The Blue Ridge Mountains offers some of the most beautiful vistas in the country, and no trip is complete without a short (or long!) nature hike through some of this wonderful wilderness. We particularly suggest the Dupont and Pisgah National Forests, which offer plenty of waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks.
Dupont Forest is over 10,000 acres and features four major waterfalls and several minor ones, making it a great place for exploring. Several trails take you through the forest and past the waterfalls, depending on how long or how strenuous a hike you want.
Pisgah National Forest is over 1 million acres of preserved land, ripe for exploring. In fact, Pisgah was the first national forest in the United States. Pisgah is known as the "land of waterfalls" and has many beautiful waterfalls to discover as you walk through the forest. Cold Mountain, which many people know from the book by Charles Frazier and the movie of the same name, is located in the forest.
The Blue Ridge Parkway features outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular units of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys.
Chimney Rock Park is the natural fulfillment of your trip to the mountains. Take a deep breath of refreshing mountain air, become invigorated by our hiking trails, and let your cares fade away in the cool mists of Hickory Nut Falls. This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. The Park, located 10 minutes southeast of Mountain Cove Cottage, offers the best of the mountains in one place-spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.
The name fits – Craggy Gardens. These high elevation summits are home to the most spectacular floral display along the 469-mile parkway corridor. Mid to late June is usually prime time for viewing the pink and purple blooms of rhododendron that blanket much of the Craggies.
