coogan

The nine-mile Four Falls Trail in DuPont State Forest provides a show-stopping tour of the area’s most dazzling mountain waterfalls. This spectacular loop will lead you to the base of Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and alongside the shoreline of cool, placid Lake Imaging. The hike concludes with a quick out-and-back jaunt from the trailhead to Hooker Falls, one of the most popular swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Between waterfalls, the trail winds through deep woods and shaded rhododendron tunnels, providing relief from the relentless summer sun. Park at the Hooker Falls trailhead.

4. Craggy Gardens

The view from Craggy Gardens.
The view from Craggy Gardens.

Parke Ladd

Due to the elevation, the temperature atop Craggy Gardens is about 5-20 degrees cooler than it is in Asheville. Slabs of slate gray rock and bright pink rhododendron blooms create a vivid landscape, surrounded by panoramic 360 views of Asheville, Mt. Mitchell, and the endlessly undulating Blue Ridge Mountains. A mere 1.4-mile loop, this is a great starter trail for kids: quick, steep without being overly demanding, with a dramatic mountaintop finale that’s perfect for picnics. This hike could be combined with other attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway such as Graveyard Fields and Skinny Dip Falls for a full day of warm weather exploration.

5. Max Patch at Night

The sun sets over Max Patch
The sun sets over Max Patch

Marcos Gasc

While we would be remiss to not mention Max Patch as a breathtakingly beautiful summer destination, we’ll concede that its immense popularity could be a deterrent for many hikers. The solution? Visit this enormous Appalachian meadow at night, when the masses have gone home and the sky is so illuminated with lightning bugs that you can capture their glow on camera using a long exposure, as you would the constellations. Pack a blanket for some summer stargazing directly up the hill from the parking area, or enjoy the cool evening air with a moonlit hike on the Appalachian Trail.

6. Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Toms Spring Falls
Toms Spring Falls

Johnny Dickerson

Those of us who love pouring over a good, old-fashioned map may be confused by the name of this four-mile trail, which is actually located on a spur of Lanning Ridge. Misnomers aside, the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail is a lovely and scenic hike which meanders through 50-year-old hardwoods and bucolic pastures enveloped inside the Pisgah National Forest. Sections of steep hillside provide a good workout, but a thick canopy of hemlock and arching mountain laurel dapples and deflects the full glare of the midday sun. The end of the trail crisscrosses over a roaring creek on a series of planks and wooden bridges until it reaches the base of the monolithic, 100-foot Toms Springs Falls.

Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold

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Frugal Backpacker Has Boats!!

Tidal Watersports Logo

Whether you’re brand-new into kayaking, or a paddler with years of experience under your belt, dropping thousands of dollars on a single boat is a hard decision to make. So, we here at Frugal Backpacker made your decision just a bit easier by adding Tidal Watersports’ affordable Coast and Dually kayak models to our store. You can find more information about both of the kayaks below!

The Coast

Woman in single kayak

  • Specs

    • Material: LDPE
    • Dimension: 9.64’ x 31.50” x 16.77”
    • Weight: 48 Lbs.
    • Loading capacity: 350 Lbs.

  • Features

    • 2 carry handles
    • 2 molded handles
    • 4-rod holders
    • 1 right side paddle holder
    • Rear tank well with a bungee cord
    • Two 8″ access hatches
    • One molded seat

  • Price

    • $559.00

The Dually

Tidal Watersports Dually

  • Specs

    • Material: LDP
    • Dimensions: 12.2’ x 34.96” x 17.76”
    • Weight: 75 Lb
    • Loading capacity: 500 Lb
    • UV resistant

  • Features

    • Side, front and rear handles
    • 2 paddle keepers
    • Rear tank well with a bungee cord
    • Two 8″ access hatches
    • 2+1 seat positions
    • 4-rod holders

  • Price

    • $749.00

Another great feature about Tidal Watersports’ boats is that they come with seats and paddles (1 of each for the Coast, 2 of each for the Dually); saving customers even more money! So, if you’re just now entering the paddling game, or looking to add another boat to your quiver, Tidal Watersports offer great boats at affordable prices. Come and see us at Frugal Backpacker in Westgate Shopping Center to take a look at these boats for yourself!

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Hiking Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls - Romantic Asheville

With steep cascades as far as the eye can see, Catawba Falls is one of WNC’s best examples of stunning waterfalls. The fairly gentle 1.5-mile climb to the falls runs alongside a stream and offers beautiful scenery the whole way. Plenty of still pools along the trail offer abundant opportunities for a mid-hike splash.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3 miles out and back

Directions: From Asheville, take I-40 E to Old Fort Exit 73. Take a right onto Catawba River Road, after 3 miles, the road ends in the parking area for Catawba Falls.

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Hiking Moore Cove

As summer temps heat up, we’re always looking for refreshing hikes to help beat the heat. Moore Cove Falls offers beautiful scenery, solitude, and a great spot to cool off. You can even walk behind the cascading falls – how cool is that?

Distance: 1.5 miles out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From 276 at the entrance of Pisgah Forest, head north about 6.5 miles and pull off onto the paved parking area on the right. The trail is not marked with large signage, but there is an info board that will indicate that you’re in the right spot. The trail starts on the wooden bridge to the side of the info board.

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