Entries by Frugal Backpacker

Bundle Up for Good Coat Drive 2017

Last year, you helped us get over 200 coats to those in our community who need them most. This year, we’ve set a goal of 300 coats for Eblen Charities and you can score a discount for doing good. November 12-December 24, you’ll receive 20% off an item for bringing in a gently used coat. (There’s a […]

Hiking Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a truly special place. Getting there takes some time – about 2hrs, but the opportunity to wander around it’s exceedingly rare old growth hardwood is well worth the trip. Wandering around it’s numerous loop trails, expect to find tulip poplar trees over 100′ tall and 20′ in circumference. This is […]

Hiking Crabtree Falls

There are few things as awe-inspiring as watching water rush down a mighty waterfall while you’re enveloped in fall foliage. That’s what makes Crabtree Falls one of our favorite hikes for reveling in WNC’s stunning fall colors. This rewarding hike sits on the border of the Black Mountain range and the Blue Ridge Mountains and […]

Your Total Solar Eclipse Checklist

Your opportunity to experience a rare total solar eclipse in western North Carolina arrives on Monday, August 21. To make sure you’re prepared and packed for totality, the experts at Frugal Backpacker have assembled this helpful checklist. For more on what to expect, check out Everything You Need to Know About August’s Total Solar Eclipse. Click […]

3 Tips for Traveling Frugally

Travel, especially international travel, is a perennial wish list topper for most adventure lovers, but is all too often brushed aside by budget concerns. As an avid traveler on a budget, I can relate. But, if done properly, international travel doesn’t have to be an out of reach luxury. In fact, I’ve found that many […]

Hiking Skinny Dip Falls

If you’re looking for a fun family afternoon in the great outdoors, check out one of our favorite hikes for a summertime splash – Skinny Dip Falls. This short hike to idyllic falls and swimming hole on the Yellowstone Prong of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River is perfect for a relaxing afternoon […]

4 Tips for Raising Kids Who Love the Outdoors

The struggle is real. Between busy schedules and the prevalence of digital entertainment, fewer and fewer kids are spending any significant time outside. Sadly, we’re seeing the results in the form of rising rates of obesity, depression, and anxiety among kids. In addition to lowering health risks, more time outside can help kids improve self […]

Hiking Pink Beds

If a relatively easy hike that still offers some distance and stunning views of rare flora sounds like your perfect afternoon, you’ve gotta check out the Pink Beds Loop hike in Pisgah. Named after the rare pink swamp lily, this fun and relaxing loop wanders around the bottom of a unique valley with rare mountain bog […]

3 Tips for the Stargazing Beginner

Western North Carolina is renowned as a haven of outdoor beauty. Our night skies are no exception; Asheville’s relatively low level of light pollution and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway make it an ideal spot for seeking fantastic views of the night sky. If you’re looking to expand your outdoor hobbies, give stargazing […]

WNC Trail Triple Crown Challenge

We’ve partnered with our friends at Asheville Trails and Diamond Brand Outdoors for the WNC Trail Triple Crown Challenge. Visit Frugal Backpacker or any Diamond Brand Outdoors location to check out the awesome new Asheville Trails kiosks with dozens of local trails. We believe the outdoors are for everyone of all abilities, so you’ll find lots of good stuff at […]