In a beautiful part of the Nantahala National Forest near Standing Indian Campground is this little jewel of a waterfall called Big Laurel Falls. A short .6 mile hike that follows the path of an old logging railroad, the trail meanders along a raging noisy Big Laurel Branch creek with lots of big boulders.

Although most books rate this trail as easy, I would say due to the root rutted trail it is more on the easy side of moderate. There are no steep grades on the hike only mild inclines and descents but the rough trail makes it a cautious hike in some areas making the half mile distance seem further then it is.

Once there however, you are rewarded with a beautiful falls and an overall enjoyable a hike with unusal trees and lots of rhodadendron along the way. One warning though, stop to look along the way or you may stumble on this trail. This one is worth the trip.

Serious outdoors lovers take note: The Fires Creek area in Hayesville North Carolina and tucked away in the extreme southwest corner of North Carolina amid some of the most remote and pristine scenery in the eastern United States-offers varied opportunities for superb interaction with the natural world.

Its more than 21,000 acres, which shelter abundant flora and fauna, are ideal for hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.

Leatherwood Falls is about 25 feet high and makes a pleasant picnic spot. In addition to the usual southern Appalachian hardwoods, six kinds of pine, hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron, ferns, and a dazzling array of wildflower species thrive here.

The Rim Trail, a roughly 26-mile loop, surrounds the Fires Creek basin, intersecting with other shorter trails along the way. Although many more equestrians than hikers use the trail, backpackers could spend several pleasurable days exploring the loop.

Camping is prohibited in designated wildlife openings. And, as always along ridgeline trails, hikers are advised to carry plenty of water. There is a dependable spring near the intersection of the Shinbone Ridge and Rim trails, about 100 feet below the rim, and several other springs that may require a longer detour to reach.

This is just one of the many beautiful hiking spots and waterfall trails of Western North Carolina.

What is your family doing this weekend?

Both Realtors and Buyers should know how to make buying a piece of property a positive experience for everyone involved. These 10 steps will help make that a reality.

10 Deadly Mistakes Buyers make when Purchasing a Home.

1.) Thinking there is only one perfect house out there.

2.) Limiting your search to open houses or ads.

3.) Choosing a Real Estate Agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.

4.) Making an offer on a home without being prequalified.

5.) Not knowing total cost involved.

6.) Not considering long term needs.

7.) Not having a home inspection

8.) Not buying a home protection plan.

9.) Not examining insurance issues.

10.) Not following through on due diligence.

Thinking there is only one perfect house out there.

Buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New Properties arrive on the market daily, so be open to all possibilities. Ask your Realtor for a comparative market analysis. This compares similar homes that have recently sold or are still for sale.

Limiting your search to open houses or ads.

Many homes listed in magazines have already been sold. Your best course of action is to contact a Realtor. They have up to date information that is unavailable to the general public and are the best resource to help you finds the home you want. To start your search use a website on the internet that has an IDX search such as www.GreatCarolinaProperty.com and www.GreatGeorgiaProperties.com which are updated daily with new listings. That way, although not guaranteed, you are more likely to begin your search with active listings.

Choosing a Real estate agent who is unknowledgeable or not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.

Making a connection with your Realtor is crucial. Choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs before, during and after a sale. So many Realtors are unqualified to give you the best service. Many don't understand contractual agreements, building codes, covenant and restrictions of neighborhoods, local crime rates, school quality and so forth. A knowledgeable, honest Realtor can mean the difference in a good purchase and a bad one. Beware of Realtors who can't tell you a downside to a particular property. They may not have YOUR best interest in mind.

Making an offer on a home without being prequalified.

Prequalification will make your life easier so take the time to speak with a lender. The specific questions in regards to income, debt, etc. will help you determine the price range you can afford. Banks are being very frugal in this lending market, although you may feel you know what you can afford the bank may not agree. Nothing is more disheartening than finding your dream home only to find that it is not within your reach. Prequalification is an important step on the path to home ownership.

Not knowing total cost involved.

Early in the buying process, ask your Realtor and Lender for an estimate of closing cost. Sometimes these costs can be negotiated with the seller so they can vary greatly. Be prepared for fluctuations in the cost depending on the property you decide to make an offer on. Inspection cost, Title company and attorney fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as home owner association fees, insurance and taxes must also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to closing.

Not considering long term needs.

It is important to think ahead. Will the house suit your needs 3 to 5 years from now? In the past with a strong economy it may have taken less thought about long term investments. You could easily buy a home as an investment and sell it in two years with out any loss or perhaps even a profit. But now times have changed, many people have found themselves with a home they no longer need and or sell. Be certain this is a home you will be comfortable with in the long run in case the market is slow to recover. Is your family growing? A house suitable for 3 toddlers now may not suit you as they grow. A big home now with 3 teenagers may be too big once they are grown and out of the house. A big yard to maintain may be great now but what if you become disabled? Could you maintain it then?

Not having a home inspection

Trying to save money today can end up costing you tomorrow. A qualified home inspector and an honest Realtor will detect issues that many buyers overlook. So many people make the mistake thinking why do I need these professionals? Only to find themselves paying too much for their home or a money trap. These professionals EARN their fees, and save you money in the long run. Don't be a fool and skip this step.

Not buying a home protection plan.

This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually last one year from the close of escrow. It usually covers basic repairs you may encounter. It can be purchased for a nominal fee. Talk to your agent to help find the protection plan you need.

Not examining insurance issues.

Purchase adequate insurance. Advice from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.

Not following through on due diligence.

Buyers should make a list of any concerns they have relating to issues such as: crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Ask the important questions before you make an offer on a home. Be diligent so that you can have confidence in your purchase.

Buying a home does not have to be a bad experience. With the right Realtor and a little homework on your part you can make a sound, quality investment. If you are looking for western North Carolina or North Georgia mountain property then let me, Gary Ward, be your Realtor. With over 12 years of experience as a Real Estate Broker and 17 years of living in the area, I know the difference in a good investment and a bad one.

Whether you want lakefront property, a Riverfront home, or just a mountain cabin. I can assist you in making a sound purchase you can be proud of.

Below is a letter to the Editor of our local paper my wife wrote about our commissioners and the trying to block the vote for the sell of beer and Alcohol in our county. We are one in 3 counties left in the state of North Carolina that does not benefit from the taxes gained in the sell of alcohol. Five miles away at the state line, sells are available thus the consumption of alcohol is occurring regardless.... We get the trash They get the cash! As of yesterday we were lacking only 100 signatures to force a vote in September. This letter helped to push the vote forward. It was published in the Clay County Progress May 14,2009

Officials Could Save tax Dollars by Supporting Vote

I used to go to the commissioners meetings every month. Last Thursday, I was reminded why I stopped going, as two of our commissioners once again proved to the people of Clay County that they only believe in their own personal agendas and give no consideration to the will of the people. Over two years ago I pointed out to the commissioners that there was a gap in their subdivision ordinance that they have no protection for private roads that lead to subdivisions. They gave their usual canned statement. “We’ll look into it” Nothing has been done.

Now fast forward to last Thursday. They were asked by a packed room of citizens to allow a vote for alcohol and Mr. Hub Cheeks and Mr. Doc Sellers both said no matter what, they will not allow the people of this county to vote on the alcohol ordinance unless they are forced by the people. If they so chose to allow the people to vote we could avoid the expense of a special election. The question could be put on the ballot next fall in the general election but since they refuse to do so, we now will have to have a special election, paid for by YOUR tax dollars. And the vote WILL occur if not this fall, eventually. Because we will not give up on our rights until we have them.

Between these two commissioners, and certain business and churches that have forbid their employees or congregations to sign a petition for the right to vote; our constitutional rights have been thwarted. And it is no fault but those citizens who refuse to sign, not because of some personal conviction, but out of fear of retaliation from their church or employer.

Those who know me know I have no trouble speaking my mind, which is why I have such a difficult time understanding how anyone would allow another person to take their rights, as an American, away from them. It is beyond my comprehension. We are nearing the deadline to get the signatures. I have spoken to enough citizens in this county who have not signed due to fear. Their signatures would push this effort through.

The fact is: while the communities around us are flourishing, our county is dying. Except for an increase of property taxes and a substandard school for my children. It makes no difference to me financially if this passes or not.

It is quite clear that education is low on the agenda for the commissioners of this county. But for those of you who are allowing for someone or something to influence your own beliefs, SHAME ON YOU! The future of this county really does lie in your hands.

Keep in mind the main people in opposition of this vote. One is a pastor who does not even live in this county and whose church takes up at least 6 square blocks of our downtown area, which also does not pay taxes in our community. The other, owns a piece of property on our scenic highway overflowing with junky trailers open for all to see. Are these really the influences you want to speak for our community? I’d think twice about that.

Our problems as a country are far from over. And if you ask me I think there are even harder times ahead. But for me, business wise, things are picking up. I have had several closings in the past few months. And more under contract.

The downside is banks still aren't loaning, only those with cash seem to close. And it is taking me about four times the amount of milage and time to get something under contract. It is a buyers market yet some sellers still refuse to come down off their price, making it hard to come to an agreement.

But those of us in the market for any amount of time know that there are ebbs and flows in this business. Folks move, folks need homes. we just have to be grateful for the good times and hang on until they return again. How are things for the rest of you?