Every time I travel for work or pleasure I take along a few discs so that I can get some local courses. This time I happened to be in Bryson City, North Carolina to see family.
What's the Deal with Disc Golf in North Carolina?
Picture this: lush greenery, scenic views, and the sound of chains clinking in the distance. That's the beauty of disc golf in North Carolina. With courses ranging from beginner-friendly to expert level, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it's a great way to soak up the natural beauty of the Tar Heel State while getting in a little friendly competition.
Where to Tee Off?
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is dotted with disc golf courses just waiting to be conquered. I have played in North Carolina several times, and they have some amazing courses, quite a variety. This time I checked out 3 courses:
Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary in Cherokee
This course is absolutely beautiful! You walked into the woods a bit to get to the first hole. The forest is so lush and green! This does make the course more technical, which is one of my favorite types to play. They have a basket elevated on an old stump, and a nice variety of cool shots. Some shots are straight through tight tress, some are downhill then a dog leg, just to mention a couple. This was definitely my favorite course on this trip. One thing to keep in mind is there is a lot of poison ivy growing, so if you are allergic keeo a eye out.
Sunnyside in Franklin
This course was very different, this course is in a field with a big hill on it. Most shots are pretty basic, but the up and downhill shots add some nice variety. One thing be careful on this course as the grass can be pretty deep if you go off the fairway.
Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin
Even though this is in Udisc as a course, I would consider more of a putter area to warm up. They have various baskets and places to tee off from. The distances here are pretty short. However, what makes this place great is they have a brewery on site. So this is a great place to take friends, have some delicious beer and practice upshots and puts. You could easily play a game of horse, or make up other fun games with friends.
What to Pack?
When hitting the disc golf course in North Carolina, make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and of course, your trusty discs. You are probably also going to want some sunscreen, and snacks. I would also suggest wearing thin long pants, I suggest that as there is a lot of poison ivy and other ground plants that seriously irritate your skin if you happen to be allergic.
Local Tips and Tricks
Looking to up your disc golf game while in North Carolina? Why not chat up some locals for insider tips and tricks? They might just clue you in on the best time to hit the course, the secret to avoiding those sneaky tree obstacles, or where to grab a post-game brew. Who knows, you might even make some new disc golf buddies along the way!
So, there you have it – disc golf in North Carolina is a hole-in-one kind of experience. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or the whole family, hitting the course is a surefire way to add some fun and adventure to your trip. So pack those discs, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to tee off in the Tar Heel State!