One of the nice things about
eloping is the inherent flexibility of it all. It definitely makes for a more
laid back experience. For example, we did not know where we were going to hold
our ceremony until approximately 36 hours before it happened. It made for an
enjoyable, exploratory adventure down the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We attempted to scout a few
locations a couple months before, but found the Parkway was closed. The
postponed hiking adventure gave us a chance to see the potential locations exactly
how they would be during the ceremony. Just before our wedding day we meandered down the Blue Ridge Parkway
to explore four locations.
Devil’s Courthouse: Milepost 422 - Legend tells that the devil held court
in the cave that lies under the rock. Or according to Cherokee lore, the
dwelling space of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla.
Regardless, it is said to have some of the most spectacular views in the Blue
Ridge Mountains, and touts a variety of rare, high-altitude plants. We eagerly
began our way up the .5 mile, paved trail before laughing at our lack of breath
two minutes in. The trail description of “strenuous” is quite fitting, but the
view is worth the effort.
Black Balsam Knob: Milepost 420.2 - A knob or bald is a treeless
mountaintop worthy of many immature jokes. This one in particular features
forests, meadows, and spectacular views from the clear mountaintop. We walked
though a washed-out-waist-high trail, through a meadow, and up lava-like rocks
to the top of the bald. A great hike, and a gorgeous experience, but we were
determined to press on to the next trailhead.
Graveyard Fields: Milepost 418 - After skirting the chain link fence
(technically Graveyards Fields was closed for renovations) we began walking
through a tunnel of Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. As we proceeded we took
an unintended turn towards the upper falls. Come to find out smart phones are
less than smart when between mountain peaks. We took a snack break before
doubling back. We made our way to my favorite part – the boardwalk in the
middle the fields – before playing like mountain goats (I speak for myself) on
the rocks of the lower falls. The trail featured many great characteristics,
but…
While we were worn out, our photographers had given us a last minute recommendation. Our
fourth and final destination.
Looking Glass Falls: 9.2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway on Highway
276 - Looking Glass Falls drops sixty feet in the Pisgah National Forrest. The
lush foliage, coupled with the cool mist from the falls, sealed the deal for us
both. As we climbed back up the stone stairs, we were already beginning to
discuss what our ceremony would look like.
While neither one of us
envisioned saying our vows at the base of a waterfall (and totally wanted to
say we were married at a place with a metal sounding name like one of the first
three locations), we left the site knowing that it would be just right. And it was.
As an aside, Looking Glass
Falls is in Transylvania County.
