We had an incredible early Valentine's Day adventure thanks to Karen Chavez's recommendation here.
Lover's Leap Trail in Hot Springs just north of Asheville is one of the most popular Appalachian Trail side hikes in the area, offering a beautiful view of the French Broad River 500 feet below.
Lovers Leap Rock gets its name from a Cherokee Indian legend that tells of a maiden who threw herself from the steep cliff after learning her lover had been killed by a jealous beau.
We started our adventure with warm blueberry and apple scones from the cute shop on the right.
This portion of the Appalachian Train was very well maintained, and as we started our climb, Bart was reflecting on all the thru-hikers who have traveled on this section of the trail before us; we were walking in their foot steps, Karl Meltzer, Jennifer Pharr Davis, Bill Bryson, Matt Kirk and Ray Jardine to name a few.
You gonna leap?
Nope, you?
Nope
I'm not leaping either.
Most of the trail was runnable. The steep section to the top has switchbacks making it much easier to hike; although, Shadow kept complaining about his quads burning. Well, maybe it was me...
If you're at a loss for what to do this Valentine's Day, this was a pretty great adventure that you might want to check out!
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