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Op-Eds & Letters
Time spent hiking with my father Olson Huff: Memories of connection with nature
Asheville Citizen-Times - January 5, 2025
My father, Olson Huff, and I shared a love of hiking that brought us closer in ways words often cannot. In my 20s, we backpacked the Appalachian Trail together in the Smokies, spending nights in rustic shelters, marveling at the beauty of the mountains, and occasionally scaring off curious bears. Those adventures taught me the joy of simplicity: the rhythm of footsteps on dirt paths, the whisper of wind through the trees, and the quiet camaraderie of shared purpose.. - Read more here
How Western North Carolina can turn Helene disaster into opportunity
Asheville Citizen-Times - November 17, 2024
In the aftermath of Japan’s 2011 tsunami, which claimed over 19,000 lives, entire towns were destroyed, and critical infrastructure — including roads, power systems and communication networks — was crippled. The Japanese response went beyond simple rebuilding; they reimagined their communities with resilience in mind, moving towns further inland and creating natural buffers along the coastline. - Read more here
Trail Magic
The Charlotte Observer -October 20, 2024
The floodwaters from Hurricane Helene have finally receded, revealing destruction across western North Carolina. Yet amid the devastation, there’s hope and unity. Instead of focusing on personal loss, people are asking, “How can I help?” We’re witnessing a kind of “trail magic,” familiar to Appalachian Trail hikers — unexpected kindness from strangers. - Read more here
Rain and resilience on the Appalachian Trail: A day of maintenance and discovery
Asheville Citizen-Times - June 2, 2024
On a day marked by persistent rain, the Appalachian Trail unveils a hidden beauty that often escapes notice in fairer weather. Tasked with maintaining a 2.5-mile stretch of this historic trail, I ventured out to care for the path that will bear the footprints of over 3,000 thru-hikers and countless section hikers this season. Nestled within the expansive 2,190 miles of the trail, my assigned section awaited its upkeep. - Read more here
Appalachian 'Trail Magic' makes us grateful for the Smokies, George Masa
Asheville Citizen-Times - December 31, 2023
On a chilly March morning, I unzipped my sleeping bag and emerged from my tent, greeted by subfreezing temperatures and the remnants of sleet from the night before. I couldn't help but marvel at my nephew Benji's proficiency in building fires — a skill honed in the snowy landscapes of Minnesota. Soon, I found comfort by the warm, crackling flames, savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Our mission for the day was to prepare breakfast for the eagerly anticipated thru-hikers. I maintain this 2.5-mile stretch of the trail for the Carolina Mountain Club, and I wanted to share this unique experience with my nephew, who had devoted his college spring break to visiting me. - Read more here
Featured in the Media
November 8, 2024
How the Appalachian Trail Inspired One of Japan’s Greatest Long Hikes
David Huff was exhausted. He wasn’t supposed to summit Mount Naeba, a 7,000-foot peak northwest of Tokyo, until the next day. But, thinking he had missed the prearranged rendezvous with his lift, he trudged up the two-lane highway to the mountain’s trailhead anyway, hoping he would meet his ride on its descent. Wet and muddy, he saw no one as he climbed in the dark. Eventually, he knew he would have to give up, turn around, and walk two hours to the inn where he was booked for the night. Continue
The forgotten Japanese naturalist who created a U.S. national park
October 27, 2024
In late 2021, David Huff came across a screening of the documentary “The Mystery of George Masa,” and despite being a longtime resident of North Carolina, United States, the American photographer knew nothing of this enigmatic immigrant from Japan who found his way to the Appalachian region more than a century prior. Continue
February 2023
“Contests like this are important because they elevate the level of the craft by recognizing exceptional work,” says Huff. “We live on a rare planet. My hope is that through contests like this, we will both celebrate the beauty of this earth and remember the responsibility we have to take care of it.” Continue
WNC Shines in Scenic America Photo Contest
Quoted in the Media
“This discovery is incredibly meaningful,” said Huff. “As far as we know, this is the only photo of George Masa in the field where we can now defin- itively identify the exact location. Standing on the same rock that Masa stood on over 90 years ago was an intimate and profound experience. It not only connects us to his work but also reinforces the importance of conservation in preserving these beautiful landscapes for future generations. We are so fortunate that Charlie was in the audience and recognized the location. His keen eye and knowl- edge made this discovery possible. Mystery solved!” - The Greeneville Sun - August 28, 2024
“All the research says that being out in nature is good for us. You feel a real rush and your stress level goes down. I mean, listen to the birds right now. It's beautiful." - Blue Ridge Public Radio - August 8, 2024
"It's thrilling to know that we can continue to uncover more about George Masa's life and work. This photo connects him to his work on the A.T. in a very real way, bringing his contributions to light in ways we hadn't fully appreciated before." – Asheville Citizen-Times - July 13, 2024
“Most people don't know that public lands — national forests, state parks and national parks — that consist of miles and miles of trails are most of the time not maintained by the government but by volunteers, and without volunteers, the trails aren't kept. Conservation is a big thing here. We're here in the outdoors advocating, supporting and conserving the wild spaces in the public lands.” – Asheville Citizen-Times - July 14, 2023
“George Masa was an ordinary person who simply followed his passion for preserving wild places. Rather than being paralyzed by the ecological destruction he witnessed, he chose to tell the story of this place through his photography, help to create an organization dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources and advocate for the protection of these mountains. We want to inspire young people to tap into their own creativity as they face the challenges of a rapidly changing planet.” – The Laurel of Asheville - March 2023
“We live on a rare planet. My hope is that through contests like this (Scenic America), we will both celebrate the beauty of this earth and remember the responsibility we have to take care of it.” – The Laurel of Asheville - February 2023