Base Camp article
Base Camp – Lenoir, North Carolina
Located strategically in the foothills of western North Carolina Lenoir is the perfect jumping off point to some of North Carolina’s most outstanding outdoors adventures. Lenoir has an active outdoor schedule. The Bridge to Bridge bicycle challenge is one of the most outstanding road rides in the southeast, with and exciting ride over the Lin Cove Viaduct and an epic climb to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Lenoir is home to the Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center which is the home of a national class outdoor pool and equally impressive indoor pool. The LAFC was the home to the Danish Olympic team prior the Atlanta Olympic Games. The LAFC is also a jumping off point for the scenic 8 miles of Greenway trail along the Lower Creek. The Center is also home to a beautiful 2 lap cross-country course that host one of the best HS invitational in the state. The LAFC and the city recreation department is also host to a fine sprint triathlon and several well managed road races. The revitalized downtown Lenoir is home to Hogwaller’s Outdoor Store which can meet your outdoor needs and Luna Cycles a full service Bike shop with out standing mechanics. A Brief 10 mile trip brings you to the Wilson’s Creek Scenic River area. The Wilson’s Creek/Brown Mountain area has several awesome Mountain Bike treks for all range of abilities. Most rides start with fast hard packed fire roads that lead to back breaking climbs, like Staircase, Pineola road, Edgemont road, Yancy Ridge, and Lost Cove. The Wilson’s Creek also features the best whitewater kayaking in the area. Another 10miles brings you to the base of Table Rock. Table Rock is an inspiring 13 Mile fire road climb to a 2 mile paved climb to the Table Rock picnic area. The 1 mile hike to summit of Table Rock is beautiful. Rock climbing and boldering is available at Table Rock.
North of Lenoir you will find the running Mecca of Blowing Rock, home to ZAP fitness a non-profit Olympic Development Center, which caters to elite to recreational runners. The center piece of Blowing Rock is the Moses Cone State park, starting at the bass lake there are 26 miles of groomed carriage trails, scenic and cool even in the heart of summer. From downtown Blowing Rock you are minutes away from the legendary Blue Ridge parkway. Home to awesome road bike rides and hiking opportunities. Climbing and Boldering are also available at sites near the parkway. If picnicking and sunning are more your speed, Julian Price Park has awesome picnic areas and sunning along a cold mountain stream, also 2 awesome hiking trails start there. Julian Price Park is just ahead, and offers a deep mountain lake for fishing and canoes. Continuing north you hit Boone, home of the Appalachian State University, home of the 3 time national Small division National Champions. Forty five minutes further north you will come to Damascus Virginia, right on the AT. This tiny town is busting with outdoor opportunities. 70 miles of rails to trails to be ridden, ran, or hiked. Great spots for camping, kayaking, and climbing.
A quick 40 minute ride east of Lenoir brings you to Kerr Scott Dam and Marina. Several outstanding camping areas are along Kerr Scott. Fishing, boating, and Kayaking are great, with an outstanding visitor’s center at the Marina. Kerr Scott is also home to the most awesome single track trail system in the area. The Over Mountain Trail is an awesome 15 mile section of fast single track with all the turns and berms you can handle. The Dark mountain trails on the other side of the dam are more technical with rock gardens, massive climbs, and lots of cool stunts. Kerr Scott is also home to Bandits Triathlon one of the toughest Olympic events you will ever attempt. Dark Mountain is also home to the 24 hours of Burn, an awesome 24 hour Mountain Bike Challenge. If you want to mix some entertainment in your training, Merle Fest a national attended blue grass happening occurs every spring at near by Wilkes Community College.
If these local spots and challenges are not enough for you Lenoir is also only 80 mile from Asheville and their array of outside adventure, and about the same distance to the national Whitewater Center in Charlotte. So, if you are an outside kind of guy or gal, load up the bikes and boats and head to Lenoir to sample what the Outside life is all about.
by Mike McCall
