Johnny Molloy - Best Hikes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

Johnny Molloyis a writer and adventurer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. His outdoor passion started on a backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while attending the University of Tennessee. That first foray unleashed a love of the outdoors that has led Molloy to spend most of his time hiking, backpacking, canoe camping, and tent camping for the past three decades. Friends enjoyed his outdoor adventure stories; one even suggested he write a book. He pursued his friends idea and soon parlayed his love of the outdoors into an occupation. The results of his efforts are more than sixty books, which include hiking guidebooks, camping guidebooks, paddling guidebooks, comprehensive guidebooks about a specific area, and true outdoor adventure books throughout the eastern United States, including hiking guides to North Carolinas national forests, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Triad.

Molloy writes for various magazines and websites, and is a columnist/feature writer for his local paper, the Johnson City Press. He continues to write and travel extensively throughout the United States, participating in a variety of outdoor pursuits. His non-outdoor interests include American history and University of Tennessee sports. For the latest on Johnny, please visit www.johnnymolloy.com .

Thanks to my wife, Keri Anne, for her help. Thanks also to those who build and maintain Triangle trails, and to the folks at FalconGuides. Also thanks to Sierra Designs for their fine tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear used while exploring the trails of the Triangle.

The Forest Demonstration Trail at Clemmons Educational State Forest is bordered by spring greenery (hike 1).

The greater Raleigh area is fortunate to have North Carolinas first state educational forest in its midst.