The CoreniaBug Fun Channel – Games, Jokes, and Challenges

 Did you know that Bakers Mountain is the highest point in Catawba County, has rocks that may date back around 400 million years , and was reportedly used as a hiding place by Tories during the American Revolution? I didn't know most of that either when I headed out to hike it. I was mainly there to take on the Blue Trail, get a good workout, make my way to the top and hopefully end up with a beautiful view. Bakers Mountain Park is in Hickory, North Carolina, and Catawba County lists the mountain at 1,780 feet , the highest elevation point in the county. The park itself protects 189 acres of mature forest and has almost 4.5 miles of hiking trails that range from easier walks to some pretty good climbs. There is also a mountaintop observation area overlooking the Catawba Valley, which was exactly where I was trying to get. There are several trails to choose from, and I knew before I started that I wanted the Blue Trail . The Red Trail gives you another way around the mountain and ...

 I originally wanted to see the big waterfall at South Mountain State Park, but the trail was closed. So, I thought the Chestnut Knob Overlook would be a great, easy alternative. Oh my gosh, I was so wrong. What I thought was a quick two-mile walk turned into a steep five-mile trek up the mountain. Plus, wearing a cotton t-shirt in 95-degree heat with crazy humidity was not my best idea. My legs were basically jello by the end. But honestly, it was an amazing adventure. I have been on a weight loss journey for a while, so I definitely got my heart rate up and got my steps in. I even had to team up with a trusty branch I named Mr. Stick to clear out all the giant spidey webs early on the trail. We saw some cute little lizards and salamanders, which makes sense because North Carolina actually has the largest variety of salamanders of any US state. If you ever go, just know it is a serious workout. South Mountain is North Carolina's largest state park, and the elevation goes from 1,20...