Our guide, George, was older so he could share so much of the history of the area, and explain what we were seeing along the river the whole way. Each raft had a guide, then 4 to 6 adventurous souls. We did the 9 mile rafting trip along the Nolichucky River from NC into TN. Now I can say I've accomplished it, but don't think I'd do it again. I had to keep encouraging myself that "I could do it" " I got this" I'm grateful my husband was there to enjoy it with me. I have to admit, I am beyond proud of myself for making it!! I never would have thought I was capable of such a strenuous hike. The two of us went through 5 bottles of water. Please be prepared if attempting this hike. We gave them a bottle of water and some oranges. ![]() Met some people who were not prepared with anything. We took our time, stopped for water and to chat with other hikers and wait our turn for the obstacles. We finished the trailin just under 5 hours. It was a long trek back as our muscles were screaming at us and our knees were feeling every step. Luckily we made it down safe and the rain didn't last much longer. I was terrified of slipping off one of these ladders and falling to the bottom or slipping and going right over the edge. The problem is that EVERYTHING becomes EXTREMELY slippery and there is no cover from the rain pelting you in the face. Upon our decent, we reached the 3 ladders straight down and the skies opened up and started to pour. Which was just as intimidating as the way up was. The clouds were coming in so we decided to head back down. We decided that was far enough and not to continue to Callaway Peak. I was determined and we finally made it to McRae Peak. One missed step and you're gone over the edge of a HUGE cliff. Once you get toward the top, there is lots of areas that are super sketch. I suggest one at a time as it's hard when someone behind you is wiggling the rope trying to climb up too. It gets slippery when you're sweaty or it rains. The hand ropes weren't nearly as hard as I thought they would be. Some are straight up and some have a bit of a lean. They are secured well into the rock and seem sturdy. The ladders are all slanted a bit to the left or right, making it feel off. The ENTIRE trail is a mix of scaling rocks, climbing up ladders, using hand lines to climb up and balancing. the first rope area and ladders are just to get you into a false sense of accomplishment. Its straight up and over rocks to get to a trail. This trail gets you right from the start. I was almost in tears at times because of fear (especially when it started to rain) I'm not in the best shape, but amaretto active in kayaking and outdoor activities. This was the longest, most terrifying 2.6 miles of my life. It's mine and my husband's 25th anniversary and we decided to have an adventurous week. I'm not a young person anymore and knew it would be a challenge, but wanted to attempt it. ![]() Wasn't sure if icould make it with all the ladders and rope pulls. It was so nice to see the brewery doing so well.I looked up reviews and information on the hike to Gallaway Peak. ![]() Nice fresh flavors of citrus!! The Roan Mt. Top Coast was wonderful! Hoppy without being obnoxious(although I do love those!), and well balanced. Been there about 6 months and have made some great beers! Top Coast IPA,Roan Mountain Red,a rye beer, and Saison De Ian! All were so very good!! I love an IPA, so trying a saison was out of character, but it was perfect!! A nice change of pace, light and very refreshing!! I try to branch out now and then, this beer proved I should do it more often! Then I had to go for an IPA. Great afternoon sitting outside with our dogs and drinking great beer! New owners are Yumiko and Mark. I feel it is unfair to grade Flat Top based off this experience in a bad manner, however if you take anything out of this review make note: There is no outdoor area for kids to play and if you want to go hang out, relax and enjoy someones company, you have a very high likelihood to be on a bar stool beside a toddler. But the lobby of this really cool place was a rec room and really ruined our experience. ![]() It really is different when kids are at breweries and have the outside to run and play in like at AMB in Boone, or Highlands & New Belgium in Asheville. Keep in mind we were there later in the evening and closer to 9pm and did not anticipate this type of thing. I personally left more stressed out than when we arrived. The place was like a day care, kids running around squealing etc. We have kids, we get parents need a night out. The night we stopped in there were 2 families there who both had 3 small children/toddler age and babies. The atmosphere when we were there was NOT. One goes to a brewery not only for the beer, but to relax, take a load off and enjoy company and your surroundings.
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