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The North Carolina west is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts
Head for the Hills
BY FRITTS CAUSBY
hiking
What better way to get
some outdoor exercise
and check out incredibly
scenic views than hik-ing?
There are a variety
of well-marked trails,
ranging from short, flat
beginner terrain to
long, demanding uphill
climbs. THE ROUGH
RIDGE TRAIL y
at Grandfather Moun-tain
should not be
missed, as the tough
initial climb through the
forest delivers long-range
views, available on many
outcrops on this slowly
meandering ridgeline
trail. Fog can be an issue,
but the clouds keep it
cool and the views from
the rock at the top of the
trail make it well worth
the trip.
zip lining
For thrill seekers looking to soar above the trees over lakes and creeks, the HAWKSNEST
ZIP LINE y could be a great way to spend an afternoon. Located on the site of a former
ski resort, it features four miles of zip lines that reach heights of over 200 feet and offer
speeds up to 50 mph. If that is not enough, SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS is also located
nearby, in Blowing Rock.
ZIPLINE: BOONE WATAUGA COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY/TENT WITH KAYAK: NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION/MOUNTAIN BIKE: BOONE WATAUGA COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY/ATV: APPALACHIANS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
22 october 2020
WBM
THE chance to make a quick escape to the mountains for a break from the
heat in the summer, to see colorful foliage in the fall, or just for a change of
scenery are just a few reasons why North Carolina is one of the best places
to live in the continental United States.
There are simply not many areas of the country where it’s possible to
live on the coast and breathe the salt air, yet still have the ability to hop in the car for a
weekend getaway to the beautiful mountains that make up the western part of our state.
If the goal is to spend as little time in the car as possible and make it back early enough
on Sunday to prepare for work the next day, the Boone area is perfect. It’s about a five-hour
drive from Wilmington, and most of the roads are four lanes and easy to navigate,
creating the potential for a virtually stress-free experience (depending on the traffic).
For those who are considering a quick trip to the mountains but don’t want to deal
with the crowds at well-known spots like Tweetsie Railroad or downtown Blowing Rock,
there are plenty of activities to enjoy.