New Member Old Fort, NC

[michaelinnc84]

Good evening everyone and thanks for letting me join.  I was born and raised in Asheville and recently moved down the mountain to Old Fort a couple of year ago.  I am about 45 mins from my house to old hwy 105 but have never been there, until today. 

I am a beginner at hiking and have yet to backpack but would love to give it a try.  I have started hiking the past year to help me in my efforts to loose weight and have found that it is a hobby that I really love.  So after hearing about the linville gorge area in my search for more trails in the area, my wife and I had to go check it out.  Needless to say we absolutely loved it.  The road (105) made us a little nervous in our small little car, mainly because we have never been on it before and spots were steep, but we made it through without any problems and I even had cell phone service at the top of the mountain where you can see lake james.

The area is so beautiful and we can't wait to start exploring... slowly... since we are beginners and both over weight and fighting to get in better shape.  Luckily we both enjoy hiking and have some great friends that are supportive and do too.  I watch shugs videos on youtube the other day and they really inspired me to check out the gorge.  And I was very excited to hear yall have a nice supportive group here as well.

We are definitely going to plan a trip of camping... might be road camping at first until we get more comfortable with the area and aspect of back country camping but I have a feeling I am going to fall in love with the gorge.

Thanks again for letting me join!

[wigg]

Welcome to the group, Michael. Let us know your plans and someone may be able to join you sometime.
William/Wigg

[Hawk-Eye]

Let me second that welcome ... hope to meet you there sometime. Oh and great name by the way! 

[michaelinnc84]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome.  No plans set in place yet but I will let you guys know.  Any good suggestions for a trail guide map for linville gorge?

[Ken]

Hi Michael and welcome to the group.  Check the lower sections of the forum for information on each region of the gorge. There is a sticky thread on "trail data sheets" for each section.  The first post of each of those has a link to our master map, like this: http://www.linvillegorge.net/smf/index.php?topic=180.0.   You'll find other useful things there too.

Looking forward to hearing of your adventures.

Ken

[Dollyssara]

I live close enough to see Table Rock from my back windows (about about a twenty minute ride to the nearest trailhead which is Wolfpit.  Since you are just 'sticking a toe in to test the water' so to speak, I would suggest you stick to well traveled places until you get some trail experience.  I ultralite hike with bare essentials because I'm not a 'spring chicken' and carrying a heavy pack is beyond my comfort level.  It would be a good idea for you to try to day hike and go with someone with Gorge experience the first time to get a feel of rugged terrain.  Check out some of Wigg's videos on Utube also.  He knows stuff.  Blessings and may you have many happy days in the Big Ditch.  Most of the folks here find it to be the best place in the world to get away from it all. Personally, the Gorge feels like home to me.  Hope to meet you and your wife on the trail someday.  Sara

[mtncmpr]

Welcome Michael. You've picked a great place to begin your hiking and backpacking. Hope it all goes well.

When it comes to LG, don't bite off more than you can chew. Just starting out??, I'd suggest taking it slowly. It's not going anywhwere... 

[michaelinnc84]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.  We are planning on doing some exploring soon up there.