Entries by Frugal Backpacker

Hiking Catawba Falls

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: […]

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 […]

Teresa Baker to Speak at Asheville Outdoor Show

The Asheville Outdoor Show returns to Salvage Station on the banks of the French Broad River on Sunday, September 23. The fourth annual iteration of the festival celebrating all things outdoors promises big changes. The one-of-a-kind community driven event will still feature plenty of local gear makers and national innovators showcasing the latest trend in […]

Summer Trail Challenge

At Frugal Backpacker, we believe that the outdoors are for everyone — and we love helping our community discover new places to get outdoors. To celebrate the arrival of summer, our local experts have put together a list of their favorite hikes, from easy to challenging. Make this your most active summer yet (and save on some […]

Favorite Hikes: Hardtimes Loop

On those days when you’d like to get a decent hike in, but don’t have time to head too far out of town, head to the Bent Creek area and give this gentle loop a try. Difficulty: Easy Distance: 6-mile loop Map: USGS Bent Creek and Skyland Directions: From Asheville, I-26 East and take Exit […]

7 Gifts for Dad $30 or Less

With Father’s Day right around the corner, we asked our team to share some of their favorite gifts for dad. The best part? All of these awesome finds are $30 or less! Prana Journeyman Trucker – MSRP: $30.00 Frugal Price: $21.00 Finally, a hat with jokes as corny as your dad’s.   Mountainsmith Vibe Hip […]

Free $10 Card When You Buy $50 for Dads + Grads

With summer on the horizon, the time to celebrate your favorite dads and grads has arrived. Looking for a personal gift that will take them on their next adventures? Frugal Backpacker gift cards are a great idea for graduates according to proud parents, cool aunts and uncles, and fun family friends. They’re also a thoughtful […]

Hiking Lover’s Leap

With its namesake springs and abundance of incredible hikes, Hot Springs is the perfect spot to sneak away to for a daycation. Of course, the perfect way to start a day in Hot Springs is with a hike to Lover’s Leap, a stunning rock outcropping along the AT. At around 2 miles, it’s a fairly […]

Hiking Coontree Loop

If a serene hike through hardwood forests, alongside a mountain stream, sounds like your perfect summer day, give the Coontree Loop trail a try. Since the trailhead starts at a great picnic area, it’s perfect for a morning hike followed by an afternoon of picnicking and grilling along the Davidson River. Distance: 3.7-mile balloon Map: […]

Mom Approved Gifts Under $50

Searching for the perfect gift for mom? We’ve got you covered with 10 great gifts that will make mom feel special this Sunday. The best part? All of these awesome gifts are available at Frugal Backpacker for less than $50.   1- Columbia Trail On Sleeveless Shirt – $45.00 2- Pistil Matty Trucker – $20.00 […]