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The Blue Ridge Mountains are a year round destination for natural attractions and activities. Spring, summer and fall bring out nature seekers for canoeing, biking, hiking, or just a drive along the scenic parkway. During the winter, skiing is the focus.
Hiking- There are many hiking and nature trails scattered all over the North Carolina Mountains. Many of them are located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Grandfather Mountain also has some popular trails. Waterfalls are a popular hiking destination as pointed out in the Things to See section.
Grandfather Mountain- Long time popular destination, one of area's highest mountains. A mile high swinging bridge, Nature Museum, hiking trails and picnic areas open all year. US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway. Linville, NC. 828-733-2013.
Appalachian Ski Mountain- 9 slopes, 365' vertical drop, full snow making capability, outdoor skating rink. Blowing Rock, NC. Snow Report 828-295-7828.
Hawksnest Ski Resort- 14 slopes, 669' vertical drop, snowboard park, full snowmaking capability. 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils in Banner Elk, NC. 828-963-6561.
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort- 18 slopes, 1,200' vertical drop, snowboard park. Full snowmaking capability. Banner Elk, NC. 828-898-4521.
Ski Beech- 14 slopes, outdoor skating rink, inner tubing. Beech Mountain, NC. Snow Report 800-438-2093. Information 828-387-2011.
Cross-Country Skiing- Trails at Moses Cone Park, Price Park, Beech Mountain, Roan Mountain State Park, other locations on the parkway.
Tweetsie Railroad- A western theme park with amusement rides, petting zoo, and a 3 mile train ride with a hold up and Indian fights. Open May-Labor Day, Weekends through Oct. 31. US Hwy 321 Between Boone & Blowing Rock, NC. 828-264-9061.
Linville Caverns- Running under Linville Mountain is North Carolina's only underground caverns. Open Daily April-November, weekends December-February. US Hwy. 221 South Milepost 317.4. 828-756-4171.
Parks
Buckeye Lake A 7 acre lake stocked with trout. Children's playground picnic pavilion, softball field, boat ramp for non-motorized boats.
Doughton Park is the largest recreation area on the Parkway with campgrounds, hiking, fishing, picnic area and restaurant. At milepost 241.
Julian Price Park 4,000 Acre park centered around 47 acre Price Lake. Walking trails, picnic areas, boat rentals, On the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 297.
Linville Gorge Wilderness a 7,600 acre preserve accessed by trails at the Forest Service Road off US 221 at the Linville Falls Community exit. Milepost 317
Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest peak in Eastern America at 6,684 feet. Hiking, picnicing, nature study, and limited camping available. An observation tower is located at the top. Located at Milepost 355.
Pisgah National Forest Linville Gorge and Roan Mountain are both located within the Pisgah National Forest. Campgrounds have tent camping and small trailers under 22 ft.
Moses Cone Park 3,500 acre park includes two fishing lakes, 25 miles of hiking and horse trails. On the Blue Ridge Parkway North of Blowing Rock at Milepost 294. Open May-Oct. No admission. 828-295-7938.
Roan Mountain State Park 600 Acres straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee state lines. Hosts the worlds largest natural rhododendron garden in bloom during mid-June. Near Bakersville in the Pisgah National Forest.
Canoeing/Rafting
New River Outfitters- Canoe trips down the New River, open Mid-April to Oct. 800-982-9190.
Edge of the World Outfitters- Rafting or white water canoeing on the Wataugga River. Banner Elk, NC. 828-898-9550.
Golf
Blue Ridge Country Club- 18 hole semi-private course par 72, open year round. North Cove, NC. 828-756-7001.
Boone Golf Club- 18 hole public course, par 71, Open Apr.-Nov. Boone, NC. 828-264-8760.
Hawksnest Golf Resort- 18 hole public course, par 72, open Apr.-Oct. Seven Devils, NC. 828-963-6561.
Mount Mitchell Golf Club- 18 hole public course. Open Apr.-Nov. Burnsville, NC 828-675-5454.
Horse Back Riding
Banner Elk Stables- One hour trail rides around Beech Mountain. Open all year. Banner Elk, NC. 828-898-5424.
Blowing Rock Stables- One to two hour trail riding on Moses Cone Estate. Open March-Nov. Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-7847.
