Backpacking North Carolina

by Joe Miller

Published 21 March 2011
Joe Miller brings us the first-ever stand-alone guidebook to backpacking in North Carolina, a state long known as a terrific backpacking destination. Covering 43 of the best trips the state has to offer, Backpacking North Carolina provides all the information necessary for beginning and experienced backpackers alike to enjoy hiking destinations from the mountains to the coast. Each trip description offers key maps and navigation information, including water sources and camping spots, as well as trip highlights and special considerations. Miller offers tips for enriching the experience, such as filling dark nights with stargazing and other activities, and gives advice for backpacking with children. Offering his expertise in a way that emphasizes the accessibility of backpacking, Miller encourages a wide range of nature lovers to give it a try, perhaps for the first time. Several best-of lists are included, featuring trips with exceptional nature study opportunities, water recreation, and easy excursions for beginners. Backpacking North Carolina takes the reader deep into a state full of natural wonder and adventure.

Backpacking North Carolina has all the essentials for planning your trip, whether a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure:

Trips for beginner and expert backpackers alike
Helpful essays to introduce each trail and its features
Gear and safety advice for year-round backpacking
Major points of interest highlighted on each trip
Family-friendly trails and easy bailouts for when hiking with children
Detailed trail maps and directions to trailheads
Elevation profiles for each hike
Estimated hike times and level of difficulty
Camping permit requirements
GPS coordinates for water sources and good camping spots
Bullet lists of best trips for fishing, bird watching, waterfalls, and more

Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press


Adventure Carolinas

by Joe Miller

Published 12 May 2014
Have you ever wanted to take up a new outdoor sport but thought, ""Not me"" or ""Where do I begin""? In this unique take-it-with-you guide, outdoors and fitness writer Joe Miller introduces you to sixteen adventure sports in the Carolinas, from water to land and through all four seasons. No matter where you live or what your level of expertise may be, he will lead you to opportunities that range from beginner level to peak experience and equip you with the tools and courage to get outdoors and enjoy nature in new and exciting ways. For each experience, Miller includes location, how to start, associated costs, organisations that can help you begin, physical and mental demands of each activity, and whether the activities are seasonal or competitive.

Activities include mountain biking, flat-water and whitewater paddling, scuba diving, climbing, backcountry exploration, skiing, snowboarding and tubing, kiteboarding, hang gliding, and ziplining.