Life on Paws and Wheels

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba (my golden retriever and trail buddy) and I are excited to share one of our most epic hikes yet: climbing to the top of Brasstown Bald — the highest point in Georgia! We tackled this summit via the Jack’s Gap Trail — a challenging but rewarding 6-mile roundtrip climb that delivers jaw-dropping 360° panoramic views across four states. If you’re a hiker, nature lover, or adventurer with your pup, this one belongs at the top of your Georgia bucket list. 🗺️ About the Trail The Jack’s Gap Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous out-and-back hike that steadily ascends to the summit of Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet). Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful hardwood forests, climb rocky switchbacks, and emerge at the observation tower where sweeping views of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee await. The summit area has a visitor center, restrooms, and plenty of space to soak in the scenery. On clear days, you c...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another waterfall-packed adventure. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving co-pilot) and I headed to the Raven Cliff Falls Trail in White County, Georgia — and wow, what an incredible hike! If you love waterfalls, forest trails, and hiking with your pup, this is one North Georgia gem you need to put on your list. 🗺️ About the Raven Cliff Falls Trail The Raven Cliff Falls Trail is a 5-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike that takes you deep into the Chattahoochee National Forest. Along the way, you’ll cross footbridges, wander under towering trees, follow a babbling creek, and eventually reach the dramatic Raven Cliff Falls — where the water pours through a split in a massive rock outcrop. It’s easily one of the most beautiful and iconic waterfall hikes in North Georgia, offering plenty of scenery and photo-worthy moments along the way. 🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights ✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Sim...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another epic trail from the road. This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail explorer) and I tackled the legendary Blood Mountain in Blairsville, Georgia — and what a climb it was! This is the highest point on Georgia’s Appalachian Trail, and we reached the summit via the Byron Reece Trail, one of the most popular and scenic routes in the area. If you're chasing summit views, rugged terrain, and a hike that gets your heart pumping, this one’s for you. 🗺️ About the Blood Mountain Hike This trail is a 4.3-mile roundtrip journey that begins at the Byron Reece Trailhead and connects with the Appalachian Trail. From there, it’s a steady uphill climb to Blood Mountain’s summit, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, massive rock outcrops, and the historic stone shelter at the top. You’ll encounter everything from smooth forest paths to rocky scrambles, and depending on the season, vibrant wi...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba and I are taking you on one of Georgia’s most rewarding hikes — the Mount Yonah Trail in White County! This trail has it all: steep climbs, forest switchbacks, and incredible summit views of the North Georgia mountains. If you’re chasing epic scenery and love a good workout (with your pup by your side), Mount Yonah is a must-hike. 🗺️ About the Mount Yonah Trail The Mount Yonah Trail is a 4.5-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike with 1,400+ feet of elevation gain. Located near Cleveland, Georgia, this well-marked trail climbs steadily through the forest, past rocky outcrops and open ledges, before reaching the exposed summit of Mount Yonah. At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest, surrounding valleys, and layers of rolling ridgelines. It’s truly one of the best summit hikes in Georgia — and yes, it’s dog-friendly too! 🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights ✔️ Leashed dog...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and this week, Simba and I are taking you to one of Georgia’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders — Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, GA! If you’re looking for dramatic views, waterfalls, scenic trails, and a dog-friendly adventure, this is the spot. Whether you're just here for the overlooks or planning to explore deeper into the gorge, Tallulah Gorge is a must-see stop for RV travelers and nature lovers alike. 🗺️ About Tallulah Gorge Tallulah Gorge is a 1,000-foot-deep canyon carved by the Tallulah River, offering: ✔️ Stunning overlooks of the gorge and waterfalls ✔️ Multiple trails ranging from rim walks to strenuous gorge-floor hikes ✔️ A suspension bridge with epic views ✔️ Dramatic waterfalls, including Hurricane Falls and Bridal Veil Falls ✔️ Dog-friendly access on the rim trails (note: dogs are not allowed on the gorge floor hike or steps leading down to the suspension bridge) 🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friend...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba and I are sharing a short but scenic stop that’s perfect for RV travelers, hikers, and anyone cruising through the Upstate of South Carolina. We took a quick break at the Table Rock State Park Visitor Center in Pickens, SC, and even though we didn’t go inside, the outdoor area alone made this stop totally worth it. 📍 About the Stop The Table Rock Visitor Center is tucked right inside the entrance to Table Rock State Park, with beautiful views of Table Rock Mountain, picnic tables, grassy areas, and access to several nearby trails. It’s a great spot to: ✔️ Stretch your legs ✔️ Snap a few scenic photos ✔️ Let your pup enjoy a relaxed walk ✔️ Enjoy mountain views without a major hike It’s also the gateway to the Table Rock Trail, so if you’re arriving early for a summit hike or wrapping up a day on the trail, this is a great place to regroup and take in the scenery. 🐾 Simba’s Quick Highlights ✔️ Leashed + dog-friend...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba and I are excited to share one of our most rewarding hikes in the Southeast — the Table Rock Trail in Pickens, South Carolina! This strenuous but unforgettable climb leads to the top of Table Rock Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Lake Pinnacle, and layers of mountains rolling into the horizon. Yes, it’s a tough one — but trust me, the summit payoff is worth every step. 🐾⛰️ 🗺️ About the Table Rock Trail The Table Rock Trail is a 7.2-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike located inside Table Rock State Park. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this trail is no joke — it’s steep, rocky, and relentless at times. But if you’re up for a challenge, the views at the top are truly next-level. Along the way, you’ll pass through: ✔️ Lush hardwood forests ✔️ Scenic rock outcrops ✔️ Stair-like climbs made from stone and roots ✔️ A final stretch to the summit that opens up to jaw-dropping...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba (my golden retriever and adventure sidekick) and I are taking you to a peaceful little gem tucked inside Table Rock State Park in South Carolina — the Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail. If you're looking for a quiet, forested trail that ends with a beautiful cascading waterfall, this one’s for you. It’s a short, dog-friendly hike with big payoff — perfect for an easy afternoon stroll or a relaxing start to your day in the mountains. 🗺️ About the Trail The Pinnacle Mountain Falls Trail is a ~1.5-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike that winds gently through a wooded section of Table Rock State Park. The trail is easy to moderate with a few rocky sections and a gradual incline, but nothing too technical. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with Pinnacle Mountain Falls — a picturesque cascade that spills over mossy rocks into a serene, shady hollow. It’s a peaceful place to rest, snap photos, or let your dog take in ...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today I’m sharing one of our favorite campground stays yet — Table Rock State Park Campground in Pickens, South Carolina! Simba (my golden retriever and full-time road buddy) and I spent a few peaceful days here, tucked at the base of Table Rock Mountain, surrounded by forest, fresh air, and easy access to some of the best hiking trails and waterfalls in the Carolinas. If you’re an RV traveler, hiker, or nature-loving dog parent, this campground is an absolute must-visit. 🏕 About Table Rock State Park Campground Table Rock State Park is known for its dramatic mountain backdrop, lush forest, and gorgeous hiking trails — including the famous Table Rock Trail and Carrick Creek Trail. The campground itself offers: ✔️ Shaded RV sites with electric and water hookups ✔️ Clean bathhouses + laundry facilities ✔️ Picnic tables + fire rings at each site ✔️ Easy access to hiking trails + the lake ✔️ Quiet, peaceful vibes perfect for rel...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and this time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving buddy) and I are taking you to one of the most breathtaking high-elevation hikes we’ve tackled yet: the Ivestor Gap Trail + Tennent Mountain + Black Balsam Knob Loop in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina! If you dream of wide-open mountaintop views, epic ridge walks, and hiking alongside your pup under endless blue skies, this loop is a bucket-list must in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 🗺️ About the Loop This ~5-mile loop takes you across some of the most iconic bald summits in the region: ✔️ Ivestor Gap Trail — a rocky, wide trail that leads you up to the ridgeline. ✔️ Tennent Mountain — an open, grassy bald with stunning panoramic views in every direction. ✔️ Black Balsam Knob — the crown jewel of the hike, with jaw-dropping 360° vistas stretching across the Blue Ridge and Pisgah wilderness. Expect rocky and exposed sections, moderate elevation gain, and lots of time above...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you something a little extra adorable this week. When you travel full-time in an RV with a golden retriever like Simba, you get used to lots of car time — and lots of naps! Whether we’re heading to a new trail, a cozy campground, or just cruising down the highway, Simba knows how to make the most of the ride with some seriously cute snoozing. 🐾💤 🎶 About the Video In this short and sweet compilation, I’ve gathered three of Simba’s cutest road trip naps and set them to the classic Brahms’ Lullaby — the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful golden retriever moment. You’ll see Simba curled up in the passenger seat, paws twitching in a dream, and softly snoring as we roll down the road. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to any dog lover’s face! 🐶 Why We Love Sharing These Moments Sure, we post a lot of adventurous hikes, epic views, and campground tours — but it’s the little, quiet moments like this that make life on the road so sp...

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving sidekick) and I are taking you on one of the most breathtaking hikes we’ve tackled on the Blue Ridge Parkway: the trail from Fork Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob in North Carolina! If you’re chasing big mountain views, cool breezes, and unforgettable overlooks, this moderately challenging hike is a Blue Ridge Parkway gem you’ll want to add to your list. 🗺️ About the Trail This ~2.4-mile roundtrip hike begins at Fork Ridge Overlook (milepost 435) and takes you up to the famous Waterrock Knob. Along the way, you’ll traverse forested ridges, rocky sections, and steep inclines — but trust me, the views from the top are 100% worth it. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles, and the cool mountain air makes it a refreshing spot to rest, snap photos, and just take it all...