Hike magic close by In a world that is becoming increasingly busy and technologically advanced, it is important to find moments of tranquility and connection with nature. One such opportunity lies in hiking, a popular activity that combines physical exercise with the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice looking to explore new trails, there is a whole world of magic waiting to be discovered close by. One of the main attractions of hiking is the escape it offers from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As you set foot on the trail, the worries and stresses of the day begin to fade away. The peaceful surroundings and fresh air provide the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.
Ideal Timing: April-May for NOBOs, September-October for SOBOs. Remember, Virginia is 500-plus miles long, so if the bubble is in Southern Virginia, it won’t reach the northernmost part for several weeks.
Located roughly 20 miles from Springer Mountain, Woody Gap has a large parking area that offers the perfect location to give NOBOs a little encouragement during their first few days in the woods, and to party with SOBOs during their last. A gravel road crossing with no parking area may seem an odd choice for this list, but Cloudland Road was the site of some of the best and least expected trail magic that the author of this post received during her walk from Georgia to Maine.
The peaceful surroundings and fresh air provide the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. **Hiking allows you to get away from the noise and distractions of modern life and connect with the simplicity of nature.** Moreover, hiking offers a chance to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
Trail Magic near Franconia Notch State Park, NH
You don't have to be a magician to do a little bit of Trail Magic -- random acts of kindness toward hikers -- along the Appalachian Trail. All you really need is a desire to help out and a few bucks to pitch in toward ice cream, pizza and/or a cold drink.
I came across Muriel "Nora V" Epling while touring Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire at the end of August, 2014. There she was looking sassy and happy with a giant pack on her back hitchhiking from where the Appalachian Trail crosses the highway near Flume Gorge.
She was looking for a ride and I was looking for a story when our paths crossed. I turned my car around and asked the most stupid question: "Are you a thru-hiker?"
Then the first whiff of thru-hiker Eau d'Trail came through the window and I said, "Hop in!" before she could reply.
Thru-Hiker Margaret "Delaware" Pierse at Beaver Brook Trail in the White Mountains ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
She was headed toward Lincoln, just south of Franconia Notch, and I was happy to take her there for conversation and ice cream. We introduced ourselves and became instant friends.
That's the give-and-take of Trail Magic. You get back more than you give.
Please Note: Always count your money before saying "Get whatever you want" to a hungry thru-hiker.
As we sat down for ice cream in Lincoln, along came a second thru-hiker, "Delaware," also known as Margaret Pierse from Wilmington.
Nora V and I invited Delaware to join us.
Soon the three of us were besties, and Nora and Delaware were sharing their highs and lows of hiking the Appalachian Trail. It's always fun to hear hikers say things like, "Are Moose and Squiggles still together?" or "Have you met Killer and Death Star? Weren't they nice?"
Delaware to Nora V: "Are you even listening to me? Hello?" ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Of course, when hungry hikers first meet, conversation can be a bit slow until the food is gone and all bathroom breaks have been taken.
The connections are swift. The memories enduring. The Trail calls them back. And you can almost hear the Trail Magic go "Poofff!" when it's over.
Nora V was off to a contra dance -- a nonpolitical, hilarious type of semi-rowdy square dance -- and Delaware needed a ride back to the Trail. So, Delaware and I headed for the Beaver Brook Trail, a hill or twelve outside of town.
Appalachian Trail thru-hikers Amanda "Pretty Bird" Asplin, Chris "Big Gulp" Asplin & Justin "Pine Cone" Blakeley near Franconia Notch, NH ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
As Delaware and I exchanged kind words and hopes for her hike to be successful, she re-entered her world and I got back into my car.
As if it were pre-arranged, lo and behold a smattering of thru-hikers appeared, needing a ride to Lincoln.
Appalachian Trail thru-hikers Amanda "Pretty Bird" Asplin, Chris "Big Gulp" Asplin & Justin "Pine Cone" Blakeley were as happy to get a ride as I was to provide Trail Magic to them.
They had plans, so I dropped them off at a local outfitters and set out to find a few more stray thru-hikers before dark, but I didn't find any more.
Appalachian Trail thru-hikers Amanda "Pretty Bird" Asplin, Chris "Big Gulp" Asplin & Justin "Pine Cone" Blakeley ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
There's always a next time to do something for a thru-hiker. It's cool because little things mean so much to people who are focused on hiking the 2,185 miles to finish their quest to Katahdin.
There are groups and individuals who organize Trail Magic that can last a day or two with free food, chairs, treats, rides into towns or a snack and a kind word.
You're never obligated to give more than you have or do more than you're able.
Any acts of kindness toward our AT thru-hikers will be appreciated by those on the Trail and off. Even the little things that you and I can do.
Trail magic can take many forms. It can be a ride into town, a free shower, an invitation to sleep on someone’s couch, someone else’s unwanted pair of trekking poles available at the moment yours snaps. But most often when hikers think of trail magic, they think of kind strangers parked at trail crossings with coolers full of beverages and food. This tailgating form of trail magic is the main focus of this article.
The uneven terrain and steep climbs can push your limits and help you build strength and endurance. The sense of accomplishment you feel when reaching the top of a mountain or completing a challenging hike is unparalleled. **Hiking challenges your body and mind, pushing you to discover your own strength and resilience.** Another aspect of hiking that makes it magical is the opportunity to witness breathtaking natural beauty. From panoramic mountain views to lush forests and serene lakes, each trail has its own unique charm. **Hiking allows you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world and appreciate the awe-inspiring sights that surround us.** But hiking is not just about the physical and visual aspects; it is also a chance to connect with others. Whether you embark on the journey alone or with friends and family, hiking provides an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships. The shared experiences and challenges create lasting memories and deepen bonds. **Hiking is a communal activity that brings people together and allows for meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.** In conclusion, hiking offers a magical escape from the busy modern world, providing moments of peace and connection with nature. It challenges our bodies and minds, allowing us to discover our own strengths and resilience. The breathtaking natural beauty and the opportunity to bond with others further enhance the hiking experience. So, next time you feel the need for a little magic in your life, lace up your hiking boots and venture out into the world of wonder that lies close by..
Reviews for "Recharge Your Spirit on Hiking Trails Close to Home"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Hike magic close by". The app promised to show me all the best hiking trails nearby, but it failed to deliver. The trail descriptions were vague and lacking important details. I ended up getting lost multiple times because the directions were unclear. The app also crashed frequently, making it frustrating to use. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
2. Michael - 1/5
I had high hopes for "Hike magic close by", but it fell far short of my expectations. The app claimed to have a comprehensive database of hiking trails, but most of them were outdated or inaccurate. Many of the trails listed were closed or overgrown, making them impossible to hike. The app also had a clunky interface and was slow to load. I would not recommend this app to any serious hiker.
3. Emily - 2/5
I tried using "Hike magic close by" to find new hiking trails in my area, but I was left disappointed. The app did not provide enough information about each trail, such as difficulty level or elevation gain. The photos and user reviews were also limited and did not give a clear picture of what to expect. Furthermore, the app frequently froze and crashed, making it frustrating to use. I ended up deleting it and finding better hiking resources elsewhere.
4. David - 1/5
I regret downloading "Hike magic close by". The app was riddled with bugs and glitches, making it nearly unusable. It would often crash when trying to load trail maps or user reviews. Even when it did work, the information provided about each trail was minimal and not very helpful. I would not recommend wasting your time with this app, as there are much better options available for finding hiking trails.