Asheville, NC area info needed

[sallysue66]

Thinking of spending 5 or so days in the NC mountains late this summer. We want to do some hiking, white-water rafting and a zip-line. I've checked out Navitat for zip-lining and it looks great, tho pricey. Can anyone suggest places to stay and tour companies for rafting and zipping?
Thanks.

 

[Lunchlady]

The Nanahala Gorge is a GREAT place to go white water rafting. It's not far from Asheville and Cherokee is a good place to visit. There are several gem mines in the area and I don't remember them being too expensive. You will have a blast in the mountains.

 

[sallysue66]

The Nanahala Gorge is a GREAT place to go white water rafting. It's not far from Asheville and Cherokee is a good place to visit. There are several gem mines in the area and I don't remember them being too expensive. You will have a blast in the mountains.

Thanks. We live on the "other" side of NC and I hate to say it's been 15 years since we've been to the NC mountains.

 

[disneyfan551]

For rafting, I wouldn't consider anywhere else, except for the Nantahala River! Nothing else even compares. Asheville is wonderful (I live in the Great Smoky Mtns, and usually drive the hour to Asheville every weekend...to SHOP ). However, for a vacation like you are looking for, I would stay more towards the Cherokee or Bryson City area. Ziplines are available in the Nantahala Gorge also.

I would recommend whitewater rafting in the Nantahala Gorge, hiking in the Great Smoky Mtn. National Park (in Bryson City or towards Gatlinburg, TN), a day trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a little fun at Harrah's Cherokee Casino (visit Paula Deen's!), tubing & hiking at Deep Creek (in the GSMNP in Bryson City), gem mining in Franklin (Sheffield Mine), and a day trip through another section of the GSMNP from Cherokee to Gatlinburg (about an hour drive). Cades Cove is a great place to visit with old homesteads, and you can bike around the loop before the road is opened up to vehicles in the morning.

Have fun planning! There is a TON to do here!!

Tiffany

 

[sallysue66]

For rafting, I wouldn't consider anywhere else, except for the Nantahala River! Nothing else even compares. Asheville is wonderful (I live in the Great Smoky Mtns, and usually drive the hour to Asheville every weekend...to SHOP ). However, for a vacation like you are looking for, I would stay more towards the Cherokee or Bryson City area. Ziplines are available in the Nantahala Gorge also.

I would recommend whitewater rafting in the Nantahala Gorge, hiking in the Great Smoky Mtn. National Park (in Bryson City or towards Gatlinburg, TN), a day trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a little fun at Harrah's Cherokee Casino (visit Paula Deen's!), tubing & hiking at Deep Creek (in the GSMNP in Bryson City), gem mining in Franklin (Sheffield Mine), and a day trip through another section of the GSMNP from Cherokee to Gatlinburg (about an hour drive). Cades Cove is a great place to visit with old homesteads, and you can bike around the loop before the road is opened up to vehicles in the morning.

Have fun planning! There is a TON to do here!!

Tiffany

Thanks! Very helpful.

 

[missmeg]

I am from the area as well ... the suggestions so far are great. Like a previous poster, based on the things you want to do, I would stay closer to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Or, somewhere in the middle like Dillsboro or Waynesville. I don't believe I would stay in Asheville. I would stay in Bryson City, Cherokee, Dillsboro, or Waynesville.

There are countless hiking trails and waterfalls within thirty minutes. There is a good zipline there too from Wildwater Rafting Company. Pricing is $79 per person but it's a memorable experience. Cherokee is worth a visit too as mentioned.

If I were rafting I would go with the Nantahala Outdoor Center (past Bryson City). It's a more adventurous trek. If you want something more laid-back try rafting (or tubing) down the Tuckasegee River (starts in Dillsboro).

PM me if you have any questions or need any other advice! Have fun!

 

[mom2t]

Do not forget Unto these Hills drama. It has been revamped and displays much more on the authentic Cherokee customs and highly recommended the Oncluftee Indian village - probably not spelling it right.

 

[mks18412]

I do recommend Granny Chicken Palace for a dinner. Its in Maggie Valley/Lake Junaluska area (easy to find off the interstate). Its an affordable family style restaurant. I live in the Atlanta area and drive 3.5 hours to eat dinner, its that good!

 

[sallysue66]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Much appreciated. DSIL and I have decided to make this a girls trip. Now we just have to find a time that works with our 3 DD's schedules this summer.

I'm off to start looking on vrbo, homeaway and the local realtors for a house in the Bryson City area.

 

[teCh0010]

If you decide to stay in a hotel the Inn on Biltmore estate in Asheville is a fantastic hotel.

Check Pisgah National Forest for hiking.

 

[disneyfan551]

Oh...I almost forgot! Bryson City has the Great Smoky Mtns. Railway, which is a huge tourist attraction! And depending on the age of the children, there is Santa's Land in Cherokee or DollyWood in Pigeon Forge.

I recommend the Fryemont Inn for a FANTASTIC dinner in Bryson City, or the BBQ Wagon for an Indian Frybread. If you are in Cherokee, there is a great country buffet at Granny's Kitchen.

Enjoy the trip planning! If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me!