Played hooky today and hiked a short section of the AT, east from Neels Gap. We had perfect weather for taking this ridge-running route, which gave us glorious views down into the piedmont, across the mountains into NC, and of several balds, or rock outcrops like this. The plants are just beginning to waken from the grey of winter. The sun was brilliant and we finished the hike rosy-cheeked.
Slicks are stands of mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia); we saw a few, but didn’t have to pick through any, thankfully.