Enticing Outdoor Excursions
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the hazy blue mountains surrounding Asheville. This 470-mile scenic road connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The route follows the crest of the Blue Ridge and other ranges and overlooks offer scenic vistas of the Southern Highlands. Among the points of interest in the Western North Carolina region are Linville Gorge, Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Folk Art Center, Mount Pisgah and Shining Rock Wilderness.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has six entrances accessible from the greater Asheville area. A portion of the route is used by locals as a commuter highway that runs around the SE end of Asheville. Avid walkers, runners and cyclists are seen using it everyday of the year as part of their fitness regime. It is an important part in the life of this active community.
Linville Gorge
Located about 2 hours drive NE of Asheville, Linville is a scenic wilderness area featuring one of America's most scenic and rugged gorges. Located within the Pisgah National Forest, this has become a recreational area popular with hikers, backpackers and climbers. Trails descend into the gorge and follow the Linville River. For scenic views of the gorge, visit Wiseman's View Recreation Site, Hawksbill Mountain or Table Rock.
Mount Mitchell
Located an hour's drive NE of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell stand 6,684 feet and is the highest point in eastern America. You can access the summit by car, but for a rewarding and exhilarating hiking experience, start your trek at Black Mountain Campground on the South Toe River. On clear days, it's a beautiful view from the top, but always a bit chilly so park your parka!
Craggy Gardens
If you'd like to find a nice picnic spot, head NE from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 17 miles. Craggy Gardens is magnificent in June when the rhododendrons are blooming. Picnic facilities and hiking trails make this a nice afternoon getaway.
Mount Pisgah
Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville about 20 miles to find Mount Pisgah. A hiking trail leads to the 5,721-foot summit. It's a bit of a climb and has rewarding views. When you return to the Parkway, head south just a couple miles to the Pisgah Inn where you can get a good meal while admiring scenic views from the dining area.
Shining Rock Wilderness
Shining Rock is a 13,600-acre tract preserved to provide a primitive retreat from civilization. Located southeast of Asheville at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost marker 420.2, this wilderness area is known for its "shining rocks," huge, snow-white quartz rock outcrops that cap Shining Rock Mountain at 6,000 feet elevation. With 25 miles of trails, the Shining Rock Wilderness offers the outdoor enthusiast a wide variety of hiking options with spectacular vistas.
Nantahala River Gorge
For the outdoor adventurist, a trip to the Nantahala Gorge is a must. Kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and hiking abound.
There are a large number of commercial rafting companies that line US 19/74 just SW of Bryson City. This is the place for whitewater fun, so take your kayak or rent a boat and enjoy a day on the river.
For those interested in hiking, the Appalachian Trail crosses the Nantahala River at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and there are great hikes to tremendous views at Cheoah Bald or Wesser that begin at the NOC parking area.
Nantahala National Forest lands surround this area of Western North Carolina. Over a half-million acres contain miles and miles of incredible single-track trails and gated forest roads ideal for mountain biking. The Cheoah Ranger District is home to the world famous Tsali Trails, known for their superb single track along Lake Fontana's shores and beautiful views of the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Local, Tom Livingston, describes the Tsali Recreation Area trails in more detail.