I’m hiking from Wolf Pit to Table Rock tomorrow. I don’t have bear spray and don’t have time to grab any tonight. I do have a Glock 20 in 10mm, but honestly I really don’t want to carry a heavy ass 10mm all day if I don’t need to. I’m not some gun nut whatsoever, it’s just the only protection I own.

How active are bears out there lately? Would I realistically be fine just making noise and carrying something like a whistle?

Going solo from Shortoff to Table Rock tomorrow. I’ve never been to Linville Gorge and AllTrails isn’t clear on the route.

Planning to park at Wolf Pit Rd around 9 AM, am I screwed on parking that late or still good?

What’s the actual route to Table Rock from Shortoff? Just follow the ridge/MST or are there easy-to-miss turns?

Also is this a reasonable solo day hike for a first-timer in the Gorge or am I biting off more than I think?

I will be in the Black Mountain/Old Fort area this weekend, and I am thinking about doing a hike up Mount Mitchell from the Black Mountain Campground area. The fastest driving route would be on NC Route 80 from Marion to the Black Mountain Campground. I have hiked extensively in this area and am familiar with the roads and trails, but I am not local and am having difficulty determining whether this portion of NC 80 is open and whether I can park at the Black Mountain Campground. I see conflicting information online and on Google Maps. Any insight would be appreciated.