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MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA
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Mountains Of North Carolina
Places To Go - Things To See
1919 Herschell-Spillman Carrousel
City Park, Shelby.
704-487-8521
http://users.vnet.net/carrousel/
In 1952, a traveling carousel was bought and given to the Shelby City Park in Cleveland County, N.C., as a gift from the First National Bank and Union Trust Company. Dating from 1919, the Herchell-Spillman carousel was placed on park ground and used until approximately 1980. The Shelby City Park Carrousel has been returned to its original splendor so that future generations may once again experience this historic treasure. At Shelby City Park
Andrews Geyser, Old Fort
828-668-7223
http://www.oldfort.org/
Andrews Geyser in the Horseshoe Bend of the Southern Railway near Old Fort, 1890s. The geyser was built in the 1880s and fed by a mountain lake some two miles away. It was named for Alexander Boyd Andrews, the builder of the Western North Carolina Railroad.
Appalachian Trail
828-479-6431/ 828-693-8258/
http://www.appalachiantrail.org
No matter whether you're a novice hiker or veteran ridgerunner, the Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience and connect with nature. From the Highlands of Roan in Tennessee to the strenuous trek up
Asheville Area Recreation
888-247-9811
www.exploreasheville.com
Asheville and the surrounding countryside offer more outdoor activities than nearly any Southeastern destination. The lush outdoors sets the stage for activities of every kind, from soft-adventure to quiet hikes through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville Urban Trail
828-258-0710
http://www.ashevillearts.com
The Asheville Urban Trail is a history and art museum without walls, a walk through time, an opportunity to examine the rich architecture, to enjoy neighborhoods and learn about the people and events that have given Asheville its distinctive flair.
Biltmore Estate
800 295-4730
www.biltmore.com
America's largest home boasts 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art and antiques. Built for George W. Vanderbilt in 1895, the estate is built on 8,000 acre with a vineyard and winery.
Blue Ridge Parkway
828-271-4779
www.nps.gov/blri
www.blueridgeparkway.org
A trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway provides stunning, long range vistas and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains. Don't be in a hurry -- the 469-mile drive is designed as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience. The Parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres.
Botanical Gardens, Asheville
828-252-5190
http://www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, one of the most diverse temperate ecosystems in the world. The collections focus on plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountain areas and include a large variety of trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, herbs, grasses, sedges, aquatic plants, ferns, mosses and lichens - approximately 700 species in all.
Bottomless Pools of Lake Lure
828-625-8324
Looking for a relaxing atmosphere and a charming spot to enjoy mother nature, then plan a visit to the Bottomless Pools located in the midst of a virgin forest in the beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge of western North Carolina. The famous Bottomless Pools which opened in 1916, continue to be a favorite spot for locals as well as visitors to these lush mountains. Enjoy three separate pools, each with their own beautiful waterfall and their own individual uniqueness.
Brown Mountain Lights
Overlook on Hwy. 181, Morganton
828-433-6793
The Brown Mountain Lights of Burke County, near Morganton N.C., have intrigued residents and visitors for hundreds of years. The Brown Mountain Lights are one of the most famous of North Carolina legends. They appear at irregular intervals over the top of Brown Mountain, move erratically up and down -- visible at a distance, but vanishing as one climbs the mountain.
Bunker Hill Covered Bridge in Claremont
828.465.0383
www.catawbahistory.org
One of only two original covered bridges in North Carolina, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge was built in 1895 by Andy L. Ramsour.
Carl Sandburg Home
828-693-4178
http://www.nps.gov/carl/
A Midwesterner most of his life, Carl Sandburg -- nationally renowned poet, biographer, lecturer, newspaper columnist, folksinger, author of American fairytales, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes -- and his family moved to North Carolina in 1945. This farm offered the peace and solitude required for his writing and offered Mrs. Sandburg over 30 acres of pasture-land that she desired to raise her champion dairy goats. Today, the site, managed by the National Park Service, preserves the Sandburg legacy for future generations.
Cataloochee Valley
800-334-9036
http://www.smokeymountains.net/theelkreturn.html
Elk, who thrived in the Appalachian Mountains for countless years, were hunted out of existence in North Carolina in the late 18th century. Elk were reintroduced to the Cataloochee Valley area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in February 2001, joining other reintroduced populations including the river otter, the peregrine falcon and three species of fish.
Chimney Rock Park
1-800-277-9611
http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/
The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in one place-spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.
Crowders Mountain State Park
(704) 853-5375
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/crmo/home.html
For a closer view of nature's marvels, walk the park's many miles of trails. The gently rolling landscape of the North Carolina Piedmont offers a variety of terrain. Dip into the valleys; cross the foothills; climb to the peaks. Quiet woods, trickling streams and melodious birds await. These spectacular surroundings, like the unique habitats in many other state parks, would not exist were it not for the efforts of concerned citizens dedicated to protecting our environment from continued threats by man. Visit this mountain treasure.
Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Boone
828-264-6390
The lore and legacy of the great frontiersman Daniel Boone lives on at Daniel Boone Native Gardens, located near his famed Wilderness Road. Maintained by the Garden Club of North Carolina, native flora are the mainstay.
Dupont State Forest
828-877-6527
http://www.dupontforest.com/
Most first time visitors want to see falling water, and DuPont State Forest probably has as much per square mile as any public land in the Southeast. The large falls are on the Little River, but a couple of smaller falls on the Grassy Creek over variety and perhaps more solitude.
Fontana Lake and Fontana Dam
http://www.westernncattractions.com/fontana.htm
The highest dam east of the Rockies is located just 35 miles West of Bryson City, North Carolina. Towering 480 feet in height this dam backs water for 30 miles and provides a major source of energy for the Tennessee Valley. With 11,685 acres of water surface Fontana provides great recreational water activities such as boating, knee-boarding, water-skiing and some of the best Pike and Bass Fishing anywhere.
Foothills Equestrian nature Center
828-859-9021
http://www.fence.org/index.html
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) is a 390-acre nature education and recreation center nestled in the beautiful foothills of Tryon, N.C.
Grandfather Mountain
800-468-7325
http://www.grandfather.com
The original Cherokee name for the mountain was "Tanawha" meaning "a fabulous hawk or eagle." It was named "Grandfather" by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs. Grandfather Mountain has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve for over 100 years. Grandfather Mountain has seven environmental habitats for black bears, bear cubs , river otters , cougars , bald eagles, golden eagles, and white-tailed deer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
865-436-1200
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/gsmsite/home/
World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
828-479-6431
http://joycekilmerforest.com
Deep in the mountains of Graham County lies a 3800-acre tract of the most beautiful forest in America, unmarred and undefiled by the hand of man. On July 30, 1936, the area was dedicated to the Poet, Joyce Kilmer as a living memorial. It was the simple but beautiful words of Kilmer in the Poem, "Trees" which prompted forestry officials and friends of nature to set aside the acreage, which now comprises the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
Jump Off Rock, Hendersonville
800-828-4244
http://www.historichendersonville.org/attractions.html
Jump Off Rock is a scenic overlook which provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Jump Off Rock also holds an Indian legend that has been passed down for many, many years.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
864-936-7921
http://www.nps.gov/kimo/
Kings Mountain National Military Park commemorates a pivotal and significant victory by American Patriots over American Loyalists during the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.
Kings Mountain State Park
803-222-3209
A wide variety of activites are available in these two parks along the border between North and South Carolina. Numerous hiking trails will be found in the scenic hilly terrain. A "Living History Farm" contains a collection of old log and timber structures, most of which have been moved in from other parts of the foothills region. The military park has an excellent visitors' center with a paved history trail. The park's two ponds provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. A miniature golf course is open during the summer months.
Lake Norman State Park
(704) 528-6350
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/lano/home.html
At Lake Norman State Park, fun is just a matter of scale. On one hand, there's the largest manmade lake in the state, Lake Norman. When filled to capacity, its surface area is 32,510 acres with a shoreline of 520 miles and a main channel 34 miles in length -- thus its nickname, the "Inland Sea." Thirteen miles of the shoreline are in the state park, which provides boating access
Land of the Waterfalls
Brevard/Trasylvania County
800-648-4523
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/
With 250 waterfalls and miles of trails and roads that you can explore on foot or by horse, bike or car, a trip to Transylvania will refresh your senses like nowhere else.
Linville Caverns
828-756-4171 or 800-419-0540
http://www.linvillecaverns.com/main.html
Located at the base of Humpback Mountain in the beautiful Linville Valley lies a natural wonder, Linville Caverns. After remaining a mysterious secret for centuries, the caverns have been opened for safe and convenient public touring.
Mt. Mitchell State Park
828-675-4611
Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi.
Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee
828-497-2315
http://www.cherokee-nc.com
Like many well-established towns of any era, Oconaluftee Village has a new neighborhood and an older section. In the new neighborhood, house construction echoes the hewn-log homes of local white settlers, complete with porch and storage loft. In the older section, you see the type of home De Soto found here in 1540. These were constructed by erecting large poles, covering them with smaller saplings and woven mats, and plastering the mats with red clay. Skill and patience are amply evident everywhere you look.
Pearson's Falls
800-440-7848
http://www.polkcounty.org/places/pearsons_falls/pearsons_falls_the_story.htm
Pearson's Falls Glen is the remarkable botanical wonderland that lies hidden in these great Blue Ridge Mountains. Pearson's Falls has been owned and managed by the Tryon Garden Club since 1931. This fall was discovered after the Civil War by Charles William Pearson as he scouted for a railroad route from South Carolina to Asheville, North Carolina.
Sliding Rock, North Of Brevard
828-877-3265
http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/sliding_rock1.htm
Sliding Rock is a recreation area set up by the US Forest Service. It's a 60' natural rock slide with a 6-7 foot deep pool at the base. Lifeguards and staff are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
The Blowing Rock
828-295-7111
http://www.theblowingrock.com/
The Blowing Rock, North Carolina's oldest travel attraction since 1933, is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below.
Trail of Faith, Valdese
(828) 874-1893 or (800) 635-4778
The Trail of Faith is a fifteen station outdoor exhibit retracing the history of the Waldenses and the settlers who would eventually found the town of Valdese in 1893. Each station is a recreation of a place or event in Waldensian history with a descriptive narrative posted nearby.
Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville
(828) 298-5600
http://www.wildwnc.org
Forty acres of animals and plants in their natural habitat.
