Pretty Penny Adventures

Yesterday, bright and early at 7:00 a.m. (because who doesn’t love uphill hikes before coffee?), Julie, Ali, and I set off from the campground on a mission: conquer the fabled “Upper Dogwood” trail.

It started strong—lush trees, birds chirping, just enough incline to make us question all of our life choices. Ali, our four-legged MVP, led the charge with zero doubts and twice the energy.

Things got interesting when we took a connector trail we assumed would land us on Upper Dogwood. Naturally, we didn’t bother confirming this—where’s the adventure in accuracy?

At some point, we spotted a charming little offshoot called “The Grand Avenue Trail.” With a name like that, it had to lead somewhere majestic. We envisioned sweeping vistas. Nature’s grandeur. Maybe a bald eagle high-fiving a deer. What we got? A front-row view of… the Red Roof Inn.

That’s right. After all that climbing and sweat, the grand reward was a two-star motel. We laughed so hard we almost needed a reservation.

It was then we realized we had never been on the correct trail. Not even close. But with 4+ miles under our belts and a trusty waypoint saved (because one of us plans ahead—thank you, past me), we found our way back to the campground.

And honestly? Not everyone can say they hiked to a Red Roof Inn. Some people pay for that kind of experience. Ours was free—plus snacks.

Another day, another wildly scenic detour on the Great Big Adventure.