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Heading West from
Asheville
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.
Cherohala, Fontana and Joyce Kilmer
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.
Cherokee Indian Reservation
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.
Great Smoky Mountain Railway
Heading south from Cherokee, you’ll visit northern Jackson
County, home of Western Carolina University, and the Great Smoky
Mountain Railway.
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
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.
Franklin, Cullusaja Gorge and Brevard
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).
Highway of the Waterfalls
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.
Mount Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Parkway
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.
North Carolina Arboretum
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).
Historic Hendersonville
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.
Horse Country
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.
Forest City, Spindale and Rutherfordton
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.
Lake James and Linville Falls and Caverns
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.
South Toe River and Mount Mitchell
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.
Are You Ready?
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
J
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