Hovering around a clammy fifty degrees in the interior, dress warmly if you choose to traverse the weathered stalactites of this bat-filled cave.
For even more variety, try the mysterious Linville Caverns nearby. Enjoy the coursing sounds of the river as you explore the high crags, a popular choice for all levels of rock climbing enthusiasts. Rising 1400 feet above the Linville River and twelve miles in length, a thronged thicket of birch, hickory, and hemlock flank the lush yet strenuous descent through Pisgah National Forest to the base of the gorge. Head up to Linville GorgeĬontinue 20 miles northeast of Mount Mitchell to the town of Linville Falls, where neighboring trails to the eponymous roaring cascades can be found alongside several entry points to the towering Linville Gorge.
#Road tripper north carolina full#
See our full recommendations on the best Airbnbs in Asheville, North Carolina. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Another option is this cabin for groups up to six. If you prefer an Airbnb, we recommend this charming mountain cabin outside of Asheville. Mitchell Campground or at the nearby Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area. The reds and pinks of dusk descend over the mountain horizon among the sweet scent of the numerous spruce and balsam firs, commonly grown in the region as Christmas trees, as your ear catches the songs of the ninety-one species of birds that call the state park home. The summit is a stunning place to watch the sunset. Either way, you’lll be rewarded with 360-degree views of picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain scenery from the highest point east of the Mississippi River, extending for 85 miles on a clear dat. Drive to the lot near the top for a short walk to the summit, or climb the old-fashioned way up the lush but challenging 2.2 mile Old Mitchell Trail. Turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway at NC 128, about an hour north of Asheville, to head into Mount Mitchell State Park. Make sure to grab a full tank of gas before entering, as stations are scarce along the parkway. Since the elevation never rises above the treeline, sensational scenes of the reds, yellows, and orange hues of autumn can be found stretching for miles through the crisp air across the rolling summits. This scenic drive is home to arguably the best views of fall foliage in the country. Cruise part of the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Mount MitchellĬonnecting the entire mountain region of North Carolina from the Smokies to Virginia, the secluded and vibrant maple, chestnut, and oak-filled drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway departs from the park’s south entrance off of U.S.
The Deep Creek trail near Bryson City offers quick trips to the misty Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls, or head just outside of the park towards Cherokee to find the majestic Mingo Falls, one of the tallest cascades in the southern Appalachians. Alongside the surrounding rugged landscape, keep your eyes peeled for wild elk grazing by the remnants of rustic log cabins from the late 19th century. If you have time for a second day in the park, drive into the remote Cataloochee Valley. Explore the eight hundred miles of green, dense mountain trails inside the park, or grab a tube, available from several nearby rental shops including Smoky Mountain River Adventures, for an idyllic ride enclosed among high elevation old-growth trees within the two thousand miles of streams and lakes. The lofty peak straddles the border between the two states. Hike to the 6,644-foot top of Clingmans Dome, the highest natural point in the Smokies, and catch a sweeping view of the azure summits in North Carolina and across into Tennessee. The entrance to North Carolina begins in dramatic fashion at the most visited national park in the United States.