We have RVed in all the 48 states and thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful country. But we chose to make Western North Carolina our permanent residence when we retired. We are frequently asked by other RVers about North Carolina and many are surprised to learn about our western mountains. I decided to put together a quick travelogue so you can view samples of some of the many things that make our Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains so attractive. You'll get a glimpse of Asheville in Buncombe County and the world famous Biltmore House and Gardens. Then it's off to Maggie Valley in Haywood County, home of the Cataloochie Ski Resort, Soco Gardens Zoo and Ghost Town. You'll get to check out Nantahala River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest where those in the know go for the best in kayaking and Nantahala River rafting.
In Graham County, you can enjoy a scenic adventure along the famous Cherohala Skyway, then by Fontana Lake and Dam and, perhaps, a stop at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. If you've brought your bikes, you can even explore the Tsali Trail which skirts the Fontana Reservoir.
A trip to Cherokee in Swain County will take you by the Cherokee Bear Zoo, the Cherokee Indian Museum, the Oconaluftee Indian Village and, if you enjoy gaming, Harrah's Cherokee Casino, all on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. In the summer, the Cherokees put on their famous Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama. If you have kids with you, they will probably enjoy tubing at the nearby Deep Creek Tubes.
Heading south from Cherokee, you'll visit northern Jackson County, home of Western Carolina University, and the Great Smoky Mountain Railway.
Instead to taking the direct route to Franklin (US-441) you can enjoy a drive on the western and southern legs of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway which route you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Pisgah National Forest.
Passing through Lauada, you'll then head southward along the Little Tennessee River to Franklin and US-64. Now, heading eastward to Highlands along the majestic Cullusaja Gorge, US-64 takes you by some more waterfalls and to the quaint town of Brevard in Transylvania County (and some more very nice restaurants).
A little east of Brevard you will encounter US-276 northbound which passes by Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Creek Falls, Sliding Rock Falls and Slick Rock Falls as it climbs up the mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You could take a little side trip at the Fish Hatchery and see Cove Creek Falls and Daniel Ridge Falls.
Heading north on the Parkway you will see Mt. Pisgah (and another great restaurant with splendid views right from your table). The Parkway will take you back to Asheville but, instead, take the North Carolina Arboretum exit.
Fairly new to the area, the North Carolina Arboretum has as its primary mission the preservation and display of native flora. The Arboretum's 426 acres feature a broad variety of gardens including a 'Quilt Garden' (like a giant bed quilt) which undergoes major seasonal re-designs. Though specializing in native plants, the Arboretum also has some very specialized gardens (e.g., a beautiful azalea garden with dozens of varieties and a large Bonsai garden).
When you exit the Arboretum, turn left, go to the stop light, turn right and then take the first left. At the next light turn left, again, and proceed down the hill to I-26. Turn right onto the eastbound on-ramp. Now you can tour Historic Hendersonville (exit 44) and its unique Main Street. From downtown Hendersonville, take 6th Avenue (it's one-way heading east) which becomes Four Seasons Blvd. Here you'll find a vast commercial strip including everything from fast-food eateries to the Blue Ridge Shopping Mall. Continuing east of Four Seasons, take the east-bound on-ramp of I-26 which will take you by Historic Saluda (exit 59) and, at exit 67, Columbus, county seat of Polk County - nationally famous horse country. If, at the end of the exit ramp (at the traffic circle), you head to the right you can visit Tryon, site of the famous annual Tryon Steeplechase.
Head back to the freeway but take the on-ramp to US-74 east. This will take you to Rutherford County and the tri-cities: Forest City, Spindale and Rutherfordton. Forest City is especially spectacular during the Christmas season.
US-221 northbound will take you to McDowell County and Marion. Nearby is Lake James, the site of most of the filming of the classic film, Last of the Mohicans. Continuing northbound on US-221 will take you to Linville Caverns and the mammoth Linville Falls - and back to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Head west on the Parkway to return to Asheville. On the way you will cross NC-80 (heading north on NC-80 will take you to the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area and the South Toe River. Continuing west on the Parkway will bring you to NC-128 which is the access road to Mt. Mitchell, tallest mountain in the eastern United States.
Breath-taking, isn't it. It took only a few minutes to describe this tour; it would probably take a week to actually do it. While almost any time in the Spring, Summer or Autumn are fine for this tour, I recommend early October when the leaves are putting on their Autumn Show. Folks come here from all over the country to see the blaze of color. I am sure you would find a visit to Western North Carolina very worth while and the source of memories you can cherish for the rest of your life! (and I don't work for the Chamber of Commerce)
| Price : $138.54
