Mountain Views of 2015

We visited many mountain views this year, especially since my fascination with the highest peak in each state grew. In some states we got to visit the highest and in others we got the chance to visit more fascinating views. What always is exciting is how no one view from the mountains is the same. All I can say is for next year I hope to add some new, taller, mountains to the views we’ve seen. 

We visited Cheaha State Park in, Alabama in March this year. This was one of the first fantastic weather days I remember at the beginning of the year. The skies were clear and the weather was perfect for being outside. I also got a sunburn and learned my lesson on not wearing sunscreen. The tallest peak in Alabama is in the state park, Mount Cheaha. It is 2,413 feet. 

It’s difficult to find a good time of the year to visit mountains. The skies are cloudy or it’s too hot or cold to hike to the top of a mountain for much of the year. Sassafras Mountain is the highest peak in South Carolina, and the mountain is partially in North Carolina. It’s also one of the few mountains we could drive to and take a short walk to the top of during the hot July this year. Even with storm clouds moving in we had some good views. It’s 3,554 feet.

Speaking of clouds, we had a rainy April this year. It was a perfect time to visit waterfalls in the Great Smoky mountains National Park, but mountain views were a different tale. We revisited Clingsman Dome, which is a mountain in North Carolina and Tennessee,  to take a short hike to the top of the mountain. We could still see great views of the area and Mount LeConte at the top. The 6,643 feet mountain is the highest in Tennessee, the highest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the highest along the Appalachian Trail.

I’d been wanting to visit Black Rock Mountain State Park for sometime near Clayton, Georgia, and I had the chance to on Labor Day weekend in September. The Tennessee Rock Trail crosses across parts of Black Rock Mountain for 2.2 miles providing beautiful scenery, unique flowers, and reaching the summit of Black Mountain. From Tennessee Rock’s overlook you have the chance to see into Tennessee and at Clingmans Dome. My favorite part was seeing into the valley though.

After hiking to Tennessee Rock we noticed Black Rock Mountain State Park had plenty of places to view overlooks from the roadside. We drove to a great view from Black Rock Mountain of Clayton, Georgia. The different views never get boring. Plus, we could see some of other favorite mountains to see like Currahee Mountain and Mount Yonah from here. The elevation is 3,446 feet.

 

On the next clear, nice day I remember it was late September and we were antsy to hike to see some clear views. Cedar Rock Mountain wasn’t too far a drive, and it was a moderate 4 mile trail great for stretching our legs. Most of the trail lays over Cedar Rock Mountain, but without much elevation change it isn’t difficult. We had great views across Dupont State Forest at Stone Mountain in North Carolina. Cedar Rock Mountain is 3,000 feet, but it only rises 200 feet above it’s surroundings.

On the same day we hiked Cedar Rock we stopped in to Caesars Head State Park in South Carolina on our way home. By this time the weather had dropped dramatically cooler. Caesars Head is 2,000 feet above the foothills, and it’s named for the rock outcrop we took a short walk toward to view. We had plenty of great views from the top. Most will notice Table Rock Mountain, but there is also a view of Greenville in the distance along with Paris Mountain.

On my bucket list to visit for the year was Mount Mitchell. It was one of the few things I got to check off, but it was one of the things I wanted to visit most. We caught the last good day we would have for a while for a mountain trip in mid-October. The weather was chilly, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have great views at the highest point east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina. The mountain stands at 6,699 feet.  It’s 0.2 miles round trip to the summit.

After visiting Mount Mitchell, we decided we had time for a hike to Mount Craig, the 2nd highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6,647 feet. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced quite the full body workout Mount Craig was. There was lots of crawling over rocks and many steps. Once we reached the summit of Mount Craig the views were well worth it. I felt I was on the edge of the world when the summit turns to rock.  Mount Craig’s hike begins in Mount Mitchell State Park. The distance to Mount Craig and Big Tom is 2.8 miles.

Of all the hikes we did this year I don’t think anything quite tested us nor made us want to hike more than Table Rock Mountain did. We couldn’t ever find a clear enough weekend during the fall to hike this one in, but I didn’t want to miss the fall foliage from the summit, so we decided to take a chance and hike anyways. The views are still dramatic even with clouds. If you’re an avid hiker Table Rock’s summit, 3,124 feet, in Table Rock State Park, South Carolina is a must to put on your list to hike in the south. Fro the summit we could see across to Caesars Head and a waterfall, Slicking Rock. There are also 2 other overlooks on the way  to Table Rock’s overlook, including Governor’s Rock. At a strenuous 7.2 miles round trip we got a great workout and a needed confidence boost.

What mountain views did you see this year? 

Do you have a favorite mountain view to visit? 

Cheaha State Park – Highest Point in Alabama

Length: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy

If you follow me on Twitter you may have noticed my post regarding a petition encouraging people to support Alabama parks. The state legislature in Alabama has proposed a budget that would close 15 of 22 Alabama state parks. Several of the parks are already set to close on May 1st, 2015. Cheaha State Park is one of the parks considered for closing within the next year. We had the chance to visit Cheaha State Park earlier this year. The park holds the highest point in Alabama, and it is home to a lake.

If these parks are shut down it puts Cheaha and other parks in danger of further foresting, development, and fracking. Not only does it have potential to effect the environment, but many people will lose their jobs. To put it into perspective imagine how many people might be staffed at Cheaha? You have people running the gift shop, the restaurant, the hotel, and a lodge.  Along with people who perform housekeeping and maintenance services on the chalets and cabins. There is also a lake and other resources that need to be looked after by personnel. There might even be more positions I’m not even thinking of. On top of these crucial considerations, you have tourists and citizens who enjoy the parks. It provides a way for people to get outside and enjoy their surroundings. For people like me state parks are a huge part of exploring a state. If you have a moment at least let your voice be heard through the petition, or by contacting the governor or legislature of Alabama.

 The first time we drove through Cheaha State Park, in Delta, Alabama, it was covered by fog. That time we were headed to Cheaha Falls, but this time we were headed to the highest point. The day was beautiful, clear, crisp, and warm. I don’t think we’ve had a brighter day since this one in March.

Before arriving at the peak there is a gate to pay at. You can also pick up information in the store. The entrance fee to the park is $4 per person 12 and up, and $1 for kids 6-11. There are also options for camping or staying at the hotel, cabins, or chalets. You have the opportunity of checking out museums, geocaching, hiking trails, or biking trails as well.

The highest point in Alabama, Cheaha Mountain, is 2,401 feet. At the peak there is also what appears to be other facility buildings at the top besides the lookout tower.

If you’ve been to a highest point before you might have noticed one of these markers. This is the first time I took of photo of one because I happened to just stumble on it. This marker indicates the highest peak for the state, and when the survey was done to make it official.

There is an old bunker tower at the top that serves as a lookout. You can walk up the stairs to have an outlook from the highest peak.

The lookout was gorgeous from up there. The day was a bright, blue day with few clouds in the sky. We weren’t done exploring this just yet though. We had plans to head to the trail at Bald Rock for more outlooks.

The trail at Bald Rock is noted as being an accessible trail for those who need wheelchair access. It’s a boardwalk built all the way to an overlook at the end. You can leave the boardwalk at any point as well if you want to hike in the woods.

Along the boardwalk there are various points you can stop and learn about the people who used to work or live here. You may have noticed in stops as far as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park how pivotal the Civilian Conservation Corps were in conserving many of the natural landmarks we still enjoy today. The CCC was involved with conserving Cheaha Mountain as well by building cabins, Bald Rock Lodge, and an old trail. These jobs established by Franklin D. Roosevelt would not only help with giving millions of men jobs over time, but also making these places still around today as they were then.

Once arriving at the end of the boardwalk there are benches to sit. You also have a great outlook over other hills and towns in the surrounding area. This was the view from the platform on the boardwalk, but you can also walk down to Bald Rock.

Once arriving at the ledge you can take a seat on one of the rocks and grab some cool photos. I actually have vertigo, so you won’t find any great photos of me usually at mountain peaks.

Cheaha State Park is one of the parks I would recommend if you’re in Alabama. There is a beautiful waterfall, Cheaha Falls, not located too far outside of the park as well. There are also other recreational opportunities in the area.