June is The Great Outdoors Month
Long before the COVID-19 crisis, we knew that being in nature was good for our mind, body, and spirit. Throughout the last year, we gained a new appreciation for what it means to be living in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are lucky to have the mountains in our backyard. Did you know June is The Great Outdoors Month? Celebrate by checking out some of our fantastic outdoor attractions.
Mount Mitchell
Did you know that North Carolina is home to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi? Mount Mitchell is about 30 miles east of Asheville and is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was once home to an outlook built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a part of the New Deal. The old outlook tower has been replaced, but its history is always relevant to our country’s area. There are trails along the summit of Mount Mitchell that you can explore with your friends and family.
The Appalachian Trail
Western North Carolina is also home to a large section of another historic trail. Many people have written about and romanticized the Appalachian Trail, which starts in North Georgia and ends in Maine. It cuts across a corner of WNC through the city of Hot Springs and across the summit of Max Patch. There are nearly 96 miles of the trail in North Carolina, but it runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border for over 200 miles. You don’t have to hike the whole thing, but walking a portion of the trail can be a great outdoor activity.
Dupont State Recreational Forest
Many people know that portions of The Hunger Games were filmed in North Carolina; the location was in Dupont State Recreational Forest. This park has many outdoor trails, a historic covered bridge, and several picturesque waterfalls, including High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls. In addition, there are miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking.
Sliding Rock
Are you looking for something a little more exciting? A natural waterslide formed by a large boulder smoothed by water over hundreds of years called Sliding Rock is located just eight miles from Brevard. Over 11,000 gallons of water flow down the rock each minute. The attraction can be popular in the summer months as kids and adults take turns sliding down the rock into the cool water, like a prehistoric slip-and-slide.
Linville Gorge
If you want to really get away from things and hike somewhere a little wilder, check out Linville Gorge. This massive gorge formed by the Linville River cutting through the mountains is located in Burke county and has several hiking trails. But keep in mind that this is a federally designated Wilderness Area, which means trails aren’t maintained regularly and are generally only signed at the trailhead.
We want to hear from you! What are your favorite outdoor activities in WNC?
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