Stories with Highest Peaks

16 Stories Posts
Mount Craig on Deep Gap Trail

Deep Gap Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park

A walk in the clouds in the Black Mountains Hike from the highest peak east of the Mississippi  River (Mount Mitchell, 6684 feet) to the second highest one (Mount Craig, 6647 feet). On the ridge line of these giants of the Black Mountains, you might find yourself above the clouds. You'll begin the hike in Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the first state parks in the

50 Things to Do in Asheville, N.C. - Hiking, Dining, Music, Art and Outdoors

50 Things to Do in Asheville, N.C.

If you’re looking for things to do in Asheville, then consider this list your primer to the many activities available in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or perhaps well acquainted with the flair of this Southern Appalachia getaway, here are 50 ideas to help you see, do, and explore the best Asheville has to offer. Ver la versión en

Picnic Story: Mount Mitchell

Old Mitchell Trail

Visitors to Mount Mitchell State Park can walk in the footsteps of Elisha Mitchell himself, the man credited with discovering the highest peak in the east. This area of the Black Mountains would have been quite wild during Mitchell's treks in the early 19th century. Today, this well-marked trail offers a challenging but rewarding route to the summit.Tip: Pack a sweater or extra

Scenic Drive Parkway

Scenic Drives for Any Season

There’s Always Something Around the Bend in Asheville You don’t have to travel far from Asheville to become immersed in natural beauty. The topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains lends itself to some of the best scenic drives and awe-inspiring panoramic views you’ll find in the southeast. Within minutes, find yourself surrounded by the same forests, waterfalls and vistas that

A couple hiking

Asheville Hiking Guide: The Trail Starts Here

Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure in Asheville, N.C. Thousands of miles of trails twist, meander, dip and climb through the peaks and valleys around Asheville. In this world-class hiking destination, you can take your pick from peaceful hikes along mountain streams and technical scrambles up steep terrain; hikes that are short and sweet and multi-day adventures. Some hikes give you a view into the

Black-Throated Green Warbler

8 Places to Bird Watch in Asheville, N.C.

Bring your binoculars to these birding havens Whether you’re a casual bird watcher or you’re collecting sightings for your Life List, Asheville is a birder’s paradise. Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Herons and Pileated Woodpeckers are just a few of the 200 birds that make their home here year-round, while another 80 species migrate through the Southern

Grandfather Mountain Trail

Grandfather Mountain Trail

The granddaddy of technical hikes Called the most technical hike east of the Mississippi (without climbing equipment), the hike to McRae’s Peak, Attic Window and Grandfather Calloway Peak at Grandfather Mountain is also affectionately called the “chutes and ladders” trail because it involves a number of cable-assisted and ladder-access area. Scale these peaks for the adventure of

Cold Mountain

Cold Mountain Trails

A storied peak for experienced hikers Local author Charles Frazier made this 6030-foot-high peak in the Great Balsams famous with his 1997 novel of the same name. The 2000 movie version won the hearts of even more fans. Hikers love it too, but it’s not a journey to take lightly. With an average of 7 to 10 hours on the trail, this adventure requires preparation and commitment, but rewards

Fall 2018 Landing Page Header

5 Things You Need to Know About Fall in Asheville

Top tips for experiencing fall in Asheville, NC Fall in Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most sought-after places to go leaf peeping. Due to the area's vast elevation changes, the Asheville area is home to one of the longest fall color seasons in the nation. To help you plan your fall getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out these useful tips on how to experience fall color in

Falconry

Bird Watching & Hawk Migration in the Fall Season

Hawks Soar Over Asheville in Annual Migration Fall is a favorite time here in Western North Carolina, when the cooling weather provides ideal conditions for exploring all that this area has to offer. The changing leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway present a feast for the eyes, and the migration sightings can provide memories to last a lifetime, particularly for hawk enthusiasts. Each year in the