Hiking in Lenoir and near Boone, NC

After days of rain the weather cleared up and the sun was a welcome change to both my mood and the ability to get outside (which somehow correlate to a degree). I wanted to take full advantage of hiking when I could. Hibriten Mountain Top Trail was not really a destination hike; it did not even land on my AllTrails "to go" list for Boomer. I discovered it when I didn't want to drive too far, but still wanted to hike. It is a fire road leading to the top of a small mountain (aka a hill...) located in Lenoir, NC about 25 min from my rental. The trail started from a small parking lot in a nice neighborhood and was exactly what it was described to be - a fire road. I am used to fire roads being exposed to the sun, but this one was mostly shaded. The slight but steady incline was pleasant, but not overly exerting. There was only one other person with a dog on the trail (except for the workers servicing the water tower equipment on the top). The views were almost non-existent for most of the trail.

As I reached the top, I saw an observation deck with a gigantic heart drawn in chalk. The deck was slanted, so I stayed on the flatter part. The view was incredible and very unexpected.

Approaching the view point

Pano to capture the area

This might give you some perspective of the downward angle of the "deck". No way in hell was I going near the edge!

At 5.5 miles round trip, it was a wonderful hike!

Flat Top Mountain Trail was a guilty substitution to the originally planned Daniel Boone Scout Trail to Calloway Peak. I somehow was not in the right state of mind that morning to make a decision to hike Daniel Boone because of the ladders. Regardless, I found Flat Top to be exactly what I needed that day - an easy hike in peaceful surroundings.

It was starting to get pretty cold, and in the mountains that morning it was a chilly 55F. Luckily, I had my sweatshirt with me and somehow decided to wear pants as well. I started pretty early when few people were on the trail. It was partially exposed to both the views and the sun.

The trail continued along the green pastures where beautiful cows enjoyed the cooler weather while still being eaten alive by the flies. 

The cow politely introduced herself to me with a gentle sniff

The view

The tower. I got almost to the top before my fear of heights kicked in. I didn't master this one...

I also tried to enjoy the deck, although the traffic noise was too much to handle for long periods of time. I did capture a photo of a red tailed hawk eating a meal in the backyard.

Evening sky clearing from clouds