Archive for the ‘Outdoor Recreation’ Category

Are You Ready for Blood Sweat and Gears?

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

It’s that time again. The 12th Annual Blood, Sweat and Gears bike ride is Saturday, June 26, 2010. Hardy, healthy folk mount their bikes to ride 50 or 100 miles and raise money for The Russell Fund, which helps local families displaced by flood, fire or natural disaster.

Are you ready for the ride of your life?

Are you ready for the ride of your life?

This ride starts and ends just outside of nearby Boone, NC, near our Blue Ridge Mountains cabins. If you plan to participate, you’ll need to sleep well before and after the race. You’ll also need mounds of food. Our N.C. vacation cabins have fully equipped kitchens where your supporters can easily prepare feasts for you. You, of course, should do nothing but rest and prepare for – or recover from- one of the most beautiful and challenging bike rides in the country.

Register for Blood, Sweat and Gears soon, before all the spots are full.

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Canoe the New

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Spring seems to be here, at last. It conjures the image of folks drifting down the New River in canoes, hands lazily dangling in the cold, clear water. It is easy to picture yourself sitting comfortably around a fire at our Blue Ridge Mountains cabins, tired after a day on the river.

The New River’s North and South Forks gently meander 100 + miles through a wonderland of dense woods and pastoral valleys, until they join just south of the Virginia border. The South Fork is generally a forgiving river; it tends to be shallow, and it’s rapids are most exciting for the faint of heart. In short, it is an ideal place to canoe no matter your age – toddlers, parents and grandparents will all feel at ease once settled in a secure canoe.

New River Outfitters opens for the season in April. It isn’t too early to start planning for a trip, for advance reservations of at least two days are required. You design the canoe trip you want; it can be as brief as two hours, or as long as several days. You can float down river, or paddle up river. Many folks opt to float for a while, stop for lunch, and float a while longer. Bring your own lunch, or purchase it at the General Store at New River Outfitters.

Time spent on the New River is always time well spent. True, it may be too cool yet to jump in the river, or float in a tube. It is also unlikely to be uncomfortably hot. In the event excessive rain or snow creates dangerous conditions on the water, New River Outfitters will schedule rainchecks.

Plan to spend some time this spring at our Blue Ridge Mountains vacation cabins. Ride your bike, take a hike, or paddle the New River. Bring the whole family, or plan a romantic retreat. Either way, you’ll be happy you did.

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Snowshoeing The Mountains to Sea Trail

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

When there is snow in them there hills, it’s time to strap on the snowshoes and hit the Mountains to Sea Trail by our Glendale Springs NC cabins. Section 16 of the MST trail passes right by our driveway; it runs from Horse Gap to the edge of the Thurmond Chatham Wildlife Management Area south of Laurel Springs. This is a lovely trail that hops onto the Blue Ridge Parkway from time to time, where you can take in terrific views.

Hiking the MST couldn't be more convenient.

Hiking the MST couldn't be more convenient.

Unlike the enormous and often cumbersome snowshoes of the past, modern snowshoes are small and light. Many of them are adjustable, allowing you to extend them for hikes in heavy powder, or shrink them as needed. Strap them to your backpack, so they are always there if you need them. With these true friends, you can go just about anywhere.

Winter is a great time to stay at our NC cabins and tackle the MST. For starters, it’s not hot. Bare trees make for bigger views. Snow is pretty. And there is the promise of warm drinks by the fire at the end of the day – always better during the winter!

So gather together a group of friends, or tell your family to cancel all their other plans. Grab your cold weather gear, and head to our NC Blue Ridge Parkway cabins for a much needed winter break.

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Grandfather Mountain

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Black Rock Cliffs on Grandfather Mountain

Black Rock Cliffs on Grandfather Mountain

A couple of weeks ago, the Bridge to Bridge cyclists stormed Grandfather Mountain, the apex of their century ride. If you are a cyclist and enjoy riding one hundred miles along scenic roads and up mountains, be sure to look into the 2010 Bridge to Bridge ride. In the meantime, Grandfather Mountain has much to offer locals and visitors alike. It is one of our favorite spots to send folks staying at our Blue Ridge Parkway cabins.

Grandfather Mountain is privately owned, but it is graciously shared and is open to the public. It rises nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, which is pretty darn high for these parts and makes for spectacular views. Visitors are invited (for a fee) to drive through the preserve and stop for a picnic at one of over 100 beautifully situated picnic tables. If you forget your own food, you may purchase tasty fried chicken or sandwiches from the museum restaurant.

After you have refreshed yourself, plan to tackle some of more than twelve miles of trails throughout the preserve; they provide hikers with ample opportunities to spot deer, eagles, river otters, cougars and black bears in their native habitat. The trails are well-maintained, and range in difficulty to suit any level of hiker.

If you prefer to learn about nature and animals without a long walk, you are in luck. Grandfather Mountain houses an excellent nature museum, full of interesting fact about the area and the plants and animals who live here. It also includes interesting facts about the  history of the region and Grandfather Mountain.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge draws many a brave soul, and indeed, it is not for the faint of heart. The name says it all, but you can only imagine the views and the sensation.

Guests of our Blue Ridge Parkway resort always enjoy a trip to Grandfather Mountain, as do we. Be sure to make time to visit it the next time you stay with us. The fall foliage at Grandfather Mountain is at its peak now through the end of October. Don’t miss it.

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October is Mountains to Sea Month

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Mountains to Sea Trail Section 16

Mountains to Sea Trail Section 16

The Mountains to Sea Trail (section 16) passes right by our North Carolina pet friendly cabins. In other words, it is possible to walk out your cabin door, head west, and walk all the way to Tennessee border in the Great Smoky Mountains. Head east and the trail will eventually lead you to the stunning North Carolina coast. Guests of our Blue Ridge Parkway cabins are certainly not obligated to don hiking boots and walk hundreds of miles; but isn’t it nice to know that if you wanted to, you could?

October is Mountains to Sea Trail month, with many great activities and events happening in honor of the trail throughout the state. There will be guided hikes for all levels during October: some will be under a full October moon, some will reward you with a cookout at the the top of a mountain, and some will simply provide great company. There will also be work parties for trail maintenance or to extend the trail. In addition, look forward to river paddles, overnight trips, and no end to the fun. We are so fortunate to have this great resource in our back yards – we hope you will take time this month to come out and celebrate North Carolina and the Mountains to Sea Trail.

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Stone Mountain

Monday, September 14th, 2009
Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain

Picture an enormous slab of granite rising 600 feet above ground. It is awe-inspiring. With the Blue Ridge Parkway to the north and the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands to the west, Stone Mountain State Park is also a peaceful place to spend a day or two enjoying some of the best outdoor recreation in North Carolina, such as hiking, fishing or climbing. Best of all, it is an easy drive from our pet friendly lodging in Glendale Springs, NC.

If you are a rock climber, you simply must visit Stone Mountain. It is said to have some of the best rock climbing in the state of North Carolina. Those of you who prefer to walk to the peak will not be disappointed, as there are over 16 miles of hiking trails. Best of all, dogs are allowed in the state park, so you can enjoy a hike with your best friend. After a long day on the trails, return to our NC Pet Friendly cabins and relax around a camp fire while gazing up at the stars.

Stone Mountain State Park also comprises over 20 miles of river that is perfect for fly fishing. Need it be said that the trout here are amazing? Bring your catch back to your Blue Ridge Parkway lodging and cook it over the fire. There is not much in life more satisfying than catching that, especially when you have someone special to share it with.

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The Grand Canyon of North Carolina

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

Not everyone knows that North Carolina has its own version of Grand Canyon, but it does. We are fortunate that it is not far from our Blue Ridge Parkway lodging. Flowing out of Grandfather Mountain, the powerful Linville River has carved one of the most ruggedly beautiful canyons in the east. The Gorge encloses 12 miles of the Linville River, its walls soaring more than a thousand feet on both sides. Jonas Ridge on the eastern side of the gorge has fantastic rock formations such as Sitting Bear, Table Rock and the Chimneys.  Linville Mountain is soars to the west.

The Linville Gorge Wilderness is part of the Pisgah National Forest; both offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation for the whole family. Time spent at the Linville Falls Visitor Center is time well spent, for the rangers can help you craft a hike that will be fun for all ages. If mountain biking is more your style, you’re in luck, as there are three good routes along the ridges: Linville Gorge loop is nearly 50 very strenuous miles; Table Rock Loop is about half that distance, but also quite strenuous; Wiseman’s View Ride is less than ten miles, and is of moderate difficulty. Bring lots of water and snacks, because you are sure to work up an appetite.

Enjoy the last days of summer with the family, before the start of the school year and the often hectic routines that come with school. Our North Carolina cabins are perfect for the whole family – even the dog, since we offer pet-friendly lodging. There are so many great activities for the whole family in and around the Blue Ridge Parkway of Western North Carolina – so come on out and have fun.

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Blue Ridge Brutal by Our Blue Ridge Lodging

Monday, August 3rd, 2009
Bike the Blue Ridge Brutal

Bike the Blue Ridge Brutal

August 15, 2009, will be the 20th annual Blue Ridge Brutal near our Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging. Starting at 8am, riders will ride 100 miles of challenging, varied terrain. This century ride begins and ends at the foot of Mount Jefferson in West Jefferson, North Carolina, just about ten miles from our pet friendly cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  A 75-mile option and a 50-mile option are also available, for those who prefer not to tackle the entire 100 miles (read, those who love and respect their knees!). Of course, you are welcome to start pedaling at your cabin, as well.

The ride began as a fundraiser for the Ashe Civic Center, and it continues today both to raise funds and because it is so much fun. Today, funds go towards local schools and arts organizations. We are happy to support these fine local organizations.

Bring the whole family and make a weekend of it (after all, you’ll need a day to recover from the Blue Ridge Brutal, no matter how fit you are). Our Blue Ridge Mountains pet friendly cabins are the perfect spot to spend a few days or a few weeks. There is so much to do in the area, including but not limited to biking, that you won’t want to leave after the Blue Ridge Brutal. Imagine that good, exhausted feeling that comes only after exercising for many hours; then picture yourself seated with friends and family around a campfire, gazing at stars as you let that exhausted feeling wash over you. Let your friends do the cooking and the cleaning. You just sit back and talk about the ride and feel happy to have finished it.

Yes, you can bike the Blue Ridge Brutal.

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Biking the Blue Ridge

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Every year, cyclists descend upon the Blue Ridge Mountains to ride in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. We look forward to hosting cyclists and fans at our Blue Ridge Mountains lodging.  Come with your family or friends and bring your bike; our North Carolina inn is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway — a great venue for cycling. If you are really serious about biking, perhaps you will want to participate in one of three organized rides that take place each year: Blood Sweat and Gears in June, the Blue Ridge Brutal ride in August, and the Bridge to Bridge ride in September.

It is almost time for Blood Sweat and Gears, a 100-mile loop bicycle ride around the Blue Ridge Parkway. The century long ride begins at 7:30 AM on June 26 at an elementary school south of Boone; it circles into the heart of North Carolina’s High Country before ending up back in Boone. These are hilly, curvy miles; the ride is ranked from challenging to strenuous. Bikers may expect to climb over 13,000 feet in elevation, culminating at the gap at Snake Mountain (milepost 63).

For folks who love to ride but don’t feel up to completing the entire century, there is a half century option. This route also begins and ends south of Boone, but otherwise follows a separate route, with a cumulative elevation gain of 5,800 feet

Don’t let the name of the ride scare you away. You may cycle this route any time, but during Blood Sweat and Gears there will be 6 aide stations (2 on the Half Century route) to help you along, complete with food, beverages and toilets; in addition, there will be support vehicles circling the route. You will sweat, but there is no reason for blood to be shed.

After the ride, come back to your Blue Ridge NC cabins and soak in the hot tub for a really long time. If you don’t fall right to sleep, stretch out by a campfire, gaze at the stars, and swap tales of the ride with fellow cyclists.

Blood Sweat and Gears

Blood Sweat and Gears

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The Mountains to Sea Trail

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

We live in North Carolina because we think it is a beautiful place. We operate a lodge here because we understand that people like to visit this state. The Mountains to Sea Trail invites folks to get to know mile after mile of North Carolina. 1,000 miles of North Carolina to be precise, from Climgman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. We are thrilled that this trail passes right by the driveway of our Blue Ridge Parkway lodging, and we hope that visitors will walk at least part of it.

More than 500 miles of the footpath are completed, connected by back roads and bike routes. The plan is to one day finish the path so that it will be possible to walk on trails all the way across the state, from the  mountains to the sea. At the western edge of the trail sits Clingman’s Dome with an elevation of over 6600 feet, while in the east, the highest sand dune in Jockey’s Ridge State Park is less 140 feet high.

This trail gives the hardy folk who walk it a real taste of North Carolina, since it passes through three national parks, many national forests, two National Wildlife refuges and two wilderness areas. There are rivers to wade and bridges to cross. Furthermore, it passes through many towns and cities, giving travelers a sense of the variety of culture that exists in North Carolina.

Many people walk the trail in stages, while an adventurous few attempt it all at one go. We hope you’ll stay at our North Carolina pet friendly lodging and walk our stretch of the Mountains to Sea Trail with your dog. We think you’ll be happy you did.

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