Grandfather Mountain Camping Trip 2026

 

above Impatiens pallida blooming in the Pisgah National Forest, NC

Grandfather Mountain Camping Trip

August 28-30 ,  2026 Weekend 

Kenny & Dana Koogler 

**Edited to Add Notes to Self-- This blog falls under the category of cursory trip reports. That's what happens when you wait too long to write it up. ** 

  We originally booked this camping trip for two reasons. Firstly our friend Wally Storey was going to make his 500th waterfall hike.  Secondly we love the area and it had been many years between visits.   We booked a stay at Grandfather Mountain Campground and made plans to do some hikes and some shopping in and around Boone. 

    We arrived and got set up and it was really nice. The weather was perfect. It was 70 degrees, sunny and the campground was beautiful.  The stream flowing past is filled along its banks with sunflowers.   We didn't do a lot on Friday.   We checked out some antique stores, went shopping. I bought some art supplies and did some painting.  

       We planned to hike on Saturday to Lost Cove Falls both upper and lower.  I think we planned some additional exploring off the Blue Ridge Parkway on the open sections.  

     We had hiked Lost Cove both upper and lower falls in the past at least twice.   It is a short hike at only 1.5 miles or so round trip.  We thought this would be easy.  Oh how wrong we were. 

We are 20 years old.  Helene has wreaked havoc with the slopes and the falls.   We made it there and back, but it was quite a different ordeal.   We added to the effort by making a turn off a little too soon. We did find an upper, upper cascade on the stream though.  It was kinda pretty, but nothing great.

    We hoofed it back to the trail and continued a bit further until we found the real turn off to the right that lead down to Lost Cove Falls.    It is a steep slope, not child friendly, not old lady friendly, and has ropes for parts of it.   I had forgotten all of that.  I edited out all that stuff and just remembered it being such a pretty waterfall the other visits.  

above and below: Lost Cove main falls. 

above: an interesting feature of Lost Cove Falls. The majority of its volume goes down this little swirl hole and disappears! 

  Despite the ropes and steep terrain it was worth the work to reach Lost Cove Falls.  

Below is a video of it that better shows it off. 

 

   Lower Little Lost Cove Falls -- Don't Do It

   We were using Kevin Adam's directions which were spot on.   The changes to the terrain did not really matter as far as way finding. It was just tougher.    Nothing for it.  We had to do a fair amount of working around fallen trees especially in this "off trail" part.   We worked our way following the path of least resistance.   We tried to stay with the little bits of flagged, roped routes we found.  It didn't make much difference.  I had forgotten how incredibly steep the slope was here.    Kenny was wonderful being my cheerleader and helping me break the trek down into smaller more manageable goals.  Sometimes just getting fifty feet from one tree to the next is good since its progress.   We finally made it to the base and it was a big let down as the debris and the lack of water flowing made it a massive effort for little pay off.   It won't be back to this one.

Above: about the best view you could get of Lower Lost Cove Falls. 

Below is an example of all the debris.  

Below is a video clip that shows what it was like. 

     

       The struggle back uphill was daunting, but with Kenny's help and encouragement I made it. 

It had grown much warmer from when we started so we made our way to the stream and soaked our shirts with cold water before beginning the climb back out. It helped a bunch.    

    We were mighty glad to see the actual trail and despite my complaining it popped up faster than we imagined!   Whew!  The forest was so green and pretty and smelled nice.  The trek back to the vehicle was uphill, but gradual so that was a mercy.  We could here people down in the woods to our left on the hike back out.  Never did see them. There had been one truck at the parking spot when we set out. 

Perhaps that was who we heard?     Stranger still was getting back to the end of the spur road that leads to Lost Cove Falls to find an old black Ford ranger parked in the middle of the road with a scotch under one wheel!   We wondered if we'd even be able to leave?  Thankfully we were able to squeak past him. 

The tailgate was down as if something was unloaded and he left it parked here.   We could here activity below this area in the woods.   Kenny was not happy about it, but remarked perhaps the person had engine failure and walked out to get help.    

above: we passed a large natural area on the roadside that had all three colors of jewelweed growing together! orange, pale yellow and bright yellow! I'd never seen that before.

Below are some yellow composites that were also growing alongside them.  

       We were supposed to hike with Wally and Company to Chestnut Cove Branch Falls the next day.

After today's ordeal we were so sore and stiff we let him know we had overdone it and would NOT be joining them sadly. He was very understanding.   The next day we visited Howard's Knob Park for the view and Payne Branch Park.  We did easy walks.   We went antiquing in Boone at The Front Porch. We were going into the big shop in downtown Boone, but could not find parking.  We decided there was nothing we wanted to look at that was worth putting up with this snarl of traffic.  

   The Rocking Horse Antique Gallery in Crossville has ruined me for all other antique shops.  It has set a standard that is hard for other businesses to meet.   The Front Porch was nice though.  I am not a clutter bug and won't just buy something to say I bought it.  I have to have a use for it.  We already inherited a lot of these type antiques from family so we don't need duplicates.  I did see a Barbie Camper Van that was exactly like the one I had as a little girl!  

   

             

     

Howard's Knob Park 

   I got on google maps and found that Boone has numerous very attractive parks and some smaller waterfalls and swimming holes.   A couple of the waterfalls and swimming holes were no longer accessible because they were private land. The owners finally got fed up with the recent vandalism in the form of graffiti and garbage.   Congrats on ruining it for everyone assholes! 

    We went to Howard's Knob Park to check out the Sky Bridge and the view out over Boone from the highest point around.   It was a nice spot.  Plenty of parking. Restrooms.  Walking paths. The Sky Bridge and view being the main attraction.  Picnic grounds a plenty.   Benches for sitting and talking.  It was originally the site of a NASA sponsored windmill project that was ultimately unsuccessful.  Area residents complained of the vibration and noise and it was removed.  

  

    Above: view from the Sky Bridge out over Boone. 

Below:  Looking down from the platform you can see padlocks attached to the fence. No doubt signs of couples "love forever".  I'm going to be sick. 

Below: the curve of the sky bridge. 

Below is a short video of the beautiful view 

Payne Branch Park 

   Once we'd enjoyed the views and cool breezes up on Howards Knob Park, we headed next to Payne Branch Park.    We strolled along the river and read up on the history.  It was a dammed river which generated hydroelectric power for awhile.  The dam was removed a few years ago and the stream banks were stabilized. Sludge was removed.  There are reports of fish once thought extirpated from the stream returning.  It is a true success story.  I hope they do this along Little River at Walland and in Rockford.   

Below:  bench in the sun along the river. This is near the start of the path

Below: sign explaining the history and the stream restoration.  

Above: loads of partridge peas blooming streamside.

Above Looking upstream.  


Below: massive boulder along the path

Below: golden wingstem blooms near the banks.

Below:  a close up of the ripples in the stream

Below: bluebird day along Payne Branch

Above:  spotted jewelweed was abundant in the park.  I saw a hummingbird feeding among these.

Below: shady spot with a bench for sitting 

  We enjoyed Payne Branch Park.  We got some exercise and worked out some of the stiffness and soreness from the previous day.   

  We had a good camping trip and Monday morning we headed home.   Our souvenir of the trip was a couple shrubs from Mountaineer Garden and Landscaping.  We got a Kodiak Jet Black Dervilla which is a cultivated bush honeysuckle.  We also got a Firelight Tidbit Hydrangea bush.  I got Crystal a Giddy Goose for her classroom. She and her students named it Jolene! I'll have to get a photo of Jolene to share.   She had been wanting one and the landscaping place had a good deal on them.  

   All in all it was a nice get away trip.  

Below is a video of Payne Branch that is short and sweet.

Knee Gasher

 

I fell yesterday and  fileted the entire knee cap off. All the hide was hanging like a flap. 22 stitches and I'm put right. My swimming season is over. This next couple weeks I'll have to take it easy a I don't bust my stitches. 

  As of 10/9/2026 I went on my first hike. I took my stitches out after 10 days.  It is looking better.

Still got a ways to go to be 100% healed, but each day gets better.  I have no pain from it.  

Past the point where it risks bursting open though I am still supposed to only shower. No baths and no swimming for now.  

 I'll include a more recent photo of it tomorrow.  Much improved.  

Above is the current picture as it heals. 

Boondocking in the Cherokee National Forest-- Fall Branch Falls & Dockery Creek

 Boondocking in the Cherokee National Forest-- Fall Branch Falls & Dockery Creek 

Friday Aug. 7 through Sunday August 9 2026

Kenny & Dana Koogler

      Kenny and I wanted to get out and go camping, but not have to drive so far or get into a big elaborate plan.  We decided to go to State Line and camp for the weekend.  It is quiet. No phone signal. No internet access.   No TV.  No screens period!  

         We left on Friday afternoon as Kenny worked half a day.    We got down there and set up.

We realized once we got there I did not bring a single map and only one guide book.  It really wasn't a huge deal since we are very familiar with that area.   Friday evening was just relaxing and being together.  Cooking together.  I painted some.   No TV is good sometimes!  

   We rode over to Murphy NC via Davis Creek Road and Joe Brown Highway. We stopped on the way there to visit Dockery Creek Falls.  It was flowing extremely well.  Lots of downed trees here today.    

Below: First glimpse of Dockery Creek Falls 

Below: Upper Dockery Creek Falls 

Below: Dockery Creek Falls Lower level

Below is a video of the falls in their entirety.  

  While in Murphy we got stopped by a Dollar General and I purchased some canvas to paint on. 

We purchased a Harrison Ford movie to watch that evening.  It was a boxed set so we watched one on Friday and one on Saturday evening.   I had never watched these all the way through. One was "Patriot Games "and the other "Clear and Present Danger". Both were good.  Yes. I know they are old as dirt.  I am always late to the party.  

   We drove the Cherohala Skyway and hiked to Falls Branch Falls.  It is was a redemption and healing trip for me.   Last time there I had a scary encounter. Kenny was trying to help me work through that to some healing.   It was a good plan. Today we only encountered one other set of hikers. A group of two young couples.   They were pleasant, normal and from the area. Friendly and talkative.   The waterfall was amazing today! I don't think I've ever seen it with that much water volume before!   It was hard to get photos or video and stay clear of the spray. 

            The trail was lush and green.  It was running with water.  Bright yellow sunflowers dotted the trailhead for us.  We took the "short cut" trail and had to bushwhack through some vegetation, but it was not too bad.   The trees are big down here and old.  It is a lovely spot any time of year.   

     Saturday we got up and headed down the road to go hiking. We stopped at Green Cove Store. 

They always have essentials and we had forgotten cooking oil or some minor item.  We purchased it there.  I saw that Mark Morrison's new book was for sale there so I thumbed through it.  It only took me a moment to decided we needed that book!  We purchased a copy and bought a Cherokee National Forest map to leave in the camper. As such I wrote CAMPER on it in ink pen.  

        I hadn't looked through the guidebook long until I could tell I was onto some wonderful fodder for future trips! Mark has mentioned a waterfall in there that was probably known to many locals, but not documented on any database.  I know because when we happened across it I reached out to Kevin Adams. The Waterfall Guru himself didn't know of it!   Mark gives some info on how to visit it.   I think waiting until cooler weather is in order.  We've seen snakes this year and we are currently in the Dog Days. 

      The weather was about twenty degrees cooler here than it was back home.  We enjoyed a slight overcast and seventy five degrees.  We slept at night with the windows open, crickets chirping, night birds singing and a nice breeze.   It got cool enough we had to cover up!  No air conditioner needed. 

  We had a good day in the woods. We got some exercise and saw some beautiful sights.  It wasn't our most exciting trip, but it was what we needed.  Rest.  We headed home mid morning on Sunday and all in all it was a successful trip. 

Below is a video of Falls Branch Falls

Norris Lake First Impressions

 Norris Lake First Impressions

Saturday July 25 , 2026

Kenny, Dana, Jared, Lydia, Gabe & Mia Koogler

Pictures are HERE 

   We have camped at Norris Lake and hiked there, but had never put a water craft in there for a day of boating and swimming.    We had been wanting to do just that. We also wanted to spend time with Jared and Lydia and their kids.  We all put it on the calendar as a set date so we'd quit talking about it and make it happen.   The day was hot and sunny with a little overcast.  The usual chance of late afternoon thunderstorms.  We spent most of the day on the water swimming and boating. 

It was very relaxing.   The water is like jade and warm as a bath tub.  

     We put in at the Loyston Point boat ramp access.  That was not lost on me.

 My overall impression of Norris Lake is that I  like it. It will never be my favorite though. It has lots of development along its shores. Houses and loads of marinas.  It has lots of coves. 

  Swim Cave was a bust that day as the water was so high as to make it like a sump! I am not a cave diver so we'll have to try that again at lower water levels. 

Below: Mia age  5 has learned to swim!  She is wearing her life jacket "Diaper Lady" style while swimming so it doesn't get in the way of her arms.  Tessa taught them this trick!  We don't use that trick except when the boat is stopped and she is swimming. When we're moving the life jacket is ON and on correctly! 

above and below: Kenny, Lydia and Jared. Kids are in the tube being towed. 

Above: Mia swimming

Below: Gabriel swimming

Below: Jade green water of Norris Lake

Below: we anchored in the cove next to swim cave to enjoy swimming

Below: Gabe walkingi around on the pontoon boat

above and below:  kids in the tube 

above and below: boats moored in the lake near Swim In Cave

  After our lake day we stopped in Clinton to eat at Buddy's Barbecue.  It was a good day! 

I am concluding this entry with a video of Daniel Kimbro and Jerry Douglas performing "Loyston". The song tells about the flooding of the former town Loyston to construct Norris Lake.  It is a beautiful song and commemorates the history.  Jerry Douglas is on dobro and Daniel on acoustic guitar though I think both are multi instrumentalists. 

  

Around Home-Summer 2026

    Each year I try to do a blog piece about what else I've been doing besides outdoor stuff.  

I had surgery June eighth.  It was a big surgery. It has taken a fair amount out of me. More than I thought it would.  I was not supposed to at all for four weeks.  After that I was able to get in the pool.  I had to wait another two weeks to get in the lake. I have yet to get in the river.  I'm being cautious.   I've been having fun with my grandkids.  Working on art projects. Gardening. Some easy home improvement stuff.  Nothing major.  My flowers have brought me a great deal of happiness this season.   

Grandkids & Granddogs

     

Above: is my 17 year old grandson Michael and his girlfriend Olivia Myers.  We were taking a boat ride on Lake Tellico. 

Above:  Gabriel and Mia at The Lily Barn taking a walk with me.

Below: Mia running toward me. 

above: Chihuahua Granddog Tippy


above: Granddog Bones and granddaughter Tessa age 12.

Below: Tessa 

Below: Gabe and Mia in my back yard with giant bubbles. 

Below: Granddog Rip and grandson Gabe age 10 

Below: Gabe and Mia photo taken by their other grandma Debbie

Below: Gabriel and Happy his kitten. That is the buckin' bronco headband he's holding. 

Art

Above is a painting I did for my grandson Gabriel.  A sunset on the Plott Balsams.  He hung it in his bedroom.  

Below: I made myself a trinket box for the camper to match a set of decorations I already bought at Cumberland Mountain General Store. I'm happy with how it turned out.  It is acrylic paint sealed with clear polyurethane.  I decoupaged the vintage post card on there and the extra touches on it. 

Sewing

  I try to refurbish my outdoor stuff instead of buying new. This year  I had to break down and spring for new fabric to recover all of it.  

For the back porch I went with dandelions for something very different. Below is a wall hanging I bought that matched perfectly! 
  

Above and below: recovered screen porch furniture. I like how it turned out. 

above: the pendant light above the table came from Rocking Horse Antiques in Crossville.  

Below: For the front porch I went with pastel colors as the bright sun bleaches out whatever is here.  I figured a natural linen color wouldn't bleach out. 

Below is our porch swing which came from Dickson TN.   I was able to purchase a suitable slip cover for it.  

Below: the settee I recovered by sewing and made accent pillows for it. 

Above: view across the porch toward the mountains.

Below: The chair didn't need anything as it was ok. I just made the rest match it. 

Gardening

Shown above is a view of my back deck which is just outside my bedroom.   It is full of colors and textures.  I've never had my flowers look so pretty and so many of them.  Stuff I had given up on ever trying to grow again is doing great somehow!   Superbells, petunias, and verbena.  I'm not sure what made the difference, but I'm happy with the results.  

Below is the solar fountain in one of my birdbaths.  I built a "beach" for butterflies and bees to drink safely.  The crazy plant in there is corkscrew rush which can grow in water. 

Below: coleus and caladiums

Below:  Red whopper begonia, creeping jenny, and petunia.

Below is the herb garden.  basil, lemon grass, chives, dill, sage, and thyme.  

Below: the first of my zinnias is blooming

Below:  I got this crazy looking thing at Stanley's Greenhouse in Knoxville.  It is an air plant. 

Below: Byzantine Gladiolus