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North Carolina is home to the greatest mass of mountains in the eastern United States. The northeastern arm of the mountains is known as the Blue Ridge Mountains while the southwestern arm is known as The Great Smokey Mountains. Between them, they cover 11,000 square miles and have 40 peaks over 6,000 feet high. The highest peak, Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. One of the more famous of the mountains is Grandfather Mountain, home of the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the annual Gathering of the Clans or Scottish Highland Games.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world. It winds over, around and through 250 miles of scenic North Carolina Mountains. There are many beautiful waterfalls and other shows of natures beauty. All along its length in North Carolina, you can find an abundance of activities and places to visit along the Parkway or just a short distance from the Parkway.
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Located about twenty-five miles southeast of Ashville is a rock formation standing 225 feet high which is known as Chimney Rock. It stands at the entrance to Hickory Nut Gorge and from the top, you can get a magnificent view of Lake Lure below and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the West. Chimney Rock, and the immediately surrounding area, has been purchased by the State of North Carolina and is now a state park. The park offers hiking, mountain climbing, trails and much more.
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Biltmore House, located near Ashville, is America's largest private home. Built for George Vanderbilt, this home has 250 rooms and sits on 8,000 acres of prime mountain land. Tours of the home and gardens are available throughout the year with special decorations for the holidays. Christmas at Biltmore is a wonder to behold.
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The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is America's most visited national park. The park lies within two states: North Carolina and Tennessee with more than half lying in North Carolina. It has more than 800 miles of backcountry trails and approximately 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. It is world renowned for its beauty and mountain culture. The mountains derive their name from the haze which forms in the mountains area. At the southwestern tip of the Smokies lies Fontana Dam. At 480 feet it is the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains. It lies across the Little Tennessee River and forms Fontana Lake. The water from the dam is used to produce hydro-electric power.
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North Carolina is well known for its many ski resorts. Skiers can take the down slopes, cross country ski or use their favorite boards. Ski such places as Beech Mountain, Sapphire Valley, Sugar Mountain, Wolf Ridge, and many more.
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Linville Caverns, under Humpback Mountain, was first discovered in 1822 by a fisherman who noticed that trout were swimming in and out of the mountain. The caverns opened to public tours in 1937 and have been a favorite attraction in the North Carolina mountains ever since. Nearby is beautiful Linville Falls.
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Linville Falls located in Linville Gorge is a set of two falls along the Linville River.It is necessary to hike along a wide dirt path for approximately 1 mile to reach the overlook. The beauty of the falls area makes the hike worthwhile.
