Ashe County, NC
Ashe County is located in the Northwestern corner of North Carolina atop the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a place of scenic views, small towns, and welcoming people. Visitors come here for the serenity of mountain cabins and the spirit of shared community. They come to hike the hills, canoe the New River, and fish trout from spring fed streams. If you're looking to find elbow room and a slower pace of life, night skies filled with a million stars instead of the glow of streetlights, and to hear the music of whippoorwill and hoot owl, then Ashe County awaits you!
Blowing Rock, NC
Blowing Rock is a quaint village nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Seventeen ski resorts are located just outside Blowing Rock.
The Blowing Rock
�It is said that a Chickasaw chieftain, fearful of a white man's admiration for his lovely daughter, journeyed far from the plains to bring her to The Blowing Rock and the care of a squaw mother. One day the maiden, daydreaming on the craggy cliff, spied a Cherokee brave wandering in the wilderness far below and playfully shot an arrow in his direction�� Find out the ending to this delightful legend of The Blowing Rock by visiting its website.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Visit our own page about The Parkway as well as the Parkway's official page.
Boone, NC
Boone is located in the northwest corner of North Carolina, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountains are considered to be some of the oldest mountains in the world. Boone has received many accolades: "The Firefly Capital of the World." "One of the 100 Best Small Towns in America." "Best Mountain Town. The air is clearer, drier and 10 degrees cooler. 3,300 feet closer to heaven, the views are longer and life is slower.
Doughton Park
Over 30 miles of hiking trails criss-cross Doughton Park, ranging from modest strolls to all-day outings. Horse trails, fishing, camping, picnicking, lodging and a restaurant are also offered at Doughton Park, located at milepost 241 of the Blue Ridge Parkway (in Alleghany County,) near Laurel Springs and Ashe County.
Frescoes at The Church of the Holy Trinity and St, Mary's
St Mary's, in West Jefferson, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, in Glendale Springs, hold some of Ashe County's greatest treasures: the Frescoes by artist Ben Long.
Grandfather Mountain
The Mile High Swinging Bridge is named for its elevation above sea level (5,300 feet). The bridge is 228 feet long and spans a chasm that is 80 feet deep. Grandfather has seven environmental habitats for black bears, bear cubs, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden eagles, and white-tail deer. Grandfather Mountain has been privately owned by the same family since 1885. Hugh Morton (age 82) inherited the Mountain from his grandfather, Hugh MacRae, in 1952. Elevation: 5,964 feet. The highest peak, the Calloway Peak, is the highest point in the Blue Ridge mountain range extending from Pennsylvania to north Georgia. Mount Mitchell, elevation 6,684 feet, is the highest peak in the Black Mountains and the highest point in Eastern America. The Blacks are a spur range off the Blue Ridge. Located on US 221, one mile south of the intersection of US 221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway and two miles north of Linville, North Carolina.
Grayson Highlands/Mt. Rogers Recreation Area
Grayson Highlands, originally named Mount Rogers State Park, was established in 1965. The community overwhelmingly supported this park, beginning with a fund-raising effort for land acquisition and continuing with the donation of items on exhibit in the visitor center. Many areas in the park are named after early settlers. Camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding.
Horn in the West
Kermit Hunter�s revolutionary drama, �Horn in the West� is a tale of triumph and tragedy, joy and heartbreak, all set in the context of the forging of America. Enjoy the compelling story of Daniel Boone and the intrepid settlers of America in their journey westward. Fallow the Stuart family as they discover something special about themselves and the people who strove to overcome adversity and spark the fire of a nation. You are surrounded by majestic 200-year old oaks and entertained with story, song and dance under the stars.
Julian Price Memorial Park
Located at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this park is the largest of the parkway's many recreational facilities. Julian Price Park features numerous hiking trails varying in length and difficulty, a camping area, picnic grounds and canoe rentals. During the summer, interpretive programs are also often held in the Price Park Amphitheater.
Linville Caverns
Deep beneath Humpback Mountain, nature has sculpted a veritable masterpiece in stone. Toiling many centuries, slowly moving ground water has been the primary artist for this creation of underground labyrinths. The water dissolved out an incredible series of rooms and passages, and created spectacular formations. The cavern was discovered in the 1800's by men intrigued by the mystery of fish swimming out of the mountain. Since then, extensive research has been done to acknowledge the history, folklore, geology and biology of Linville Caverns. One can only marvel at the endless information this underground wonder has to offer. The mystery is still alive.
Magic Mountain Mini Golf
A challenging and fun-filled course set on a mountainside amidst the beauty of nature and waterfalls. Mine for your own gems in NC enriched ore. All equipment provided. Boone, NC
828-265-4653
The Mast General Store
Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you'll discover spectacular foliage, rustic countryside and a place Charles Kuralt calls, "... a destination." That place is the Mast General Store in the rural historic district of Valle Crucis. Since 1883, we've been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. When in the North Carolina High Country, we invite you to warm up by our potbellied stove, mail a letter at our antique post office and discover for yourself why... some times are just too good to leave behind. Another Mast General Store is also located in Boone, NC.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Located near Julian Price Park at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this beautiful 3,600 acre park features the splendid Cone Manor House, erected at the turn of the century. The previous home of the Cone family now houses an official Blue Ridge Parkway craft and information center. The grounds also include numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding, streams and lakes and several historic orchards which are in the process of being partially restored. Another site with info about Moses Cone.
Mount Jefferson State Park
Covering 539 acres, Ashe County's Mount Jefferson State Park is relatively undeveloped, but offers many adventures for hikers who are interested in enjoying some of the High Country's most scenic trails, including Mount Jefferson's famous Rhododendron Trail. The park includes several picnic tables, each with a fantastic view of the surrounding three states (North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee), along with numerous sights of interest for naturalists, botanists and birders of all ages.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet, is the highest peak in Eastern America. A short walk takes you to the observation tower on top. Picnicking, hiking, nature study, and limited camping are available. Mount Mitchell State Park is located at Milepost 355. Another site with info about Mount Mitchell State Park.
Mystery Hill
Each year, for over 50 years, folks come from all over the world and the United States to visit Mystery Hill. No matter what the reason, they come back time and time again, bringing relatives and friends to experience the mystery of our "crooked house." People do remember the remarkable defiance of gravity, where you can see a ball roll uphill, and where folks are pulled from an upright position to an uncanny standing angle of nearly 45�. This strange phenomenon has been amusing and puzzling visitors to Mystery Hill for generations. Since there are a variety of things to see and do, no one leaves disappointed. Mystery is a family oriented "edutainment" center that offers fun for children ages 2 to 102. We welcome you to join us at any time of the year.
New River State Park
Located in two counties (Ashe and Watauga), this 26- mile stretch of the New River has been designated as a National Wildlife & Scenic River area. The park offers great canoeing, and numerous spots for picnicking, fishing and tubing. Two campgrounds are located inside the park, specifically designed for "canoe camping". See also our site for theNew River Area and this site
Valle Crucis
Discover our historic inns, bed and breakfasts, and churches. Locate cabin rentals and restaurants. Find out about activities, camps, and places for retreats for from one to one hundred. And visit what Charles Kuralt called "a destination," the original Mast General Store. The General Store is now joined by other shops, studios, and galleries featuring locally made pottery, rustic furniture, original art, and more � all in Valle Crucis. Links to individual home pages are provided for complete information.
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail goes from Abingdon to Damascus and on up to Whitetop Station. The trail is approximately 34 miles long, with Damascus being the middle point. The VCT is open to bicycles, horses and foot travel. If you are biking, I would suggest you split the ride up into two days of "out and back" rides. See our page on The Virginia Creeper Trail. And there are two others: VCT and Creeper Trail.
Stone Mountain State Park
Located in Wilkes County approximately seven miles southwest of Roaring Gap, this 600-foot granite dome has become one of the area's most popular climbing destinations. In addition to camping and picnicking, the 13,000-acre park also accommodates over 17 miles of trout streams and eight miles of trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding. Four beautiful waterfalls are easily accessed on the park's well-maintained trails. For further information, call (336) 957-8185. Another site is Stone Mountain
Roan Mountain State Park
Located just across the North Carolina border in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, this beautiful park sits just beneath the 6,285-foot peak of its namesake. The park features cabins, camping, a seasonal restaurant, picnicking, grills, four pavilions for large groups, seven hiking trails, a swimming pool, and a variety of seasonal activities, including horseshoes, volleyball, badminton and much more.
Tweetsie Railroad
Visit North Carolina's first theme park, and take a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains; but watch out for train robbers! Tweetsie Railroad also has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. Be sure to watch the musical show and Can-Can girls at the Palace Saloon. Walk down Main Street, and chat with the cowpokes and gunslingers. Enjoy riding the chair lift to Miner's Mountain, where you can pan for gold and stroll through the Deer Park. Plan on spending the day!
FESTIVALS
Canoe Trips
Biking, Hiking, & Horseback Riding
OTHER SITES:
- Appalachian Trail
- Ashe County Cheese Factory
- Bicentennial Bike Trail
- Daniel Boone Heritage Trail
- Iron Mountain Bike Trail
- Jefferson Landing Golf
- Mountain Aire Golf
- Todd General Store
Skiing and Bike Shuttles
- Hawksnest 800.822.4295
- Sugar Mountain 800.784.2768
- Beech Mountain 800.438.2093
- Appalachian Ski Mountain 800.322.2373
Virginia Creeper Trail & Surrounding Area Shuttles & Rentals:
- The Bike Station 866.475.3629
- Adventure Damascus
- Blue Blaze Shuttle
- More info: Damascus Town Hall ~ PO Box 56 ~ Damascus, VA 24236 ~ 540.475.3831
Gone Fishing
Never needed a license while fishing right around the cabin. But if you want to go fishing in the trout stocked creeks you will need one. Check out our fishing information page!
Fees:
- Non-resident: 1 day=$15 / 3 days=$25
- Non resident basic fish, trout, game lands=$50/yr
- Kids under 16 do not need a license
- Licenses can be purchased at W.J. Hardware in West Jefferson, Wal-Mart, or
- White Top Laurel Fly Shop & Guide
Good Eats
- Shatley Springs Family Style Dining ~ 336.982.2236 ~ 5-6 miles from cabin --From cabin go back as if you're going home, take a left at horse barn on old 16N. Go about 2 miles, then take a right on Shatley Springs Road. Go about 2 miles. Shatley Springs is on the right. ~ Live music, small shops ~ Reorder some biscuits & country ham before you finish�have ham biscuits the next morning for breakfast!
- Daniel Boone Inn ~ 421N in Boone ~ 336.264.8657
- Greenfield Family Style ~ 221 S in West Jefferson right behind the new Super Walmart ~ 336.246.9671
- Smokey Mountain BBQ ~ On Main Street in West Jefferson ~ Good, clean place to eat ribs, chicken and BBQ ~ 336.246.6818
- Genos Italian ~ West Jefferson ~ Main Street
- Woodlands BBQ ~ 321 S. Blowing Rock ~ live picking, good BBQ & wings, Pub
