While this road trip can be done in around 2 weeks , we recommend you allow yourself as much time as possible to explore these spectacular parks. For a road trip, select a top park, then link it up with other national parks nearby. For more information, download our brochure. See a full list of access points and some of the “don’t miss” stops along the way. Top North Carolina Mountains State Parks: See reviews and photos of state parks in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina on Tripadvisor. Nantahala National Forest, the largest national forest in North Carolina, covers 531,286 acres in the western tip of the state. National Scenic Trail, NC and CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, … "... lots of stairs!) Tips for Visiting National Parks & Forests Near Asheville Stop at a park office or ranger station to get information including special programs that are happening during your visit. Gorges State Park officially opened to the public in 2009. Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park; Morse Park - Lake Luke; Crestview Park; Kiwanis Park; Trails. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest are located in the northern section of the county, making any of our five mountain towns the most convenient place to stay when you want to get outdoors in the mountains of North Carolina! The national parks include some of the most amazing and majestic scenery found in the United States-if not the world-and Globus shows you the national parks like no one else! For reservations, call 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.. You can call the ranger station if you have additional questions about facilities and activities. |. ... North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Pisgah National Forest. Nantahala National Forest, the largest national forest in North Carolina, covers 531,286 acres in the western tip of the state. Haywood County sits at the western edge of the state, with the Blue Ridge Parkway running along its southwestern border. The beautiful Pisgah National Forest spans more than 500,000 acres. Grandfather Mountain. Explore this map of national parks to find a destination close to our area, and contact us for more information about living in Western North Carolina. Searchable listings of Western NC Mtns hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. The Grand Circle Road Trip includes parks: Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and more! Chimney Rock State Park. Nine State Parks, two State Forests and the Green River Game Lands in Western North Carolina protect spectacular natural landmarks and provide outstanding recreational opportunities. Charles Pinckney was a principal author and a signer of the United States Constitution. Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park; Morse Park - Lake Luke; Crestview Park; Kiwanis Park; Trails. Spend two weeks in the American West, discovering the beauty of many of its most iconic national parks on this adventure tour & trip with National Geographic. The alternative: Pisgah national forest, North Carolina (5.4m visits across this and another forest) Autumn foliage near Asheville, North Carolina Location: Western North Carolina Showcasing some of the North Carolina mountains' best features, including the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest is a top destination that is adored for its year-round scenic views. Cataloochee, for instance, is in a secluded valley where remnants of a once-thriving mountain community remain (as do a herd of elk reintroduced in 2001). The national parks include some of the most amazing and majestic scenery found in the United States-if not the world-and Globus shows you the national parks like no one else! In addition to these national parks, there are small treasures offering plenty of places to hike, bike, and climb: Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont State Forest, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are top choices. Chimney Rock State Park. Great Smoky Mountains. This particular forest has been broken up into four districts, the closest being the Pisgah Ranger District. 109 E. Jones Street Mail Service Center 4601 Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) 814-6800. Featuring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Stone Mountain State Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, Mount Jefferson State Park, Rendezvous Mountain Educaational State Forest Searchable listings of Western NC Mtns RV parks and campgrounds. One of the rarest plant communities in North Carolina. Western North Carolina See on map. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest are located in the northern section of the county, making any of our five mountain towns the most convenient place to stay when you want to get outdoors in the … The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. ... and unusual plants on Mount Jefferson qualified the area for designation as a national natural landmark by the National Park Service in 1974." WNPA supports more than 70 parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enrich the visitor experience. Best National Parks in The Western U.S. Yosemite National Park There is fun for everyone in Western NC. Centered around these popular attractions are activities that include hiking, biking, sightseeing, whitewater rafting, and camping, but there is so much more to discover. Deep Creek near Bryson City is a tuber’s paradise. Appalachian Trail. In the 1990s, then-landowner, Duke Energy, offered the land for sale to natural resources agencies in North and South Carolina. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the National Park Service (along with … Haywood County sits at the western edge of the state, with the Blue Ridge Parkway running along its southwestern border. National Historic Trail Overmountain Victory NC,SC,TN,VA. Great Smoky Mountains. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. Website is a service of Western Carolina Properties Dillsboro Office: 78 Front Street, Dillsboro NC, 28725 | Phone: (828) 586-3442 | info@wcproperties.com Cullowhee Office: 25 Mudpuppy Lane, Sylva, NC 28779 | Phone: (828) 293-3708 | info@wcproperties.com. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 384, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is dedicated to the unique culture found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. Our parks offer family camping, group camping, tent and RV sites, paddle-in sites, and much more. People have been coming to the North Carolina mountains to enjoy their scenic beauty for generations. Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway. "Stone Mountain State Park, in northwestern North Carolina, offers invigorating walks, impressive vistas, and idyllic environs for fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping." DuPont State Forest. Mount Mitchell. Western North Carolina is famous for its lifestyle of adventure and outdoor recreation, which stems from the plethora of national parks, state forests, mountain peaks, and trails throughout the area. Parks and tourist attractions to consider in the Western NC Mtns, North Carolina area are listed below. National Forests. Did you know that North Carolina is home to the largest portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The most visited site in the National Parks system extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of North Carolina and Virginia following the crest of the … Bring your friends and family to the mountains for a vacation they will never forget. What Do We Do? Pisgah National Forest. 3647 Little East Fork Rd, Canton, NC 28716, Coon Tree Picnic Area, U.S. 276, Brevard, NC, Devil's Courthouse, MP 422.4, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Balsam Grove, NC 28708, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Maggie Valley, NC, Pretty Hollow Gap Trail Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, Pink Beds Trail Loop, U.S. 276, Pisgah Forest, NC, ©2021 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. ICC Trails; Thermal Belt Rail Trail; Rocky Broad River Walk; CMLC Florence Nature Preserve; Bearwallow Mountain Trail; Lake Lure Town Center Walkway National & State Parks. Tips for Visiting National Parks & Forests Near Asheville Stop at a park office or ranger station to get information including special programs that are happening during your visit. The Mighty 5: All the Camping in Utah’s National Parks. Source: North Carolina State Parks Trails & Parks. Western National Parks Association helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. To make the most of your vacation time and explore a park that’s perfect for you, check out our favorites in the American West! Stretching 330 miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of … The United States has 58 gorgeous national parks from coast to coast, but it’s unlikely you’ll get the chance to see every one of them. Lavender Fields, All Natural Handmade Goat's Milk Soap. Walk the Appalachian Trail; explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Nantahala National Forest, or Pisgah National Forest; or drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, or Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. by Dakno Marketing. Read all about it. Western North Carolina National Forests Up-to-date National Forest maps can be found online from the USDA Forest Service. In addition to these national parks, there are small treasures offering plenty of places to hike, bike, and climb: Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont State Forest, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are top choices. Affordable, family-friendly vacations North Carolina State Parks offer many exciting camping options, from cabins nestled in the forest to primitive beach camping. Appalachian. Nature trails, parks and scenic roadways abound in Western NC. ... National Parks in the Mountains National Forest Service in the Mountains State Parks in the Mountains. Haywood County sits at the western edge of the state, with the Blue Ridge Parkway running along its southwestern border. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers. Pisgah National Forest. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest are located in the northern section of the county, making any of our five mountain towns the most convenient place to stay when you want to get outdoors in the mountains of North Carolina! Real Estate Web Design 199 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC 28803-8686 (828) 271-4779 / (828) 298-0398 (recorded information) Locator Map (Parkway Visitor Center at Asheville) / Parkway Map / Visit Website. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The initial 52 elk that were originally released have now grown to a herd of more than 100, and the best time to see the elk is approximately two hours before sunset. The most visited site in the National Parks system extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of North Carolina and Virginia following the crest of the … Browse trip ideas and things to do to find inspiration for your vacation. Planning a trip or considering purchasing a home in this beautiful area of the state? The pleasant weather and the multitude of activities and points of interest make Great Smoky Mountains National Park a favorite among residents and tourists alike. 199 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC 28803-8686 (828) 271-4779 / (828) 298-0398 (recorded information) Locator Map (Parkway Visitor Center at Asheville) / Parkway Map / Visit Website. The West has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to national parks. The easiest place to access the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway is any of the four access points we have here in Haywood County. Blue Ridge Parkway. Water abounds in eastern North Carolina, and North Carolina's state parks and recreation areas in that part of the state invite you to explore the unique environments that water creates. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has seven group campgrounds, each offering a markedly different escape. Mount Mitchell. Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina's largest forest, spans more than 500,000 acres through the tip of the state, nestling our area — Sylva, Cullowhee, and Dillsboro — amid stately mountains, towering trees, and the peace and quiet that only mountain life can provide. Recent Tweets. DuPont State Forest. Click on the name of any sightseeing attraction or park for more information. Walk the Appalachian Trail; explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Nantahala National Forest, or Pisgah National Forest; or drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, or Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. See a full list of access points and some of the “don’t miss” stops along the way. Western North Carolina Mountain • City and Town Guide . Fort Macon State Park, located in Atlantic Beach, … A remote area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee is home to the restored elk population that was reintroduced to the area in 2001. Gorges State Park. Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. 5: Mount Jefferson State Park: 1974 and while you'll have an elevation climb to get to the summit on the other side of the trail, you'll end the loop on a descent which makes for a less strenuous hike-- and easier on … The Mountains-to-Sea Trail seeks to connect Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the outer banks and is the flagship project of … Trails & Parks. Haywood County is proud to be home of some of the National Park’s most renowned residents, the elk in Cataloochee Valley. Check out our insiders' guides to each of the state and national parks near Asheville, North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. Chimney Rock State Park - Chimney Rock; South Mountain State Park; Local Parks with Trails. Western North Carolina Mountains Attractions North Carolina Free Camping: Campendium has 75 reviews of 32 places to camp for free in North Carolina. WNPA is a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service. National Parks. No matter the season, there is always something to do in the Great Smoky Mountains, and living in the Great Smoky Mountains is an unmatched experience. Blue Ridge Parkway. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. Copyright © 2021 | Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. State Parks. State Parks. Conservation : To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina’s natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system; Read all about it. RV Parks. Stay up to date on the latest travel advisories. National Parks. This remnant of his coastal plantation is preserved to tell the story of a \"founding father,\" his life of public service, the lives of enslaved African Americans on South Carolina Lowcountry plantations and their influences on Charles Pinckney. Chimney Rock State Park - Chimney Rock; South Mountain State Park; Local Parks with Trails. North Carolina’s 41 state parks, 10 national park sites and 4 national forests offer a range of outdoor escapes where you can paddle, picnic, hike, bike, camp, ride, fish and swim. By 1982, nearly 275 acres of land (that is currently in the park) was placed on the NC Registry of Natural Heritage Areas. Conservation : To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina’s natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system; The still forming Elk Knob State Park is adjacent to the privately owned NNL, and the state has a long-term goal to acquire the site. Top Destinations in Western North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. There is fun for everyone in Western NC. Parks of the Mountains - Western region in North Carolina. Nature trails, parks and scenic roadways abound in Western NC. We always include this on our list of our favorite Western NC state parks because there is so much to do! Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. 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