If I’m going to travel a good ways, as I did for my stay at Ash Grove, I try to add something else to the trip to make the most of it.

In this case, I stopped off on my way up to take in a class on backcountry navigation put on by REI. I already knew a good bit about navigation, but it was helpful and interesting to put that knowledge to use in a different context. The class took us up to the old airstrip in what is now the DuPont State Recreational Forest in western NC, USA.

Afterwards I realized that, while I have a pilot friend who would be interested in what was still there at the old airstrip, I didn’t take any pictures. With some time to spare, I stopped off there again on my way back and took a little walk up there to get pictures.

The airstrip is long abandoned and I wouldn’t suggest anyone land there except in an emergency. Of course, in an emergency, you’ll land wherever you can.

The airstrip was used by DuPont when they built a plant there. The local lore is that they built there because they needed the pure water for whatever it was they were manufacturing. Eventually, as has happened so many other places, the plant closed down and the land was conveyed to the state to form the recreational forest, which is what the area is today. The area where the plant itself was is closed to the public, the story being that that’s because of industrial contamination. It’d be rather ironic that they built the plant there because of the clean environment and then left it uninhabitable.

There are also stories that this airstrip is where most of the illegal drugs coming into the eastern US in the 1970s landed.

Anyway, after getting my pictures, I started back and stopped at the fork: hmmm…. I think I’ll take the road that’s less of a road, the Mine Mountain Trail.

The trail offers a commanding view of Fawn Lake (I never did see any fawns there though):

The trail is also used by mountain bikers. This would be a Bad Place to run off the trail, on either side:

Nice view from the top:

Made for a nice little walk. Also on Strava

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. I would rather ride on the earth in an ox cart, with a free circulation, than go to heaven in the fancy car of an excursion train and breathe a malaria all the way – Henry David Thoreau, “Walden”

I was looking to spend some time at a campground and pretend I was making a real backpacking trip so I could test out my logistics. I wanted some place with trails where I could “hike out” with my pack, and what they call “primitive” tent camping sites that actually aren’t too far from parking in case I forgot something or even needed to abort. I found such a place at Ash Grove in Brevard, NC, USA.

With the quote above in mind, it should be understood that I’m serious when I say my accommodations at Ash Grove were, to me, luxurious. We all have different needs and wants, and this place met mine perfectly.

The first thing you notice upon arrival, is that there is very little that’s flat (those who think the earth is flat take note).

(As usual, you can click on the pictures here for a full-resolution version.)

I met Mark and Ester, the owners. They were very helpful and easy to talk to, and they met all my needs and answered all my questions. As I began my 2-night stay there, I found that the campground was exactly as presented on their web site. All the policies and rules are clearly spelled out, and I get the impression that there would be little tolerance for violators. As these policies and rules were perfectly in line with what I was looking for and my values, this was fine.

One thing I asked about was if there was any concern about dangerous animals, like hunters or bears. At least at this time of year, the answer was basically no, although one of the trash cans suggested that there might be times to be more wary.

Aside from that, all the facilities I took advantage of (admittedly not many because of my objective) were all in good order.

Ester made sure I had what I needed and showed me to my campsite, or my 5-star luxury suite on the hillside.

Spacious cooking and dining accommodations:

Holly berries for decor (don’t eat them, they’re for the birds, a few of which visited while I was in residence)…

Hey, now we’re cookin’ with gas! I like this little burner that just screws on top of the fuel canister. Packs up small and weighs little.

The view from the living room was one I could just sit and watch, and listen to the creek at the bottom of the hill (and did).

In the evening mood lighting was available.

The bedroom was more than ample for my hammock. I tossed my heavy coat over the ridgeline for a little extra insulation during the expected cold night.

and had a nice sunrise view.

The late-day sun showed up what, at first, I was sure was a large spider web:

but upon investigation turned out to just be an alignment of pine needles that caught the light just right.

There is a network of trails on the hillside that comprises most of the campground. The trails leading to the tent camping sites are well manicured for ease of travel with gear (wheelbarrows are available if needed), but the rest are kept as natural as practical. Some might find some of the trails difficult, but this woodland bird was perfectly happy with the climbing (remember: when you go down a hill, sooner or later you’re going to have to go back up) and being careful with the footing, especially with a backpack. I suggest stopping often to look around, but watch the trail when in motion.

I found some ice crystals on one of the trails early in the morning (-4.7C/23F, according to a Weather Underground station near by):

There are places, especially along the creek, that are just, well, beautiful.

I came across this tree that reminded me of a question mark, and it was in one of those places where it’d be good to just stop and think about deep questions like, What is really important? How did the tree get this way?

There is also a small waterfall. It’s not spectacular like you might find in other nearby locations, but the intimate beauty of the spot had me just sit and watch for a while. A good place to just Be.

If there was one thing I might find fault with, it’s the same thing I’ve run into at many other places, both public and private: accuracy of the trail maps. I found a couple of intersections that were not as mapped. The chance of getting really lost on these trails, however, is remote (just head uphill, you’ll come to something), so this is a minor nitpick to prove I’m not just reporting only the good stuff :).

All-in-all this was a wonderful almost-48-hours spent outdoors. In my admittedly-limited experience with campsites, I think Ash Grove is rather unique with the natural areas and tent sites that are spread out, and not parking-lot-style as I’ve seen in some places.

Two wingtip primaries up! (what, you were expecting a bird to have thumbs??)

Oh, and my logistics worked out pretty good, with no significant issues. I have some notes and will make some adjustments for the next adventure. That won’t be until after the Arlington trip.