During the ascent, we encountered a steep cliff that required some scrambling. The trail had been marked as strenuous, but we weren’t too surprised by the challenge. However, when it became apparent that we were off course, a quick check of the AllTrails map confirmed our misstep.

After retracing our steps, we found the correct path, complete with steps this time. It’s becoming a bit of a lesson for us that what’s labeled as strenuous often turns out to be more moderate for our fitness level. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable hike, taking just over an hour to complete.

Next up on our itinerary was Linville Falls. Upon arriving at the carpark, we were greeted by a full lot, which initially gave me pause, recalling crowded experiences like Clingmans Dome. However, Mike convinced me to give it a go, and I’m glad we did.

The initial lookout point, where most visitors congregated, offered a spectacular view of the waterfall. Yet, there were several other trails leading to different overlooks, and we explored them all, reveling in the stunning scenery.

Before continuing our journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we made a pit stop to refuel and restock supplies in the bustling town of Boone. Aiming to alleviate my plantar fasciitis discomfort, I sought out a golf ball for foot rolling, but ended up settling for a baseball, which did the trick.

On the road, we encountered some cyclists we’d met the previous evening. We exchanged stories and well-wishes, learning that they were en route to the Rugby World Cup in Paris and aiding in the delivery of the official match whistle.

That night, we settled in at another national park campground. Across from us, a man serenaded the evening with banjo tunes and folk songs, adding a charming touch to our surroundings. We were also joined by a couple we’d met the night before, who kindly invited us to visit them in Florida.

Our social interactions didn’t end there; we crossed paths with a couple of fellow YouTubers, reinforcing the notion that people we meet on the road are often friendly and approachable. Opting for a spot in the open this time, away from tree cover, our solar setup ensured we had ample power throughout the night.

We kicked off our day with a trek to Crabtree Falls, conveniently starting right from our campsite. The loop trail lasted about 1.5 hours and treated us to the sight of a beautiful cascading waterfall.

During the ascent, we encountered a steep cliff that required some scrambling. The trail had been marked as strenuous, but we weren’t too surprised by the challenge. However, when it became apparent that we were off course, a quick check of the AllTrails map confirmed our misstep.

After retracing our steps, we found the correct path, complete with steps this time. It’s becoming a bit of a lesson for us that what’s labeled as strenuous often turns out to be more moderate for our fitness level. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable hike, taking just over an hour to complete.

Next up on our itinerary was Linville Falls. Upon arriving at the carpark, we were greeted by a full lot, which initially gave me pause, recalling crowded experiences like Clingmans Dome. However, Mike convinced me to give it a go, and I’m glad we did.

The initial lookout point, where most visitors congregated, offered a spectacular view of the waterfall. Yet, there were several other trails leading to different overlooks, and we explored them all, reveling in the stunning scenery.

Before continuing our journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we made a pit stop to refuel and restock supplies in the bustling town of Boone. Aiming to alleviate my plantar fasciitis discomfort, I sought out a golf ball for foot rolling, but ended up settling for a baseball, which did the trick.

On the road, we encountered some cyclists we’d met the previous evening. We exchanged stories and well-wishes, learning that they were en route to the Rugby World Cup in Paris and aiding in the delivery of the official match whistle.

That night, we settled in at another national park campground. Across from us, a man serenaded the evening with banjo tunes and folk songs, adding a charming touch to our surroundings. We were also joined by a couple we’d met the night before, who kindly invited us to visit them in Florida.

Our social interactions didn’t end there; we crossed paths with a couple of fellow YouTubers, reinforcing the notion that people we meet on the road are often friendly and approachable. Opting for a spot in the open this time, away from tree cover, our solar setup ensured we had ample power throughout the night.