North Carolina's classic hikes are described in this guidebook to the state's best trails

* North Carolina hikes located in and around Asheville, Winston-Salem, Piedmont, Uwharrie * National Forest, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail * Info on first aid for dogs and the 10 Canine Essentials* Paw-friendly terrain* Trails appropriate for dogs of all ages and fitness levelsBest Hikes for Dogs in North Carolina includes a handy trail-finder chart to help you choose just the right hike for you and your dog. And North Carolina is a paradise for canine hikers and their owners. Trails in this guidebook range from rolling meadows and countless streams, lakes, and waterfalls to the cool, lush forests filled with sights and scents. This guidebook has everything you need to know to plan a safe fun-filled outing with your dog. Also included: information detailing proper trail etiquette for dog owners and their pets, tips on hiking with dogs and their special needs, dealing with wildlife encounters, and more.

Joe Miller brings us the first-ever stand-alone guidebook to backpacking in North Carolina, a state long known as a terrific backpacking destination. Covering 43 of the best trips the state has to offer, Backpacking North Carolina provides all the information necessary for beginning and experienced backpackers alike to enjoy hiking destinations from the mountains to the coast. Each trip description offers key maps and navigation information, including water sources and camping spots, as well as trip highlights and special considerations. Miller offers tips for enriching the experience, such as filling dark nights with stargazing and other activities, and gives advice for backpacking with children. Offering his expertise in a way that emphasizes the accessibility of backpacking, Miller encourages a wide range of nature lovers to give it a try, perhaps for the first time. Several "best-of" lists are included, featuring trips with exceptional nature study opportunities, water recreation, and easy excursions for beginners. Backpacking North Carolina takes the reader deep into a state full of natural wonder and adventure. Backpacking North Carolina has all the essentials for planning your trip, whether a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure: Trips for beginner and expert backpackers alike Helpful essays to introduce each trail and its features Gear and safety advice for year-round backpacking Major points of interest highlighted on each trip Family-friendly trails and easy bailouts for when hiking with children Detailed trail maps and directions to trailheads Elevation profiles for each hike Estimated hike times and level of difficulty Camping permit requirements GPS coordinates for water sources and good camping spots Bullet lists of best trips for fishing, bird watching, waterfalls, and more Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press

This unique hiking guide to the southern Appalachian mountains leads readers to explore the rich forest ecosystems and other natural communities visitors encounter along the trail. Drawing on years of experience guiding forest walks throughout the region, Steph Jeffries and Tom Wentworth invite hikers and nature lovers to see their surroundings in new ways. Readers will learn to decipher clues from the tree canopies, forest floor, and other natural features to appreciate more fully the environmental factors that make the southern Appalachians home to an amazing biodiversity. These thirty popular hikes in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia range from short walks along Blue Ridge Parkway pull-offs to longer day trips in the region's backcountry. Offering spectacular mountain scenery and natural wildflower gardens, these trails are the perfect place to gain a new appreciation for the natural communities of the region. Features include * A summary including distance, difficulty, and GPS coordinates for each hike * A narrative description of each hike, including the unique natural features waiting to be discovered * Detailed instructions to keep you on the trail * Best seasons to go for wildflower and foliage views * Contact information for each area * Photos and maps to orient you * An illustrated guide to southern Appalachia's most common trees and shrubs, including tips on identification

Have you ever wanted to take up a new outdoor sport but thought, "Not me" or "Where do I begin"? In this unique take-it-with-you guide, outdoors and fitness writer Joe Miller introduces you to sixteen adventure sports in the Carolinas, from water to land and through all four seasons. No matter where you live or what your level of expertise may be, he will lead you to opportunities that range from beginner level to peak experience and equip you with the tools and courage to get outdoors and enjoy nature in new and exciting ways. For each experience, Miller includes location, how to start, associated costs, organizations that can help you begin, physical and mental demands of each activity, and whether the activities are seasonal or competitive. Activities include mountain biking, flat-water and whitewater paddling, scuba diving, climbing, backcountry exploration, skiing, snowboarding and tubing, kiteboarding, hang gliding, and ziplining.

This guidebook reveals a collection of sixty of the best dog friendly hiking trails in South Carolina. From mountain views to the coveted coast, there’s a trail for you and your trusty companions. Your pups will frolic, swim, play, explore, and enjoy every step of the way. Throughout are full-color photos and maps, helpful tips, and tailored hike specs with information on leash requirements, trail surface, other trail users, and more. You’ll also find important advice about hiking with dogs and preparation before you hit the trail. Grab the leash, don your pack, and get ready for an adventure that will have tails wagging for days to come.

A guide so thorough it will send you packing... Backpacking remains one of the most popular, and inexpensive, outdoor activities in America. The Complete Idiot's Guide (r) to Backpacking and Hiking helps anyone prepare and plan for a rewarding adventure. Covers planning, training, shopping and packing for the trip. -How to live on the trail -First aid and other safety tips -Practical time- and money-saving hints -What gear is necessary and what isn't -Special considerations when travelling with groups or pets

This guidebook reveals a collection of sixty of the best dog friendly hiking trails in North Carolina. From mountain views to the coveted coast, there’s a trail for you and your trusty companions. Your pups will frolic, swim, play, explore, and enjoy every step of the way. Throughout are full-color photos and maps, helpful tips, and tailored hike specs with information on leash requirements, trail surface, other trail users, and more. You’ll also find important advice about hiking with dogs and preparation before you hit the trail. Grab the leash, don your pack, and get ready for an adventure that will have tails wagging for days to come.