The tour can be started at any point, but we'll begin at top, the
highest point east of the Mississippi and North Carolina's first state
park - Mt Mitchell .
It's north of Asheville
on Rt 128
right off the Blue Ridge Highway. Take a walk on a trail or drive to
the top and view the unusual selection of northern trees, birds and
other animals. When you visit the mile plus high summit enjoy the the
Bears exhibit hall,, gift shop, restaurant, and from the observation
platform – an unparalleled view of the
Smokies.
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Next
take NC 128 S to the Blue Ridge Parkway and turn left. Follow the
parkway south and turn right onto NC 80 S. Turn left on US 70 E and
follow it until NC 126. Turn left until you reach the water park of the
mountains Lake
James State
Park. Here you can access the lake for
swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing. Hike along the shore and
overlooks enjoying the beautiful clear lake with the Blue Ridge
Mountains as the backdrop. You'll find it a great place for recreation
and relaxation.
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Chimney Rock State Park,
a landmark of North Carolina is about a 1 hour trip. Head southwest on
NC
126 to US 70 W. In downtown Marion take a quick left on Main Street and
the 1st right onto W Henderson St. Follow this scenic route as the name
changes to Sugar Hill Rd, Montford Cove Rd, and Cove Road 13.5 miles
then make a right onto Bills Creek Road. Continue until you reach US
64, make a right turn and head west to the Chimney Rock attraction
entrance. There are meadows for picnics, relaxing nature trails, and
boardwalks that climb over boulders. Then take the elevator up
inside the mountain to the top of the rock and enjoy the famous view
overlooking Lake Lure. You can bring a picnic or eat in the restaurant,
and don't forget to walk to the waterfall that starred in the movie
Last of the
Mohicans. This unique park is the host of everything from
Peregrine Falcons to numerous weddings.
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Next,
begin a scenic one-hour and 42-minute journey inland, following
US 64 west to Hendersonville and then you can continue on US 64 west to
or head south on Rte 1127, left on Dupont Rd, and visit Dupont State
Forest and its wonderful
waterfalls. Take US 276 W or back roads
to
return US 64. Continue west past Lake Toxaway and head south on NC 281
to Gorges
State Park
This is one of the state's newest and wildest parks with waterfalls,
river gorges, rock walls, a temperate rainforest, and numerous rare
species of plants and wildlife. Enjoy wild trout and bass fishing, back
camping, wilderness, solitude, and hike the foothills trail around Lake
Jocasse.
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Asheville
and the Smoky Mountains
The return to Mount
Mitchell State Park is a two-hour 20 minute drive.
Head north on NC 281, east on US 64 until Pisgah Forest. Here you could
head west on US 276 to visit the US Cradle of
Forestry and
Looking
Glass Falls or continue on NC 280 east to US 25 and head north to the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the parkway north and take the exit to NC
128 and head north to reach the park.
You can also
extend your visit by heading west US 40 from Asheville to
US 19 west and follow it to Cherokee and the entrance to the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park.
Bears, wild turkeys, and
elk await
your visit to America's most visited national park.
Major towns near the
tour
offering food and lodging include: Marion,
Lake Lure, Hendersonville, Brevard, and of course Asheville, which is
frequently rated as one of the top outdoor and artistic cities in the
country. You can use one of these as your home base and enjoy each of
the parks during your stay. Be sure to also check out the area for
historic sites, museums, golf courses, craft shops, and outdoor
recreation.
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