Grandfather Mountain #1

Process of elimination

When looking around for where to start, I consider my abilities, realistically, and look around for reviews of national and state parks. Most sites will tell you the level of difficulty, however, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

Your health and physical condition are important, and no, I’m not saying that if you are plus-size you can’t do it, I am plus-size and can hike with almost no issues. I am saying that if you are not used to walking up and down for hours or are comfortable with nature, then take it easy and start slow and simple.

I recommend walking around your neighborhood to build your stamina, always incrementing the time and changing terrain.

Research

Once a location has been set, look into it more in detail and find out if there is a fee to enter, if there are marked trails, if wildlife is expected, the possible climate, and any other variables concerning the park.

Grandfather Mountain is located in Linville, North Carolina, and it is a part of the Southern Appalachians. It is home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which connects two peaks in the park. These are some of the information that I found pertinent to my upcoming hike:

1. Entrance Fee $30⁴²
2. Hiking Trails: Two backcountry trails, one technical trail, and five moderate trails.
3. Wildlife is expected. The mountain is home to 73 rare or endangered species, including 32 that are globally imperiled.
4. Climate changes often. Their forests are typical of Canadian climates and are home to 16 distinct natural ecosystems, so its recommended to check the week of the trip, and as often as possible.
5. Food, bring your own, and pick up your trash, wildlife roams free.
6. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
7. Restrooms are available at certain stops.
8. Hiking trails close an hour before the park closes.

More information can be found on their website https://grandfather.com/

Planning

Now that I have the important information in regards to where and when I would like to visit and explore, I can start planning all the stuff around it.

1. Stay: I chose Airbnb, three days and two nights $240¹⁷
2. Transportation: Greyhound bus $43⁹⁹; Lyft would be around $70 (I will correct this once the time has passed and I get more exact numbers)
3. Schedule
   • Day 1 – Arrive to the neighboring town, buy groceries, travel to the Airbnb. Settle, prepare stuff for the next day, rest.
   • Day 2 – Wake up early, double-check everything, and go to the park at 9:30 AM (the time of my ticket). I can enjoy the whole day until an hour before closing, multiple trails. Once back at the Airbnb, shower and rest.
   • Day 3 – Pack everything, travel back to the neighboring town, and return to home base.
4. Packing: My hiking bag and a carry-on, next week I will share the list of what I am taking, why, and how I pack it.

Additionally, I already requested the days off from my job, and have agreed with a neighbor to take care of my cat for those days I won’t be home.

When pets are involved, always make sure you have someone you trust to take care of them when you will not be there. You must leave everything ready for them to take care of your animals because they will not know how to do it like you do.