Asheville and the cabin.

For the start of our trip we met in Asheville. We enjoyed the annual Pubcycle. 

And also fun around town! 

Our guide is a co-owner and also the same one nick and I had. We were with a bachelorette party. 

The next day we arrived at the amazingly beautiful cabin in Georgia. 

The grounds of the "big house". 

Riding back on the four wheeler at night was an adventure. 

The happy hour spread!

And Bob grilling with the blowtorch. Unfortunately the live photo doesn't come out here. It was impressive!

Yonah Vineyard

Thursday afternoon mom and I went to Yonah mountain vineyards, just a few miles from the cabin. Absolutely stunning venue. We got a free tasting and then got to hang out with the owner for more stories and wine! 

Above with Yonah mountain in the background, which the group would be going up the following day. 

And ended the visit with a piano concert by the owner. Great place! 

Panther Creek

My last day we took a short hike to Panther creek falls (8 miles or so round trip). Nice trail along the creek pretty much the whole way. 

The pre falls falls before the real thing 

One rhododendron flower left!

And the real falls. The sun hadn't come over the ridge yet so it was too cold for me to jump in. 

We headed back to the car park and then to the pavilion area for snacks and beers. 

The inch worm really wanted some beer! 

Amicalola Falls

Time for another long hike on Wednesday. This is the approach trail to the AT. We wouldn't even be getting to the AT and we did 13.5 miles or so round trip. 

Walking up the falls along the trail and then a lot of steps. 

Steps with a lot of warnings :)

And more steps. 900 feet or so in the first 1.5 miles. 

And then at the top!

We took the AT approach trail to the hike inn turnoff. The Len foote inn is a super cute lodge that can only be reached on foot. 

For a small donation, day hikers can use their toilets...

Gorgeous spot to sit. Unfortunately it was a little chilly without sun! 

And the mountain finder app :)

Heading back down we took the gravel "road" instead of the stairs. After a literal rocky start it turned into a more reasonable trail. Great views!

And heading back to the visitors center. 

Best part, feet soaking in the creek!

Cheers!

Lake Winfield Scott

For the second day we eased down to just about 7 miles and much less elevation gain. 

The lake is quite low!

All of that mud used to be lake....

Heading up into the woods, we would get to a short section of the AT. 

Stopped at a campsite for lunch. 

And then back down Jarrods gap trail. 

Back at the lake for snacks!