 | Gorges State Park
PO Box 100
Sapphire, N.C. 28774-0100
(828) 966-9099 
Location:
Sapphire, NC |
Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. An elevation that rises 2,000 feet in only four miles, combined with rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year, creates a temperate rain forest and supports a collection of waterfalls. On April 29, 1999, thanks to a unique partnership of industry, the environmental community and the state of North Carolina, 10,000 acres of the Jocassee Gorges in Transylvania County were placed in public ownership to be preserved for future generations of North Carolinians. The property was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation, and the transaction created a 2,900-acre gameland managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and a 7,100-acre state park — North Carolina's newest state park and our first state park west of Asheville. Because Gorges State Park is so new, the park is still in its planning and development phase. Currently, park staff are working with local citizens in a planning process that will give everyone the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the park's master plan, a document which determines long-range plans for the park, including facility development and management. Only a few facilities have been constructed while the park's master plan is being completed. Therefore, the park's information, rules and regulations are subject to change. Park hours
November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park office hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Closed state holidays
There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, 1,855-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience. Park hours
November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April and September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
May-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park office hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Closed Christmas Day
 | New River
State Park
P.O. Box 48
Jefferson, NC 28640
(336) 982-2587 
Location:
Jefferson, NC |
Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and bucolic farmlands surround what is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America — the New River. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, this gentle river is the centerpiece of New River State Park. The New River area still maintains an old-fashioned charm. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, dotted with small farms, churches and country stores. The river itself is tranquil, offering good bass fishing, trout streams, excellent birding and inspiring mountain scenery. But perhaps the best way to absorb and appreciate the river's peacefulness is from the seat of a canoe as it glides across the slow-moving waters. Three areas with access to this waterway make up more than 1,500 acres of New River State Park and provide spots for camping, canoeing, picnicking and fishing. Park Hours
November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park Office Hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Closed state holidays
 | Lake James State Park
P.O. Box 340
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-5047
Location:
Nebo, NC |
Tucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge is Lake James, a 6,510-acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline. This impressive waterway is the centerpiece of Lake James State Park. Here, nature offers scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains and beckons to those with an appetite for recreation. Bring family and friends to one of North Carolina's newest state parks for a variety of activities. Try swimming and sunbathing or enjoy a picnic along the lakeshore. Boat, water ski or fish in cool mountain waters, or take a walk and enjoy an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife along park trails. Lake James offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Park hours
November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park office hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Close state holidays
 | South
Mountains State Park
3001 South Mountains State Park Ave.
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
(828) 433-4772
Location:
Connelly Springs, NC |
Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet and more than 40 miles of trails. From equestrian camping to trout fishing, mountain biking to picnicking, a number of activities are available at South Mountains State Park. Visit one of the state's most rugged parks. Hike the trail to High Shoals Falls to witness the roar of the waterfall as it pours into a large pool. Backpack through the woodlands for primitive camping. Fish for trout in miles of mountain streams, or bicycle along the 18-mile mountain-bike loop. Park hours
November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park Office hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Closed state holidays
 | Stone Mountain State Park
Headquarters:
3042 Frank Parkway
Roaring Gap, NC 28668
(336) 957-8185 
Location:
Roaring Gap, NC | Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain's base. The scenery is only one attraction of the park. Test your fly-fishing techniques in more than 17 miles of designated trout waters. Or, with more than 16 miles of trails, take a hike in the park. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975, Stone Mountain is bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the west by the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands. More than 13,747 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds. Park hours
November-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park office hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Closed state holidays
 | Mount
Jefferson State Park
Headquarters:
PO Box 48
Jefferson, NC 28640
(336) 246-9653 
Location:
Jefferson, NC | Mount Jefferson rises abruptly to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, serving as a landmark for area motorists. Acquaint yourself with this mighty peak by viewing it first from the Mount Jefferson Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rising as a long, forested prominence, its dark color is conspicuous among neighboring peaks on the Ashe plateau. Though the mountain is magnificent from a distance, Mount Jefferson is best appreciated up close. On a clear day, you can see for miles from its peak. A great part of Ashe County spreads out below; fields, farms, forests and mountains mingle in kaleidoscopic patterns. On the horizon, the Blue Ridge Mountains form a striking backdrop. Yet what looms in the distance is no more spectacular than what is right before your eyes, for the forests of Mount Jefferson are a botanical paradise. The interesting and unusual plant life of the park rendered it worthy of designation as a national natural landmark. Park hours
November-February, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
March and October, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
April, May, September, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
June-August, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day Park office hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Closed state holidays
 | Pisgah National Forest
1001 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(828) 877-3265
Location:
Pisgah Forest, NC
|
Pisgah National Forest features some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery, and the best recreational opportunities in eastern North America. The Pisgah National Forest is a large forest that covers much of the north and central western mountains of NC. It is broken up into 4 Ranger Districts. The Pisgah Ranger District is dominated by Mt. Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway and extends on both sides of the Parkway. It is located roughly between the towns of Brevard, Waynesville and Asheville, NC. This area is especially noted for easy access to many beautiful waterfalls, wonderful hiking and camping opportunities, the Cradle of Forestry, and more. The district also includes the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas. The Appalachian/French Broad Ranger District lies along the North Carolina / Tennessee border, northeast of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Among the highlights of this region are the Harmon Den area - a mecca for horseback riders, Max Patch mountain - offering stunning panoramic views, the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail. The Grandfather Ranger District lies southeast of the Blue Ridge Parkway from north of Asheville to Blowing Rock, NC. Linville Gorge is the predominant feature of the area with very rugged terrain to challenge even experienced hikers. There are also easier trails. Other significant features include the Wilson Creek area, which is highly favored among kayakers and the Brown Mountain Off-Road Vehicle area. The Appalachian/Toecane Ranger District lies northwest of the Blue Ridge Parkway from north of Asheville to Blowing Rock and to the Tennessee state line. This area contains some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the east including important wildflower habitats at Craggy Gardens and Roan Mountain. Also included in this district are Mt. Mitchell - highest point in eastern America and Grandfather Mountain - an international biosphere preserve, although neither of these are actually National Forest property. The peak of Mt. Mitchell is a North Carolina State Park. Grandfather Mountain is privately owned, but open to the public with an admission charge.
Visitor Center: 8:00 to 5:00 M-F
Summer months the visitor center is also open from 9:00 to 5:00 on weekends and holidays.
 | Nantahala
National Forest
Route 1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, NC 28771
(828) 479-6431
Location:
Robbinsville, NC |
Mountains surpassing 5000 feet, cascading waterfalls, towering hardwood forests and whitewater foaming over the backs of boulders--these are the sights awaiting you in the Nantahala National Forest. Enjoy the panoramic views from Whiteside Mountain or Wayah Bald. A 2-mile loop trail to the top of the Whiteside cliffs, provides a spectacular view. Wayah Bald is especially beautiful in June when the azaleas and laurel bloom. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, with it's 400-year old trees, is another breathtaking sight, as is Whitewater Falls - the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. The Nantahala River
The feature attraction of the region is a magnificent river gorge. Nantahala means "land of the noonday sun" because the steep gorge only gets direct sunlight during the middle of the day. The Nantahala River is a mecca for whitewater sports enthusiasts. You can bring your own kayak or raft, or rent one when you get there. Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway
Some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in the southern Appalachians includes two river gorges and rural countryside. There is easy access to a wide variety of adventure on this 61.3 mile drive that winds through southern Appalachian hardwood forest, two spectacular river gorges, and rural countryside. From Highlands to Almond, the route follows US 64, old US 64, NC 1310, and US 19 through Nantahala National Forest. For the first 7.5 miles, the by-way travels through picturesque Cullasaja Gorge. The winding road parallels the river's most rugged course and offers scenic views of the river and waterfalls. If you stop at Bridal Veil Falls along the way, your car can get a natural car wash. Hiking Trails
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails wind through Nantahala. It's a great place to enjoy the peace and wonder of nature, whatever your hiking ability. Camping
The Nantahala National Forest offers full-featured campgrounds as well as primitive and group campgrounds. Visit the National Forest Map and Facilities page for locations of campgrounds. Get the official NFS info for mountain camping (PDF format) and info about reserving sites. We do not make reservations for camping, nor do we have anything else to do with the campgrounds. Tsali Recreation Area
Bike and Horse area on Fontana Lake, also offers camping and boat launch facilities. Joyce Kilmer / Slickrock area
No poetry is likely to convey the magnificence of the southern Appalachian virgin hardwood forest that you will find in the memorial forest named for the author of the poem "Trees". Waterfalls, Lakes & Rivers
The Nantahala National Forest is a great place for water lovers. Along with the namesake river and gorge, there are impressive waterfalls, including the highest waterfall in the east - Whitewater Falls.
 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Headquarters:
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
Location:
Cherokee, NC |
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary, the park attracts over nine million visitors each year. Once a part of the Cherokee homeland, the Smokies today are a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of trails.
Diversity. More than 4,000 species of plants grow here. A walk from mountain base to peak compares with traveling 1,250 miles north. Several resident plants and animals live only in the Smokies. A rich cultural history. From the Cherokee Indians, to the Scotch-Irish settlers, this land was home to a variety of cultures and people. Many historic structures remain standing. Subsistence turned to exploitation as logging concerns stripped the region of timber. Recovery is now the dominant theme. Nine million visits per year. The National Park Service must balance the needs of the land with the desires of the people both today and for the future.
 | Carl Sandburg Home
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731-8635
(828) 693-4178 
Location:
Flat Rock, NC |
Carl Sandburg, nationally renowned poet, biographer, lecturer, newspaper columnist, folksinger, author of American fairytales, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, provided broad and enduring 20th century insight into the circumstances, worth and spirit of the American people. He passionately championed for the everyday working person, those who may neither have had the words nor the power to speak for themselves.
A Midwesterner most of his life, Sandburg and his family moved to North Carolina in 1945. This farm offered the peace and solitude required for his writing and offered Mrs. Sandburg over 30 acres of pasture-land that she desired to raise her champion dairy goats. Sandburg, having already achieved literary fame before relocating to North Carolina, continued to write and lecture and published more than one-third of his works during his 22 years at Connemara. Today the site, managed by the National Park Service, preserves the Sandburg legacy for future generations. The historic landscape consists of the Sandburg residence, a dairy goat barn complex that is home to the park's Connemara Farms goat herd, sheds, rolling pastures, mountainside woods, five miles of hiking trails on moderate to steep terrain, two small lakes, several ponds, flower and vegetable gardens, and an apple orchard.
 | Apalachian
National Scenic Trail
Headquarters:
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
304-535-6278 
Location:
Hot Springs, NC |
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is used by day, weekend and other short-term hikers, section-hikers and thru-hikers. Thru-hikers hike the entire length of the Trail in one season.
The A.T. began as a vision of forester Benton MacKaye and was developed by volunteers and opened as a continuous trail in 1937. It was designated as the first National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act of 1968. The Trail is currently protected along more than 99 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by rights-of-way. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute more than 185,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail.
 | Blue Ridge
Parkway
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803-8686
(828) 271-4779
Location:
Asheville, NC |
The Blue Ridge Parkway, sometimes called "America's Favorite Drive", provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains. It is designed as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience, so please don't be in a hurry.
The Parkway meanders for 469 miles and connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, providing ample opportunities for stops at overlooks, picnic and camping facilities, trails, and wonderful cultural and natural areas. The park information number at (828) 298 0398 is your best source for up-to-date information on special events or what is blooming along the Parkway. |
