Asheville East KOA

Blue Ridge Parkway

The parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain and provides seemingly endless views of parallel ranges connected by cross ranges and scattered hills. From Shenandoah National Park the parkway follows the Blue Ridge, eastern rampart of the Appalachians, for 355 miles. Then, for the remaining 114 miles, it skirts the southern end of the massive Black Mountains, named for the dark green spruce and fir that cover them, weaves through the Craggies, the Pisgahs, the Balsams, and ends in the Great Smokies. (828) 298-0358
www.nps.gov/blri

Cherokee Indian Reservation

This 56,000 acre reservation, home to the Eastern Cherokees, includes a casino, museum, Indian Village, outdoor drama, arts & crafts. At the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visitor Center (800) 438-1601
www.cherokee-nc.com

Chimney Rock Park

A 26-story elevator ride or a network of trails takes you through solid granite for a breathtaking 75-mile view of the Blue Ridge. The Park's five different nature trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous, make the ideal outing. Scenic nature trails lead to Hickory Nut Falls. 1 (800) 277-9611
www.chimneyrockpark.com

Cradle of Forestry

Location of the first forestry school (1898) in America. It hosts a visitors center, film walking tours, restored historic buildings, forestry exhibits, restored steam locomotive, & gift shop. A variety of special events are held throughout the year. Open daily mid-April to early November, 9am-5pm (828) 877-3130
www.cradleofforestry.com

Grandfather Mountain

On the highest swinging footbridge in America, you will be surrounded by the great peaks of the southern Appalachians. Crossing this famous bridge suspends visitors actually more than a mile above sea level.
Grandfather Mountain features views from the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Environmental habitats display native wildlife in a natural setting. Enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, a nature museum & theatre. Open daily 8am-7pm. U.S. 221 between the Blue Ridge Parkway & Linville. 1 (800) 468-7325
www.grandfather.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most popular national park, attracting more than 10 million visitors each year. It extends some 70-miles along the North Carolina-Tennessee border & contains more than a half million of unspoiled forest. 50 miles southwest of Asheville. (865) 436-1200

Great Smoky Mountains Railway

The Great Smoky Mountain Railway offers scenic excursions through mountain gorges on trains pulled by diesel-electric and steam locomotives. Daily departures from Bryson City & Dillsboro year round. Call for schedule and reservations. (800) 872-4681
www.gsmr.com

Linville Caverns

See inside a mountain. This limestone cavern extends deep into the mountainside, offering a variety of interesting formations. There is an underground stream that is home to blind rainbow trout. The cavern has a year-round temperature of 52 degrees. Open daily March-November. Weekends only December-February
(800) 756-4171, U.S. 221, Marion
www.linvillecaverns.com

Pisgah National Forest

This 500,000 plus-acre forest features waterfalls, swimming holes, fishing & picnic areas. Part of the forest was originally a part of the Biltmore Estate, purchased in 1916. Access from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, U.S. 25/70 & U.S. 280 West. (828) 257-4200

River Adventures
Choose from mild to wild. Asheville and surrounding areas offer something for everyone.

Float trips Tuckaseegee Outfitters, Dillsboro 1 (800) 539-5683; www.tuckfloat.com
Quietwater trips - Southern Waterways - Asheville (800) 849-1970; (828) 232-1970; www.paddlewithus.com

Whitewater trips USA Raft 1(800) USA-Raft; www.usaraft.com/
Nantahala Outdoor Center; (888)662-2199; www.noc.com

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides

Located in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 30 minutes North of Asheville. 1-4 hour Horseback rides available.
(800)959-3513; (828) 649-3464
www.sandybottomtrailrides.com

Sliding Rock

The King of Swimming Holes! This 60 foot natural water slide down a well-worn slab of rock was providing summertime fun long before water parks were available. Located in the Pisgah National Forest.

Tweetsie Railroad

The Carolina's original family theme park. Be a cowboy, Indian or engineer. Shop, learn to clog or pan for gold. Climb aboard our Historic locomotive - Number 12. (800) 526-5740 Blowing Rock NC
www.tweetsie.com

WNC Waterfalls

Western North Carolina offers some of the most beautiful Waterfalls to be found anywhere in the country
www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/wncwaterfalls/welcome.htm
www.visitwaterfalls.com