Western North Carolina.

[Fear The Spear]

I'm planning on a road trip on the western portion of NC, and I know a bunch of you are familiar with this area, so I'm looking for suggestions. Basically looking for a scenic drive, with scenic stops, and scenic hikes. I want to see waterfalls, epic mountain views, and things like that.

My AAA magazine is suggesting places like Blowing Rock, Bust Your Butt Falls, Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Cove Viaduct, Issaqueena Falls, Walhalla, Whitewater Falls, Franklin, Nantahala, Robbinsville, Cherohala Skyway, Haw Knob, Santeetlah Gap, Almond NC, Highlands, Cullasaja Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and so much more, that it seems kinda overwhelming with the options.

Can anyone help me narrow down this list, and suggest any particular route, and/or must-see stops ?

 

[Boone]

You can do several of them in a single day. I used to take my kids to Linville - you can hike up and down around the falls which are beautiful, you can visit Linville Cavern which is just a couple of miles from the falls and a great experience, and even buy a bucket of local sand/gravel and prospect for gemstones. Grandfather Mountain is just down the road and they have a suspension bridge that is pretty intense if you want to walk over a gorge thousands of feet deep. Great day trip. They also have a zoo at Grandfather Mountain. Recommended.

 

[MikeSr619]

Bust Your Butt Falls - that one would make me a little nervous

 

[Elephant]

Hiked Linville and Grandfather Mt when I was out there. Canoed a river I cannot remember the name. Enjoyed the ride from Linville to Boone along the scenic highway. Have fun Fear...great part of the country.