Craggy Gardens late spring hike with pups - Blue Ridge Parkway - Asheville Nature Photography

It is the best when I have a chance to load up the dogs to hit the Blue Ridge parkway in the morning for an adventure before the afternoon sessions and meetings. Apparently, it was a great morning for the bear as well as we saw quite a few out and about. It is a great reminder to keep an eye out for wildlife when driving, biking, or hiking. They can appear out of nowhere and dart into the road often before you know what is happening. See pics of the juvenile bear at the end of this set - he came bounding out of the woods into the road, ambling across to the other side and I was so grateful I was going slow enough to stop for him. If you see bear, give them space, and definitely try to never get between a mama bear and her cubs. 

This adventure took me and my dogs up to Craggy Pinnacle off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the perfect time to visit that area to see all the rhododendron and mountain laurel in bloom. The shocks of hot pinks against the palette of greens and blues bring me such joy and I'm excited to share these sights with you. 

Craggy has some of the most unique and dramatic trees along this short, moderate hike to the pinnacles. The first one you see in my photos is a black birch, weathered and shaped into this mystical, fairytale tree that you'll never forget once you see it in person. I've never been able to figure out what the next gnarled and twisted tree you find on this trail is, but it is also unlike any tree you'll see elsewhere. The twisted and warped magical painterly looking tree has always mystified me. 

The perspective from this area are always spectacular. The wide open views, framed by the exposed rock, historic rock walls, ridgelines with recognizable peaks in all directions, and being able to see the Blue Ridge Parkway winding around, past the visitor's center and around the bend just inspire me every single time I get up there. 

Cannot wait to share the next adventure soon!