I started my day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center… also known as the NOC. I’m surprised I’ve never heard of this place before. It’s only about an hour north of Blairsville, which I’ve spent a lot of time over the years. Growing up north of Atlanta in the suburbs, and having a cabin in Blairsville, most of the outdoor exploration I’ve done has been between those two locations, not north up into North Carolina. This is such a beautiful area. I’ve discovered a whole new world to explore further after this trek has been completed.
The Nantahala River runs right through the NOC with restaurants and shops scattered on both sides of it. It was still rather chilly out and I was ahead of the “bubble” still so this place wasn’t quite hopping yet. When it warms up this is the place to be in this area. A lot of outdoor enthusiasts come here to hang out. Hike, bike, kayak, you name it, it’s here. Everyone sits outside drinking and enjoying live music and the sounds of the river.
Though it was early in the morning and still cold out, there were several kayakers already in the water, and people cheering them on. It must have been some sort of race or kayaking class or something. I could only imagine how cold the water was.
I ran into GW. He was trying to get his pass printed out for the Smokies. I needed to do the same. He said the printer wasn’t working at the stores they allowed you to print them out at. So I didn’t waste my time going in there to try. I started my trek uphill out of the NOC.
While hiking I saw saw Dash and Wednesday, whom I both met a few nights again while camping. I made it to the shelter and stopped for lunch. There were about 10 or so hikers there. Along with Dash, GW was there, and I met Boot, Bed Pan (?!), Norris and Nevi. They said I just missed Hemingway and Casa. I finished lunch and headed back up the trail hoping I might run into them again. Everyone was headed to a campground for the evening.
I got the campground but no one was there. Another hiker said everyone was pressing forward to a spot alongside a road where there were picnic tables and a water source. I was low on water so I stopped to get some at the campsite. When I got back Norris and Nevi were there. They said they were staying there for the night and welcomed me to stay. I thanked them but said I was trying to get more miles in so I’d see them up the trail.
I met Jack while hiking. No trail name yet m. A British lady flew by us both. A short distance up the trail we found tent poles on the ground. We assumed they might be the British lady’s. Jack picked them up and picked up his speed to see if he could catch her. Tent poles is one item you don’t want to lose!
I came across a memorial for a Forrest Service Ranger who died while fighting a forrest fire in the area. It was nice to see he’s being remembered this way. Everyone hiking the trail would know and appreciate what he did to save the forrest allowing us to hike this very trail. I passed over Cheaoh Bald with some stunning views of the mountains. I snapped a view pics and continued back down the mountain.
I arrived at the road and saw a few people setting up camp off on a dirt road in the woods. I didn’t see anyone I knew and it didn’t feel very much like a gathering or people. Everyone was a bit spread out and getting in their tents already.
I noticed a gentlemen standing in the parking lot. He greeted me. Said he owned a hostel down the road that was practically empty. He said since it was so late he’d give me the private room for the bunk room rate of $25. Hmmm it’s getting down to 32’ tonight. Sleep in freezing cold temps or in a warm private room with a shower and real food? I took him up on his offer. I checked into the hostel, showered, caught up on some work items, and hit the sack.
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