Turtleback Falls, NC

Watch the fun at Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Park, a super summer swimming hole in the North Carolina mountains. Hike from Gorges State Park. It's a 3.5-mile roundtrip moderate hike to the cascading waterfall that creates a natural water slide. A short distance down the river is gorgeous Rainbow Falls. Located about 55 miles from Asheville near the scenic US 64 Highway. For more info, go to www.romanticasheville.com/turtleback-falls.

Roan Mountain, NC - Appalachian Trail Hike

Hike with us on the Appalachian Trail across the balds of Roan Mountain on the North Carolina and Tennessee state line. It's one of most scenic sections of the entire AT. Right now, see the massive displays of rhododendron in bloom. See panoramic mountain views as you hike across several balds, with the first peak just 3/4 of a mile from the parking area! Take a picnic. This is definitely one of our favorite hiking trips in the Asheville area. See many details: www.romanticasheville.com/roan.htm

25 Waterfalls Near Asheville NC

The mountains of North Carolina are home to hundreds of waterfalls.With so many choices, where to begin? Here are some must-see waterfalls near Asheville in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, divided into five regional areas:

Blue Ridge Parkway

• Linville Falls: The most photographed waterfall in North Carolina is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a 1.6-mile hike with four overlooks to enjoy a variety of views of the falls and Linville Gorge.
• Crabtree Falls: This beautiful 70-foot waterfall, near Linville Falls, is along a 2.5-mile loop woodland hiking trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Skinny Dip Falls: This refreshing swimming hole on the Blue Ridge Parkway has several cascades, perfect for a hot summer day dip. And it's a beautiful setting any time of the year.
• Graveyard Fields: The highland meadow on the Blue Ridge Parkway features trails to two waterfalls. Second Falls is just a third of a mile from the parking area. Upper Falls requires a four mile hike.

Nantahala National Forest

• Dry Falls: Located in Highlands, this 75-foot roadside waterfall allows the rare treat of walking behind it. Nearby, drive behind Bridal Veil Falls.
• Glen Falls: This beautiful waterfall deep in the forest has two separate falls, accessed via a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike.
• Rainbow Falls: This powerful 150-foot waterfall is accessed by a hiking trail in Gorges State Park. Enjoy the falls from the base, side and the top. Swim at nearby Turtleback Falls.
• Upper Whitewater Falls: The highest waterfall east of the Mississippi plunges 411 feet and is viewed across the valley by walking a short paved trail.

Great Smoky Mountains

• Soco Falls: Located along busy US Highway 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, the roadside twin waterfall is a beauty (photo at top). 
• Deep Creek Smoky Mountains Waterfalls: See three waterfalls (Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a loop hike near Bryson City. During the summer, go tubing down Deep Creek.
• Mingo Falls: Located near Cherokee, this 200-foot waterfall is a short walk from the parking area.

Hendersonville Area

• Hickory Nut Falls: his 404-foot waterfall in Chimney Rock State Park was featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.
• Pearson’s Falls: This 90-foot waterfall in a beautiful glen is located between Saluda and Tryon, convenient to Interstate 26.
• DuPont State Forest: A three-mile easy hike takes you to the base of three waterfalls: High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls.

Pisgah National Forest

• Catawba Falls: Hike 1.5 miles to the lower falls, a 100-foot cascade with best views in the winter since leaves hide the top of the falls.
• Looking Glass Falls: You don't have to get out of your car to see this 60-foot roadside waterfall, located on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.
• Moore Cove Falls: An easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike takes you to this 50-foot tall waterfall that you can walk behind.
• Sliding Rock: During the summer, cool off as you slide down this 60-foot cascade.

See more info: Waterfalls Near Asheville NC.

High Falls at Lake Glenville, NC

Our first visit to High Falls at Lake Glenville was a blast! Take a new hiking trail to the base of the 150-foot waterfall. The waterfall is just a small stream most days. Six times a year, Duke Energy releases water from the dam upstream for kayakers to enjoy the six miles of river below the falls. Located near Cashiers and Highlands in the North Carolina mountains, it's a beautiful setting every day of the year. But the thunderous waterfall that is created on these days is definitely a wonder to see. For more details and photos, go to our new guide at http://www.romanticasheville.com/high_falls_glenville.htm.

Top 10 Quick Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes Near Asheville

Looking for a quick hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway? There are many choices near Asheville, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Here are our ten favorite hiking trails that are easy to find and less than four miles in length. So they are perfect to experience the Parkway outside your car. Also, the Blue Ridge Parkway rangers lead weekly guided hikes every Friday morning (see the current list)!

1. Rough Ridge: This unique hike offers plenty of viewpoints and a wooden boardwalk over fragile vegetation. The one-mile climb to the summit features many rock outcrops along the way to enjoy the views of Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct and mountain ranges. Milepost 303

2. Beacon Heights: This one-mile roundtrip hike has a big pay-off with spectacular views from a smooth rock face. Since it’s a short climb, it’s great spot to take along your picnic! Milepost 305

3. Linville Falls: See five viewpoints of the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina via two trails that begin at the Visitors Center. Only one of the trails is strenuous and you can hike to all viewpoints with a four-mile hike. Milepost 316

4. Crabtree Falls: A three-mile loop trail takes you to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall with many wildflowers along the way. Milepost 340

5. Mt. Mitchell: Since you can drive almost to the summit of the highest point east of the Mississippi, a short paved trail takes you to the observation deck at the summit. The best hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig (the second highest peak in Eastern USA). The two-mile roundtrip hike through a lush forest includes a good bit of climbing, but it is not overly strenuous.  Milepost 355

6. Craggy Gardens: There are two great, easy hikes here. The 1.5-roundtrip trail to the top of Craggy Pinnacle provides exceptional 360-degree mountain views. The Craggy Gardens Trail runs from the south end of the Visitor Center parking area to the north end of the picnic area and crosses a rhododendron bald with peak color in mid June. Milepost 364

7.  Mt. Pisgah: The popular three-mile roundtrip trail to the 5,721-foot summit is strenuous. But you can reward yourself with a hearty meal at the nearby Pisgah Inn restaurant afterwards! Milepost 407

8.  Graveyard Fields:  This very popular hiking spot features two waterfalls in a mild-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. The Graveyard Fields Loop is about four miles. It will reopen in July 2014 after renovations. Milepost 419

9.  Black Balsam Knob: For sweeping 360-degree views that lasts for miles along a trail, roam the bald mountaintops. Almost entirely devoid of trees above 6,000 feet, the summits are more reminiscent of New England than North Carolina. Milepost 420

10. Devil's Courthouse: This short but strenuous trail climbs a half mile to the mountaintop for panoramic views from the 5,720-foot peak. Its "devilish" look has created many folk tales to enjoy.  Milepost 422

For more information about these and other stops and things to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway, go to http://www.romanticasheville.com/BlueRidgeParkway.htm. Our list covers 170 miles of the Parkway near Asheville, starting from the north near Grandfather Mountain and going south to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Ecosystem Improvement Project Begins in Pisgah National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service will soon begin the first phase of an ecosystem improvement project in the Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, that includes 64 acres of timber harvesting. The effort, called the Brushy Ridge project, will provide a number of environmental benefits such as controlling non-native species, improving fish habitat and promoting wildlife habitat.

To help ensure public safety during timber harvesting activities the Forest Service will close trails and roads in the Trace Ridge Area of Henderson County in the Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, beginning in early February 2014 and continuing through May 2014. The following trails and roads will be closed during this time:

• Hendersonville Reservoir Road (FS 142)
• Fletcher Creek Road (FS 5097), to intersection with Spencer Gap Trail (Trail 600)
• Wash Creek (Trail 606)
• Trace Ridge (Trail 354)
• North Mills River (Trail 353)
• Yellow Gap Trail (Trail 611)

Trace Ridge Trailhead will not be accessible and the use of the trails and roads is prohibited. Please use caution while traveling in the area, particularly Wash Creek Road as logging truck will be on the area roads.

The Forest Service designed the Brushy Ridge project to fulfill management objectives in the current Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest management plan. This project allows the agency to implement a variety of management activities to improve ecological diversity, as well as promote forest health and sustainability.

The Forest Service's management practices will:

• Regenerate favorable tree species such as oaks and hickories and maintain a variety of hardwood tree species;
• Improve the growth and health of remaining trees through thinning treatments;
• Improve habitat for aquatic species, including trout, by replacing culverts and bridges that are restricting flow and causing erosion issues;
• Improve habitat for wildlife, including game species such as turkeys and non-game species;
• Control non-native invasive species;
• Plant hybrid American Chestnut trees as a first step toward restoring them to Southern Appalachian forests and plant blight resistant butternut seedlings; and
• Designate an additional 231 acres of old growth forest areas.

The Forest Service will implement the second phase of this project, which involves an additional 63 acres, this spring or summer. Seniard Mountain Road (FS 5001) and Bear Branch Trail (Trail 328) will be closed during this phase. For more information on Pisgah National Forest: http://www.romanticasheville.com/pisgah_forest.htm.

Roads Closed in Pisgah National Forest Due to Weather

The U.S. Forest Service has closed the following roads in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest (in the Looking Glass Rock area) near Asheville NC for public safety and resource protection:

• FSR 475B (Headwaters Road) from the intersection of FSR 475 (Davidson River Road, near the Pisgah Fish Hatchery), to Gumstand Gap (Sunwall Trailhead)

• FSR 476 (Wolf Ford Road)

• FSR 477 (Avery Creek) from the Pisgah Stables north to Route 276

• FSR 479 (Bent Creek) from just after Ledford Branch Trailhead to the Blue Ridge Parkway

• FSR 5000 (Wash Creek) from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the junction of FSR 142 (Hendersonville Reservoir Rd.)

Motorized access to trailheads in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Wash Creek Horse Camp and Trace Ridge Trailhead will remain open.

The following additional roads (or portions of roads) will be closed if changing weather conditions cause further deterioration:

• FSR 140 (Courthouse Creek)

• FSR 1206 (Yellow Gap)

Seasonal freeze and thaw has caused soft road conditions that make driving difficult. Additional traffic can increase damage to roads and cause sediment runoff into adjacent streams. These conditions also create a public safety concern because of the likelihood of having difficulties traveling on the road, including the possibility of becoming stranded. The duration of these closures will be determined by weather conditions.

For more about Pisgah National Forest, go to http://www.romanticasheville.com/pisgah_forest.htm.

Movie Film Locations near Asheville in the NC Mountains

The beautiful scenery from Asheville and the North Carolina mountains appear in many movies. Most recently, The Hunger Games filmed in several locations near Asheville. According to RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide, here are the top 10 movie locations in western North Carolina (read more at www.romanticasheville.com/hollywood.htm).

1. Biltmore: First seen on the big screen in 1952 in The Swan starring Grace Kelly. Other movies filmed here include Hannibal, Return to Secret Garden, The Clearing, My Fellow Americans, Richie Rich, and Being There.

2. Chimney Rock: The park just celebrated the 20th anniversary of the filming of the Last of the Mohicans starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

3. Lake Lure: Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey 1980s hit Dirty Dancing. The Dirty Dancing Festival is held each August.

4. DuPont State Forest: The Hunger Games filmed in 2011 by the waterfalls. Read more about this and other Hunger Games locations, including the ghost town used for District 1, at www.romanticasheville.com/hunger_games.htm 

5. Downtown Asheville: Conquest of Canaan  was the first movie filmed in Asheville, in the 1920s.

6. Great Smoky Mountains: The Fugitive with Harrison Ford filmed at Cheoah Dam. Nell with Jodie Foster filmed at Fontana Lake. Ride by this location on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

7. Grandfather Mountain: Several of the running scenes filmed for the 1994 Academy Award winning Forrest Gump.

8. Blue Ridge Parkway: Patch Adams and The Green Mile filmed along Parkway.

9. Black Mountain: 28 Days starring Sandra Bullock was filmed in 1999

10. Cold Mountain: While the 2003 movie was not filmed here, explore the areas featured in the best-selling Charles Frazier novel.

Asheville NC Top Things to Do 2014

Based on content accessed by one million readers, RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide has released its Top 20 Things to See & Do during romantic getaways to Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains:

1. Biltmore House: The estate includes America's largest castle and most-visited winery, along with grand gardens. It’s the perfect spot to experience the “Downton Abbey” lifestyle.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway: One of the most scenic drives in the country features breathtaking mountain views, hiking, museums, camping and picnic spots.

3. Waterfalls: Of the hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, most are located in state and federal parks with no admission fee. See our Top 40 Waterfalls.

4. Hikes: The best way to appreciate the outdoor splendor is hiking one of the hundreds of trails, ranging from multi-day treks on the Appalachian Trail to short strolls in Nantahala National Forest. See our Top 100 Hikes.

5. Downtown Asheville: In addition to browsing 200+ local stores, boutiques and art galleries, visitors love the street performers and Friday night drum circle.

6. Accommodations: Elegant bed and breakfasts, hip hotels and secluded log cabin rentals provide the perfect romantic getaway with options for all tastes.

7. Fall Color: Each autumn, the spectacular leaf color show in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the favorite time of year for visitors. 

8. Restaurants: The Asheville culinary scene has exploded with farm-to-table restaurants with local food and world-class chefs.

9. DuPont State Forest: There is no admission fee to enjoy the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails to several waterfalls.

10. Sliding Rock: This natural waterslide, located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard and Looking Glass Falls, is the top summer spot to stay cool.

11. Events: Each week, there are street festivals, concerts, plays, art tours and other events in and near Asheville, and many of them are free.

12. Mt Mitchell: The highest mountain in the eastern United States has a road to the top for panoramic views from the observation deck.

13. Great Smoky Mountains: This International Biosphere Reserve is home to rugged mountains, historic buildings, and 100,000 different types of plants and animals.

14. The Hunger Games: Film locations for the blockbuster movie include a ghost town and waterfalls.

15. Graveyard Fields: This mile-high meadow on the Blue Ridge Parkway has trails and waterfalls.

16. Beer: Asheville’s title of “Beer City USA” is well earned with 20 craft breweries in western North Carolina.

17. Zip Lines: Canopy tours zip visitors through the mountain forests, over rivers and across valleys.

18. Chimney Rock Park: This famous rock formation in Hickory Nut Gorge overlooking Lake Lure provides mountain views, great hiking and a 400-foot waterfall.

19. Art: Hundreds of galleries and artist studios feature many art festivals, shows and tours.

20. Linville Falls: The most photographed waterfall in North Carolina cascades into Linville Gorge.

For more information, go to the 600-page online Asheville travel guide at www.RomanticAsheville.com.