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The Wandering Appalachian

girl sitting on rock overlooking blue ridge mountain landscape

The Wandering Appalachian

Adventures in the Appalachian Mountains

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A sampling of the photos I snapped with frozen fingers from the top of a particularly beautiful peak in the Smokies last weekend 💚

I have yet to do a hike in this park that doesn't pull me a little bit closer to it. I'm already scheming about how to get back on those trails 😂

#wanderingappalachian #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark

A sampling of the photos I snapped with frozen fingers from the top of a particularly beautiful peak in the Smokies last weekend 💚

I have yet to do a hike in this park that doesn't pull me a little bit closer to it. I'm already scheming about how to get back on those trails 😂

#wanderingappalachian #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark

I've been playing around with this old Kodak hailing from my high school days, and the pictures don't suck?? They aren't the most crisp-looking images I've ever seen, but with a light edit, I'm kinda impressed! It's a lot of fun to play with on hikes 📸

#wanderingappalachian #greatsmokymountains #kodakeasyshare

I've been playing around with this old Kodak hailing from my high school days, and the pictures don't suck?? They aren't the most crisp-looking images I've ever seen, but with a light edit, I'm kinda impressed! It's a lot of fun to play with on hikes 📸

#wanderingappalachian #greatsmokymountains #kodakeasyshare

First hike of 2026!

Last week, I visited some waterfalls in the North Georgia mountains. I found them through @dr_waterfall's book, and wow, I'm so glad I decided to check them out! There's something really rewarding about finding waterfalls through a book rather than an app.

The northeast corner of Rabun County is exceptionally beautiful. Where have y'all been hiking lately?

#wanderingappalachian #georgiawaterfalls #rabuncounty

First hike of 2026!

Last week, I visited some waterfalls in the North Georgia mountains. I found them through @dr_waterfall's book, and wow, I'm so glad I decided to check them out! There's something really rewarding about finding waterfalls through a book rather than an app.

The northeast corner of Rabun County is exceptionally beautiful. Where have y'all been hiking lately?

#wanderingappalachian #georgiawaterfalls #rabuncounty

Waterfall scenes from Panthertown 💧

Back in early December, I explored some new-to-me waterfalls in the Panthertown wilderness. I know I've only scratched the surface of Panthertown waterfalls, so I'm already thinking about my next hike there. Which ones have y'all visited?

#wanderingappalachian #wncwaterfalls

Waterfall scenes from Panthertown 💧

Back in early December, I explored some new-to-me waterfalls in the Panthertown wilderness. I know I've only scratched the surface of Panthertown waterfalls, so I'm already thinking about my next hike there. Which ones have y'all visited?

#wanderingappalachian #wncwaterfalls

South Carolina’s newest state park is a pretty spot on Lake Murray 🌊

Have y’all been to Pine Island yet?

#wanderingappalachian #scstateparks #southcarolina

South Carolina’s newest state park is a pretty spot on Lake Murray 🌊

Have y’all been to Pine Island yet?

#wanderingappalachian #scstateparks #southcarolina

I’ve read that the areas around waterfalls are rich with negative ions, which are made when water crashes and molecules are split. Supposedly, breathing in these negative ions can significantly boost your mood and ease anxiety and depression.

If all that is true, it makes a lot of sense—there’s something healing and peaceful about sitting at the base of a roaring waterfall 💚

#wanderingappalachian #waterfall #appalachia

I’ve read that the areas around waterfalls are rich with negative ions, which are made when water crashes and molecules are split. Supposedly, breathing in these negative ions can significantly boost your mood and ease anxiety and depression.

If all that is true, it makes a lot of sense—there’s something healing and peaceful about sitting at the base of a roaring waterfall 💚

#wanderingappalachian #waterfall #appalachia

The Battle of Musgrove Mill exceeded my expectations. If you’ve ever traveled on I-26 in the SC upstate before, you’ve almost certainly seen the signs for this park. Do yourself a favor and visit it the next time you’re in the area!

#wanderingappalachian #scstateparks #battleofmusgrovemill

The Battle of Musgrove Mill exceeded my expectations. If you’ve ever traveled on I-26 in the SC upstate before, you’ve almost certainly seen the signs for this park. Do yourself a favor and visit it the next time you’re in the area!

#wanderingappalachian #scstateparks #battleofmusgrovemill

Poinsett State Park is a sleeper park in the SC lowcountry. It’s surprisingly hilly for being so close to the coast!

#wanderingappalachian #scstateparks #poinsettstatepark

Poinsett State Park is a sleeper park in the SC lowcountry. It’s surprisingly hilly for being so close to the coast!

#wanderingappalachian #scstateparks #poinsettstatepark

History AND nature? I’m all in! Andrew Jackson State Park was a joy to explore.

#wanderingappalachian

History AND nature? I’m all in! Andrew Jackson State Park was a joy to explore.

#wanderingappalachian

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the Upstate, Rose Hill is a place you definitely need to visit. It’s in a pretty setting, and the history behind it is fascinating!

#wanderingappalachian

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the Upstate, Rose Hill is a place you definitely need to visit. It’s in a pretty setting, and the history behind it is fascinating!

#wanderingappalachian

Chester State Park was part of my August state park marathon. The bridge there was my favorite spot to explore!

#wanderingappalachian

Chester State Park was part of my August state park marathon. The bridge there was my favorite spot to explore!

#wanderingappalachian

In early August, I had a state park marathon day that began with Landsford Canal. It’s one of my favorite new-to-me parks I’ve seen so far!

#wanderingappalachian

In early August, I had a state park marathon day that began with Landsford Canal. It’s one of my favorite new-to-me parks I’ve seen so far!

#wanderingappalachian

Back in July, I took a trip to Jones Gap, named for my great great great great (yes, 4 greats) grandfather, Solomon Jones. In my less than humble opinion, it’s one of SC’s best state parks.

#wanderingappalachian

Back in July, I took a trip to Jones Gap, named for my great great great great (yes, 4 greats) grandfather, Solomon Jones. In my less than humble opinion, it’s one of SC’s best state parks.

#wanderingappalachian

I haven’t been documenting my state park journey much on here, so get ready for a backlog! This is from my trip to Keowee Toxaway back in the spring time 🌼

#wanderingappalachian

I haven’t been documenting my state park journey much on here, so get ready for a backlog! This is from my trip to Keowee Toxaway back in the spring time 🌼

#wanderingappalachian

Late fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway 🍂

There’s nothing like watching the last bits of foliage paint the landscape on a drive through the mountains. These photos were taken in early November, and it’s hard to believe how different things look already. Here’s to appreciating the cold for what it is, and not counting down to Spring too early 😅

#wanderingappalachian

Late fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway 🍂

There’s nothing like watching the last bits of foliage paint the landscape on a drive through the mountains. These photos were taken in early November, and it’s hard to believe how different things look already. Here’s to appreciating the cold for what it is, and not counting down to Spring too early 😅

#wanderingappalachian

The landscapes of the Virginia highlands are remarkably beautiful ❤️

Last month, my husband and I took a little anniversary trip to drive along all of Skyline Drive and (most of) the Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginia is a state I’ve not spent nearly enough time in, and it was nice to become a bit more acquainted!

#wanderingappalachian

The landscapes of the Virginia highlands are remarkably beautiful ❤️

Last month, my husband and I took a little anniversary trip to drive along all of Skyline Drive and (most of) the Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginia is a state I’ve not spent nearly enough time in, and it was nice to become a bit more acquainted!

#wanderingappalachian

30!! (???) 🎉

I’ve reached the 3 decade mark, and I would be lying hardcore if I said it hasn’t been on my mind like, a lot. I think it’s kinda cool though. Getting older is a privilege. I’m the strongest (physically, mentally, and emotionally) I’ve ever been, I’m the coolest I’ve ever been (trust me, I’ve known me my whole life), I’m more interesting than younger me, and I think it just gets better from here.

I don’t feel old. I just feel like myself, and the 30 year old teenager that I am 💚

Happy birthday to all on this fine day!

#wanderingappalachian

30!! (???) 🎉

I’ve reached the 3 decade mark, and I would be lying hardcore if I said it hasn’t been on my mind like, a lot. I think it’s kinda cool though. Getting older is a privilege. I’m the strongest (physically, mentally, and emotionally) I’ve ever been, I’m the coolest I’ve ever been (trust me, I’ve known me my whole life), I’m more interesting than younger me, and I think it just gets better from here.

I don’t feel old. I just feel like myself, and the 30 year old teenager that I am 💚

Happy birthday to all on this fine day!

#wanderingappalachian

Can you spot the typo? Because I sure didn’t until I decided to post this 😅

I’ve been having lots of thoughts about social media consumption and my relationship to it and my phone, clearly. What about y’all?

#wanderingappalachian

Can you spot the typo? Because I sure didn’t until I decided to post this 😅

I’ve been having lots of thoughts about social media consumption and my relationship to it and my phone, clearly. What about y’all?

#wanderingappalachian

I realized the other day that I haven’t edited photos from my camera since late September 😅 But, it was a joy looking through and reminiscing on the many beautiful things I’ve seen on my hikes lately—like several SC waterfalls!

I’ve said it before, but I truly think waterfalls of the South Carolina mountains are some of the best out there.

#wanderingappalachian

I realized the other day that I haven’t edited photos from my camera since late September 😅 But, it was a joy looking through and reminiscing on the many beautiful things I’ve seen on my hikes lately—like several SC waterfalls!

I’ve said it before, but I truly think waterfalls of the South Carolina mountains are some of the best out there.

#wanderingappalachian

I’ve been going lots of places and seeing lots of pretty landscapes lately. This is one of them 🍃

When the weather gets chilly, I start to crave swampy forests and bald cypress trees. As I trek through South Carolina’s state parks, luckily, there are plenty of those to see!

#wanderingappalachian

I’ve been going lots of places and seeing lots of pretty landscapes lately. This is one of them 🍃

When the weather gets chilly, I start to crave swampy forests and bald cypress trees. As I trek through South Carolina’s state parks, luckily, there are plenty of those to see!

#wanderingappalachian

'Tis the season of bare branches, embracing the dark, (too much) introspection, and admiring apricity 💙

How have y'all been?? I've been going through a social media ick phase, and I don't think it's quite over yet lol. I'm also mentally prepping myself for the cold months by tricking my little neanderthal brain into thinking that it's gonna be a great time. And you know what, I really think it's going to be!

#wanderingappalachian

'Tis the season of bare branches, embracing the dark, (too much) introspection, and admiring apricity 💙

How have y'all been?? I've been going through a social media ick phase, and I don't think it's quite over yet lol. I'm also mentally prepping myself for the cold months by tricking my little neanderthal brain into thinking that it's gonna be a great time. And you know what, I really think it's going to be!

#wanderingappalachian

These are my wishes 🙏 (but fr always tell someone where you’re going on a hike for safety!)

#wanderingappalachian

These are my wishes 🙏 (but fr always tell someone where you’re going on a hike for safety!)

#wanderingappalachian

I explored Deep Creek for the first time recently and fell in love with it! I haven’t spent nearly enough time on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. What are some of your favorite spots to explore in this area?

#wanderingappalachian

I explored Deep Creek for the first time recently and fell in love with it! I haven’t spent nearly enough time on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. What are some of your favorite spots to explore in this area?

#wanderingappalachian

Saw some non-venomous pals slithering around in the forest 👀 Have y’all seen any critters in the woods lately?

#wanderingappalachian

Saw some non-venomous pals slithering around in the forest 👀 Have y’all seen any critters in the woods lately?

#wanderingappalachian

Touch grass. Embrace the grass. BE grass. Look away from a screen, smell the fresh air, and engage your senses with something real.

#wanderingappalachian

Touch grass. Embrace the grass. BE grass. Look away from a screen, smell the fresh air, and engage your senses with something real.

#wanderingappalachian

I don’t think I’ll ever love anything more in this world than sharing a beautiful view with the people I love most in life 💚

#wanderingappalachian

I don’t think I’ll ever love anything more in this world than sharing a beautiful view with the people I love most in life 💚

#wanderingappalachian

Had to pay a visit to one of my favorite cascades. It was so good to see her 💚

#wanderingappalachian

Had to pay a visit to one of my favorite cascades. It was so good to see her 💚

#wanderingappalachian

Appalachia through my lens 📸

#wanderingappalachian

Appalachia through my lens 📸

#wanderingappalachian

The waterfalls of the Bradley variety in Saluda are all beautiful (iykyk), but this one is probably my favorite. The creek crossings on the way here are no joke, and I’m a baby when it comes to those 😅 I don’t mind getting wet, but in my mind, I’ll take a bad step on a rock and fall and succumb to the current and get washed away into the void. It hasn’t happened yet though, so onward to pretty waterfalls we go!

#wanderingappalachian

The waterfalls of the Bradley variety in Saluda are all beautiful (iykyk), but this one is probably my favorite. The creek crossings on the way here are no joke, and I’m a baby when it comes to those 😅 I don’t mind getting wet, but in my mind, I’ll take a bad step on a rock and fall and succumb to the current and get washed away into the void. It hasn’t happened yet though, so onward to pretty waterfalls we go!

#wanderingappalachian

I finally caught the bug… a little lol. I’m not ready for summer to be over honestly 😅 Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE fall. I’ll double fist pumpkin spice deliciousness with the best of them. But I’m also not ready to let go of long days and leaves 🍃 what about y’all?

#wanderingappalachian

I finally caught the bug… a little lol. I’m not ready for summer to be over honestly 😅 Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE fall. I’ll double fist pumpkin spice deliciousness with the best of them. But I’m also not ready to let go of long days and leaves 🍃 what about y’all?

#wanderingappalachian

More waterfalls, fewer worries 💚

#wanderingappalachian

More waterfalls, fewer worries 💚

#wanderingappalachian

I explored some waterfalls last weekend and felt my body completely relax and fall back into nature 🍃

There’s so much I want to see and explore while it’s still summertime. I’m not ready to let go of the green mountains and longer, sunny days. It’s time to prioritize some adventures and get out there!

#wanderingappalachian

I explored some waterfalls last weekend and felt my body completely relax and fall back into nature 🍃

There’s so much I want to see and explore while it’s still summertime. I’m not ready to let go of the green mountains and longer, sunny days. It’s time to prioritize some adventures and get out there!

#wanderingappalachian

Calhoun Falls is a lovely little spot on Lake Russel, a sparsely developed lake in the western midlands of South Carolina. It was a delight 💚

#wanderingappalachian

Calhoun Falls is a lovely little spot on Lake Russel, a sparsely developed lake in the western midlands of South Carolina. It was a delight 💚

#wanderingappalachian

Not to pick on Yankees specifically, but just anyone who exploits the land for profit and greed. Or folks who move to the south/Appalachia and complain that they can’t find a good New York bagel or pizza. Maybe, and I know this is hard to comprehend, it’s because you’re not in New York (thank god) 🙃

#wanderingappalachian

Not to pick on Yankees specifically, but just anyone who exploits the land for profit and greed. Or folks who move to the south/Appalachia and complain that they can’t find a good New York bagel or pizza. Maybe, and I know this is hard to comprehend, it’s because you’re not in New York (thank god) 🙃

#wanderingappalachian

Baker Creek State Park in Lake Thurmond has a nice pavilion, camping area, and other lakeside opportunities in the SC midlands 🍃 have you been?

#wanderingappalachian

Baker Creek State Park in Lake Thurmond has a nice pavilion, camping area, and other lakeside opportunities in the SC midlands 🍃 have you been?

#wanderingappalachian

Every time I get on the interstate the bitin’ list gets longer 😅

#wanderingappalachian

Every time I get on the interstate the bitin’ list gets longer 😅

#wanderingappalachian

Hamilton Branch State Park was a lovely little place! Have y’all visited before?

#wanderingappalachian

Hamilton Branch State Park was a lovely little place! Have y’all visited before?

#wanderingappalachian

Hickory Knob State Park was a grand old time, and the fried okra from the buffet was 💯

#wanderingappalachian

Hickory Knob State Park was a grand old time, and the fried okra from the buffet was 💯

#wanderingappalachian

This post is a reminder to my future self: yes, waking up early for the sun rise is worth it. Grab some coffee, rub your eyes, and go see as many as you can ☀️

#wanderingappalachian

This post is a reminder to my future self: yes, waking up early for the sun rise is worth it. Grab some coffee, rub your eyes, and go see as many as you can ☀️

#wanderingappalachian

Mountains and metal are a combination I’m a big big fan of 🤘🏻

Charlie’s Bunion has been on my to-hike list for a hot minute, and the views were just as magical as I had hoped. I don’t hike in the Smokies as often as I’d like (I hate crowds & getting up early isn’t easy), but this inspired me to plan more trips! Which one should I do next??

#wanderingappalachian

Mountains and metal are a combination I’m a big big fan of 🤘🏻

Charlie’s Bunion has been on my to-hike list for a hot minute, and the views were just as magical as I had hoped. I don’t hike in the Smokies as often as I’d like (I hate crowds & getting up early isn’t easy), but this inspired me to plan more trips! Which one should I do next??

#wanderingappalachian

On my best days, on my worst, and in every other in between, these old, wise mountains are home. And I’ll never lose my love for exploring them 🫶🏻

#wanderingappalachian

On my best days, on my worst, and in every other in between, these old, wise mountains are home. And I’ll never lose my love for exploring them 🫶🏻

#wanderingappalachian

She’s a tall glass of water, ain’t she? 🌈

It’s not common to get this beauty all to yourself, but I was lucky enough to get about 10 lovely minutes with just my hiking crew and Rainbow on the 4th of July. The crowds at Jones Gap tend to keep me away, but I can totally see why she’s so popular!

#wanderingappalachian

She’s a tall glass of water, ain’t she? 🌈

It’s not common to get this beauty all to yourself, but I was lucky enough to get about 10 lovely minutes with just my hiking crew and Rainbow on the 4th of July. The crowds at Jones Gap tend to keep me away, but I can totally see why she’s so popular!

#wanderingappalachian

I think I’m at 27 hikes this year? So I’m pretty sure that puts me on track for 52 for the year? I’ve fallen off hard with documenting each and every one. But honestly I think I’ve enjoyed them more that way. These pics aren’t even from any recent hikes, it’s just a roadside view on 441 😂 I’ve edited quite a few pictures though and I think they’re some of my best ones yet, so I’ve gotta show them off at some point!

#wanderingappalachian

I think I’m at 27 hikes this year? So I’m pretty sure that puts me on track for 52 for the year? I’ve fallen off hard with documenting each and every one. But honestly I think I’ve enjoyed them more that way. These pics aren’t even from any recent hikes, it’s just a roadside view on 441 😂 I’ve edited quite a few pictures though and I think they’re some of my best ones yet, so I’ve gotta show them off at some point!

#wanderingappalachian

I love living in a rainforest 🍃 There’s no place quite like Appalachia!

#wanderingappalachian

I love living in a rainforest 🍃 There’s no place quite like Appalachia!

#wanderingappalachian

I went down the Appalachian geology rabbit hole after a recent hike to Charlie’s Bunion, care to join?

#wanderingappalachian

I went down the Appalachian geology rabbit hole after a recent hike to Charlie’s Bunion, care to join?

#wanderingappalachian

Just me and my heavy breathing against the world 💪🏻

I really didn’t want to leave the Smokies after this, they have that magical pull 💚

#wanderingappalachian

Just me and my heavy breathing against the world 💪🏻

I really didn’t want to leave the Smokies after this, they have that magical pull 💚

#wanderingappalachian

The waterfalls of the Chattooga are some of my very favorites 💚 I’ve said it a thousand times before, but South Carolina’s wilderness and waterfalls are unmatched

#wanderingappalachian

The waterfalls of the Chattooga are some of my very favorites 💚 I’ve said it a thousand times before, but South Carolina’s wilderness and waterfalls are unmatched

#wanderingappalachian

We were supposed to hike to a waterfall, but we came to a creek crossing that I just wasn’t prepared for, womp womp. I’m a baby when seeing a creek crossing because I’m convinced that I’ll slip and fall and cease to exist 😂 BUT the woods were so pretty and this creek is pretty and life is so much prettier when you go outside!

#wanderingappalachian

We were supposed to hike to a waterfall, but we came to a creek crossing that I just wasn’t prepared for, womp womp. I’m a baby when seeing a creek crossing because I’m convinced that I’ll slip and fall and cease to exist 😂 BUT the woods were so pretty and this creek is pretty and life is so much prettier when you go outside!

#wanderingappalachian

The rugged, scenic landscape of north Georgia is one of my favorite corners of the Appalachian Mountains 💙💚

#wanderingappalachian

The rugged, scenic landscape of north Georgia is one of my favorite corners of the Appalachian Mountains 💙💚

#wanderingappalachian

Looking Glass Rock was doing her best to take my breath away from this angle. I recently got a new camera, and the shots it manages to capture make me feel like a better photographer than I really am 😅 But, when you have a subject that’s this beautiful, it’s difficult to get a bad shot.

#wanderingappalachian

Looking Glass Rock was doing her best to take my breath away from this angle. I recently got a new camera, and the shots it manages to capture make me feel like a better photographer than I really am 😅 But, when you have a subject that’s this beautiful, it’s difficult to get a bad shot.

#wanderingappalachian

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