Mason Boring

We are pretty notorious for passing up a good campsite but we are learning our lessons. We got a late but interesting start on Pinch-In trail. We climbed down a steep 600+ feet after passing this ledge only to climb right back to it a third of a mile in. If we come up to an awesome spot, we sometimes think there's always a better place just down the trail. Look what's in front of you and know i...

The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd! During the summer and fall months, it's common to see a hundred people taking in the views on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, you can easily find yourself alone just in time to catch the sunset. Get to the trailhead an hour and...

Cade's Cove is a valley located smack in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Feel free to drive the 11 mile loop in the day, but if you're really cool, you'll schedule your trip around a full moon so you can bike under the light of night! Allow yourself a few hours to explore around off the loop! There is camping nearby. Just make reservations! 159 sites are open year round ...

If you're looking to check out a secnic waterfall in East Tennessee, Bald River Falls is sure to be on your list. At 90 feet, you can't miss this roaring beauty during any season. Also, Tellico Plains is an awesome mountain town in itself; check it out before or after your hike.To get to Bald River Falls from Tellico Plains, turn onto TN 165 and drive for approximately five miles. Turn right on...

If you're looking to get off the beaten path and take the road less traveled, North River Road is your ticket to solitude.A popular loop for the locals is starting on Tellico River Road, then getting on North River Road to make your way up the mountain all the way to the Cherohala Skyway. Take the Skyway back down the mountain toward Tellico Plains or head on over to Robbinsville, North Carolin...

Beat the crowd at Moraine Lake and paddle Emerald Lake instead! This lake is a must for any Banff/Yoho explorer. It's an easy drive off HWY 1 but stop at the Natural Bridge along the way. There's a restaurant, Cilantro, inside the lodge with a patio along the shore. Canoe rentals are around $90 per hour (no half hour rates). Rent for two and paddle to the North shore for an awesome experience....

To get to Patricia Lake from Jasper, from highway 16A, turn onto Connaught Drive. Stay straight for 10 minutes and run right into Patricia and Pyramid Lakes! Drive the 4.8km loop day or night for an opportunity to see moose, elk, and wolves. Also, there are plenty of hiking trails in this area.Jasper is the world's most accessible dark sky preserve and the amount of stars are proof! Go at 2-3AM...