May 15, 2001 09:57 AM
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Western North Carolina is one of the loveliest locations on Earth, and is packed with attractions and fun activities for the entire family, especially if you are a nature and wildlife lover. From majestic mountains, sparkling waterfalls, breathtaking autumn colors, and thousands of acres of rolling national forest, to ski resorts, spas, amusement parks, and fine dining, this area of the United States is as versatile as it is charming. It has been called a haven for artists, and if you ever see the Great Smoky Mountains in autumn, you will know why, as there is mountain upon mountain of trees bursting in all the fall colors--red, yellow, and orange.
Western North Carolina is an area rich in history and heritage, and still has many beautiful monuments to its past. It is also well known for the hospitality it extends to its visitors. Below are some of the reasons to visit:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park--The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an 800 square mile wilderness sanctuary, and is internationally famous for its beauty, and the variety of the species of plants and wildlife found there. It is a culturally rich area in Southern Appalachian culture and lifestyle.
Blue Ridge Parkway--The Blue Ridge Parkway consists of 500 miles of scenic byway traversing over the mountains of Western North Carolina and Virginia, and was the home to settlements dating back to prehistoric times, along with the first American pioneers. It has numerous gorgeous mountain views and overlooks, restored historic buildings and homes, and is completely tourist friendly. The mile upon mile of winding mountain road is kept in excellent condition, and is favored by motorcycle enthusiasts the world over. The Blue Ridge Parkway also offers hiking and wilderness camping opportunities.
Appalachian Trail--The Appalachian Trail is a stunningly beautiful, 2160 mile hiking trail through mossy, green forests and over the oldest mountain range in the world. The trail stretches from Maine to Georgia and passes through Western North Carolina in the middle.
Biltmore House and Gardens--The Biltmore Estate includes a 250 room mansion built in 1895. The house in a four story stone building with a 780 foot high facade built in the style of the French Renaissance. It also includes world renowned gardens, farmland, forests, its own winery, and a first class five star hotel. It was built by the Vanderbilt family, one of the oldest, well known, most respected families in America. The Vanderbilt family were philanthropists, and fully supported the arts. One of the best times of year to visit the Biltmore House is at Christmas, sporting a 35 foot tall Christmas tree in the grand Banquet Room, elaborate decorations throughout the house, nearly 40 smaller Christmas trees, handcrafted glass ornaments, candlelight evenings, and live minstrels and musicians playing carols around the property.
Cherokee Indian Reservation--The Cherokee Indian Reservation is home to Native Americans left behind in the Trail of Tears. It is completely tourist friendly and can serve as a vacation in itself. As attractions, you can find zoos, mountain biking, trout fishing, horseback riding, gold, ruby, and gem mines, chairlifts, theme parks, tubing, rafting, museums, and the critically acclaimed drama, ''Unto These Hills''. It is also the home to Harrah's Cherokee Casino.
Chimney Rock Park--Chimney Rock Park is home to 450 foot waterfalls, hiking and walking trails, stunning 75 mile views, plants and wildlife, and a wild ride on a 26 story elevator that travels up the center of pure rock. The park was founded in 1902.
The Cradle of Forestry--The Cradle of Forestry is the birthplace of forestry in America. Forestry education began in 1889 when George Vanderbilt, of the Biltmore Estate Vanderbilts, began to purchase land for the Biltmore Estate. He wanted the natural beauty of the area to be protected and preserved, yet he realized that the wild surrounding forests needed some help to remain healthy. So he hired German forestry expert, Dr. Carl A. Shenck, to manage his vast forests. The result was Pisgah National Forest, one of the most beautiful national forests in the world today. The Cradle of Forestry is a favorite with children, as it is fully interactive and has many hands-on activities, with numerous historic buildings.
Ghost Town--Ghost Town is located in beautiful Maggie Valley, and consists of a large themepark located high atop a mountain, where the only way up is trolley or chair lift. Ghost Town is designed to symbolize life in the American old west, with saloons, dance hall girls, coal burning trains, and gunfights at high noon. It features live entertainment, fine dining, shopping, outdoor dramas, and many rides, including a one of a kind roller coaster.
Grandfather Mountain--Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountain range, and is the only private park in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve, as it is one of the most biologically diverse mountains in North America. Grandfather Mountain is home to panthers, bears, deer, river otters, and eagles, and features a mile high swinging bridge.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino--Harrah's Cherokee Casino has 175,000 square foot gaming facility, with jackpots up to $160,000.
Linville Caverns--Linville Caverns are located deep inside of Humpback Mountain in Western North Carolina. They were discovered in 1822, and are a source of many mineral deposits. Beautiful, surreal looking stalactites and stalagmites fill the large caverns. Geologists claim that the walls of the caverns were formed 500 million years ago by sea creatures, when the sea covered the caverns. The caverns are home to the Eastern Pipistrelle bat, which hang from the cavern ceilings in the spring. Tours are conducted daily.
Nantahala River Rafting--If you are a white water enthusiast, the Nantahala River is the place for you. It is a dam controlled river, and is nationally acclaimed as an excellent rafting site.
National Forests--Western North Carolina is home to several of the United States national forests, including the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest. Both span vast amounts of land and are home to many of the regions natural plants and wildlife, including deer, raccoons, possums, panthers, hawks, owls, trout, catfish, and the black bear.
Carl Sandburg Home--Carl Sandburg, a famous poet, writer, and orator lived in the mountains of Western North Carolina during the early twentieth century, and his home has been preserved and is open to visitors. It consists of a 22 room house, outbuildings, barns, hiking trails, two lakes, and gardens.
Waterfalls--Western North Carolina has an abundance of beautiful mountain waterfalls, including Mouse Creek Falls, Yellowstone Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, Whitewater Falls, Twin Falls, Courthouse Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Cullasaja Falls, Sassafras Falls, Hickory Nut Falls, Linville Falls, and too many more to mention here.
Skiing--Western North Carolina sports many fine ski resorts, including Wolf Laurel, Sugar Mountain, Cataloochee, Ski Beach, Hawksnest, and Appalachian Ski Mountain
Western North Carolina is also a haven for golf, camping, the Highland Games, llama and burro treks, and general relaxation. There are more benefits to this great area than I have mentioned here, but I'll leave those for you to discover for yourself. To learn more about Western North Carolina, you may visit these sites:
https://westernncattractions.com
https://outdoorfun.com
