New!  12-17-2008

AT LAST, CAROLINA HIKING PARTNERS IS BACK! We are proud to announce that the only free online NC/SC Specific Hiking Club is now open! GO>>

FEATURED HIKE
A first rate Southern Appalachian hiking experience, the Shining Rock Wilderness bekons. A great mix of creek valleys and high elevation paths will lead you to one of Western North Carolina's favorite hiking destinations GO>>

Featured Photos Look at the hidden treasures that we found in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park>>

It's that time again! You are invited to join the ever knowledgeable Arthur Griffith on a hike across one of the few remaining natural Southern Appalachian balds. Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, this hike is sure to please if you like views, wildflowers and history. GO>>

NOTICE: The South Mountains State Park is now .... GO>>

A great Trip Report from a remote section of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park GO>>

Winter can be a dangerous time to hike at the higher elevations GO>>

Fall Colors Take a look at the colorful Fall season through our camera lens GO>>

Mt Rogers Photos great shots from a clear day at the highest point in Virginia. Some close ups of wild ponies and clear views that extend for more than 50 miles made these the best yet!
Trail Description GO>>
Photos GO>>

Know before you go; Many trails and roads are closed in the Southern Highlands. Photos of storm damage closure information now online. GO>>

Featured Photos DEER! - Close-ups of a doe enjoying a Fourth of July meal GO>>

Featured Photos MOUNT ROGERS- Some shots from the very special high country of Virginia. Breathtaking Views, Rushing Creeks, Northern Hardwoods, Fir Trees and Wild Ponies make this a very special place. GO>>

FEATURED HIKE
Waterfalls, Cove Hardwood Forests, Ferns, Cool Breezes and Crystal Clear Rushing Creeks. Sound like the Great Smoky Mountains? It's not, this describes a favorite hiking destination in the South Carolina Up-Country. Check out this featured hike and the wonders that are in the backyard of Greenville, South Carolina GO>>

New Appalachian Trail Licence Plates (Tags) Now you can support the Appalachian Trail Conference and display you contribution on you car. According North Carolina legislation, a minimum of 300 individuals with motor vehicles registered in the state must apply for the new A.T. tag before the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMW) will make it available to motorists. Time is of the essence for this to be successful Go>>

FEATURED HIKE
Maintained by the North Carolina Nature Conservancy, Yellow Mountain is a fine example of a Southern Appalachian bald. Join us on a guided hike during the height of the wildflower blooms GO>>

The South Mountains State Park, North Carolina's largest, is now closed. Read more here>>

SCJack Strikes Again! Here is a gallery devoted to the newest member of our team. South Carolina Jack, has some great day hikes here and many more on the way Go>>

Purchase Knob Updated information, trail maps and a live camera view is now online. This is the headquarters for the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. Its purpose is to bring more high quality research to the parks, work with private and other agency lands around the parks to better understand the whole region, and share the results of all research in the parks to as wide an audience as possible. Go>>

FEATURED HIKE
An old favorite in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mt. LeConte beckons. The Alum Cave Bluff Trail has been improved and the views have never been better. Enjoy one of my favorite hikes and see why so many huff and puff their way to the "Hikers only" cabins at the top Go>>

Mountain Solitude Are you ready for the hiking season? Here are some photos to "Get you going"! Go>>

Stone Mountain North Carolina Some great new photos that showcase this year 'round hiking spot that has even better views in the Winter Go>>

Mt. Mitchell, NC - Deep Gap Trail & Colbets Ridge Trail  This hike will take you to highest Mountain Peaks east of the Mississippi! By SCJack  Go>>

Raven Rock Falls! By SCJack  A short hike to an impressive 80-ft waterfall.  Near Lake Toxaway, NC Go>>

SCJack is Back! This week, the Raven Cliff Falls Loop Hike; Mountain Bridge Wilderness, SC Go>>

Fall Photos from the Shining Rock Wilderness Go>>

Your new Online Guide! Join Jack Thyen on his South Carolina hikes. Your new Online Guide, Jack will take you into the back-country on his weekly hikes. This week, Paris Mountain State Park, SC. More>>

Twin Falls  Pickens County, SC An easy trail to an awesome waterfall! This walk that most anyone can enjoy More>>>>

Featured Photo Brand new photos from South Mountains State Park and the Smokies. View them here >>

Photo-Post The photo-post section has been discontinued. Now if you want to share photos, all you need to do is visit the Carolina Hiking Partners Section. You can post photos and view them right away. You can also add comments with each photo. Why not join now >>

Join our Hiking Partners Club now!

The newly redesigned Carolinas Hiking Partners page has turned into it's own site. Now you can use this section for your own email, messaging and other features. You don't have to join to access the message board but the features will make it worth it. The cost? Nothing of course! Check it out here>>

Incredible Photos from the Great Smoky Mountains

Jackie Lynn has set up a photo gallery of his hiking photos. Take a photo tour of the Smokies and see why these photos deserve their own gallery.
Take the tour>>

Post Your Photos

Some great new shots from Jump Off Rocks and Wilson Creek. Here they are>>

Great shots from Grandfather Mountain Photos>>

FEATURED HIKE
Kings Pinnacle Brand new photos from Kings Pinnacle>>

Weser Bald Firetower A great shot sent to us from Dave. This one was taken on the A. T. from a fire-tower. See it here>>

FEATURED HIKE
There are some new photos on the Crowder's Mountain trail description. Check them out here>>

Bear Adventure in the Smokies Check out this new trip report from Dan>>

Trip Reports A new section, Carolina Trip Reports looks like a promising feature. Check it out here>>

New Photos
Dan Addison has submitted the best photos that I've seen in a long time. Check them out here>>
Check out Dave's shots from the Appalachian Trail, south of the Smokies. These are the best shots on this site from this area. 
Dave's shots>>

Web Site Status Yay! The Hiking Partners Message board is now up and running. It is in a different format than the old one. It's intended to meet people and to just chat. Check it out here:
Hiking Partners Link>>

Design What do you think of the new design? Let me know. Any suggestions? steve@hikingthecarolinas.com

New Photos New photos from the Appalachian Trail, deep in the Smokies. Check out these views on an unusually clear day. Go>>

Hike Planner Check out the new "Hike Planner". All of the resources that you will need to plan a safe and enjoyable hike can be found here. Be sure to put this page in your favorites, it will give you one page to check out many useful resources. Check it out>>

FEATURED HIKE
Rabun Bald, the second highest point in Georgia, offers stunning views of the Georgia and North Carolina high country. Named after a former Governor of Georgia the unique views here allow you to see from the Georgia Piedmont to the high mountains of North Carolina. Add to that a restored observation tower and you have a recipe for delight. Go to Rabun Bald>>