Fun things to do and places to visit near Hawk's View:
Penland School of Crafts
http://www.youtube.com/user/PenlandSchool#p
We highly recommend you stop by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce which is located at the free Museum of North Carolina Minerals on Highway 226 just before the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance.
They have a lot of free maps and information on things to do in the area and they are very helpful in giving you directions to hiking locations.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Milepost 331 Blue Ridge Parkway
Highway 226, Spruce Pine, NC
(828) 765-2761
www.mitchell-county.com/festival/museum.html
Visitor Center featuring a unique sample of the more than 300 varieties of North Carolina rocks and minerals. Numerous gemstones, such as ruby, aquamarine, and emerald are shown in both rough and polished states. Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Office. Restrooms. Open year round. Hours 9 am to 5 am (closed for lunch 12 - 1:00 pm Dec thru May)
This year the annual Gem Festival is August 4-7 2011
http://ncgemfest.com/Home_Page.php
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC
US Highway 221 & The Blue Ridge Parkway
1-800-468-7325
www.grandfather.com
The highest peak in the Blue Ridge and a globally recognized nature preserve. Inspirational vistas, the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, native wildlife in natural habitats, nature museum, picnicking, and the South's finest alpine hiking trails. US 221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305, 25 miles north of Spruce Pine. Open daily all year.
Rivers Edge Outfitters
280 Oak Avenue
Spruce Pine, NC
(828) 765 FISH1
www.riversedgeoutfittersnc.com
Rivers Edge Outfitters offers self guided canoeing, kayaking and tubing river trips on the scenic Toe River in Western North Carolina. The canoeing and kayaking river trips range from 2 hours up to all day. Located in Spruce Pine,NC between Asheville and Boone, River’s Edge Outfitters is a full service fly shop and fly fishing guide service uniquely situated near some of the finest trout streams in the Southeast. Whether you're a beginner looking to catch your first trout on a fly or an expert in search of challenging wild browns, River’s Edge Outfitters has the expertise to make your trip a success. We also host smallmouth float fishing trips from early spring through late fall, with most of our fisherman catching 50 plus smallies per trip!
Orchard at Altpass
Milepost 328.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
1-888-765-9531
www.altapassorchard.com
Historic Orchard at Altapass, 1025 Orchard Road, Milepost 328.3 on The Blue Ridge Parkway. Open late May to early November offering heritage mountain apples grown on our very scenic mountain side. Also Orchard-made fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, local subject books, handmade crafts, live music Saturdays & Sundays, hay rides with historic storytelling weekends (and weekdays by reservation), naturalist events, butterfly garden, special packages for groups.
Dellinger Grist Mill
Bakersville NC
Ph. 828-688-1009
//www.dellingermill.com/
The Dellinger Grist Mill near Spruce Pine N C is one of the only small Grist Mills which has survived for over 100 years in Western North Carolina. The History of the Grist Mill posses statewide cultural significance and is one of the best attractions in Bakersville NC and Mitchell County NC. Dellinger's Grist Mill became a part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Dellinger Mill in Bakersville North Carolina is close to historic Downtown Spruce Pine. The existing buildings are many many years old and include the grist mill itself and an attached shed which contains all the original authentic equipment used to gring and mill the grits 100 years ago. Some of those original tools include the mill wheel, the pulleys, millstones, pulleys, and Grist Mill Gears.
Hiking and WaterFalls
Roan Mountain (6,286 ft)
On Roan, you’ll find the Appalachian Trail and breathtaking vistas. If you park at Carver’s Gap (which straddles the TN/NC state line) you
can hike up to Round Bald, one of a series of three grassy mountain tops that are called balds because they are barren of trees -- they offer stunning views in all directions. If you turn right at Carver’s Gap and continue driving up the mountain, you’ll come to the Rhododendron Gardens, the old Cloudland Hotel site, and a trail which takes you to a stunning mountain overlook.(a small fee is required of each vehicle).
http://www.romanticasheville.com/roan.htm
Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 State Highway 128 Exit Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost at 355.4, then five miles on Hwy 128 Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 675-4611 http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.phphttp://www.romanticasheville.com/mtmitchell.htm
Highest Peak in Eastern U.S.A., Observation Tower, Tent Camping Area, Trails, Nature Study, Picnic Area, Natural History Museum, Restaurant (May-October) Linville Falls/Gorge
The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the East. Trails lead to views of both the upper and lower falls. Here, the Linville River spills gently over the upper falls where it widens and pauses. Drifting into a narrow canyon, the water suddenly spirals out of sight and plunges 45 feet over the lower falls.
Linville Caverns
Four Miles South of the Blue Ridge Parkway,
between Linville and Marion on US 221
Marion, NC 28752
1-800-419-0540
www.linvillecaverns.com
Experience nature at work inside Linville Caverns. Guided tours of North Carolina's only show caverns feature amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations, an underground stream with blind trout and the famous Bottomless Pool. Most visitors get to see our cave dwellers (bats, crickets and salamanders) as well as experiencing a few moments in total darkness.
Grassy Creek Falls
Mile Post 339 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Little Switzerland, NC
Crabtree Falls
Mile Post 339 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Crabtree Falls is a beautiful 70-foot waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Linville Falls, accessed by a 2.5 mile loop hiking trail.
Catawba Falls
Old Fort, NC
One thing about Catawba Falls Old Fort NC hikers truly enjoy is their beautiful veil type falls. These Waterfalls in Western NC are not for the weak of heart as they are fairly difficult to get to. People have been hiking these North Carolina Mountain Waterfalls along the Catawba River since the 1870s. Even though this Catawba Waterfall has been "off limits" for many years, they are now on their way to becoming open to the public. There are many hikes and photorgraphic locations along the falls. You have to take a moderate hike to get to the first set of falls, but you should use extreme caution when hiking to the upper Catawba Falls as they are fairly difficult to get to. Catawba Falls are in Old Fort North Carolina and are a short drive from historic Downtown Spruce Pine NC. On your NC Hiking adventure to Catawba Waterfalls, you will pass by some historic stone buildings and a dam that was used during the early 1900s as a source of power generation for the local community. Ziplining
Hawksnest Zip Line
Hawksnest is located just off of Highway 105 South between Boone and Banner Elk, North Carolina, high atop Seven Devils. 800.822.4295 or 828.963.6561 http://hawksnestzipline.com/Hawksnest Zip Lines offer the longest and best zip line canopy tour in the region. High elevations of 4500' make for mountains of fun and spectacular views! They currently offer 10 zip lines (including two super or MEGA zips) that create a 1.5 miles of course with some lines zipping you from 30 to 150' off the ground at speeds from 25-30 mph! Cables range from 300' to 1800' in length and that creates a LOT of squeals from fans! Experience the biggest and best – with the most spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. …and they are adding up to EIGHT more lines during the summer of 2011. Plumtree Canopy Tours
4716 South US Hwy. 19E
Plumtree, NC
828-765-9696
Open Wednesday-Sunday $79 per person (includes lunch)
Call for tour availability 866-319-8870 for Reservations
http://www.adventureamericaziplinecanopytours.com/ptct.htmlExperience a real canopy tour and zipline adventure that takes you into the trees with Plumtree Canopy Tours. More than just a 3 hour zipline experience, enjoy 11 zips and 4 sky bridges while learning about the trees, wildlife habitats. Also learn about the community of Plumtree, the vast mica mines, and how this mountainous region with peaks of 5500 feet transformed into an agricultural world leader.
Owned and operated by the Vance Toe River Lodge, Plumtree flies you 60 feet above Isaac's Branch Creek, launches you from "Rock & Roll" and zips you past trees and mountainsides on "The Zinger."
All equipment is provided including helmet, full body harness, trolley, gloves, tether lines, and two canopy rangers per group.
Included with all Plumtree Canopy Tours is a fabulous lunch or the famous Sunday Brunch experience at the popular Vance Toe River Lodge. All flyers must be in good physical condition. Flyers must be at least 10 years old and between 70 and 250 lbs. Closed-toe shoes required, modest clothing recommended.
Whitewater Rafting
Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing
2637 Highway 226 North
Bakersville, NC
ph. 828-688-9290
ph. 866-933-5628
Welcome to Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing located Loafers Glory NC. Our historic Loafers Glory North Carolina location is just down the road from Bakersville North Carolina. Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing offers outdoor adventure, such as White Water Rafting in NC, river tubing, and overnight rafting trips. The Western North Carolina Mountains provide a base for a variety of outdoor adventures such as River Rafting North Carolina adventure seekers would love to find, river tubing, caving, hiking the Appalachian Trail, gem mining, camping, and horseback riding just to name a few. We are just down the road from Downtown Spruce Pine. Spruce Pine NC is full of fun family activities and is only have ten minutes from Bakersville North Carolina
Loafers Glory Campground and River Tours
Loafers Glory NC
Ph. 828-537-4586
Loafers Glory Campground and River Tours has both guided and unguided river trips available in Loafers Glory NC. We have tubes, funyaks, sit-on-top kayaks, canoes, and rafts available for White Water Rafting North Carolina tourists will truly enjoy. Guided Rafting in NC and funyaking activities include one hour express trips, 1/2 day trips, and full day trips. All guided trips have class III white water and are close to both Bakersville North Carolina and Spruce Pine NC.
Gem Mining
Blue Ridge Gemstone Mine (Emerald Village)
(828) 765-5264 or (828) 765-6463
www.emeraldvillage.com
Located at 626 McKinney Mine Road. Open April through October. Gemstone mining, 30 different kind of gem buckets. Gemstone cutting, 35 years experience. GIA trained Gemologist, 33 years experience. Finish Jewelry. Mounting SS and gold. Cut gemstones ready to mount. Largest selection in WNC.
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine
13780 Hwy 226 South
Spruce Pine, NC
(828) 765-6130 or (888) 817-5829
www.gemmountain.com
Rio Doce Gem Mine
Jerry Call, Inc.
Conveniently located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in Spruce Pine. Open everyday from Easter through Halloween.
The operating hours are 9:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M.
(828) 765-2099
http://www.riodoce.com/
Spruce Pine Gem & Gold Mine
15090 Hwy 226 South
Spruce Pine, NC
(828) 765-7981
www.sprucepinegemmine.com
Mine for native gemstones with one of the oldest mining families in North Carolina, documented by the National Geographic Magazine, mining the area since 1810. Featured on PBS and in Readers Digest. Open year-round with covered flumes. Heated indoor flume in winter with warm water. Gem cutting and custom jewelry design, gift and souvenir shop.
The Emerald Mine
Little Switzerland, NC
(828) 765-6832 or (828) 765-1695
www.crabtreeemeraldmine.com
At the Emerald Mine we invite you to enjoy the experience of finding genuine rough gemstones, either by washing them out of buckets in our flume or by digging them from the ground. We can turn them into beautiful jewelry and you can also pan for real gold. We will provide information about mining in our country since 1861.
Directions: located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland, 1 mile back under Parkway Bridge on Chestnut Grove Church Road. Left at the church on McKinney Mine Road, 200 yards on left, close to area resorts like Emerald Village, Gem Mountain, Rio doce Jerry Call Inc, and Spruce Pine Gem and Gold Mine.
Loafers Glory is the name of the small town near Bakrsville, NC and we're in Mitchell County. Mitchell County is famous for all the natural gemstones. The gem mine is next to a mountain stream flowing into the North Toe River which flows through the campground. You can camp right next to the river! The gorgeous view with the stream trickling are soooooo relaxing!
Gem Mine Tours
The Rock Mine Tours
4075 East U.S. Highway 19-E Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 675-0004 Dig for local minerals and gems in our mines. Absolutely safe-all above ground. Tour begins at the Silver Bullet Convenience Store in Micaville, NC. It is twice daily - 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You will follow the tour guide's vehicle in your own car to the mine parking area. Keep what you find. For reservations dial (828) 675-0004
http://www.therockminetoursinc.com/
Golfing
Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club
2360 Swiss Pine Lake Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Pro Shop: 828.765.7436 • Restaurant: 828.765.6589
www.grassycreek.com
Mount Mitchel Golf Club
11484 State Hwy 80 South
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 675-5454
www.mountmitchellgolfresort.com
Hawksnest Snow Tubing
(30 miles away, near Banner Elk and Sugar Mtn))
2058 Skyland Drive
Seven Devils, NC 28604
(828) 963-6561
www.hawksnest-resort.com
Hawksnest’s expanded snow tubing operation will make it the biggest snow tubing operation on the East Coast. Our Snow Tubing resort will now have 4 different areas to snow tube with 20 lanes of fun, lanes will be 400 – 1000 feet long and 2 moving carpet lifts to take you back to the top. Hawksnest has 100% snowmaking and lighting on all lanes to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family. Also, don't forget to enjoy our Coffee Bar, Carolina BBQ and Pizza before, during and after your tubing session.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
Jonas Ridge, NC ph. 828-733-4155
www.jonasridgesnowtube.comJonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park is located in the High Country of western North Carolina. Snow Tubing is the family activity of the millenium, an activity that requires no lessons from a professional Ski Instructor or Snow Board Instructor. Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park is a great alternative for those feeling a bit crowded at Sugar Mountain Resort or Hawk's Nest located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. At Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing, jump on a specially made inner tube for an exhilarating ride, grab the lift back to the top and do it again…and again and again! Snow tubing in North Carolina can be an exciting winter activity for you and the whole family. And remember we have snow guns. Even if it looks like no snow where you are, chances are, we have it here in the cold mountain air! Nighttime, no worry, we have lights for night tubing. Beech Mountain Resort (34 miles)
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
1-800-438-2093
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