Appalachian Hiking

Hiking. You need to do it. It’s good for your body and spirit. Growing up in Kentucky means I have spent most of my life hiking and exploring the mountains. Although, when I was younger I referred to it as an, “adventure” and never called it hiking, per se. I would con my childhood friends into going on “adventures” with me. I would make lists of things one could find in nature and make them look for the treasures. Once we found the treasures they could cross it off our list, but I refused to go home until we found them all. Yeah. I was probably a really fun OCD friend to hang out with. LOL.

As an adult, I still enjoy hiking. It gives me a chance to escape the day-to-day stresses and allows me to be silent and reflect. I can feel the stress slipping away as I sink into zen. I only pay attention to my surroundings and it's such a peaceful feeling. 

Last year, after grad school, I took a position back in my home town. It was odd being back, because most of my friends had moved away. While it was great being back home and getting to reconnect with my family, it wasn't quite what I expected. I felt like I was trying to recapture something that was a past memory and it made me all kinds of sad. While my hometown is in the middle of beautiful Appalachia, there is not a lot of things to do. There is a wal-mart, it is terrible. The end (I'm being dramatic, but that's pretty close to accurate). So I decided to really take up hiking as a serious hobby. 

When I told my family I was going to start hiking (alone) they were worried, because the mountains of southeastern Kentucky are known to have black bears, snakes, coyotes, and even bobcats. Fortunately, the only thing I've come across during a hike is the random snake. And as long as you stay out of their way, you're pretty okay. But, to ease everyone's minds I decided to get a hiking buddy. 

He's legit with his backpack, no?

Finn loves to hike. He is no guard dog. I'm pretty sure he would excitedly greet any man eating beast. The pup knows no danger. But, he's an energetic guy and loves hiking. I mean, he even has a backpack to carry his hiking necessities, first aid, water, snacks, etc. That's pretty nice. But, I digress...

With all of the winter weather, combined with the fact that I moved back to the city this past fall, I have had the itch to go hiking lately. Since this past weekend was a holiday weekend, I decided to pack up and go back home for some quality hiking. Also, in the winter, when you're conditioned to single digit temperatures, a sunny day in the upper 50s is a godsend. 

Flipagram

I went hiking in the Cumberland Gap National Park. I took to Shillalah Falls. I do this trail so often. It's only a few miles from my parent's house and is a good trail. As I hiked up I couldn't help thinking of the many summers when I go with my friends and family and swim in the stream. Yeah, It was certainly too cold for that craziness.

I did think it was going to be far colder and snowier than it was in reality. Unfortunately, I borrowed someone's snow boots and they were about 2 sizes too big and I felt like I had to keep hoisting my entire leg up with each step that I took. Safe to say that it was a good little work out just high stepping. 

I feel fortunate to have grown up in such a stunning place. I have certainly taken it for granted so many times. But, these mountains are full of magic. You can't go out to explore them without seeing something new and spectacular. I've always wanted to travel out west to see the great Redwood forests. I'm not going to lie. My trees are also beautiful. Look at this beauty! Tall and majestic. Take it in. 

Today I just hiked to the kickback, where the falls are, but if you have the opportunity to hike the mountain to the top, there is a settlement that sits on the ridge. My brother and I hiked it last spring on a whim. The trail is great if hiking straight up a mountain doesn't intimidate you. The park service even has events up there through the summer. We went for a stargazing event and were able to watch a meteor shower through enormous telescopes. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was magical. 

For more info. on the Cumberland Gap National Park go to Cumberland Gap National Park

Breathtaking and serene. I love to lose myself in a good hike...but not, literally, get lost, which has been known to happen now and again. I always find my way back, though. 

“Going to the mountains is going home.”

                                      -John Muir