Things to Do
Appalachian Trail
A 2,160 mile foot trail marked with a white blaze along the mountain crests and through the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in the Maine wilderness to Springer Mountain in a North Georgia wilderness area.
Bartram Trail
The North Carolina Bartram Trail, marked with a yellow blaze, passes through some of the most scenic mountains of the state, with many side trails, marked with blue blazes, leading to views of the Blue Ridge and the smokies. www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/bartram_trail.pdf
Biltmore Estates
Located in Asheville, North Carolina is a 250 room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in 1985. The vineyard and extensive gardens are amazing. Christmas is also a great time to visit. www.biltmore.com
Blowing Rock
Here the wind blows continuously due to the walls of the Johns River Gorge forming a flume which the Northwest wind sweeps with such a force that it will return light objects thrown over the edge. www.blowingrock.com
Blue Ridge Parkway
A scenic roadway consisting of 469 miles that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Awesome views and greatly visited in the fall leaf season. www.blueridgeparkway.org
Brasstown Bald, highest elevation in Georgia at 4,397 ft offering spectacular 360 degree views. Half mile hike from parking area to observation deck. Nominal parking fee. There are also several hiking trails that start from Brasstown Bald. www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/btb_overview.shtml
Cherohala Skyway
Passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, from where it gets its name. It connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee. www.cherohala.com/
Cherokee Bear Zoo & Exotic Animals
View the native Black Bear, the non native Grizzly, Lemurs, Tigers, and more in a safe environment. www.cherokeezoo.com/
Cherokee Indian Museum
Located in Cherokee, North Carolina with a unique collection of original artifacts made and used by the Cherokee Indians centuries ago. www.cherokeemuseum.org
Cherokee Indian Reservation
Home of the descendants of those Cherokee who, during the Trail of Tears, remained in the mountains with their land rather than be forced to move to Oklahoma. They are now known as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
Chimney Rock Park
A privately owned National Heritage Site, with a rock that has a 360 degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. www.chimneyrockpark.com
Clingman's Dome
The highest point along the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountain National Park providing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains rising 6,643 feet. The average viewing distance is about 22 miles, but on clear days the views can reach as far as 100 miles into 7 states from its 54 foot observation deck. www.clingmansdome.com
Cradle of Forestry in America
A 6,500 acre Historic Site and Forest Discovery Center along the Pisgah National Forest, set aside by Congress to recognize the beginning of forestry conservation in the US. www.cradleofforestry.com
Fields of the Wood
A Bible Park where God's Word is displayed featuring Golgatha and Joseph's tomb. Walk Ten Commandments Mountain and Prayer Mountain.
Fontana Lake & Dam
At 480 feet in height, this dam holds water for 30 miles to provide an energy source.
Ghost Town in the Sky
Located in Maggie Valley with an old west setting. www.ghosttowninthesky.com/
Grandfather Mountain
The highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 5,946 feet. www.grandfather.com
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Covering 520,408 acres with mountain tops ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek area to 6,643 feet at Clingman's Dome. www.nps.gov/grsm
Great Smoky Mountain Railway
With a depot located in Sylva, Bryson City, and Andrews offering rides for 2-1/2 hours to 7 hours including dinner. www.gsmr.com
Hazel Creek " The Road to Nowhere"
A towns was evacuated to built Fontana Lake, people left their home site and descendant's graves. A road was promised in 1943 to allow easier access to the grave sites, 6 miles and a tunnel were completed, but the rest was not.
Joyce Kilmer National Forest
Land was donated to allow tribute to a hero whose poem "Trees" touched millions. The forest was named in memory of him in 1935.
Linville Caverns
North Carolinas only caverns. Located inside Humpback Mountain, these caverns were explored centuries ago. www.linvillecaverns.com
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
Travels from Highlands, NC to the Fontana Lake at Almond, NC. The byway follows US 64, old US 64, and US 19. The byway is approx. 61 miles of a nationally recognized byway through the southern Appalachians hardwood forests, by numerous waterfalls, lakes and 2 gorges. www.byways.org/explore/byways/2320
Nantahala National Forest
Located in the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina with elevations as high as 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County, to a low 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along the Tusquitee River.
Nantahala River Rafting with the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
The Nantahala area was rated #1 by Good Morning America and National Geographic Adventures Magazine of It "Top Vacations with a Splash"
www.noc.com
The Needmore Tract
A 4,500 acre natural preserve managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to protect water quality and wildlife habitat while maintaining traditional uses of the land. www.ltlt.org/needmore.html
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Portrays the way of life of the Cherokee Indians over 255 years ago. Watch how they made their canoes, pottery, baskets, and more.
Pisgah National Forest
Over a half million acres of forest surrounding Mt Pisgah. James Hall, a Presbyterian minister, named Mt. Pisgah for the mountain Moses saw the promised land.
Santa's Land
A family themed park and zoo with a Christmas theme all year long. Park features rides, shops, domestic and exotic animals, and best of all Santa and his elfs are here everyday. www.santaslandnc.com
Scottish Tartans Museum
Founded by the 1963 to study the origins, history, and development of tartans. This museum is the only one in the US. www.scottishtartans.org
Sliding Rock, a natural 60ft waterslide with a 7 ft deep pool at the bottom
Directions: From the intersection of US 276 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, NC (near Brevard), go approx. 8 miles north on US 276 toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will pass Looking Glass Falls on the right after 5 miles. Look for signs directing you to the Sliding Rock recreation area parking lot on the left.
Soco Garden Zoo
Located in Maggie Valley offering unique animal viewing.
Tribal Bingo
A division of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
Tsali Biking, Hiking, & Horseback Riding Trails
Travels around the Fontana Lake and through US Forest Service land offering the enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
Depicts the Cherokee Indian, Tsali, as he stands up for his people enabling them to remain in their land.
Wayah Bald
Here the Appalachian and Bartram Trails cross in addition to offering views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Short 1/4 mile hike. No parking fee
Wheels Through Time Museum
All American Museum offering a collection of over 250 rare antique American Motocycles and Automobiles in addition to a unique memorabilia collection. www.wheelsthroughtime.com
