The High Country’s beautiful streams, lakes, and rivers provide wildlife sanctuaries and many recreational opportunities- like fishing! The best times of year to fish for trout here in in the High Country are the spring, fall, and winter months, when the water temperature is between 45° and 65°. Our waters offer excellent opportunities for catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout.
If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience. Here are some great hikes to check out during the winter. Carriage Trails at Moses Cone Park Moses Cone Park has 25 miles of carriage roads that offer great opportunities for hiking. Take the trail up to Flat Top Tower, where you can see great panoramic views of our mountains. On the way up, stop by Cone Cemetery which contains the tombstones of Moses H. Cone, his wife, Bertha Cone, and his wife’s two sisters. You can also stroll around both Bass and Trout Lake to observe the beautiful winter scenery as well as admiring the Maze and apple barn. Also in the winter, it is a great spot for cross-country skiers! You can access the Carriage Trails through the Blue Ridge Parkway, or they can be accessed by 221 and Shulls Mill Rd. See more details and a trail map on the National Park Service website. Mountain to Sea Trail Segment 5 of the Mountain to Sea Trail features many of our great natural landscape spots. Depending on how much you hike, you can see views of areas such as Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct,Table Rock, Thunderhill, and Moses Cone. This section of the Mountain to Sea Trail also can be enjoyed as a series of 14 different day hikes. To view these hikes and to learn more information, visit Mountain to Sea Trail online. Blue Ridge Parkway The Parkway is home to many fabulous hiking spots. Some amazing trails on the parkway include Rough Ridge Lookout, Boone Fork Trail , Beacon Heights Trail, and more! Even though there are trails and overlooks that are beautiful in winter weather, there may be times where the Parkway closes to inclement weather. To see whether certain parts of the Parkway are closed, make sure to either call (828) 298-0398 or visit them online. Many of them can be accessed by overlooks. Check for Blue Ridge Parkway closures here Boone Greenway The Greenway is perfect for anyone that wants to take a quick stroll to see beautiful winter weather! The Greenway runs from one end of Boone to the other and hosts hikers, walkers, runners, cyclists and more. Parts of the greenway are paved, so it’s easily handicap accessible. The paved portion of the trail is less than 4 miles long. Following rivers and crossing several scenic bridges, it is a great excursion in the winter. There are gravel and light trails that weave through the paved part of the greenway, if you want to wander and see more! The Greenway also features plenty of parking, water fountains, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities! See more details and get a map on ExploreBoone.com. Elk Knob State Park Elk Knob State Park has one of the highest peaks in North Carolina’s high country at 5,520 feet. The entire park features 4 different trails that you can choose from, that offer great fun and beautiful views. Embark 1.9-miles on then Summit Trail, where you will catch panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and more! You can also take their one-mile loop, kid friendly, Beech Tree Trail. They also feature great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing! The park attempts to stay open throughout the winter. Between November and February, Elk Knob State park is open from 8am – 6pm. For more information, visit Elk Knob State Park’s website For more winter hiking ideas, visit High Country Host’s top 5 winter hikes To see other recreational activities in Blowing Rock, click here
Blowing Rock is home to several waterfalls, and there are even more to be found in the nearby region. See below for directions to more than a dozen waterfall viewing sites. Several require hiking, so they are arranged by trail difficulty. Each of these falls is incredibly beautiful, but danger is an inherent part of that beauty. Many of these falls have steep drops and fast water. Please use every caution when on these trails. Roots, rocks, and wet areas can make trails tricky. Do not attempt trails beyond your skill or fitness level and watch children & pets closely! Be sure you have proper footwear for long hikes, and it’s always a good idea to bring water along for your trip. Take care of our natural resources; please don’t litter. Happy hunting! Easily Accessible Falls These three waterfalls are located right on the roadside. They can be viewed from your vehicle or small pull-offs, making the views great for families with small children or those with mobility issues. Green Mountain Creek Falls: We don’t know of an official name for these falls, but they flow along Green Mountain Creek. Nearly 20 feet high with a shallow plunge pool, these falls empty into a culvert where the stream continues on the other side of the road. They are equally beautiful while frozen in winter, with trickles and bubbles dancing under sheets of ice. There is an easy spot to access the falls for close-up photos. Located on Hwy 221, about 8 miles from Main Street in Blowing Rock. The falls are on the right side of the road, with a pull-off on either side just after the falls. Silvervale Falls: These falls are high series of narrow cascades, 70+ feet of delicate flow. Travel 6 miles south of The Green Park Inn on Hwy 321 from Blowing Rock. Turn right on Waterfalls Rd, SR 1372. Falls are 1.7 miles down on left, with a small pull-off beside them. Falls at Rough Ridge Overlook: These small, sloping “slide” falls on Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rough Ridge Overlook are heavily dependent on rain fall. At times, the water is more heard than seen. The overlook is located at milepost 302.8. There is a parking area with sign, and the falls can be viewed from the sidewalk. A short trail to right of the lot leads to the bridge over the falls- steep, but the footing is not too difficult. Easy to Moderate Trails These falls can be found at the end of easier trails. Trails can be suitable for children, as long as they are watched closely. Still, some portions can be quite steep. Laurel Creek Falls: The local name, Trash Can Falls, makes lots of people wonder how it came about. There used to be a recycling/dumpster convenience site along the highway that served as a point of reference for the trail head. Now it’s best to use mileage to find the trail. The pool at the falls is a popular swimming hole for locals in warmer months. Travel north on Hwy 321 from Boone. Turn left to follow 321N toward Johnson City (at Skateworld). Access trail is 5.4 miles down on left, just after Laurel Creek Rd. Pull-off for parking is on the right, across from Laurel Creek Rd. The trail is 0.15 miles, narrrow but well-defined, and a little steep toward the top. Elk River Falls: These falls are some of the largest in the area, and are especially impressive because of easy accessibility. From 19E in Elk Park (take Hwy 194 to 19E, about 26 miles from Blowing Rock), turn onto Old Mill Rd at “Elk Park Christian Church” sign (you will also see sign for the falls further down the road). Turn right on Elk River Rd after 0.4 miles. Go 4 mi to Pisgah Forest parking area. Trail is about 1/4 mile, with some steep wooden steps. 60ft plunge falls. The pool at the bottom is a great swimming spot, too. The Cascades: A long series of cascade falls on a narrow stream. The 1.2 mile (loop) moderate trail begins at E. B. Jeffress Park, at milepost 272 on Blue Ridge Parkway. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. Very steep wooden steps near falls. The Cascades are currently part of the closed portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow along with the construction here. Linville Falls: These falls are the largest in the area in terms of water volume. The Linville Gorge is a National Wilderness Area, and a beautiful, unspoiled area to enjoy. Turn onto Linville Falls Rd from milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road ends at a parking lot and Visitor Center. The trail to the upper falls is about 0.5 miles and fairly easy. The trail continues to 3 more overlooks with views of lower falls (45ft), and is steeper, with the last overlook 0.8 mi from Visitor Center. Strenuous, blazed trails into the gorge are an option for those that would like to see the lower falls the bottom of the gorge. It’s recommended to take a compass and maps with you when you enter the gorge and wilderness areas. Difficult to Strenuous Trails The rewards of these trails are worth the effort if you are up to the challenge. These trails may be too challenging for small children, and should not be attempted in icy and slippery conditions. Be sure to watch your step, as most of these trails wind through steep and/or rocky areas and are full of roots and dips. Glen Burney Trail Falls: This rugged trail is right in downtown Blowing Rock, and is still a surprise to some that find it. The trail begins at Annie Cannon Gardens on Laurel Lane. There are three falls in succession: Cascades at 0.8 mi, then Glen Burney at 1.2 mi, and Glen Marie at 1.6 miles from trailhead. The trail is out-and-back and gets very steep after Cascades. Side trails lead
Are you looking for a place by the water to enjoy the view? Perhaps you’d like to cool off on a warm Blue Ridge day. The Blowing Rock area features lots of places where water and related activities are the main attraction.
The Blowing Rock, NC area offers some of the most beautiful, pristine mountains in the state of North Carolina. To preserve this area for generations to come, we must own the impact we have on the environment around us. To this end, Blowing Rock is pleased to partner with Outdoor NC to preserve the natural beauty of North Carolina. It’s up to each of us do our part and join the movement to protect these spaces for generations. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide a simple framework for doing our part! Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare North Carolina is home to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Learn about the area you plan to visit before you arrive and know the regulations Avoid crowds and increased impact by exploring lesser-known areas, and do your best to avoid times of high use. Remember to always have a backup plan in case the area you’re looking to visit is overcrowded or parking areas are full. Remember food, water and the right clothes to protect you from cold, heat, sun or rain. 2. Stick to Trails and Overnight Right Travel and camp on designated trails and durable surfaces to protect trailside plants. Avoid taking shortcuts or creating new paths. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation. When camping in nondesignated areas, confine impact to places which already show use and avoid enlarging the area of disturbance. Take rest breaks on durable surfaces well off the designated trail. Poor weather, rip currents and slick rocks around waterfalls often take visitors by surprise. Practice safety and caution, and don’t do anything above your group’s skill level. 3. Trash Your Trash Pack it in. Pack it out. Pack out all trash and litter in garbage bags and carry it home. Litter, including food scraps and cigarette butts, can take years to decompose and is unhealthy for wildlife. If adventuring with your pet, plan to pack out their waste as well. When camping in remote areas, be sure to have a plan to dispose of human waste properly. 4. Leave It As You Find It North Carolina is home to an amazing diversity of indigenous plants and animals. Avoid picking flowers, taking shells, and collecting starfish and pinecones, and take a picture instead. Leave rocks as you find them to protect the sensitive habitats of critters. Stacking rocks can also lead to erosion and ecological impacts. Carving and etching into trees leaves lasting damage and can kill the vegetation. Remember, in national parks and many other protected places, it is illegal to remove natural objects. 5. Be Careful With Fire If you choose to have a fire, make sure it is permitted in the area you are visiting and keep small. Gather wood from the ground on-site if allowed, and avoid breaking living branches from trees. Buy firewood locally. Transporting firewood can introduce harmful invasive species. Burn all wood to ash and be sure the fire is completely out and cold before you leave. If you plan an overnight camping trip, use a stove for cooking. 6. Keep Wildlife Wild North Carolina is home to an abundance of wild animals, and we must treat all wildlife from black bears and wild horses to salamanders and birds with respect. Remember that you are a visitor in their home. Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach or follow them. Getting too close to wildlife causes undue stress and harm. Never feed a wild animal. It alters their natural behavior and puts them, and you, at risk. When camping, store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps out of reach from wildlife. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors and Share the Outdoors Everyone has a different definition of what it means to enjoy the outdoors, and everyone has different levels of experience. Be respectful of others’ experience, so North Carolina’s outdoor spaces can be a welcoming and relaxing retreat for all identities and abilities. Be mindful of your noise level so that others around you can listen to nature. It is a general rule that those traveling downhill will yield to those traveling uphill. Be considerate when passing other visitors on the trail. Before passing others, politely announce your presence and proceed with caution.
Blowing Rock is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and bordered by the Pisgah National Forest, providing close proximity and easy access to a multitude of habitats. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a home for about 160 breeding species of birds, with over 250 species appearing with regularity during migrations. In fact, the High Country is one of the most diverse breedings and spring migration areas in the eastern United States, with large numbers of neo-tropical migrants and forest interior species. Several species, like the Canada Warbler, are at the southern-most end of their breeding range while here, contributing the wide assortment of birds found in our backyard. When is the best time to view birds in Blowing Rock? Spring migration in the area happens in April and May, and September is the best time to see fall migrations. The months between are great for viewing breeding species. Winter months are host to our year-round residents like crimson Cardinals and cheeky Juncos. Which species can be found here? See the The High Country species list here! The above list is created by the High Country Audubon Society. The High Country Audubon website is especially helpful if you want to time your visit to see certain birds. This local Audubon Chapter has a great website with checklists for great local birding spots, too! Where can birds be observed in Blowing Rock? With so many undeveloped areas near Blowing Rock, birds can be seen almost anywhere. Spending time on park benches early in the morning or in quiet woodlands on the Blue Ridge Parkway will reveal many species of interest. High Country Audubon offers a list of Local Birding Hotspots, complete with bird lists and access details for the sites! Find great details on Blowing Rock locations like Trout Lake, Sims Pond, and Price Lake, plus many others across the High Country. Many of the best places for bird viewing have become designated sites on the North Carolina Birding Trail, a state-wide collection of great birding sites and communities. Here is a list of official sites closest to the accommodations, dining, and activities in Blowing Rock. Nearby North Carolina Birding Trail sites – estimated mileage from Blowing Rock: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, in Blowing Rock Julian Price Memorial Park, 5 miles from downtown Blowing Rock Tanawha Trail, access 5 miles Boone Greenway, 7 miles Grandfather Mountain, 12 miles Valle Crucis Community Park, 12 miles Elk Knob State Park, 17 miles Green Valley Community Park, 17 miles E.B Jeffress Park, 22 miles Lewis Fork Overlook, 24 miles Linville Falls, 25 miles Buckeye Lake Recreation Area, 27 miles The North Carolina Birding Trail recognizes many more sites in the mountains, piedmont and coast of our state. To see a full listing, and to get more information on the sites above, visit www.NCBirdingTrail.org. Other great birding links: Audubon North Carolina Carolina Bird Club Local Birding News on Ray’s Weather– This page is updated infrequently now, but archives give good info on past sightings, local habitats, and bird behavior While you’re here: Click the calendar link at the top of this page to see other events happening in the area. The attractions tab will show you what else the area has to offer during your visit. If you are coming to see a crimson Cardinal in the snow, don’t forget about our great local ski slopes. When here to see summer Warblers, plan to stay over for an Art in the Park show. Our restaurants, shops, and accommodations are great any time of year!
The twenty-first annual Cycle NC Mountains To Coast ride will run from Blowing Rock to Atlantic Beach on September 28 to October 5, 2019. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists are expected to participate in this unique ride. Weekend Schedule for Cycle NC Blowing Rock will welcome the riders with true mountain hospitality! Participants can expect rides along beautiful mountain roads, a Welcome Party, plus some ongoing late summer events: Friday, September 27Cone Life & Collections Exhibits at Blowing Rock Art & History MuseumMusic on the Lawn at Ragged GardensBonfire & Live Music at Chetola ResortLive music at Town Tavern, Twigs, Woodlands BBQ, and Green Park InnOyster Roast at Blowing Rock Market on Main StreetGhost Train at Tweetsie Railroad Saturday, September 28Cone Life & Collections Exhibits at Blowing Rock Art & History MuseumUpstairs Tours of Flat Top Manor at Moses Cone Memorial ParkCycle NC Expo by Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters– at Davant Field 10am-6pmWelcome Party at Davant Field- Local brews and live music by The Neighbors & brews from Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boonshine Brewery, & Blowing Rock Brewing! 4-7pm. Pig Pickin’ at Blowing Rock Market on Main StreetBonfire & Live Music at Chetola ResortLive music at Twigs, Woodlands BBQ, and Green Park Inn Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad Karaoke Night at Town Tavern Sunday, September 29Route opens at 7:30am. Have a great ride!Excursions for non-riders begin at 8:30am. Can’t-miss location: Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters is your base for information on the best local rides, gear questions, and outfitting. Plus, they have Blue Ridge Parkway jerseys! The shop is on Sunset Drive, just a short walk (or ride!) from the CNC Campsite. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out some of our incredible restaurants! From delicious, down-home fare to creative culinary delights, Blowing Rock has variety of cuisine on offer. A walkable downtown will invite you to step into our local shops, galleries, and boutiques. And if you’d like to fit in a little bargain shopping, check out Tanger Outlets.Multiple hotels in Blowing Rock will be hosting some participants, most within walking distance of the celebrations and downtown attractions. Camping participants will enjoy camping near downtown in the pop-up campsite with traveling amenities. See the Route Announcement Video Here! Cycling in Blowing Rock Blowing Rock is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoys direct access to all points in the High Country. This means that challenging circuits and routes are easy to plan and enjoy on local roads. The Town of Blowing Rock welcomes cyclists often, most of whom come to enjoy the views along a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With plenty of eateries and a variety of overnight accommodations, our town is a natural choice for cyclists looking for a getaway riding experience. Businesses like Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters and Footsloggers are trusted sources for cycling and outdoor equipment, respectively. Plus, Rhoddie helps cyclists plan the ideal route, whether challenge or sightseeing is the goal. More About Cycle NC’s Mountains To Coast Ride Riders will bike an average of 60 miles per day over the course of the week. Hickory, Spencer, Siler City, Clayton, Greenville and New Bern are the stops on the route between Blowing Rock and Atlantic Beach. The Cycle NC “Mountains to Coast” Tour is the state’s only cross-state, fully-supported ride. It was created in 1999 with the N.C. Division of Tourism, Capital Broadcasting Company, the N.C. Department of Transportation and North Carolina Amateur Sports as founding partners. Cycle NC promotes North Carolina’s scenic beauty, heritage tourism, visitor attractions, historic sites, state parks, fitness, healthy lifestyles and the benefits of bicycling to individuals and our state. During the past 20 years, Cycle North Carolina has stopped overnight in more than 100 North Carolina towns and visited over 700 North Carolina communities. Register at www.ncsports.org. Cycle North Carolina is capping registration at 1,100 riders. So, interested riders should register early to enjoy the highlight of the year for bicycling in North Carolina! Cycle North Carolina is presented by Retire NC. Partner organizations of Cycle North Carolina include: Powerade, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, BB&T, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Harris Teeter, Morningstar Law Group, the N.C. Department of Transportation and Cycling Spoken Here.
Blowing Rock and the High Country are known for being outdoor destinations, so rainy days can stump folks looking for entertainment. But there’s still LOTS to do in the area! We’ve listed over 40 links below as suggestions to enjoy a rainy day around here. If it’s a light passing rain, you may consider ignoring it! Wear a rain-proof jacket and some water resistant shoes and enjoy the views on Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the attraction you planned to see, or take that hike. Truly, there is something magical about the Appalachian woodlands in wet conditions. Mists hang low in the valleys, and new greens shimmer in the damp. If there is thunder and lightning, however, be sure to take cover indoors immediately. And heavy rains can quickly lead to flash flood conditions in the mountains, so head indoors for heavy rain, too. One of our fantastic local restaurants is always a great place for waiting out a storm! Since not all rain can be ignored and sometimes you need something to do while waiting it out, here’s that list of indoor things for those rainy days! Some can take up large blocks of the day, and others may be a quick stop while the clouds clear a bit more. –Blowing Rock Art & History Museum– see rotating and ever-changing exhibits, or check schedule for special programming or classes. Free admission! –Mystery Hill has more to offer than ever, with the all-weather Tomahawk Hill, and a snack bar with local goodies. You’ll still find the wild Mystery House, incredible artifacts collections, and hands-on science fun. –Shoppes on the Parkway – Covered walkways make shopping in the rain a dry experience. –Parkway Craft Center– free crafting demonstrations on the porch in summer, plus a beautiful gallery on the lower floor. Free upstairs tours available on weekends May-October with reservations. Inside the historic mansion of Moses H. Cone, the “Denim King.” –Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage– From Memorial Day through Labor Day, find free art shows at Edgewood Cottage on Main Street, next to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Step inside and meet different High Country artists each week. Art for every interest (and budget)! –Gem Mining– Doc’s Rocks in Blowing Rock has lots of indoor flumes! –Indoor Golf- Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf is a state of the art facility with over 700 golf courses programmed into their computers. –Bowling– High Country Lanes in Boone or Cardinal Lanes in West Jefferson. –Linville Caverns– Always rain-free and 52 degrees inside. See incredible formations and learn some interesting geology and local history at NC’s only show caverns. –Country Retreat Family Billiards– a family-friendly business with high-quality pool tables and an in-house restaurant. –Center 45 Climbing– indoor climbing facility in Boone with a variety of skill levels –Mysterium Escape Adventure– An escape room puzzle experience in downtown Boone –Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis- built in 1883. Don’t forget the Candy Barrel at the Annex! –Theater– Show at Ensemble Stage, Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University, or Lees McRae Summer Theatre –Local coffee– Bald Guy Brew or Camp Coffee are two local coffee shops and roasteries in Blowing Rock. Boone is also home to several locally-owned and corporate coffee shops- ask a local for a recommendation! –Spa treatment– Westglow Spa, a Relais & Chateau property, and Chetola Spa offer a wide variety of treatments. Boone offers some day-spa and beauty bar spots as well. –Antique hunting- the Blowing Rock Antique Center and downtown shops offer lots of beautiful finds. Also try the Boone Antique Mall on King Street, or Hidden Valley Antique Mall near Foscoe. –Galleries– make your own self-guided tour, there are so many to see in Blowing Rock, Boone, Foscoe, and Banner Elk. –Winery tasting rooms- See our winery information page for details on three local wineries. –Jones House– historic house and cultural center in Boone, with a regular concert series. –Turchin Center– Visual arts museum on King Street in Boone, part of the Appalachian State University campus. –Ashe County Cheese– Take a look inside the factory and see cheese being made. –Children’s Playhouse– Indoor family play center in Boone. –Movies– Regal Cinema in Boone or Parkway Theater in West Jefferson –Churches of the Frescoes– Two small churches in Ashe County with renowned fresco paintings by Ben Long inside. –Local Breweries– Blowing Rock Brewing in Blowing Rock; Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Lost Province Brewing, and Booneshine Brewing in Boone, Boonedocks Brewery and New River Brewing in West Jefferson, and Kettell Beerworks in Banner Elk. –Watch fudge being made at Kilwin’s in Blowing Rock. –Watch candles being made at High Country Candles in Blowing Rock. Don’t forget that the mountains often make rainy conditions very spotty. It may be pouring in one place, and sunny just a few miles down the road. It’s common to hear around here, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.” See more travel ideas on our Main Itineraries Page!
The Blowing Rock is a rock formation that juts out over the John’s River Gorge at about 4000 feet above sea level. The views of the gorge and the Pisgah Forest are immense and breathtaking. The Blowing Rock is so named because of the constant winds that flume up from the surrounding rocky walls. The rock itself is also unique, and is a visual testament to the formation process of the surrounding mountains. This particular rock is officially designated The Blowing Rock Gneiss by Geological Survey of The United States. www.theblowingrock.com. Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway is just 3 miles from the Blowing Rock attraction. The Parkway was built to appreciate the surrounding beauty of the Blue Ridge, and the section between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain is not a disappointment. Wide views are common and can be appreciated from the many overlook areas provided. www.nps.gov/blri Grandfather Mountain is a short trip away from Blowing Rock. When conservationist John Muir visited Grandfather Mountain in 1898 he described the experience as, “the face of all Heaven come to earth.” The mountain is home to 16 distinct natural communities that can be experienced through a network of trails. There is also a nature museum, animal habitats (for otters, black bears, cougars, and more) and the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. All the attractions, including the spectacular view from the top, are easily accessible by vehicle. www.grandfather.com The Linville Gorge and Linville Falls are also nearby. They are most easily accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316 (for reference, Blowing Rock is located at milpost 294). There is a visitor center located here, and trails to views of the massive falls. Sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” the gorge is one of only two wilderness gorges in the Southern US. The rough terrain is home to miles of old-growth forests and a diverse plant and animal community. The Falls mark the northern end of the gorge. http://ncnatural.com/Resources/Adventure/Gorge/Linville-Gorge.html Linville Caverns is just another 12 miles from the Linville Falls Parkway Visitor Center. Located just off Hwy 221, the caverns are surprisingly accessible. They are the only limestone caverns open to the public in North Carolina. Visitors can take tours inside the mountain to see the beautiful formations and colors within the caverns. www.linvillecaverns.com
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