Hiking, Hurricanes, and Hard Truths: Exploring the Wild Side of the Carolinas with Thomas “Badger” Mabry
- Ien Araneta
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
The Southern Appalachians aren't just a scenic backdrop—they're a proving ground. When you hike these trails, you're stepping into a landscape shaped by centuries of storms, roots, rock, and resilience. In this episode of The Selling Greenville Podcast, Stan talks with Thomas “Badger” Mabry, a seasoned hiker and photographer, about what it takes to explore these lands, especially after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. From wildlife encounters to backcountry wisdom, this is a no-fluff conversation about the realities of hiking in Western North Carolina.
Hiking in Western North Carolina Isn’t for the Unprepared
When you lace up your boots for a trail in Panthertown or Linville Gorge, you're not going for a walk in the park—you're heading into real terrain. According to Badger, too many people underestimate the wild, especially newcomers. And that can lead to trouble.
One of the biggest mistakes? Treating wildlife like pets.
“We are, in large parts, standing on their property. This isn’t ours.”
Whether it’s bears, snakes, or deer, the rules are the same: observe, don’t interfere. That includes keeping your food locked up—never in your tent—and respecting the fact that you’re a guest in their home.
Know Where You’re Going—and What You’re Getting Into
Panthertown Valley is one of the best places for beginner hikers to get their boots dirty. It’s where Badger started, and it’s still a favorite. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There’s camping, backpacking, and a sense of rawness that demands attention.
Other great places to hike and camp in Western North Carolina and beyond include:
Linville Gorge Wilderness
Sections of the Appalachian Trail
Cherokee National Forest (Tennessee side)
Oconee State Park (South Carolina)
Sumter National Forest
But a word of warning: post-Hurricane Helene, some trails are still closed or partially damaged. Check national park and state park websites before heading out. Don’t assume the old info still holds up.
Hurricane Helene Changed Everything
This wasn’t just a bad rainstorm. It was a historic disaster.
When Hurricane Helene hit, it brought more than wind and water. It brought damage on a scale that rivaled the flood of 1916—the worst in recorded local history. And in many areas, Helene was worse.
“Even when I talk about it right now… I have that chill that goes down my back.”
Floods overtook places that had never seen water that high. Roads were blocked, rivers crested at record levels, and entire communities were isolated. Swannanoa. Cane River. Green Mountain. Even the French Broad River at Biltmore swelled beyond anything previously recorded.
In Greenville, the storm knocked out power for days and left trees scattered like matchsticks. Stan shares how water reached his garage, with only smart construction keeping it from entering his home.
Real Recovery Takes Time—and Grit
While the cities are bouncing back, rural areas are still recovering. Badger is working closely with long-term recovery teams in North Cove, North Carolina. People are rebuilding homes, re-clearing trails, and restoring what was lost.
Still, the message is clear: Don’t avoid these places. Asheville, Hendersonville, and the Upstate are open for business and adventure. Just be smart—call ahead, do your homework, and hike responsibly.
“We want to move on, but we have to take stock of what actually happened.”
Rhododendrons and Roan Mountain: Finding Beauty After the Storm
Even after all the chaos, the Carolinas haven’t lost their charm. Badger’s been out on the trails with his camera, capturing scenes from Roan Mountain, where rhododendrons bloom and flame azaleas light up the underbrush.
He calls that section of the trail “Narnia.” One photo in particular—taken just last week—has already been bought by several people. There’s something about standing on a ridge and looking out over a dozen mountain ranges that brings peace after the storm.
Adventure, Art, and Telling the Story
You can find Badger’s photos and trail adventures in his weekly column at Knox TN Today, where he writes about hiking, photography, and recovery work. His Instagram, @honeybadgerimages, is packed with mountain views, waterfall shots, and the kind of rugged beauty that you only find when you’ve earned the climb.
Want to buy a print? Contact him via Messenger or DM—he sells direct, and prints can be sized up to 16x20 and beyond.
Don’t Let the Headlines Fool You—The Mountains Are Waiting
If you’re thinking of skipping a hike in Western North Carolina because of the storm—don’t. The mountains are still standing. The trails are still open (in many places). And the views are still worth the effort.
“This region—Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, East Tennessee—it’s not a theme park. It’s wild. It’s beautiful. It’s powerful. And it demands preparation and respect.”
So gear up. Do it right. And take the time to remember what this land has weathered—and why it’s worth protecting.
Where to Find Badger
📸 Instagram: @honeybadgerimages
🧭 Facebook: Thomas Mabry (Asheville – search “Badger Asheville”)
📝 Weekly Column: Knox TN Today
Watch or Listen to the Selling Greenville Podcast
Subscribe to the Selling Greenville podcast for real-time insights, bold perspectives, and unfiltered takes on the Upstate housing scene. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply watching the market unfold—this is where Greenville goes to stay informed.
Final Thought
Hiking in Western North Carolina isn’t just about the views. It’s about resilience—yours and the land’s. Whether you're walking a quiet trail in Panthertown or climbing toward the ridgeline on Roan, you’re part of a much bigger story.
And as Badger proves, that story is worth telling—one photo, one hike, and one step at a time.
Follow @StanMcCune for more data-driven insights, market trends, and expert strategies in real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, Stan McCune breaks down complex real estate topics into practical advice you can use to make smarter decisions in the Greenville market and beyond.
Ien Araneta
Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville
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