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Joshua Squirrel poses for a photo in front of the Cherokee flag, showing off a tattoo of his family

Joshua Squirrel poses for a photo in front of the Cherokee flag, showing off a tattoo of his family name written in Cherokee, a written language developed in the 19th century. Read more about the Cherokee people on the website, link in the bio!
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#cherokee #smokymountains #blueridgemountains #adventuretravel #natgeo #lonelyplanet #followmefaraway #northcarolina
#theglobewanderer
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#traveldiary #welivetoexplore #adventuretravel #instatravel #travelgram #travelingram #travelblogger #bbctravel #backpacking #travelandlife#instapassport #yourshotphotographer #traveltheworld #seetheworld#travelpics #wanderlust #exploringtheglobe #travelphotography #backpacker #traveldeeper (at Cherokee, North Carolina)
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Vibrant Azalea blooms near a trail at the NC Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Grayson Highlands State Park is such a unique place, from open mountain grasslands and streams to steep rocky outcrops and herds of wild ponies, there are so many wondrous sights to see and experience!

It was such a treat getting to watch the wild ponies graze along the Appalachian Trail at the Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. We highly recommend planning a trip to visit the area.

It is estimated that there are over 150 ponies roaming in the vast Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

A fern frond unfurling on Mountains to Sea trail near Asheville, North Carolina.

Cloudy view of Looking Glass Rock from the Pounding Mill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. What are some of your favorite overlooks on the Parkway?

Sunlight shining down through the clouds at Mount Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina.

A trillium blooming on the Mountains to Sea trail near Asheville, North Carolina. Happy to see our first one of the spring!

We always enjoy seasonal visits to this trio of trees at the Funnel Top Mountain Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. They should be budding leaves soon!

Tucked in the Cradle of Forestry near the Blue Ridge Parkway off Highway 276, a rare mountain bog ecosystem exists called Pink Beds. This loop hike takes you through uniquely diverse landscapes shifting from rhododendron covered trails to open meadows to forests, over footbridges and fallen trees, through creeks and across long expanses of boardwalks that are reminiscent of being in a coastal area.  It is a thriving area for wildlife and the hard work of the local beavers is pretty evident in this ever changing, magical place.

A footbridge crossing a stream at Pink Beds in the Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, North Carolina. What are some of your favorite trails in the Brevard area?

A trout lily blooming at Pink Beds in the Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, North Carolina. Love springtime in the mountains!

Rhododendron surrounding the trail at Pink Beds in Brevard, North Carolina. It’s a one of a kind experince visiting this unique place tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Making the hike to the Linville Daffodil Flats has been on my wish list, but it seemed too daunting to attempt…until this year.  After lots of research, buying better hiking boots, and taking longer hikes to prepare, the weather and my schedule lined up perfectly with peak bloom.  I’m over the moon to share photos of the epic journey. To get to this former homestead covered in bright yellow narcissus, you have to descend into the Linville Gorge and there is no easy way to do that.  The shortest access is via the Pinch In Trail – 1.5 miles with around 1500 feet in elevation change.

Spring is on the horizon in Asheville, North Carolina. Love exploring all the amazing places and trails in our area of the mountains. Looking forward to photographing lots of special moments, people, and places this year.

Timed between winter storms, I missed getting to see a snow covered viaduct but was awe-struck by the clear, long range views and overcast sky.

The viaduct is only about a 1.5 mile hike from the Beacon Heights parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I continued closer to 3 miles taking detours on the Tanawha Trail and some of the other trails nearby. So worth it to get to stop and admire the trees, rocks, and still slightly frozen waterfalls along the way.

This winter the call of the mountains has been irresistible and I have been finding myself drawn to the closed Blue Ridge Parkway. The viaduct near Linville was the perfect destination on mild, overcast day. It was strange being out there all alone as it is usually busy being such a spectacular and popular spot. The remnants of the snow from the last storm remained, adding drama to the landscape and drawing me further than originally planned.

It was an awesome experience getting to walk along the viaduct on the closed Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville, North Carolina. It has been on my list for years and finally made the drive to find myself in complete solitude in an area that is usually full of traffic and people. Timed between winter storms, I missed the snow on the road but was awe-struck by the snow laced landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and clear skies. The viaduct is about 1.5 miles from the nearest parking at Beacon Heights.

Still standing tall, the weathered structures of these old evergreens frame such a beautiful landscape. I am drawn to this spot every time we drive pass them, so it was an awesome experience to stop along my walk on the closed parkway and spend some time with this beautiful scene on such a perfect winter day.

It never ceases to amaze me how special and unique these mountain experiences are, each visit to familiar locations are one of a kind. I wish I could escape and go play more often! If you have a favorite place you have visited or would love to see our perspective of it, please reach out as we’d love to add more places to the never-ending, ever-growing list of destinations.

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