Favorite Spots- Rough Ridge, Grandfather Mountain, and Fire Tower

Recommended Gear- Small backpack, extra snacks, and a first aid kit

Recommended Clothing- extra jacket and gloves if the weather will be cold, sunblock during spring and summer and always a raincoat

Favorite Memory- "Some of my favorite hikes were when I went to the Fire Tower with my friends, going up to Sitting Bear with my mom and sister, and hiking through Linville Gorge with my dad!"

Favorite Spot- Acadia View 

Recommended Gear- First aid kit, dry fit towel if there is water, a portable charger, a camera, and small snacks such as sunflower seeds

Favorite Memory-  "One of my favorite memories hiking was when we were hiking in Zion's Narrows and my dad has to carry us over a algae bloom that had nervous system toxin in it, but we went anyways and got to go to the part of the canyon were you could touch both walls on each side that went up 1000's of feet. I also love hiking on the Pacific Northwest from the beaches to Redwoods to obsidian fields!"

Favorite Season to Bike in- Summer

Recommended Gear- Water bottle, tire repair kit, and snacks

Favorite Spots for Beginners- "The most accessible and friendly to all levels is Rocky Knob, which has a number of trails that are good for all levels. The Emerald Outback on Beach Mountain is also good, but more out of the way."

Hidden Spots- "There are tons of super great and technical trails in Pisgah national forest near Wilson's creek that provide tough climbs and fast technical downhills that are good for experienced riders."

Favorite Memory- "One of my favorite memories from any biking trip was the first time I rode the Cedar Rock Trail in Dupont State Forest. It is a very unique trail where you climb a huge rock face and almost everything you ride on is one huge rock. Being able to ride this with my friends and dad and brother was a very fun time, and the view from the top and the technicality of the descent were very engaging."

Favorite Season to Bike in- Summer

Recommended Gear- A life straw and only the necessary tools that I keep on my bike.

Favorite Spots for Beginners- Rocky Knob and Kanuga bike park

Hidden Spots- Pisgah forest

Favorite Memory- "Every summer mountain biking takes priority of my mind and time. My friends and I will be on full day journeys with no service. One particular ride that sticks out was a ride in the middle of June. It was cool day for the month. Some of my closest friends, and I had planned to meet at special place to us, a locally owned gas station off highway 181, the trail head waiting less than 3 miles away. After some freshly made biscuits and coffee we were off. We dropped into the trail one by one, the only sounds being those of the birds, tires on the ground and ecstatic hoots and hollers from those whom I chose to spend my Sunday morning with. Nothing on our minds than the perfect dirt and rock under our rubber. We had reached the end of the downhill, permagrin all around. As we climb up the rarely seen dirt road, we reminisce and exchange our own experiences from just moments past. We had reached the car bearing cold drinks and sweet treats, the perfect way to end a perfect day! Anyone moment I get to escape the truths and hardships of reality is a special moment to me." 

Favorite Season to Camp in- Summer

Recommended Supplies for Beginners-  Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, a big ole tent, lots of clothes, and friends

Recommended Gear for an Expert- "Nothing just yourself. It’s not the gear, it’s the camper." 

Favorite Spots for Beginners- The top of Hanging Rock

Hidden Spot-  Price Park

Favorite Memory- "My favorite memory is going on a 5 day backpacking trip in Colorado. The scenery was amazing and the overall experience was fantastic."

 Favorite Season to Camp in- Summer

Recommended Supplies for Beginners-  Tent, map and compass, knife, rain gear, and water bottle

Recommended Gear for an Expert- Extra socks and underwear, sun protection, camping stove, para-cord, etc. 

Favorite Spots for Beginners- Price Park

Hidden Spot-  Grayson Highlands

Favorite Memory- "My favorite memory of camping is kayaking across Lake Jocassee for 3 hours to jump off of some waterfalls!"

Favorite Season to go Kayaking- Summer

Favorite Spots- Russell Fort Gorge, Galley River, Watauga Gorge, Guy Fort Road, Green River Narrows, Linville Gorge, Elk River, and traveling to different places around North Carolina to boat.

Why is kayaking great in the High Country?- "There is a plentiful amount of waterways that are canoeable. We have the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world, so that is definitely an attraction for people visiting here to enjoy some sort of water based activity. Another cool thing that I've gotten into is fly fishing into small rivers and fly fishing from a boat."

Activities With Kids- "We spend time around the water a lot. We try to spend as much time by the water as we can, because it's just soothing and it's a nice part of my life. "

Advice for Beginners- "I would say, to not approach the sport on your own. Take a water safety course or research to gain information on your own before you hit the water. Once in the water, you would want to alleviate any risk you may have and not get into a situation where you couldn't save yourself." 

Favorite Memories- "The first time I ever paddled the Linville River a Bald Eagle flew across the gorge right in this picturesque spot that the other kayakers call the Bob Ross Gorge. That is a memory I will never forget."