Blue Ridge Country January/February 2021 - 42

North Carolina Arboretum

ABOVE: Enjoy easy access to all the gardens and exhibits at North Carolina Arboretum.

For an immersive experience of botanical
diversity, visit the 424-acre public gardens
south of Asheville. Found within the coves
and mountains of Pisgah National Forest,
this protected space has been " cultivating
connections between people, plants and
places " for over 30 years. This uniquely
structured arboretum offers outdoor and
indoor activities. Walk or bike 10+ miles
of trails through 65 acres of cultivated
gardens. Or listen to lectures, view
stunning works of art, experience traveling
exhibits like the fragrant botanicals

BELOW: Spot elk in Cataloochee Valley.

MUCH MORE TO SEE IN NORTH CAROLINA...
)) Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Asheville. Tours and trails with
interpretive signs share the ongoing research for sustainable forest
management and ecosystem restoration first established in 1925 at
this location.
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)) Cataloochee Valley, Great
Smoky Mountains NP. Hike, fish,
learn about history and catch a
glimpse of the successfully reintroduced elk population.
)) Joara and Fort San Juan,
Morganton. Become a citizen
archaeologist at this ancient
Native American town and first
inland European settlement in
the country.
)) Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock
Wilderness, Graham County. Find 60 miles of trails and the perfect
camp spot among the " most impressive growth of eastern virgin
forest in the United States. "
)) Western North Carolina Air Museum, Hendersonville. Return to
the Golden Age of Aviation at this living, active museum where
there are no " velvet ropes to keep you away...only [vintage] airplanes and people who love them. "
)) Great Smoky Mountains NP wildflower trails, Cherokee. Bring
your guidebook and see how many of the 1,500 species of native
wildflowers you can find on Deep Creek trails and the River Trail
near Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
)) Grovewood Village, Asheville. Plan time for an extended visit to
four onsite destinations across 11 acres: an antique car museum,
artists' studios, galleries and Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum celebrating the rise of a handwoven wool cottage industry to
the world stage.
)) Orchard at Altapass, Spruce Pine. Grab some apples off the
trees, visit the Butterfly Conservation Center and enjoy traditional
music, food and fun at this 105-year-old orchard turned Appalachian Cultural Center.
)) Lake Chatuge Dam, Clay County. Witness a feat of World War II
engineering at this 3,336-foot long, 150-foot high, 980-feet wide
earthen dam that created a lake with 128 miles of shoreline.
)) Biltmore Gardens and Grounds, Asheville. Take a leisurely stroll

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through the seasons across 8,000 acres and 20+ miles of trails to
see meadows, forests and planned gardens where environmental
stewardship is the guiding principle.
)) Graveyard Fields, BRP Milepost 418.8, Transylvania County. Hike
to the overlook for a view of the remnants of an ancient spruce and
fir forest; then visit Yellowstone Falls on a moderately easy walk
amongst wildflowers and berries.
)) Blackrock Mountain, Jackson County. For a high-elevation hike
and the equally thrilling views and massive rock formations, choose
this location.
)) Judaculla Rock, Sylva. Stop by this location, sacred to the
Cherokee, to look at the mysterious petroglyph writings that possibly date back 3,000 years.
)) Wolf Mountain Overlook vertical bog, BRP Milepost 424.8, Jackson County. Identify hundreds of blooming native florae thriving
straight up this moisture-rich vertical cliff face, including a carnivorous species.
)) Emerald Village & NC Mining Museum, Spruce Pine. Take an
underground tour (or a UV light tour for glow-in-the-dark gems) in
one of the 12 historic mines at the area's attractions; pan for gold
and gemstones; and view historic mining equipment.
)) Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah Forest. Enjoy interactive exhibits,
nature programs, guided tours and special events at this 6,500acre heritage site credited as the " birthplace of science-based forest
management. "
)) Asheville Museum of Science, Asheville. Learn the geology,
geography, weather patterns and forest biodiversity of the Appalachian Mountains.
)) Bechtler Mint, Rutherfordton. Step back in time to the " golden
crescent " at this historic public heritage center commemorating
the contributions to economic life in the early to late 19th Century.
)) Wheels Through Time Museum, Maggie Valley. To see the progression of motorized vehicles past to present, visit this display of
over 300 rare machines, including motorcycles, " one-off " cars and
memorabilia.
)) Henry River Mill Village, Hickory. Take a guided tour of this
ghost town that's on the way back to life; and was featured in the
movie " The Hunger Games " as home of Katniss' District 12.

Blue Ridge Country January/February 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country January/February 2021