We start the countdown of our Top 25 New York State Park Hiking Destinations with a park known more for its huge campground and boating, rather than it’s hiking. Odds are that you’ll have much of the hiking trails to yourself (as we did on a summer day in 2007) in Wellesley Island State Park.
Wellesley Island State Park is located in the Thousand Island Region of New York, just south of Canada off I-81 at Exit 51 (first exit after crossing the Thousand Islands International Bridge heading north on I-81).
Many visitors to this state park utilize the four boat launch sites to head out on the St Lawrence River. The park also has nearly ten miles of hiking trails, which allow for loop hikes of different lengths. We did a pleasant 3.5 mile park loop hike on the summer day we visited, which we saw no one else on the trails (unless you count the deer we encountered).
The views of the St Lawrence River and some of the Thousand Islands are surprising. A slight climb off The Narrows Trail leads to a nice view. Other trails bring you past wetland ares, ponds and different forests, making for a variety of landscapes as you hike through the park. Make the visit to this great state park and find out why it’s #25 on our list of the top state park hiking destinations.
Graveyard Fields is the name of a flat mountain valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is near the source of the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River. The valley’s name originates from a time when a great windstorm blew down hundreds of trees along the slopes and the stumps looked like gravestones. The area was subject to extensive logging during the early 20th century and devastating wildfires swept the area in 1925 and 1940, destroying the “stumps”.
This area is called one of the most popular hiking areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors are attracted to the area to because of the several waterfalls plus the amazing views from the open mountains in the area. Fall visitors experience vivid colors and the opportunity to collect blueberries.
Primarily access is from the Graveyard Fields Overlook at milepost 418.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The three waterfalls in the Graveyard Fields are easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The main trail descends from a parking area by stone steps that give way to an asphalt path, necessary due to the popularity of the area. Many parts of the trail beyond the asphalt portion have been worn into deep ruts which are often muddy due to the frequency of precipitation.
Second Falls is the most popular of the three waterfalls and the easiest to get to. From the Graveyard Fields Overlook parking area, head down the stairs on the north end of the lot and take the paved path a short ways down to Yellowstone Prong. The waterfall isn’t too far downstream and you can follow the rocks to the top of the falls. Or, take the bridge across and follow the path down to the base area of the falls. The rock all along the prong is very colorful, and especially so at the bottom part of this 60′ drop. There’s a viewing platform for the falls or you can get a closer look from the boulders at the base of the falls.
The 30.1 mile Art Loeb Trail is one of the longer and more difficult trails in North Carolina, and it’s also one of the more popular. This trail is a memorial to Art Loeb, who was an activist from the Carolina Mountain Club. The trail travels mainly along peaks and ridges rather than in the valleys. The trail offers many spectacular views along the way. It skirts along the southwestern rim of the Davidson River valley, then skips across some of the highest peaks in the area before descending Cold Mountain to the Daniel Boone Scout Camp.
Along the way, you’ll see some of the finest scenery to be found in Pisgah and you’ll view or cross many of the landmark mountains in the region. Many hikers use this trail for an extended backpacking trip (at least 2-3 days) and there are plenty of campsites along the trail that will help facilitate that kind of trip. Others use shorter sections of the trail for day hikes, or use connecting trails to form loops. This is one trail not to miss, even if you hike just a short section.
Starting at the Davidson River near the Davidson River Campground, close to Brevard, NC, the trail climbs generally west-southwest and curves around Cedar Rock Mountain down to Butter Gap. There is a shelter located here. The Butter Gap Trail goes 3.4 miles to a parking area near John Rock, passing Grogan Creek Falls on the way. Next, the trail climbs Chestnut Mountain and then moves on to Brushy Mountain.
The trail crosses FSR 471 and then FSR 475 as it skirts Pilot Mountain descending toward a shelter at Deep Gap. There is a parking area close by on FSR 471. After Farlow Gap the trail makes its steep ascent toward the Blue Ridge Parkway along the Shuck Ridge.
The Art Loeb Trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 421.2 and ascends above the Parkway to the 5978 foot summit of Silvermine Bald. Soon the trail crosses FSR 816 and climbing to the very popular Black Balsam Knob. At Black Balsam, the trail’s high point at 6214 feet, is a plaque commemorating Art Loeb as well as the Trail.
FSR 816, aka Black Balsam Road, is located at milepost 420.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is paved for part of the way, at least to the main Art Loeb Trail crossing. This makes the 6214 foot summit of Black Balsam Knob an easy to moderate 0.4 mile hike with a slight elevation gain. The views once you enter the grassy fields are spectacular and some of the best along the whole Parkway. This is the short section of the Art Loeb Trail that is a must do while traveling on the Parkway.
This is the most famous and most popular section of the trail, for good reason. The views and uniqueness of this section of trail are unsurpassed in the region. The trail travels across 6060 foot Tennent Mountain, then passes through Ivestor Gap. The trail crosses the 5940 foot summit of Shining Rock and then 5869 foot Stairs Mountain. Many loop options available in this area.
This is the premier hiking trail in Shining Rock Wilderness. The trail climbs up Cold Mountain, before descending steeply to end near the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp on the Little East Fork Pigeon River. A spur trail leads to the 6030 foot summit of Cold Mountain.
In the late 1800’s industrialist George Washington Vanderbilt, while building his grand Biltmore Estate in Asheville, purchased Mount Pisgah and thousands of surrounding acres for a private hunting retreat for family and friends. The nearby 16-mile Shut-In Trail (a National Recreation Trail) is part of a longer route that Vanderbilt originally created for his hunting parties.
Today the area adjoining the Blue Ridge Parkway between milepost 407 – 412, is part of the Pisgah National Forest and is still playing host to nature enthusiasts. Mount Pisgah has the distinction of having the highest elevation of any developed area along the Parkway. Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions.
The Mount Pisgah Recreational Area includes a campground, picnic area, an extensive trail system, and it’s close by to the US Forest Service’s Cradle of Forestry. Mount Pisgah Inn, at almost 5,000 feet elevation, offers views and solitude like no other place on the Parkway. This area is frequently visited by black bears and visitors should be prepared for encounters with a black bear.
The Mount Pisgah Campground is the highest and coolest campground on the Parkway. The sites are the most secluded the Parkway has to offer. The campground has 70 tent sites and 67 RV sites available for visitors. The campground fees are confusing with the NPS website stating a $16 per night fee and the recreation.gov site stating a $19 per night fee. I also saw $18 fee at another site. The campground is normally open from late May to late October.
North of Asheville, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway passes through the Great Craggy Mountains, an area of exposed rock surfaces and high peaks that provides breathtaking views. Large expanses of native rhododendron cover the slopes and summits of the Craggies. The Craggy Gardens area is located between milepost 364 – 367 along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This area has long been known by local people as Craggy Gardens. In mid-June, pink and purple blooms of Catawba rhododendron cover the Craggies. Throughout the summer, smaller native wildflowers cover the ground with vibrant splashes of color. These natural gardens are “balds.”
A bald is a treeless area located on or near the summit of a predominantly forested mountain. Seen from a distance, the area appears bare. Closer inspection, however, reveals that balds are covered with low-growing vegetation – unique communities of plant life. Heath balds include rhododendron, mountain laurel, blueberries, and flame azalea. Grassy balds are made up primarily of grasses and wildflowers and, in some areas, they intermix with the heaths to form “pathways” through the rhododendron.
What caused the balds? No one knows for sure. Some may have resulted from natural causes such as fire or dramatic climate change over long periods of time. Other balds may be man-made, and some were probably cleared or enlarged by early settlers. We do know that many were used for pasturing livestock during summer months. In the Craggies, most grazing ceased in 1920, and all grazing was stopped in 1950 when the Blue Ridge Parkway acquired the land.
I am sure that everyone has heard the 2010 New York State Budget includes the closing of some New York State Parks. Which State Parks will close? No official word from Albany as of yet, although many groups in the state want to know which parks. Why? Shouldn’t we be asking why our elected officials are contemplating closing some of our state parks? Not which ones, but why?
“For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Have we forgotten who owns the parks?
Franklin Roosevelt said “The fundamental idea behind the parks…is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.” He may have spoken about National Parks, however, aren’t all parks available to everyone “for the enrichment of the lives of all of us”? Whether it is a National Park, a State Park, a County Park or a Town Park? Parks are for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.
The state is in financial crisis and must close the widening budget deficit, which includes closing some state parks to save money. It is this type of thinking that has created the financial crisis in the first place. Instead of thinking of ideas of how the state parks can create more revenue and more jobs, not to mention to continue being an economical benefit to the local communities… Close them down. Take the blinders off.
Taking from Roosevelt, doesn’t the state belong to the people? Don’t the parks enrich our lives? Can’t we utilize the parks to generate revenue or is this a government that has no open ideas? When I say “generate revenue”, I do not mean raise the entry fees for state parks as our current leaders “ideas on creating revenue” would seem to reflect on the continual raising of taxes to create more revenue. There are other ways to create revenue with our state parks
As an experienced manager and team leader that knows some of our best achievements come when we think outside the box. When we work together toward unified goals, we achieve so much more.
Here are my recommendations to New York for our State Parks, without closing any parks:
1. Lower admission fees to $5 per vehicle. Have “lower fee” days throughout the season, like “$2 Tuesday”. This should bring in more visitors on a normal “slow day”. Charge only $1 or $2 to enter the park after 5pm, which may bring more visitors after work. Every year have a “no fee day” to coincide with “National Trails Day”. Lower fees? Yes.
2. Lower camping fees to $15 on weekends and $10 on weekdays. Have $25 weekend deals on slower weekends. Offer a $5 camping fee on a certain day of the week, like a Sunday nights Generate more campers on a normal slow day of the week.
3. Lower the “Empire Passport” fee to $50 and make it tax deductible. Allow non-profit outdoor organizations to sell the passport at a 30/20 split ($20 for the organization). Some outdoor organizations that come to mind include the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Adirondack Mountain Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, Finger Lakes Trail Conference and North Country Trail Association to just name a few. This team effort will sell more park passports each year, which in turn will bring more visitors to the state parks and bring added revenue to the state as well as to these important organizations.
4. Reach out to those same organizations for projects and exposure.
5. Offer a “Lifetime Park Passport” at $500 and make it tax deductible.
6. Each state park should reach out to local schools and colleges to become partners in the park. As an example, Clark Reservation becomes a partner with LeMoyne College, J-D High School (and other schools) in which students can volunteer and work with park employees on maintaining the park. This will teach students the enjoyment and importance of the state parks, which will benefit everyone. I believe the partnering with the state parks will enrichment of the lives of the students which will benefit our society. The schools can give course credit for the work done by the students.
7. Reach out to Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups for building projects in the park. I’ve passed many great bridges along hiking trails built by a Boy Scout group.
8. Allow those collecting unemployment benefits to work at state parks for an extra bonus payment above their normal weekly benefit. There are many of us that are currently unemployed. I would have no problem doing trail maintenance or other odd jobs at state parks to extend my benefits plus to make a few extra dollars, while working to improve the enjoyment of the state parks.
9. Allow “hot dog carts” vendors inside the parks for a seasonal fee.
That’s just a few ideas for the state to create more revenue from our state parks and these ideas do not include closing any parks.
Remember –> “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
Tell the governor “DON’T CLOSE OUR STATE PARKS!!!” And be sure to also let your local and state officials know your displeasure on the pending closure of some of our state parks!
Whether your a republican or a democrat, the closing of our state parks should be a unified fight. It should be a fight from the banks of the Hudson, to the stone steps along Enfield Gorge. Don’t close our state parks.
Find out how our state parks can benefit all of us. Remember –> “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” That is just my own opinion…..
Crabtree Meadows marks the last stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Blue Ridge Mountains before it turns westward into the Blacks, Craggies, Pisgahs and Balsams before entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located at milepost 339.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this area includes a small snack bar, a campground, restrooms, a gift shop, and a hiking trail to the beautiful 70 foot Crabtree Falls.
There is a large picnic area located at milepost 340.2 of the Parkway that includes 82 tables and a restroom. The Crabtree Meadows Campground, located near the snack bar, is usually open from May to November. The campground has 71 tent sites and 22 RV sites. There is a $16 per day fee for camping at this campground.
The most famous feature of this area is Crabtree Falls. Don’t be surprised if you’re not alone on this very popular trail. The trail is a rugged 0.9 mile steep descent to the falls with a gentler return trip. The overall length of this loop trail is 2.5 miles.
There are several picnic tables at the large Chestoa View Parking Area, located at milepost 320.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A short trail leads to a stone observation deck that many call the best view on the Parkway. For more views there is the 30 minute, 0.6 mile Chestoa View Loop Trail. Most travelers just visit the observation deck and not the loop trail.
To do the loop trail from the first overlook, retrace your steps back up the walkway to the top of the Chestoa View Trail. Continue on up the trail for about 1,000 feet where you will come to an intersection on the trail. Go to your left.
Shortly after, you will come to your first view of US 221 below. Continue forward on the trail. Not faraway will be a second and even better view of US 221. From here, you will continue around the loop trail and back to the parking area.
The Linville Falls Recreation Area and visitor information center provides many activities for motorists traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area provides picnic grounds, self-guided trails, campground, campfire talks, nature walks, trout fishing and rest rooms. A spur road located at milepost 316.4 of the Parkway leads to the campground, visitor center and most of the hiking trails, as well as the main features of the area, Linville Falls and Linville Gorge.
The picnic area has 100 sites available with rest rooms close by. There is the short 0.1 mile Linville River Bridge Trail available for picnickers. The Linville Falls Campground is a popular overnight destination along the Parkway. There is the normal $16 per night fee. The campground is usually open by April and closes by November. There are 50 tent sites and 20 RV sites available.
Two main hiking trails lead to beautiful views of the Linville Falls. Both begin at the Linville Falls Visitor Center and pass through remnants of a virgin hemlock forest mixed with other familiar trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and birch.
There is the 1.6 mile self-guided trail, called the Linville Falls Trail, to the magnificent Linville Falls. The Linville River flows innocently into a small set of upper falls and then plunges over the lower falls with a powerful force into the Linville Gorge. The river is responsible for cutting out the Linville Gorge over a long period of time.
Several overlooks extend from the self-guided trail to observe the beautiful upper and lower falls. The exquisite sound of the falls along with the natural beauty of the forest with trees up to 150 feet tall brings delight to all those who experience it. Below is some info about each overlook along the trail.
The first overlook is often called “Balcony View” or “Upper Falls View”, but is not formally named. It can be reached by traveling 0.5 mile along the Erwin’s View Trail. The overlook displays a gorgeous view of the smaller, upper falls and a glimpse of the lower falls as the water flows out of sight.
The second overlook is called “Chimney View” and is the most often photographed scene of the falls.
The third overlook is named the “Gorge View Overlook” and provides a breath taking view of both the upper and lower falls. The beauty and vastness of the Linville Gorge below becomes much more apparent. The Linville River seems to just cut right through the centers of the enormous mountains.
The fourth overlook, named “Erwin’s View Overlook”, is the last overlook on the Linville Falls Trail. This view has the highest elevation of the four overlooks on the trail, and provides a distant, but inclusive panorama of the falls and the gorge. It is nothing short of absolutely amazing.
The trails to Linville Gorge (1.4 miles round trip) and to Plunge Basin (1 mile round trip) also start at the visitor center. The trail to Linville Gorge forks 0.2 mile from the visitor center. The right fork takes hikers to Plunge Basin Overlook where they can view the lower falls and the Chimneys. The left fork winds down through rock cliffs to the bottom of the falls where the force of the water cascading over the falls creates a large pool. Both of these trails are strenuous.
The short Dugger’s Creek Loop Trail crosses the creek and loops its way back to the visitor center. It’s one trail that doesn’t receive as much traffic as the other trails in the area, however it shouldn’t be missed.
This classic Blue Ridge Parkway leg stretcher is located at milepost 308.3 of the Parkway is a 0.6 mile self guiding loop trail. The trail has interpretive signs regarding the natural history of the area as well as sighting devises to assist in identifying nearby summits. There are good distant views along the trail.
“Flat Rock Trail — An easy 30 minute round trip walk to Flat Rock with an impressive view of Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain. Interesting trees, flowers, animals and geological features are described along the way.”
From the parking area climb to a trail junction in 200 feet. Take the left fork as this well maintained popular trail ascends gradually then wanders northward along an outcrop with good views to the west. You’ll reach the rocky outcrop in 0.2 miles and leave the outcrop at 0.35 miles.
The views include Yellow Mountain, Roan Mountain, Hump Mountain as well as some of the best views of Grandfather Mountain. There are also views of Linville Valley. Simply follow the easy to follow trail with arrows to help guide you back to the parking area.
