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Trip Itinerary
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Asheville
Day 1-5
Asheville, North Carolina, offers many different perspectives on the surrounding mountains. From summit hikes with stunning views to hiking trails alongside impressive waterfalls to paths lined with mountain wildflowers and favorite day hikes for families, there's an Asheville hike for almost everyone!
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The North Carolina Arboretum
Day 5
We start the walk on the Grand Garden Promenade past several formal gardens to the Baker Exhibit Center. Eleven hiking trails wind across the 65-acre property. We will walk down to the forest alongside Bent Creek, for a unique opportunity to stroll through acres of mature azalea specimens, with 16 of North America’s 17 native azalea species growing alongside hundreds of cultivars and hybrids in a spectacle of color and fragrance.
3
Pisgah Forest
Day 5
We will make our way to Pisgah Inn for lunch Built in 1964, the Pisgah Inn is the most breathtaking place to stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has a commanding view of the mountain landscape below. Their French silk pie is absolutely a must!
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Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Day 5
The 1.3-mile Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is one of the easiest hiking trails on the Parkway. The hike begins through a rhododendron tunnel to a short spur trail leading to Second Falls. The base of the 55’ cascading waterfall is a popular place for people to get their feet wet and lounge on the boulders. Portions of the loop trail are a wooden boardwalk, crossing the Yellowstone Prong from time to time, as it twists through the landscape and back to the parking lot. The 40’ tall Upper Falls is located at the end of a 1.6-mile out and back hike on the Upper Falls Trail. Beginning along the Graveyard Fields Loop, this trail ascends about 200’ in elevation to the base of the waterfall at the far end of the meadows.
5
Devils Courthouse
Day 5
The parking area at Devil’s Courthouse Overlook provides an impressive view of Devil’s Courthouse from the comfort of the car. But if you’re up for a hike, the 1-mile Devil’s Courthouse Trail includes a 300’ climb to the top of the rocky outcropping seen from the parking lot. The rocky trail is strenuous, but the reward is worth every step.
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Cherokee
Day 5
Before heading to the adorable town of Cherokee, we will stop at Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite places to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parking lot on top of a flat hilltop offers a commanding view of mountains in all directions. The cool breeze and sudden silence invite visitors to one of the concrete picnic tables to enjoy a break from the road. Although the highest point is located at the Richland Balsam Overlook and the next stop is the Cowee Mountain Overlook at Milepost 430.7. This is my favorite scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway because it has an uninterrupted panorama view from the parking lot.
7
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Day 5
Behind the visitor center, the Mountain Farm Museum is a fantastic recreation of an early frontier farm typical of the area long before the national park was created. It’s a short walk along a flat path to explore the exhibits, including a massive barn, frontier home, and gardens. One of my favorite things to do at this visitor center is to watch the elk cross the large grassy field. About an hour or two before sunset, the elk herd will begin crossing the large field as they casually graze. They will frequently cross the field and then meander across the road to disappear into the woods on the other side. We will overnight in Cherokee.
8
Clingmans Dome
Day 5
Clingman’s Dome Road is a 7-mile scenic route that starts near Newfound Gap Overlook and ends at a large parking area just below the summit of the mountain. The 1.2-mile Clingman’s Dome Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot and ascends 300’ in about half a mile to the observation tower on the summit. Privy restrooms are located in the parking lot, and a visitor center on the trail has maps, brochures, and a small gift shop.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Apartments5 days trip
Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum & 6 moreTransportation
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