Hikes

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Are you looking for the best hikes in North Carolina? In this post, I will share the trails ranging from challenging mountain views to the most peaceful forest paths.

These hikes are rewarding and perfect for both seasoned hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking new discoveries.

Keep reading below to find find the best North Carolina hikes.

1. Craggy Gardens

A visit to Craggy Gardens during any time of the year is special because of the scenic views from the summit. 

Nestled within the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Craggy Gardens has the most enchanting beauty and diverse ecosystems.

As you walk along its winding trails, you’ll be greeted by rhododendron blooms in the spring and breathtaking panoramic views year-round.

It’s crucial to tread carefully and stay on designated paths to preserve the delicate environment. With fragile flora and sensitive ecosystems, venturing off-trail can cause irreversible damage.

Getting there:

From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north about 18 miles to milepost 364. 

You will see the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center on the left. 

Continue past the visitor center and go through the Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel. Just after the tunnel, the parking area for the Craggy Pinnacle trailhead is on the left.

Beginning Your Hike: 

Start the trail next to the sign that tells a story of the Catawba rhododendron, named for the Catawba Indians that lived east of the Catawba River.  

Continue on through the trail of tunneled rhododendrons where the trail is wide, slightly rocky and steep but well-traveled through the season. 

At 0.2 miles into the hike, you will come to a large rock where there is an overlook on top of the rock. 

Continue on to a bench on the right and a fork in the trail – to the right you will see access to the lower overlook trail and to the left the summit overlook trail.

The lower overlook descends a few hundred feet to a stone wall with views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the visitor center below. 

Turn back and head to the summit where you will be at an elevation of 5892 and an overlook taking in the 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the parkway and the reservoir that provides drinking water for the city of Asheville. 

For another nearby hike, head down to the visitor center parking lot and to the left of the lot you will find the Craggy Gardens Nature Trail.

 It leads about 1 mile through a thick covering of rhododendron, passes a picnic shelter and emerges through the woods at the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area. 

This is considered one of the best North Carolina hikes, although if you are looking for more scenic views, the pinnacle will not disappoint! 

2. Old Mitchell Trail

Getting There: 

The distance between Mount Mitchell and Craggy Gardens by road is approximately 22 miles, which typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. 

Turn left onto milepost 355; Turn left onto NC 128 at the sign for Mount Mitchell State Park. 

If traveling from Interstate 40 East of Asheville, take exit 86/NC 226 to Marion/Shelby. NC 226 merges with US 221 and US 70 in Marion. Veer left on US 70. 

After another 2 miles, turn north on NC 80, follow it for 16 miles and then turn left onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 355 turn right onto NC 128. Drive 2 miles to the park office and park there to start the Old Mitchell Trail. (4.4 miles)

Summit trail hike from the parking area:

Take the easy to follow paved, handicap accessible path just 0.25miles to the observation deck, where you will be surrounded by the vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Old Mitchell Trail (4.4 miles)

 3. Graveyard Fields

Getting There:

From the Asheville area, take the Blue Ridge Parkway about 35 miles south to milepost 418. Located about 9 miles south of the Pisgah Inn. 

The parking area is to the right; visit on a weekday and be sure to arrive early to avoid this high trafficked area.

Start the trail:

By walking down the stairs, closest to the bathrooms into a paved pathway to a footbridge across Yellowstone Prong. 

Cross the bridge and turn right (following the blue blaze) to Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Continuing on you will walk another 0.2 miles to a steep staircase with slippery rocks at the bottom for viewing of the falls.

Backtracking to the trail junction and turn right following the trail to the Upper Yellowstone Falls where you’ll pass through blueberry fields.

The strenuous hike to the Upper Falls, you’ll slowly start to climb in elevation, on a narrow path climbing over roots and rocks. You will cross the stream several times.

4. Black Balsam Knob

At elevation 6,214 feet you will be hiking to some breathtaking panoramic views!

Getting There:

When driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville, you will see the Black Balsam sign past Graveyard fields. Take the road for 0.7 miles and you will see the parking lot.

Begin Your Hike:

The Art Lobe Trail – After a walk through a wooded area and rocky terrain. You’ll enter a meadow with amazing views. 

The trail ascends gently to the top of Black Balsam Knob, where you will be at 6,214ft making it one of the highest peaks in the Pisgah National Forest.

5. Frying Pan Tower

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• Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Read my privacy policy. 

Welcome to my Earthley Wellness review! If you’ve been searching for organic, non toxic, safe products check Earthley Wellness out!

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1. Good Night Lotion

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We use this Good Night Lotion every night. The lotion contains magnesium which is known for over 300 essential functions in the body. In one teaspoon it contains 100mg of magnesium. Unlike most magnesium supplements, this lotion does not cause cramping, itching or upset stomach. Magnesium is known for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, promoting healthy sleep, a natural detox and aids in gut health. 

It is made with the cleanest ingredients like Apricot oil, mango butter and candelilla wax. The consistency is so smooth and does not leave a greasy residue at all. If you get any products and have little ones, be sure to purchase this Good Night Lotion. 

2. Calming Oil

This Calming Essential Oil Blend promotes lung, skin health and is calming. The blend includes Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Orange and Lavender oils.

My family enjoys this essential oil in our diffuser at bedtime. Helps promote a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

3. Shampoo Bar (Curly/Dry Hair)

I love this Shampoo Bar for my curly hair. It doesn’t leave my hair oily but spruces up my curls by keeping them moisturized and frizz free!

4. Lymphatic Cream

This Lymphatic cream helps reduce muscle soreness, pain, allergies, cold symptoms and supports detox. I also bought it to help with my sons cradle cap and it has helped tremendously.

5. Lotion Bar

Less is more with this lotion bar. I love the chocolate smell and it leaves my hands feeling so smooth.

6. Mineral Deodorant

This mineral deodorant has French clay in it which is all natural and highly absorbent, working hard to trap odors and naturally detox your armpits. I got the vanilla scent and love it!

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Here I’ve gathered a list of the best toddler books. I started reading to our son when he was just a baby and he has some favorites that I thought I would share. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Click the photos and you will be redirected to Amazon.

1. Richard Scarry

The illustrations are so creative and I feel like helps build the imagination of both my toddler and I. I talk about everything I see in the photo and make up little stories on what the characters are doing – so fun! We own a lot of Richard Scarry books. My favorite is the Big Busy Sticker & Activity Book. It has a ton of activities we do together, there are stickers (who doesn’t love stickers) and he learns along the way. 

2. Little Bear

Little Bear is such a hit in our household. We love the cartoon – its a more slow paced cartoon and I love the graphics. The books are just as great too. 

3. I Spy

My toddler is actually a really good spier! These books take me back to my childhood – Always buying them at book fairs! They capture his attention and help build his imagination too! 

4. Dinner at the panda palace

Great book for counting and it teaches them that everyone is always welcome – very cute. 

5. National geographic: book of why

We’re in the phase of why and if you’ve reached this point you’ll want this book too!

6. National Geographic Animals & Ocean

This is a great way to introduce them to real life animals before heading to the Zoo. 

7. Eating the alphabet

A great way to practice the alphabet and learn fruits and veggies!

8. Scissor skills

We love a good activity book – and toddler safe scissors. 

9. How did that get in my lunchbox?

This is such an important things for my little one to learn – where his food comes from. 

10. my first word – body parts

We have a lot of first word books – this one is simple and great to teach them their body parts.

#11 Where’s Waldo

Fun search and find book. 

#12 Children’s Bible

#13: God Gave Us Christmas

#14 Good Night Little Blue Truck

#15 God Bless You & Good Night

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. 

Bringing a newborn into your life is an incredibly joyful and transformative experience. As you begin this exciting journey of parenthood, it’s natural to want to create a meaningful and bonding moments with your little one.

From fostering their development to creating cherished memories, the early days with your newborn are a precious time that flies by quickly.

I’ve curated a list of must do activities with your newborn to enhance growth, strength your parent-child bond and provide you with invaluable moments of joy.

As you explore this list, keep in mind that every baby is unique and these suggestions are meant to inspire rather than dictate. Feel free to adapt and modify these activities to suit your babys temperament.

Let’s dive into the world of newborn activties and create a foundation of love, care and exploration that will last a lifetime!

Skin to Skin Time

Promotes bonding, regulates body temperature, stablizes heart rate and breathing, enhances sleep quality and boosts their immune system.

Baby Carrier

A must have especially if you have another older child. This carrier is easy to wear, helps with skin to skin time and supportive.

Monthly Photos

It’s adorable to see how much your little one changes and grows. I made easy milestone cards with my cricut – so cute and fun to get creative with!

Baby Led Weaning

The process of baby feeding themselves. There are so many blogs in regards to BLW. We started at 6 months old, when he was sitting up by himself. I swear this is what prevented him from being picky with food. He eats everything and is always curious about how certain foods taste. 

Reading

I enjoy reading and was so excited to start reading to our littles so we started early and I think it has helped our toddler now love books even more. 

Here is a great option for your newborn – high contrast images which can help promote eye tracking and enhance focus.

Tummy Time Mat

I got this baby gym to help with tummy time to promote cognitive, visual and motor learning; from lifting their head as a newborn to hide-and-seek as a toddler. 

Massaging with Magnesium Lotion

Creates a calming effect, promotes sleep and may support healthy muscle development in babies.

Water play

Give your baby a sponge bath and introduce them to water in a small baby tub. Buy some toys they will love!

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My Bicornuate uterus

You may be wondering, hmm, how random of a topic- But- when I was first diagnosed I could not find very many blogs or information pertaining to my diagnosis so I thought I would blog about my experience. 

So what is a Bicornuate uterus?

It’s a heart shaped uterus- how fun haha Basically it is a very rare genetic condition where only half of my uterus formed, appeared smaller in size and I only have a single fallopian tube instead of two. This can cause a multitude of things to occur such as preterm labor, stillbirth rate increase, breech positions and difficulty getting pregnant. 

While in the recovery room I was googling all of these things because I couldn’t understand why I was being asked a lot of questions and I was concerned. Thank the lord I did not know of this condition prior or have any negative experiences with my pregnancy because it is a lot to comprehend after being diagnosed. 

I was fortunate in my journey of conceiving and was able to conceive the first time we tried without intervention. A lot of cases require IVF. Most symptoms of a bicornuate uterus include painful periods, which I luckily never experienced either.

As I sit here writing this, I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with our second son. I am still trying to cope with the anxiety of my condition since I was diagnosed in 2021 after an emergency C-section. 

I discovered my condition after my 15 hour labor with my son. The OBGYN doctor that had followed me all throughout my pregnancy was on call the night I went in to labor. Unmedicated, I dilated to 10cm, it was time to push and my doctor noticed my son was sunny side up, had meconium which can be caused my fetal distress and said something just wasn’t appearing right. She first offered to vacuum him out, which I was not comfortable with so I elected the c-section. 

Within 30 minutes I was prepped and in the OR room. I was calm until they pulled my son out and I didn’t hear a cry at first. The nurse had told my husband not to look yet. Within a few minutes we heard his first cry and dad got to go over and meet him. My son had aspirated a lot of his meconium so the nurses had to shove a suction device down his throat. My husband saw a portion of that being done when he went over to meet him for the first time. 

While I was on the operating table my OB doctor said “Oh…you have a unicornuate uterus!” I was so zoned out at 5am I said back, “what! I have a unicorn uterus!?” She then proceeded to draw a picture and try to explain this very mystical-sounding name for a rare genetic condition. She said I may only have one kidney also. This was so much to process during my operation I was just in shock. 

In the recovery room I remember a few nurses approaching me and asking if I had any pain ever or difficulty getting pregnant. I was googling my condition in the recovery room trying to figure out what was going on with me.

Although I’ve never experienced menstrual pains, UTIs or anything along those lines, I’ve had some issues with chronic dislocations and flexibility. Before becoming pregnant, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and trochlear dysplasia in my knee. After many years of struggling in sports and many people thinking I was faking an injury, even after surgery, I finally had a knowledgeable doctor that knew why I had dislocations and that I wasn’t just “built like gumby”. I do however have both kidneys which some cases of unicornuate uteruses it can be common to only have one kidney.

When I was discharged from the hospital, I felt so blessed to be alive and have our beautiful son that was truly a miracle.

During those wee-early hours of breastfeeding, I stayed up and Googled the term “unicornuate uterus” and read the following in a case study: “The reproductive performance of women with unicornuate uterus is poor, with a live birth rate of only 29.2%, prematurity rate of 44%.” 

Verywell Family, the pregnancy resource site run by board-certified physicians wrote simply: “The odds of a full-term delivery of a healthy baby are roughly 50 percent.” 

No better odds than the flip of a coin.

I am so glad I did not know these statistics prior to becoming pregnant like I do now. The anxiety I have experienced with my second pregnancy has been unreal. I stay up most nights googling my odds still and reaching all sorts of blogs to help cope with my anxiety. 

Miscarriage and going into premature labor are significant risks. Blood flow to the uterus is a concern and there is the terrifying risk of stillbirth. I need constant monitoring to check on the growth of the baby to make sure the tiny space isn’t restricting the development. So far in my current pregnancy I have had 3 growth ultrasounds. Each time I feel so anxious. 

My current doctor has reassured me that since I delivered my first at almost 39 weeks that I should carry full term since my uterus has stretched and has hopefully made more room for him.  

I somehow thought this pregnancy would come with more confidence and less anxiety. But until I am holding this son, breathing in my arms, I know that nothing is guaranteed.

Since being diagnosed with this rare condition, I have spent a lot of time looking up other message boards, instagram tags and have find my outcome was very fortunate and rare. A lot of women have traumatic experiences and loss with this condition. 

I look at my son every day and I tell him how grateful I am that he is my son and how much I love being his mother. I will never stop being amazed at his existence. I tell him a story about a soul floating amongst the planets and hearing a mother down on earth asking for a baby. That soul chose the mommy, even though she didn’t have as much room in her belly as other mommies. He picked her anyway. The mommy told the soul to stay in her belly until he was healthy and ready to come out. And he did.

I am reminded how fragile and unpredictable it is to create life. I look at every human and I want to yell, “You are a miracle, you are a miracle, you are a miracle!” 

The flip of a coin.

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Here is a great theme for your two year old party! Two the moon, with little bear and friends!

My two year old loves the little bear cartoon. I hand made all the decorations, with some help from my Cricut Explore Air 2 . If you have a Cricut, cardstock and some extra time this was such a fun way to celebrate his birthday and he was so surprised all his friends made it to his party! It made all the time I spent very much worth it.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that are at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission. 

Read my full privacy policy here. 

Supplies

• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Brown, White, Blue, Gold, Red Cardstock
• Colored pencils
• Masking tape
• White String
• Sticks for the cake toppers
• Sparkly Gold and Blue Cardstock for hat and stars
• Iron on vinyl, shirt and a heatpress

The first thing that I did with my Cricut was have it draw out the outline of Little Bear, Duck, Owl and Cat.

I cut Owl and Little Bear out with the brown cardstock and Duck and Cat out with white Cardstock. 

I then drew their details of their faces from looking at a picture for reference, and colored Duck and Cat in with black and yellow colored pencils. 

Making the shirt

Supplies you’ll need: 

• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Iron on vinyl – brown, black, silver, gold and white
• Toddler Shirt
• Heatpress

Next I printed off this template and placed it on his shirt and ironed it on!

I hope you enjoy making this Little Bear theme for your little one!

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Birthdays are so fun to celebrate, the perfect way to capture memories is by photography! Since having our son I have practiced my photography skill and learned a lot through YouTube and trial and error. 

For his first birthday I created a theme to celebrate and my husband made his smash cake! So fun and he didn’t cry so instead of throwing birthday parties at this age, we have decided to do this every year and take a trip together. 

In this post I will discuss how I made this theme, the photography gear I used and some tips for a good photoshoot with your little one!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that are at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission. 

Read my full privacy policy here. 

What You Will Need

1. Gift paper- yellow, orange and red
2. Cardboard
3. Wooden Cake Round- Hobby Lobby
4. Red, Brown and White Cardstock
5. DSLR Camera
6. Fast USB card for camera – to snap shots quickly
7. Photography lights
8. Tapestry
9. Plastic Tablecloth
10. Cake

TIP: We made sure to do this photo session after nap/snack time because we knew he wouldn’t be overwhelmed, grumpy or hungry. 

Easy DIY project: 

• To make the firepit, I just cut out a long piece of cardboard and drew lines/circles on the end to make it look like stacked wood. I think it turned out really cute!
• I put some red, yellow and orange gift tissue paper in the center.
• I then cut out a stick and put a white circle on the top as a marshmallow. 
• I cut out the lantern with my Cricut using red cardstock. 
• For the cake topper, I also used my Cricut and used one of their bear images and added it to the N, E. 

I bought the Adventure sign and wooden cake round from Hobby Lobby. 

Photography Gear

1. DSLR Camera- any DSLR camera will work. I love my Canon SL2 with my 50mm 1.4 lens. I use it when photographing pretty much everything! I also have in home studio lights because lighting is so important! The lights are easy to fold up and put into its bag. 

When photographing toddlers, you definitely need a fast SD card since they are always moving around. I learned this with a lot of trial and error. This is the SD card I use.

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Best Toddler Advent Calendar 2022

I have been searching all over the internet for a unique advent calendar. Their either too expensive or I just don’t like the contents. I decided to make our own this year and it was so easy and customizable for his age! My toddler came out this morning and was in ahh over it, a few hours of work was worth his reaction! 

Keep reading along to make this snowman punch out Advent Calendar!

What You Will Need

• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 80# Card stock – Get this thickness of cardstock so it will be strong enough to hold your gifts. It doesn’t matter what color for the rolls – I painted the face/arms and buttons with black acrylic paint on regular white paper. You can do this or get black construction paper. 
• Scissors
• Clear tape & duct tape
• Rubber Bands
• Gift tissue – 3 packs of white, 1 pack of red, green and orange

Step One: Cutting

Cut 25 pieces of card stock, long ways and 6 pages of cardstock into 4 squares.  

Step Two: Gluing

Roll the long pieces into rolls and hot glue them together. 

Step Three: Gluing rolls on to squares

Cut one piece of cardstock into 4 squares and hot glue the rolls onto the squares. 

Then I cut out the squares into circles to fit the roll better/be lighter when hanging. 

Step Four: Placement

Place a roll of duct tape on the back of the paper and stick the cardstock roll to the wall. Once you get the correct layout for the snowman – this was the tricky part for me. I added One at the top for the hat, Six around one in the middle for the head, Eight around one in the middle and Ten around the one for the bottom of the snowman. I made sure the one roll in the middle lined up with rest of the rolls.  

Step Five: Adding gifts

Then add your gifts. I reinforced some of the rolls on the wall, that will have the heavier gifts in them with extra duct tape.

Step Six: Placing tissue paper around rolls

Once you add your gifts, now is the time to put the white tissue paper over the rolls and place a rubber band around them to keep the tissue paper in place and cover your gift.

I cut the tissue paper in half and into 4 pieces and layered the issue over the rolls to make it less see through. 

Step Seven: The Final Touches

• I drew a hat, cut it out and painted it black, with a silver belt and some holly on the side of the red buckle – I put this on the top roll. 
• Cut out two bigger circles and painted black for the eyes and placed them on the face with tape.
• Cut out arms and painted them black and taped them to the wall.
• Painted 5 black circles on gift tissue paper and taped them as the mouth.
• Painted 3 black circles and placed them on the body of the snowman.
• I used orange gift issue paper as the nose, cut a triangle and taped it onto the face.
• Used one sheet of red and green and placed it around the neck as the scarf.
• Add some snowflakes around the snowman to make it extra festive!