Skinny Dip Falls looks nothing like it did in 2020. After a fishing trip through Graveyard Fields and Yellowstone Falls, I returned in 2025 to find the landscape drastically changed by hurricanes Fred and Helene. What was once a plunge pool is now boulders and trickling water—a story of storms and resilience in the Blue Ridge.

A spontaneous day trip to Black Balsam Knob in Western North Carolina turned into an unforgettable adventure for our family. From a pre-dawn wake-up to breathtaking mountain views, roadside waterfalls, and impromptu stops at fly shops, we embraced the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With cameras in hand, kids in tow, and no strict schedule, we hiked, explored, and soaked in the stunning fall landscape. The journey reminded us that sometimes, breaking routine is the best way to create lasting memories.