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Hiking the Highlands: A Guide to Burlingame’s Most Scenic Trails and Hidden Waterfalls

by Jennifer Webb | May 30, 2025 | Hiking

The Mountain Wilderness Awaits

They beckon with their misty veils, tumbling down ancient rock faces polished by centuries of persistent flow. They whisper through towering hemlocks and vibrant rhododendron tunnels. The waterfalls and trails of Burlingame and the surrounding highlands aren’t just scenic features—they’re living connections to the timeless spirit of these mountains, inviting you to step away from everyday concerns and into a world of natural wonder.

Burlingame Country Club is blessed to be nestled among some of Western North Carolina’s most breathtaking landscapes, with miles of hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests, alongside pristine streams, and toward magnificent waterfalls. For our members, these natural treasures provide not just recreation, but restoration—moments of quiet reflection and exhilaration that remind us why we chose these mountains as our home.

Trails Within Our Community

The adventure begins right at home, with Burlingame’s network of expertly maintained trails that showcase the diverse ecosystems of our mountain paradise.

Miller Falls Trail

Perhaps the most beloved route within our community is the Miller Falls Trail, a moderate 1.2-mile path that follows the gentle flow of the Horsepasture River before revealing the cascading beauty of Miller Falls. Named after the Miller family, whose homestead once occupied this land (and whose family cemetery remains preserved near our #2 fairway), the falls drop approximately 40 feet into a serene pool framed by ancient hemlocks and vibrant wildflowers.

The trail itself tells the story of Burlingame’s commitment to conservation, with interpretive signs highlighting the rich biodiversity of the area. The final approach features a thoughtfully constructed observation deck that provides the perfect vantage point for photographs or simply soaking in the natural symphony of rushing water and forest sounds.

Sapphire Ridge Loop

For those seeking a more challenging excursion, the Sapphire Ridge Loop offers a 2.8-mile journey that rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. The trail climbs steadily through groves of oak and hickory before emerging at several clearings that provide breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In autumn, this trail becomes particularly spectacular as the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber. The varied terrain makes this an excellent option for those looking to incorporate more vigorous exercise into their hiking experience.

Beyond Burlingame: Highland Treasures

Venturing just beyond our community opens up an even wider world of natural wonders, with some of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls and hiking experiences just minutes from your doorstep.

Secret Falls

Just a short drive from Burlingame lies one of the area’s most enchanting hidden gems: Secret Falls. Living up to its name, this 50-foot cascade remains relatively undiscovered by tourist crowds. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike follows Big Creek through a lush forest of rhododendron and mountain laurel before revealing the falls in all their glory.

The trail features a well-maintained footpath that crosses the creek several times via stepping stones and small bridges. The final approach involves a short scramble down to the basin, where visitors can enjoy the cool mist and even take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool during warmer months.

Whiteside Mountain Trail

For an unforgettable hiking experience, the Whiteside Mountain Trail stands as one of the region’s premier destinations. This 2-mile loop traverses the summit of one of the oldest mountains in the world, featuring sheer 750-foot cliffs of gleaming white quartzite.

The trail follows an old logging road for much of its length, climbing steadily before emerging onto rocky outcrops that provide 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Between April and October, visitors might glimpse the majestic peregrine falcons that nest on the cliffs.

Glen Falls

For those willing to venture a bit further, Glen Falls offers one of the most dramatic waterfall experiences in the region. This three-tiered cascade drops over 700 feet through a rugged gorge, with each section offering its own unique character and beauty.

The 2.4-mile round-trip trail to view all three tiers is rated as moderately difficult, with several steep sections. The upper falls features a graceful 70-foot drop, while the middle section plunges in a concentrated column before spreading across smaller cascades. The lower falls provides perhaps the most dramatic spectacle, with water thundering into a deep, rock-enclosed pool.

Seasonal Considerations

The highlands region offers distinct hiking experiences throughout the year, each with its own character and considerations.

In spring, the forest awakens with a vibrant display of wildflowers while the waterfalls surge with melting snow and seasonal rains. By summer, lush greenery creates cool, shaded pathways even on the warmest days, with temperatures rarely exceeding the mid-80s thanks to our elevation.

Autumn brings the splendor of Western North Carolina’s famous fall foliage, with forests transformed into a painter’s palette of red, orange, yellow, and purple. The crisp air and clear skies create perfect conditions for long-distance views from ridgetop trails.

Even winter offers magical experiences for the prepared hiker. After a snowfall, familiar landscapes transform into pristine wonderlands, and waterfalls take on an otherworldly quality as ice formations frame the flowing water.

Preparing for Your Highland Hiking Adventure

To fully enjoy the natural wonders surrounding Burlingame, proper preparation is essential. Even for short hikes, bring sturdy waterproof boots, appropriate clothing, water, snacks, a first aid kit, a map, rain protection, and sun protection. For more challenging hikes, consider a headlamp, extra layers, and emergency supplies.

Remember to respect the mountains by staying on designated trails, following leave-no-trace principles, making noise in wildlife areas, hiking with a companion when possible, starting early for longer hikes, and checking weather forecasts.

Guided Experiences for Burlingame Members

For those who prefer expert guidance, Burlingame offers several options to enhance your hiking experiences:

Our Naturalist-Led Excursions focus on the rich ecological diversity of our mountain environment, highlighting seasonal features and providing insight into the complex relationships between plants, animals, and the landscape.

Photography Walks combine basic outdoor photography instruction with access to some of the most photogenic locations in our region, timed for optimal lighting conditions.

Our Family Adventure Series introduces younger members to outdoor exploration through age-appropriate hikes featuring scavenger hunts, wildlife identification challenges, and interactive learning experiences.

Preserving Our Natural Heritage

As stewards of this remarkable landscape, Burlingame maintains a deep commitment to conservation and sustainable trail management. Our Trails Committee works diligently to maintain existing pathways, develop new routes that minimize environmental impact, and educate members about preserving our natural resources.

Through partnerships with local conservation organizations, we participate in regional initiatives to protect watersheds, manage invasive species, and monitor wildlife populations.

Join Us on the Trail

The hiking trails and waterfalls surrounding Burlingame offer more than just exercise or scenic views—they provide a pathway to connecting with nature, with fellow members, and with the timeless spirit of the mountains themselves.

We invite you to lace up your hiking boots, fill your water bottle, and discover the natural wonders that await just beyond your doorstep. The mountains are calling—and at Burlingame, they’re never more than a short walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of fitness is required for Burlingame’s trails? Our trail network includes options for all fitness levels, from gentle, relatively flat paths suitable for beginners to more challenging routes for experienced hikers. Our trail maps indicate difficulty levels to help you choose the right path for your abilities.

Are the trails accessible year-round? Yes, our trails remain open throughout the year, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility. During winter months, some higher-elevation paths may be temporarily closed after significant snowfall for safety reasons.

Can I bring guests to hike the trails within Burlingame? Absolutely! Members are welcome to bring guests to enjoy our trail system. We simply ask that you accompany your guests and ensure they understand our community guidelines for trail use.

Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails? Yes, members may bring leashed dogs on most trails. We ask that you clean up after your pet and be mindful that not all hikers are comfortable around dogs. Some sensitive ecological areas may have restrictions on pet access, which are clearly marked.

Do you offer trail maps? Detailed trail maps are available at the Clubhouse, the Fitness Center, and through our member app. These maps indicate trail difficulty, distance, estimated hiking time, and points of interest along each route. In addition to trail maps, we provide a location map that highlights key amenities and services available on the property. Our staff is always available to assist with any questions about the trails or suggestions for your adventure. Don’t hesitate to stop by for further information or recommendations tailored to your hiking preferences.

Your Mountain Haven Awaits

Your private adventure starts here in the heart of Sapphire Valley, surrounded by some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular natural landscapes. We invite you to discover the magic of Burlingame Country Club, where every trail leads to new opportunities for joy, challenge, and connection with nature.

Contact us today to schedule your personal tour and experience firsthand why our members call Burlingame “The Best of Times.” Let us welcome you home to the mountain retreat you’ve always imagined—where luxury meets authenticity and every moment feels like a return to what matters most.

Own the Serve: Unlocking Power and Precision in Your Tennis Game

by Jennifer Webb | Apr 25, 2025 | Tennis

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The serve is the only shot in tennis that’s entirely on your terms—no reaction, no rally, just you and the ball. But even at the highest levels of play, it remains one of the most technical and challenging shots to master. When it’s on, it sets the tone. When it’s off, everything else feels just a bit harder.

At Burlingame Country Club, where precision and performance are always top of mind, the serve continues to be a focus for players looking to elevate their game. Whether you’re fine-tuning mechanics or sharpening your edge for match play, revisiting the fundamentals can make all the difference.

Set the Foundation

Everything starts with your stance. How you position your body will set up your balance, rotation, and power. For right-handed players, the front foot should point toward the right net post, and the back foot should be parallel to the baseline. Keep about a foot of space between your feet—enough to allow your hips and shoulders to rotate freely.

Your grip matters just as much. Use the continental grip, which may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s essential for generating spin and keeping your wrist relaxed. Other grips might feel easier temporarily, but they limit your long-term development and control.

Flow Through the Motion

The serve isn’t just about power—it’s about sequence. Think of it as a chain reaction:

Let the racket swing back naturally like a pendulum.
Keep it loose—try holding it with just two fingers during practice to feel that freedom.
As you rise into the trophy position, keep the hitting side of the racket facing down. Imagine you could balance a ball on the top edge.

One of the biggest pitfalls is the “waiter’s tray” mistake—flipping the palm up and pushing the racket forward like you’re serving dessert. Instead, allow the racket to drop behind you from the trophy position naturally. This isn’t about forcing it—it’s about letting it flow.

From there, the acceleration begins. The racket whips up and forward, fueled by your legs, core, and timing—not just your arm.

Dial in the Toss

The toss is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely vital. A bad toss throws off everything.

Hold the ball loosely in your fingertips, not deep in your palm.
Release it in sync with your weight shift, around the time your arm reaches shoulder height.
Follow the ball with your tossing arm for balance and alignment.

Ideally, the toss should land slightly in front of you and a bit to the right (for right-handers), at the highest point you can comfortably reach. Picture placing your racket on the ground where you usually bounce the ball before serving—that’s your target zone.

Finish Strong

At contact, reach up fully and strike the ball at its peak. Your racket should move through the ball and finish across your body. Drive into the court with your body—not just your arm—and let momentum carry you forward. As you follow through, focus on maintaining balance and a steady posture, which are essential for consistent shot-making. Integrating principles from golf techniques for beginners, such as proper grip and body alignment, can further enhance your performance on the court. Remember, refining your mechanics takes practice, so dedicate time to drills that reinforce these fundamental skills.

A solid follow-through isn’t just an afterthought. It ensures the serve has direction, spin, and energy. A serve that ends well usually started right.

Find Your Rhythm

Great servers don’t rush. They flow. Think of a roller coaster: slow and deliberate up the hill, then a fast, smooth drop. That’s your serve rhythm.

Start with a slow, controlled backswing.
Transition into an explosive but fluid upward swing.
Stay loose, especially in your grip and shoulders.

When the rhythm clicks, the pieces connect. That’s when the serve becomes a weapon, not a liability.

Play Smart with Your Serve

First serves win points. Especially in doubles, getting that first serve in puts your team in control—stats show that over 75% of points are won by the serving team when the first serve lands.

Second serves? They come with pressure. In singles, a strong first serve keeps your opponent neutral. A weak second serve puts you on the back foot. In doubles, it affects what your partner can do at the net. That’s why practicing second serves is just as important—focus on depth and location, not just getting it in.

Try mixing it up during practice:

Target different zones.
Stick with the continental grip.
Vary your spin, but always aim for depth and consistency.

Revisit, Refine, Repeat

Most players grow attached to their serving habits, even if they’re flawed. But improvement often means being willing to take a step back and reassess. Small adjustments to grip, toss, timing, or rhythm can lead to major breakthroughs.

And yes, practice matters. A lot. But not just any practice. Intentional, focused, detail-oriented practice. Film yourself. Break it down. Experiment. Get coaching if possible. Your serve is worth the investment.

Bring Your Serve to Life at Burlingame Country Club

When your serve works, your whole game feels better. You start points with purpose, play with more freedom, and carry more confidence. It’s not just a stroke, it’s a statement.

If you’re looking to strengthen your serve with private lessons from one of our experienced coaches, or you simply want to put in focused reps on one of our four Har-Tru tennis courts, click here to get started at Burlingame Country Club.

Pro Tips from the Fairway: Mark Calcavecchia’s Guide to Better Golf

by John Carter | Apr 10, 2025 | Uncategorized

When it comes to golf, few know the ins and outs of the game better than Mark Calcavecchia. A major champion and winner of 13 PGA Tour events—most notably his victory at the 1989 Open Championship—Mark now brings his wealth of experience to the serene mountain setting of Burlingame Country Club, where he and his family are proud members.

Drawing from his years on tour, Calcavecchia offers practical advice that resonates with golfers of all levels. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, his tips are rooted in the fundamentals that made him a success on golf’s biggest stages.

Short Game is Everything

Calcavecchia emphasizes the importance of putting in the work around the green. He recommends focusing on chipping out of bunkers and learning how to consistently get down in two putts from just off the green. Sharpening this part of your game can make a significant difference in scoring and consistency.

Think Your Way Around the Course

Course management is another pillar of his philosophy. Driving the ball in the fairway is essential—but so is caution on the greens. Putting from above the hole? Tread carefully. A smart approach can save strokes even when your swing isn’t perfect.

Start Strong

The first few holes often dictate the rhythm of a round. Calcavecchia stresses the importance of a solid opening stretch—especially the first four holes—as a way to build confidence and momentum.

Confidence is Key

Calcavecchia underscores the value of believing in your game, especially when the pressure is on. Confidence, he believes, is a critical ingredient for playing well—whether you’re competing in a major or just trying to finish strong in a casual round. A positive mindset can go a long way in helping golfers perform their best when it counts.

Practice with Purpose

Instead of spending endless hours hitting balls on the range, Calcavecchia recommends quality over quantity. Young golfers, in particular, benefit more from focused, thoughtful practice than mindless repetition. This approach allows them to refine their skills and develop a deeper understanding of their game. Additionally, utilizing golf handicap calculation tools can provide valuable insights into their progress, helping them set realistic goals and track improvement over time. By concentrating on meaningful practice sessions, young golfers can accelerate their development and enhance their overall performance on the course.

Play Often at Burlingame Country Club

Finally, there’s no substitute for time on the course. He advises playing at least once or twice a week to keep your skills sharp and instincts fresh.

At Burlingame, Mark continues to enjoy the game he loves as part of the club’s vibrant golfing community. Whether you’re chasing birdies, aiming to follow in the footsteps of players like Calcavecchia, or simply looking to sharpen your skills and keep your handicap in check, there’s no better place to play, learn, and grow your game. Click here to connect with us and discover how you can become part of the Burlingame experience—where exceptional golf and unforgettable moments go hand in hand. As you enhance your skills, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in various tournaments and events tailored to all skill levels. Many members find that mastering golf slope rating not only improves their game but also deepens their understanding of the sport’s more technical aspects. Join us and experience the camaraderie and competitive spirit that make our community truly special.

Mastering Pickleball: 7 Game-Changing Tips and Tricks to Elevate Your Play

by Jennifer Webb | Feb 5, 2025 | Pickelball

Unlock Your Potential on the Court

Pickleball is more than just a game—it’s a strategic and dynamic sport that requires skill, precision, and smart decision-making, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than at Burlingame. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up or an experienced player refining your technique, improving your game takes dedication and the right approach. Here are seven essential tips that helped transform my skills from a 3.0 to a 3.5 player, and they can do the same for you.

1. Prioritize Drills Over Games

While playing full matches is undoubtedly more fun, true improvement comes from drilling. The best players dedicate 80-90% of their court time to practice drills, only playing games for the remaining 10-20%. Drilling allows you to focus on repetition and muscle memory, ensuring you master key shots like the third-shot drop much faster than you would in a standard match.

To keep things engaging, turn drills into friendly competitions with your partner by keeping score or setting challenge-based goals. This adds a game-like intensity to your practice while honing essential techniques.

2. Hit with Purpose

Instead of reacting aimlessly, every shot you take should have intention behind it. Before hitting, ask yourself:

Am I targeting my opponent’s weakness, like their backhand dink?
Can I strategically move them around the court?
What’s my highest-percentage shot in this moment?

Training yourself to think ahead will enhance your shot accuracy and decision-making, giving you the upper hand during competitive play.

3. Use Wall Drills for Solo Practice

If you don’t have a practice partner, a simple wall can be your best training tool. Mark a line at about 34-36 inches high and use it as a target for your shots. Start with backhand volleys, focusing on clean contact in the center of your paddle, then switch to forehands.

This drill may seem straightforward, but it’s more challenging than it looks. Maintaining a steady rhythm while keeping the ball in play will push your coordination and reaction time to the next level.

4. Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Many players rely on peripheral vision when hitting, which often results in mishits. Instead, train yourself to track the ball all the way to the point of contact. The ‘sweet spot’ at the center of your paddle offers the best control and power, creating a trampoline effect for a stronger shot.

Losing sight of the ball can lead to errors like hitting too close to the paddle’s edge or missing entirely. Focus, and your precision will dramatically improve.

5. Perfect Your Grip

The right grip makes all the difference. Most players use the ‘continental’ grip, also known as the ‘handshake grip,’ as it offers stability and flexibility for various shots. To achieve this grip, hold your paddle with your non-dominant hand and shake hands with it as if greeting someone. Imagine holding a hammer, and you’ll naturally fall into the proper positioning.

6. Stay Low and Ready

Pickleball is all about quick reflexes and strong defensive positioning. To stay agile, maintain an athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees.

When at the net, lower yourself into a squat to reach those crucial dink shots and prevent the ball from bouncing. If your opponent is preparing for an overhead smash, take a step back, lower your body, and get your paddle into a defensive position to return low shots effectively.

7. Play Smart: High-Percentage Shots Win Games

Pickleball isn’t about flashy, low-percentage shots—it’s about consistency and patience. A solid player only takes shots they can reliably make at least 80% of the time.

Even professional players avoid risky shots unless they’ve mastered them in drills. A lower-rated player can defeat a stronger opponent simply by making fewer mistakes and maintaining a steady, calculated approach.

Take Your Skills to the Next Level at Burlingame Country Club

At Burlingame Country Club, you have the perfect opportunity to put these game-changing pickleball tips into action on our four premier courts. Whether you’re drilling to refine your technique, practicing wall shots for improved control, or honing your grip and stance, these strategies will help you elevate your game. Use these expert-approved techniques to enhance your precision, speed, and decision-mak

Experience Pickleball Excellence at Burlingame Country Club

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, play for fun, or compete in tournaments, Burlingame Country Club offers the perfect setting to enjoy pickleball. With four state-of-the-art courts, you can rally with friends, challenge yourself in competitions, or refine your game with personalized lessons from our experienced Lawn Sports Professional. Click here to learn more and join us and take your pickleball journey to the next level!

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