• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  HikingtheAppalachiansandbeyond.com

  This young man has created one of the most important blogs for anyone who enjoys hiking and getting outdoors in the southeast United States, and started it as a fifteen-year-old. I presume he was not even able to drive at the time. His writing is extensive, covers many states, is well-researched and thoughtfully written, includes photographs and shows a maturity and community mindedness well beyond his years. I know that at some point, he will probably turn his attention to other things as he progresses into adulthood, but when he leaves this blog behind, it will create a void that will be hard to replace. In the meantime, I am saving as many of his posts relevant to my area (TN) that I can for future reference. I have to assume he will be very successful in whatever he does, and I'm grateful for what he has done for the outdoor in hiking communities of the southeast United States so far.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Favorite Writer

  I first started reading Mark's articles posted on the Facebook group Mountains of GA, N.C,. and TENN. The quality of Mark's works were very professional, so I had him pictured in my mind as someone who had been writing 30 or 40 years. Then I learned that he was only 13 years old at the time. I said right away here is the next top outdoors writer. A couple of months ago I got to meet Mark and his father at Unicoi State Park, near Helen, GA. Mark is my favorite writer and just as soon as he publishes a book I am going to buy a copy.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Excellent Source!

  Hey Mark I just had to leave a comment and say thank you! The information you have provided over the course of time has given me the confidence to go explore many areas I would not have due to limited information! Your hike overviews are always spot on and detailed. Best source of intel on the internet for our area! Thank you!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Interesting & Informative

  The blog writings of Mark Oleg demonstrate passion, first-hand knowledge, and integrity. Mark not only hikes on-trail, but is equally at home bushwhacking. His articles lend a refreshingly humble, youthful perspective. The accompanying photos are most enlightening. Mark is already very well on his way to being a very fine outdoorsman. I wish him all the best in his collegiate pursuits. ~ Dr. Susan Kindall, Greenville, SC

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Great Blog

  Mark, your blog entries have been very helpful and entertaining. They have really helped me plan my first time trips to new locations.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Photographer

  Mark, your attention to details is a valuble resource in my search for waterfalls in North Georgia and North Carolina. I’m an avid photographer and have used your site many times to guide me to the many falls I have photographed. Thanks for your dedication and passion for the work you do..

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  A tremendous resource!

  Mark, yours is the best resource I've yet encountered for hiking in the SE. Your consistent format, detail, commentary, and opinions are extremely professional and well documented and serve as a great planning resource as well as a great in-the-moment tool. I am extremely impressed with your work and grateful that you have made it available to "the masses".

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Very helpful and a great resource!

  I really appreciate your website, photos and videos as well! I enjoy the detailed hiking reports and maps. You have always been so helpful in areas that I may not be so familiar with outside of my state, you have lead me on countless journeys and keep up the great work and hiking, thanks again!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Fantastic!

  Hi, Mark! I love your webpage! Because of you, I’ve been able to go and see some of the most beautiful sites that North Georgia has to offer! Things most people don’t venture to see! The way you describe everything and step by step directions are just fantastic! I really like the fact that you seek out and find off trail hiking with much to see and isolated places. That’s my kind of hiking! Your downloadable waypoints are right on point. Very helpful. So thankful that you put in all the time and effort that you do to make sure folks can safely and legally get to these isolated destinations. Keep on truckin’, young man!

No testimonials match your filter. × Clear filters & show all