Posts Tagged ‘hiking’

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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Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

While you are staying at our Blue Ridge Parkway cabins, take a trip to Moses Cone Park. It is an easy drive (or longer bike ride!) down the parkway from our lodge, and offers many activities for the whole family.

Moses H. Cone was a successful textile entrepreneur during the Gilded Age. He worked hard to build his empire, and then worked hard to create a refuge from it. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed displaying his wealth; these traits led he and his wife Bertha to acquire more than 3,600 acres of land at Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Over the years, the Cones developed a carefully landscaped estate, complete with two preserves to protect the white-tailed deer they brought in from Pennsylvania, two lakes stocked with trout and bass, and four apple orchards. They built more than 25 miles of carriage trails through the estate, which have been open to the public for horseback and carriage riding since day one.

The Cones began construction on Flat Top Manor in 1899. It is a fine example of Colonial Revival architecture and one of the most important historic sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The white mansion sits atop the estate, and enjoys stunning views of Grandfather Mountain, farmland and the surrounding forests.

The property was donated to the National Park Service in 1949, when it became Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. The mansion itself now houses the Parkway Craft Center, a craft shop of the Southern Highland Craft Guild that showcases works by artisans from nine Appalachian states.

The 25 miles of carriage trails are ideal for walking, cross-country skiing in the winter, or horseback riding (you must provide your own horse). The two man-made lakes are now designated as Wild Trout Water, meaning that they are not hatchery supported. Fishing from the shore is permitted at times. Boating is not.

Spend a day at the Moses Cone Park while staying at our cabins in the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a great way to both enjoy the outdoors and learn a little bit about a generous man who had a large impact on the lands and communities of this part of North Carolina.

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