Life on Paws and Wheels

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another pawsome adventure from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving sidekick) and I tackled the Cat Gap Trail to John Rock Loop in beautiful Brevard, North Carolina — a challenging but totally rewarding hike in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. If you love summit views, lush forest trails, and dog-friendly adventures, this iconic North Carolina loop hike definitely belongs on your bucket list! 🗺️ About the Cat Gap Trail to John Rock Loop This ~5-mile loop hike is rated moderate to strenuous thanks to some steep climbs and rocky sections, but don’t let that scare you off — the payoff at the top is spectacular. The trail winds through gorgeous forest, follows babbling streams, and eventually brings you to the John Rock summit: a massive granite outcrop with breathtaking panoramic views over the Pisgah mountains, Looking Glass Rock, and the surrounding wilderness. 🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Fri...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another gorgeous, dog-friendly hike from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and adventure sidekick) and I explored the Wintergreen Falls Trail in Penrose, North Carolina — a hidden gem tucked inside the beautiful DuPont State Recreational Forest. If you love forest trails, peaceful waterfalls, and hiking with your pup, this one needs to be on your list! 🗺️ About the Wintergreen Falls Trail The Wintergreen Falls Trail is about a 3.1-mile roundtrip hike that leads you through lush forest to the peaceful and picturesque Wintergreen Falls. This trail is rated easy to moderate — it’s mostly gentle terrain with just a few mild inclines, making it a great option for casual hikers, families, and dogs. Along the way, you’ll enjoy shaded paths, serene woodland vibes, and the sound of rushing water as you get closer to the falls. At the endpoint, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of Wintergreen Falls: a 20-foot cascad...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today’s adventure is one for the books. Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail buddy) and I set out to explore the stunning Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina — and let me tell you, if you’re into waterfalls, forest hikes, and unforgettable views, this trail is an absolute must. 🗺️ About the Hike This ~4-mile roundtrip hike takes you deep into the lush beauty of Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park, following a moderately challenging trail alongside the Horsepasture River. The payoff? Three epic waterfalls, each with its own unique charm: 💦 Rainbow Falls — a powerful 150-foot cascade that creates magical rainbows on sunny days. 💦 Turtleback Falls — known for its smooth rock “shell” and natural water slide (though swimming is not recommended due to strong currents!). 💦 Drift Falls — a beautiful, tucked-away cascade viewable from the trail. 🐾 Hiking with Simba: D...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another awesome RV destination from the road. This week, Simba (my golden retriever and full-time travel buddy) and I settled into Adventure Village RV Park in beautiful Brevard, North Carolina — and wow, what a gem! If you’re an RV traveler looking to explore Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and the countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures around Brevard, this peaceful, dog-friendly RV park is the perfect home base. 🛶 About Adventure Village RV Park Adventure Village RV Park offers shaded, full-hookup sites tucked into a quiet corner of Brevard. It’s a small, laid-back park with a welcoming vibe — exactly the kind of place you want to relax after a day of hiking, biking, or chasing waterfalls. The location is unbeatable: you’re just minutes from some of the best trails and outdoor spots in Western North Carolina, including Pisgah National Forest’s iconic Looking Glass Rock, Sliding Rock, a...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another awesome stop from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and loyal travel buddy) and I explored the Battlefield Trail at Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, South Carolina — a short, scenic, and history-packed loop that walks you through the site of one of the most pivotal battles of the Revolutionary War. 🗺️ About the Battlefield Trail The Battlefield Trail is a ~1.8-mile loop that winds through the heart of Kings Mountain National Military Park. The trail is well-marked, mostly shaded, and filled with interpretive signs and monuments that tell the story of the Battle of Kings Mountain — a turning point in the fight for American independence. For history buffs, it’s a chance to stand where patriot militia defeated loyalist forces in 1780. For nature lovers (and their pups), it’s a peaceful walk through beautiful Carolina hardwood forest, blending history with natural beauty. 🐾 Hiking with...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another pawsome hike from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving copilot) and I took on the Lake Whelchel Trail in Gaffney, South Carolina — and wow, what a gorgeous spot! This nearly 8-mile loop circles the peaceful Lake Whelchel, offering a mix of lake views, wooded trails, and plenty of wildlife along the way. 🗺️ About the Lake Whelchel Trail The Lake Whelchel Trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail network and is a hidden gem right near the South Carolina/North Carolina border. The ~7.9-mile loop wraps all the way around the lake, with wide, well-maintained paths and moderate elevation changes that keep things interesting without being too intense. We hiked this as a solid half-day adventure — taking time to stop, enjoy the views, and let Simba explore. Along the way, we spotted herons, turtles, and lots of friendly locals out enjoying the trail. 🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another pawsome trail adventure from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving sidekick) and I hit the Cardio Hill, Rail Trail, and Plateau Loop in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — a fun combo of heart-pumping climbs, peaceful strolls, and shady forest paths that made for a perfect afternoon hike. 🗺️ The Kings Mountain Loop This ~3-mile loop is part of the Kings Mountain trail system and offers a great mix of terrain: 💪 Cardio Hill — a solid incline to get your heart rate up (and give Simba a little extra workout!). 🚶 Rail Trail — a gentle, flat stretch where you can catch your breath and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. 🌲 Plateau Loop — a forested, shady path that feels calm and secluded, wrapping up the loop with a sense of quiet connection to nature. Whether you’re a local or just passing through in your RV, this loop is a scenic, moderately challenging hike that’s totally dog-friendly. Sim...

Hi friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another dog-friendly stop from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and constant companion) and I explored the First Broad River Trail in Shelby, North Carolina — and let me tell you, this was the perfect spot for a peaceful, easy walk. 🌿 Exploring the First Broad River Trail The First Broad River Trail is a flat, well-maintained path that winds alongside the beautiful First Broad River. Stretching about 1.5 to 2 miles, it’s an easy, relaxing trail that’s perfect for a casual stroll or light hike with your pup. Simba and I loved the shaded sections, the gentle sound of the flowing river, and the occasional wildlife sightings (think ducks, squirrels, and lots of birds). It’s a spot that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the moment. 🐾 Why Simba Loved It ✔️ Dog-friendly — leashed dogs are welcome, and Simba had a blast sniffing every inch of the trail. ✔️ Flat & easy — perfect for dogs of all...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another exciting hike from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail partner) and I took on the Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — a challenging, rocky hike that leads all the way to Kings Pinnacle, the highest point in the park. Spoiler: Simba crushed it, and the summit views were absolutely worth every step. 🗺️ The Pinnacle Trail: A Must-Do North Carolina Hike The Pinnacle Trail is about 2 miles one way (4 miles round trip) and rated moderate to strenuous — and they’re not kidding! The trail winds through beautiful forest, past rocky outcrops, and up steep, rugged sections before delivering you to the top of Kings Pinnacle, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views over the Carolina Piedmont. We hit the trail early in the day to beat the crowds, and Simba was full of energy from the start. The final stretch, where you scramble over boulders near the ...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another epic adventure from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless hiking buddy) and I took on the Backside Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — and let me tell you, this short but intense hike was no joke! 🏞 Tackling the Backside Trail The Backside Trail is a well-known route in Crowders Mountain State Park, famous for its steep staircase climb that takes you straight up to breathtaking summit views. While the trail itself is only about 0.9 miles one way, don’t let the short distance fool you — it’s rated strenuous for a reason. As Simba and I made our way up the steep wooden stairs (over 330 steps!), we both got a serious workout. But wow, was it worth it. The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and even the distant Charlotte skyline on a clear day. 🐾 Hiking with a Dog: How Simba Handled It Simba absolutely crushed this hike. Golde...

Hey friends, it’s Ash here — welcome back to Life on Paws and Wheels! Simba (my golden retriever and the real star of this journey) and I recently explored one of our favorite new finds: the Historic Farm Trail at Kings Mountain State Park in Blacksburg, South Carolina. This peaceful, dog-friendly trail is packed with history, rustic charm, and plenty of room for pups to roam. 🌾 Discovering the Historic Farm Trail The Historic Farm Trail is a roughly 1.5-mile loop that winds through a living history area, where you’ll find log cabins, barns, a blacksmith shop, and other preserved farm buildings from the 1800s. As Simba and I walked the trail, we felt like we’d stepped back in time — with chirping birds, swaying trees, and old wooden fences creating a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. The trail is easy to moderate, with gentle inclines and well-marked paths through the woods. Along the way, you’ll pass open pastures, shady forest stretches, and historic sites that offer a glimpse into Sou...

Hey friends! Ash here, back with another pawsome adventure from the road. Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail buddy) and I recently explored the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Chesapeake, Virginia — a beautiful, peaceful, and historic spot that’s perfect for hikers, bikers, and, of course, dog lovers. 🌿 Discovering the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a 9-mile paved path that runs alongside the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, with scenic views, rich history, and plenty of wildlife. As soon as Simba and I set paw on the trail, we were surrounded by towering trees, birdsong, and the kind of quiet that only comes when you’re fully immersed in nature. Whether you’re walking, biking, or just out for a leisurely stroll, this trail offers a peaceful escape — and it’s super dog-friendly! Simba had a blast sniffing every tree, splashing in puddles, and keeping his eyes peeled for squirrels. 🐶 Dog-Friendly + RV Life Tips One of the best parts of traveling full-time ...

Hey there, fellow travelers! Ash here — and if you’re new, welcome to Life on Paws and Wheels! I’m traveling the country in my RV with my golden retriever, Simba the Adventure Pup, exploring campgrounds, parks, and trails, and sharing our experiences with you one pawprint at a time. In this post (and video!), we’re excited to bring you along as we explore Chesapeake Campground in beautiful Chesapeake, Virginia. 🏕 Chesapeake Campground: A Peaceful RV & Dog-Friendly Spot Chesapeake Campground is a charming, peaceful destination tucked away in the heart of Virginia. It offers a mix of RV sites, tent camping spots, and even cabins, making it a great stop for all types of campers. As soon as Simba and I rolled in, we were greeted by the laid-back vibe and friendly staff. The RV sites are spacious and well-maintained, with full hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings — perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. But you know Simba — it’s all about the dog-friendly perks! Chesapeake Campgr...