stand firm

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. 
--Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th US President. 

Above: Brothers Joe and Mickey standing on Table Rock, overlooking the Linville Gorge in North Carolina.

turn over a new leaf

Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves! 
--Andre Gide (1869-1951) French author. 

Above: On the trail to Table Rock, with spectacular views of Linville Gorge.

autumn symphony

October is a symphony of permanence and change.
--Bonaro W. Overstreet, author. 

Above: Gorgeous views of the Linville Gorge from Table Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountain of NC. 

It's one of the best overlooks in our region -- and well worth the long drive on a twisting gravel road.  After parking, it's a short (1 mile), moderately steep climb up the trail and then you're rewarded with spectacular views of the Linville Gorge and surrounding areas. For detailed directions and more discussion, click here.  More photos at this website.

the summit

You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up.
--Rene Daumal (1908-1944) French writer and poet

The view from Table Rock in western North Carolina. It's a bit of a long and rough drive to get to the trailhead, but the mile long trail itself is pretty easy, with lots of beautiful overlooks along the way, culminating in stunning panoramic views of the Linville Gorge when you reach the top. Click above for more photos and directions.

Linville Gorge

This is a photo of Milligan College photography student Michael Kaal, taken this past weekend on Table Rock overlooking the Linville Gorge in western North Carolina. It's one of the most dramatic 360 degree views you'll find anywhere in our region -- absolutely stunning. To get to there is a fairly short (1 mile), moderately steep hike. Table Rock isn't flat like you'd assume from its name or from its profile as seen from Wiseman's View on the other side of the gorge. But it's a very fun place to explore -- lots of rock out-croppings to climb around and amazing views in every direction. If you're around the Linville Falls area on the Blue Ridge Parkway and want to check out Table Rock, click here for directions. Linville Gorge is also a favorite destination for rock climbers -- click here for more.

fought, risked and given

I hope my achievements in life shall be these...
that I will have fought
for what was right and fair,
that I will have risked
for that which mattered,
that I will have given help
to those who were in need,
that I will have left the earth
a better place
for what I've done
and who I've been.
--C. Hoppe

Above: Jeremiah on Table Rock overlooking the Linville Gorge

On the Trail to Table Rock

If you look back at my post on Wiseman's View, you will see Table Rock on the other side of Linville Gorge on the right hand side of the photo. From the main road, it's 8.7 miles (mostly gravel) to the parking area/trailhead -- allow plenty of time for the drive, although it's pretty well maintained, it's s-l-o-w going. From the information I found, the road to the top is open from April 1st to October 31st. The one-mile hike itself is moderately steep -- but as long as it's not too hot out it's not bad. The shot above was taken on the trail to the top. I think in the distance you see what is known as The Chimneys. The view from the top of Table Rock is amazing -- it offers commanding views of Linville Gorge, Hawksbill Mountain, The Chimneys and views in all directions. The day we were there it was midday and hazy, and I can't say any of my shots do it justice. I'm looking forward to going back and exploring the area more! Click here for more information.

Directions. Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile 312 and turn left towards Morganton, driving about 5 miles on Route 181. Look for a forest service sign pointing the way to Table Rock (to the right) -- this is Gingercake Road (in 0.3 miles it will turn into Table Rock Road). You will soon leave the neighborhood and the paved road. It's another 8.5 miles to the top (it takes 30+ minutes). At the top the trailhead is clearly marked - along the way to the top there were a couple of side trails, just keep heading up and follow the arrows! Here's a good introduction to Linville Gorge, complete with map!