Appalachian Wanderers 96
Appalachian Wanderers
Hungry Mother State Park
Legend tells the story of an attack on several settlements throughout southwest Virginia in the early days of our nation. While many of the inhabitants were killed, others were taken prisoner. A mother known only as Molly was able to escape and carry her child with her to safety; with no food or other supplies, […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Wreck in the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Along with Kings Canyon/Sequoia, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, it has one of the most extensive trail systems in the national park system, totaling upwards of eight hundred miles. They traverse roadsides, venture into the deepest wilderness, climb fir clad peaks, and meander through flat coves. Some lead […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Trillium Gap Trail
Rain. It is essential to the very existence of almost every ecosystem on earth and appreciated by all living organisms. The exception being humans of course. True, there are those who find delight in the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof, or in the crisp, clean air that many showers bring with them. To the […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Forney Ridge Trail
Across the entirety of Appalachia, the eastern deciduous forest forms an almost unbroken blanket, stretching from the deepest gorges to more than a mile in elevation. This relic is all that is left of what was one of the greatest woodlands in the world. Thanks to conservation efforts throughout the last century, much of the […]
Appalachian Wanderers
The Channels
Sitting just a few miles north of Meadowview, Virginia, The Channels are located high atop one of Clinch Mountain’s highest peaks and are one of the greatest hiking destinations in our region. This geological marvel was once a huge capstone that covered the summit. During the last ice age, the constant wear and tear of […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Exploring Wildwood Grove
Since Dolly shoveled that first pile of dirt in 1985 to signify the birth of her Smoky Mountain theme park, three things have remained a constant at Dollywood: the music icon’s guiding presence, welcoming hospitality, and a whole lot of change. Change is what transformed a small railroad tour into the national destination the Dollywood […]
Appalachian Wanderers
The Opening of Wildwood Grove
Dolly Parton has been one busy… well… Butterfly! Just last Friday we were on site at Dollywood in the park’s newest expansion with Dolly herself to officially open Wildwood Grove. Inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, Wildwood Grove is Dollywood’s brand new $37 million dollar land addition that is the theme park’s largest capital […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Appalachian Wanderers – Dollywood Opening 2019
Recently we arrived at Dollywood under gloomy skies and dark clouds, and it seemed as if the curse of Dollywood Opening was once again going to come true. As the media representatives from newspapers, magazines and TV stations alike continue to roll in, it was almost like Dolly sent out her magical butterflies, flit and […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Part II
Welcome back to our exploration of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, one of the most visited attractions in Virginia and consistently voted the most beautiful park in the world! If you missed our exploration of the park’s first three lands, be sure to check out last week’s article at www.theloaferonline.com. We left off last week in Scotland, […]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia, serves as an icon of American history. The nearby community of Jamestown was the first permanent settlement when British explorers landed here over four centuries ago. Throughout the 1700s, this slice of the Virginia Peninsula would continue to have a strong European influence as it became the capital of the fledging Virginia Colony. […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Appalachian Wanderers: Unaka Mountain Wildlife Auto Loop
Cherokee legend tells the story of the Great Buzzard, a being who is responsible for creating the mountains we call home. It is said that when the earth was first formed, the ground was still soft mud. The buzzard was sent to look for a dry landing spot, but as he flew on and on […]
Appalachian Wanderers
Hiking Fuel
Mountain Mix: First take 4 pinecones and break them up into small pieces. Add in a handful of acorns (chestnuts can be substituted) and mix with 3 hand cups of creek water. Now take a boot full of soft sifted dirt (be sure to remove any earthworms, they will be added in later)..… Errrr… Week […]
