Hiking North Carolina's National Forests: 50 Can't-Miss Trail Adventures in the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests

Johnny Molloy

Mar 2014 · UNC Press Books

About this ebook

North Carolina's 1.2 million acres of national forestland are some of our state's most distinctive and botanically diverse areas. Veteran nature writer Johnny Molloy welcomes you to enjoy these beautiful and often surprising wild areas, guiding you safely there and back again. Molloy renders the sometimes primitive trails accessible to both beginner and more intrepid hikers, from families with small children to dedicated wilderness wanderers. Spotlighting the best hikes in all four of North Carolina's national forests--Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan, ranging from the mountains to the coast--this book includes some of the state's most heralded destinations and invites you to explore many lesser-known gems.

Features include
* A hike summary, including distance, time, and difficulty of each trip
* Detailed instructions to keep you on the trail
* GPS coordinates of every trailhead, a narrative of the hike, and can't-miss features
* A cultural and natural history of each area
* Best seasons to go
* Fees and permits, as well as contact information for each area
* Photos and maps to orient you

About the author

Johnny Molloy is a writer and adventurer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. His outdoor passion ignited on a backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while attending the University of Tennessee. That first foray unleashed a love of the outdoors that led Johnny to spend over 3,500 nights backpacking, canoe camping and tent camping over the past three decades.

Friends enjoyed his outdoor adventure stories; one even suggested he write a book. He pursued his friend's idea and soon parlayed his love of the outdoors into an occupation. The results of his efforts are over 70 books and guides. His writings include hiking guidebooks, camping guidebooks, paddling guidebooks, comprehensive guidebooks about a specific area and true outdoor adventure books throughout the Eastern United States.

Though primarily involved with book publications, Molloy writes for varied magazines and websites. He continues writing and traveling extensively throughout the United States, endeavoring in a variety of outdoor pursuits.

A Christian, Johnny is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. His non-outdoor interests include reading, American history and University of Tennessee sports. For the latest on Johnny, please visit www.johnnymolloy.com.