Bakersville is a charming tiny town of about 465 people in Mitchell County, near Spruce Pine, Roan Mountain and the famous Penland School of Craft. The town was formed in the mid 1800s. However, Native Americans mined local mica deposits long…
Whitewater Paddling magazine named Asheville, North Carolina, a "Top 10 Whitewater Town." ABC's Good Morning America and National Geographic Adventurer named NC the "#1 Vacation with a Splash." It's no wonder with six rivers for rafting nearby in…
Rainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 150-ft. tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells the Horsepasture River. The best feature of…
See several cascades that fall a total of about 50 feet in a lovely park setting with a trail and picnic tables. It's located on NC Highway 194 in Newland - on the way to Elk River Falls. It's about 12 miles from Banner Elk.
The Waterfalls…
See multiple cascades at the roadside Waterfalls Park in Newland, complete with picnic tables. Three falls total about 50 ft., with a short trail to get a closer look at the different tiers.
While so many come to Asheville and the mountains to explore the great outdoors, what are some options for things to do on a rainy day? Here are some ideas:
Biltmore: Explore America's largest home with self-guided and guided tours. Also,…
A favorite hike for locals, the Rattlesnake Lodge Trail is a fun trip back in time. You hike to the "ruins" of a lodge that was built and enjoyed by many in the early 1900s. It burned in 1926. There are two trails that lead to the site: a 1.4…
Thinking of moving to Asheville, NC? Often dubbed the "Paris of the South" and the "Land of the Sky," Asheville is a unique mountain city offering a lifestyle that draws you in from the first visit. Asheville’s vibrant downtown offers restaurants…
Get married on the beach or indoors with spectacular Lake Lure and mountain views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Find many amenities, including golf, swimming, spa, boating, hiking, biking, and more.
Outdoor Venues: Lakeview Terrace with 180-…
Stay in a vacation rental on spectacular Lake Lure! There are plenty of things to do, including two golf courses, a spa, a private beach, hiking, biking, restaurants, and much more. Their accommodations include 3-6 bedroom private homes, studios…
Asheville is known for its chef-driven, award-winning restaurants whose passion for local food creates authentic farm-to-table dining experiences you can’t find elsewhere in North Carolina. These experiences extend throughout the region,…
Near Hot Springs is the historic fire lookout tower on Rich Mountain (3,643 feet elevation), located in Madison County in the Pisgah National Forest. From the top of the tower, enjoy beautiful panoramic mountain views on the NC / TN state line.…
Be sure to stop at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway! And there's a great highland hike that offers a cool hiking option on hot summer days. There are two overlooks for Richland Balsam, near Milepost 431 (about 45 miles from downtown…
During the winter months, you will often see white on mountaintops or up just one side of a mountain. You may think it's snow, but it is often rime ice formed when water droplets in clouds or fog freeze to the trees. Often, the rime ice forms…
Exploring the River Arts District (RAD) near downtown Asheville and Biltmore is so much fun. Meet friendly world-class artists who love to show you the process of making their amazing creations. After getting the story behind the art, you can…
Stay in a bungalow or Victorian cottage adjacent to the historic Cedar Crest Inn, just three blocks from the entrance to Biltmore Estate. Each cottage has two guestrooms that can be booked together or separately. 5 cottage rooms and suites,…
For a fascinating stroll through history, head to the Riverside Cemetery with 87 acres of rolling hills and gardens. It's located near downtown Asheville in the historic Montford neighorhood. Dating back to 1885, it's still an active city…
For a scenic drive and a unique hike through a long tunnel, head to the Lake View Drive, known more commonly as the "Road to Nowhere", in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the end of the six-mile winding road through the forest, find a…
Get picked up at your accommodation in the Asheville area for a guided, half-day waterfall excursion that will take you to three impressive waterfalls in two protected forests. Plus, ride on a very scenic portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway.…