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Bridle Trails State Park in Kirkland, Washington, near Lake Washington, Interstate 405, Kelsey Creek, Lake Sammamish, and Marymoor Park.

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If you’re familiar with the state of North Carolina, then you’re probably familiar with its weather, as well. For those of you who aren’t familiar with our fair Tar Heel State, I should explain. While Carolina certainly boasts some of the most enjoyable weather around, during the Spring and Fall, our summers are reminiscent of a middle-aged woman going through menopause; hot, sweaty, and unpleasant, and our winters are like a teenage girl going through puberty; moody, and unpredictable.

However, there is a silver lining. During February outdoor lovers are almost guaranteed to get at least a couple glimpses of springtime, towards the end of the month. A tiny break from the bleak and bitter winter that always feels longer than it should. Since most of us “southerners” aren’t very fond of the cold weather, we never fail to take advantage when temps start to reach the 60’s.

My first hike of 2016 was towards the end of February. We knew rain was possible, but we were willing to take the risk since it was the warmest day we had seen in months. I got in touch with a friend of mine, James, who also loves a good hike, and we started planning our day trip to Hanging Rock State Park.

Located just one hour and fifteen minutes northwest of Greensboro, NC, Hanging Rock has a little something for everyone. With over 18 miles of trails, picnic areas, camping, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, and even a lake, for swimming, this particular park is an outdoor lover’s oasis.

Its other main attraction?

The waterfalls.

Although we were greeted that morning with a cloudy, gray sky, we could see the sun occasionally peek from behind the glowing clouds, offering a bit of warmth against the chilly breeze. Despite the call for rain, we were determined to take advantage of the warmer temperatures.

My friend James, his wife, Lauren, and I hopped into his CRV and talked about how excited we were to finally hit a trail together, as it had been years since we had done this. The best part? We now had a new, little hiker in our gang, their baby girl, Trinity.

With multiple trails, including wheelchair accessible exploration, there is plenty of beauty to be seen in Hanging Rock.

Also known as the Sauratown Mountain Range, the park is home to a number of flora species more common in western North Carolina. As we winded down the parkway, you could see the first signs of Spring starting to show, in the wisps of sparse green that clung to the awning of branches above, and the wildflowers that peaked from beneath the blanket of leaves on the forest floor.

There are several waterfalls and cascades along the trails, most of which are easy to get to, and not far from the entrance. Depending upon which trails you hike, you are greeted with stunning and remarkable mountain views, beautiful stone crags, and may even discover a mountain cave, as you are led up and down the rocky paths, through a forest of chestnut-oak, Carolina and Canadian hemlock, and oak-hickory.

It’s safe to say that although their sizes are relatively small, in comparison to many of Carolina’s other falls and cascades, their beauty far exceeds their size. We stood in awe at the bottom of the lower and upper cascades, as we watched the water tumble down, in picturesque serenity. We could feel the light mist of water, spraying our faces, as it cascaded over the rocks, and we tried to capture a mental picture, to keep with us forever.

We followed the meandering brook that ran parallel to our path, complete with its own tiny, miniature cascades. As it wound through the forest, we reached Window Falls. Once again, we were captivated by the natural exquisiteness that stood before us, with a cascade of clear water tumbling down over the smooth, gray and copper-colored stone. As usual, I lamented the fact that I could not live there, or at least, enjoy its beauty more often.

Next to the falls is a small incline, where you can climb down and hang out behind the waterfall. There’s even an enormous boulder, obtruding from the ground of the small cave-like structure, where you can sit and relax, while you watch the crystal waters cascade over the canopy of stone, from behind the falls.

We all agreed that we would have to come back during late-Spring or early-Summer, so we could see the park in its full, lush and multicolored glory, and perhaps play in the waterfalls, when the weather was a bit warmer.

Like many of North Carolina’s state parks, Hanging Rock is incredibly picturesque and serene. If you enjoy breathtaking views, wandering through the forest, chasing babbling brooks, and easily discovering incredible cascades and waterfalls, you will love it here!

I know I definitely can’t wait to go back!

Chasing Waterfalls: Hanging Rock State Park (North Carolina) If you're familiar with the state of North Carolina, then you're probably familiar with its weather, as well.

Some of my most memorable experiences growing up in North Carolina were those spent playing in the dunes of a majestic coastline, and wandering in the remote and sublime forests and foothills, of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country.

Boasting thirty-five State Parks, in addition to multiple State recreation and natural areas, from the Outer Banks to the Great Smokies, North Carolina is a nature lover’s dream. No matter where you live in the Tar Heel State, head in almost any direction, and you are almost certain to come upon at least one of these serene landscapes.

I’m lucky enough to live less than two hours away from four of Carolina’s pristine, and picturesque State Parks. A friend of mine from Boston was down visiting in the spring, and we decided it was long past time I explore my own backyard.

We decided to pick the state park closest to my apartment, so we could spend most of the day on the trails. Located just one hour northwest of Greensboro, North Carolina is Pilot Mountain (or what I facetiously refer to as Mt. TaTa, in relation to its very familiar shape), and thus, our day trip was quickly and easily planned, for the first Saturday in May.

The beginning of May in Carolina is a great time of year. It’s warm, and the weather is often lovely, but the humidity hasn’t quite set in yet, so it’s actually enjoyable to be outside for extended periods of time.

Greeted that morning with a clear, blue sky, a pleasantly warm sunshine, and a gentle breeze, we were excited to make the hour and fifteen minutes drive to Pinnacle and take in some fresh air, incredible scenery, and a picnic in the forest. After packing our lunches, and grabbing our backpacks, we hopped into Jared’s Ranger and hit the road.

Driving into the park is eerily like entering another world. We were enveloped by a canopy of green and brown, as we wound down a quiet stretch of the parkway. Occasionally we would pass another vehicle on the road, or a bicyclist meandering around the snake-like curves. As we cruised through the awning of trees, we slowed, as we didn’t want to miss the doe and her fawns standing on the edge of the trees, foraging, or the red fox running through the forest, alongside us.

With more than a few trails, all with different levels of difficulty, there’s something for everyone at Pilot Mountain State Park.

Most of the trails lead up the mountain, to the summits, offering spectacular and unforgettable views all the way to the top. As we made our way up the mountain, we were led up and down winding trails, through hardwood and lowland pine forests, across babbling brooks and wandering streams, and met with vividly striking displays of wildflowers, and a mural of serene simplicity.

Along the trail, there were “rest stops” for hikers and climbers to sit down, which seamlessly blended into the enchanting scenery, and offered a bit of solace from some of the more moderate to difficult climbs. We also spotted areas a few feet off of the trail, under a baldachin of trees, where you can sit and enjoy the elevated views, or have a quick bite to eat, via the picnic areas, or the flat and weather-worn rocks, obtruding from beneath the forest floor.

As we hiked up the 3.5-mile trail to the Pinnacle Summit, we were greeted by fellow nature lovers, out there for many of the same reasons, courageous climbers, testing the limits of their endurance, and even a few children, who made some of these trails look like a cake-walk.

Stopping along the way, we snuck a few feet off of the trail, to a small spot, under an awning of green, hidden amongst the pines, where a giant boulder popped out beneath a carpet of moss and leaves. We relaxed in peaceful tranquility, as we ate our sandwiches, and lamented the fact that we couldn’t live here, or at the very least, do this every day.

When we reached the Pinnacle Summit we were left breathless. Not just from the climb, but by the almost 360-degree view of the park, and surrounding areas. Encompassed by towering trees, and colorful flora, we leisurely strolled along the old wooden fence that lined the edge of the summit, drinking in the exquisiteness of the brilliant and enigmatic landscape that lay spread out before us. As you peer out at the cacophony of green and brown, while an ocean of blue hangs above, you are quickly reminded just why the climb is worth it.

The park can be explored on foot, via the incredible hiking trails, on horseback along the beautiful and scenic bridle trails, or by canoe, as you leisurely meander down the Yadkin River. There are activities aplenty, as well, including climbing, bicycling, fishing, and camping, along with a litany of events often lasting into mid-Autumn.

So, if you have a day to spend frolicking in the forest, and soaking up some of Carolina’s loveliness, I would highly recommend making the trip to Pilot Mountain State Park. I can assure you the landscape, wildlife, and scenery are more than worth it.

If that isn’t enough, there’s always the humorous irony of climbing a mountain shaped like an actual boob.

Frolicking in the Forest: Pilot Mountain State Park (North Carolina) Some of my most memorable experiences growing up in North Carolina were those spent playing in the dunes of a majestic coastline, and wandering in the remote and sublime forests and foothills, of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country.