Need pit stop recommendation near Asheville, NC

[momto2js]

I know off topic but I need some advice. We are driving from Charleston, SC to Indianapolis this weekend. Asheville is about 1/2 way and I would like to stop for an hour or two to let the kids 5 and 7 get some exercise. We live in a coastal city so being in the mountains is unusual. Any ideas for good hiking places that are alone the freeway (or not too far off course) and kid friendly?? Maybe other attractions that won't break the bank for a quick stop?

TIA

 

[Disney Junkies]

There is a lot to do depending on the time you have. You could always go through the Mountains and stop in Pigeon Forge. They have dinner shows and activities for the kids. Think Myrtle Beach in the Mountains.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g55270-Activities-Pigeon_Forge_Tennessee.html


On the NC side you have the Great Smokey Mountains Park, Tweetsie Railroad and the Biltmore Estate. Tons of options!

http://tweetsie.com/

http://www.biltmore.com/

 

[cawqueen]

One of my favorite hikes in that area is Linville falls. It's a bit to the northeast of Asheville, and I can't remember how long it actually takes to get over there from the city.

 

[ladyjubilee]

I like shopping in Asheville..... and going to the McDonald's near Biltmore.

But my favorite spot is Sliding Rock. http://www.romanticasheville.com/sliding_rock.htm

There are a lot of really great falls for hiking and swimming in the area.

 

[clshirk]

I just saw this but its beautiful in Asheville this weekend- especially today, but wet. There are so many locations to hike-
What did you do? Did you come up I-26 or across I40W? If you did I40 I would have suggested stopping at exit 75 and hiking to Catawba falls and back- and then you could stop in Black mountain at exit 64 and eat fast food or one of the local yummy pizza shops (the Mill, My Father's Pizza, Fresh Pizza, or Pepperonis) or Phil's BBQ. You could also hike up into Montreat- great play area in Montreat- 10 minutes off the Black mountain exit. If you google Montreat, NC trail map, there is an amazing trail map- and Lookout Mtn trail has one of the best views of those! I was considering that hike today myself because I live in Black Mountain and the leaves are turning.

If you were coming through I-26- walking around downtown Hendersonville is great- or Fletcher park off the Mountain Home exit is another great place to run around.

If you were to go off towards Mills River/Brevard- its' a little off course but Dupont State Park has AMAZING waterfalls!! Very worth it. There's a 4 mile loop of a hike that hits 3 of those falls!

I'm sure I'm too late though.

You can always pick up food somewhere and go eat it on the parkway- drive up to Craggy Gardens.

Linville is gorgeous and has lots of neat stuff off the parkway there.
If you're driving back through Asheville again, hit up these locations- I highly recommend driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway some- this is getting to be its peak weeks and everyone comes to Asheville around this time for the views!

 

[briveigh]

Carrier Park is a great park off of I-40 and I-26.

http://www.kidsplayparks.com/spot_kid_friendly_parks_Carrier_Park_Asheville_NC_93108.aspx