Thursday, April 17, 2014

Clues to my Next Adventure

I'm planning my next adventure, pouring over maps and trail information.  I'll be going later this spring.  Can you guess where?  Here are some clues...
1. The state I will be hiking in was, until 1863, part of one of the original 13 states.
2. This state is known for its mountains, coal, moonshine, and a very famous and deadly feud.  It is "wild and wonderful."
3. John Denver thought this place was "almost heaven."
4. The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was founded where two rivers meet to form the Ohio River.  I will be hiking in a national forest that has the name of one of those two rivers.
5. Within that national forest is a wilderness area.  At nearly 48,000 acres (19,400 hectares) , it is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.
6. As a wilderness area, the 70 miles (112 km) of hiking trail contained within are not blazed.  You have to find your own way, and cross the numerous streams without any foot bridges.
7. This area has a unique botanical area on its southern border known as the "something" Glades.  It has plants that would normally be found more in Canada.
8. The "something" Glades and the name of the wilderness itself are the name of a fruit.
9. Which fruit?  Well, it is small, red, and kind of tart, and grows in boggy and acidic areas.  Think Thanksgiving!
10. The wilderness area has a large black bear population, as well as stands of red spruce at its higher elevations, which reach 4,600 feet (1,400 meters).

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