|
Great Smoky Mountains National
Park - about 45 minutes by car from Prospect Hill
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, it's the most visited national
park in the National Park System, with nine million visitors a year. The peak months are
June to August and October during spectacular autumn color. Lowest visitation occurs in
winter months, November to February, and early spring. From
Waynesville, proceed south on Route 23 to the Cherokee exit and route 441 North into the
Park. From Atlanta and points south, follow
Interstate 985 North and then U.S. 23 North
to the exit for 441 North which leads to the
Park. More than 900 miles of trails provide opportunities ranging from ten-minute saunters
on quiet walkways to week-long adventures deep in the forest. There are about 170 miles of
paved roads and over 100 miles of gravel roads. The "backroads" offer a chance
to escape traffic and enjoy the more remote areas of the park.
In addition to the 900 miles of hiking trails, there are18
trail shelters, 90 backcountry campsites 10 developed campgrounds, 13
self-guided nature trails and over 700 miles of streams for trout fishing.
Bring hiking boots &
socks, other gear for your safety and protection, bottled water, binoculars & camera. If you're planning on
going deep into the forest, tell someone where you're
planning to go and bringing along a hand held GPS system is a good idea.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
TELEPHONE: (423) 436-1200
Blue Ridge Parkway - 15
minutes by car from Prospect Hill
The Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of Virginia and
North Carolina, linking Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountain National Parks along the crest
of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed as a "scenic drive", the Parkway provides
both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the
mountains. Almost 50 miles of the Parkway are here in
Haywood County.
Overlooks and trails offer breaks during a drive, and there are ranger programs at most
developed areas during the summer and autumn months. The Parkway provides wonderful
opportunities for: Hiking - The Parkway offers 100
trails ranging from short "leg-stretcher" walks to the Appalachian Trail. Wildflowers
& Fall Colors - The variety of the mountain environment makes the
Parkway an excellent location for both wildflower walks in the springtime and brilliant
leaf color in the autumn. Photography - The
combination of historical and natural areas make the park an excellent destination for
photographers. Historical and Cultural Demonstrations
- Several developed areas offer hands-on demonstrations of mountain life and culture,
including Humpback Rocks, the Johnson Farm and Mabry Mill. Ranger Guided
Walks and Evening Programs - During the summer season, most developed
areas offer evening programs, or more traditional campfire programs, along with guided
walks and special programs. Traditional mountain music programs
- At Roanoke Mountain, Rocky Knob, Folk Art Center, the Parkway celebrates mountain
culture through special mountain music programs. Birdwatching
- Because the Appalachian Mountains shape the flyway for most eastern migratory birds, the
Parkway is an excellent place for both birdwatching and autumn migratory bird counts. Bicycling
- The slow pace of bicycling on the motor road may be one of the best ways to enjoy
everything that the park has to offer. Bikes are prohibited on all trails. Since the
Parkway circles around Waynesville, there are three places at which one can get on it -
the most distant one is about 45 minutes away from Prospect Hill. Don't forget
binoculars. We have a short Video Tape of the North Carolina section of the Parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway
400 BB&T Bldg.
Asheville, NC 28801
TELEPHONE: (828) 298-0398.
Return to top
Pisgah National Forest - 1
hour away
The Pisgah Forest District is a Mecca for vacationers, naturalists and adventurers,
offering a wide range of options for your recreating pleasure. Just to mention a few,
there's 600 miles of hiking and back-packing trails, camping, fishing, biking, horse-back
riding, swimming, rock-climbing, car-touring, waterfalls, wildlife, historical areas, and
a variety of special programs to choose from, including everything from lectures to guided
hikes and square dancing. The main season runs from Memorial Day weekend through the
change of the leaves in November. Our mild southern climate means that most areas are
accessible year-round, although since elevations go up to over 6000 feet, there is a high
degree of variability to the weather. Summertime daily temperatures average in the 80's in
the lower elevations to the 70's to near 80 on the ridges along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This 500,000-acre
forest, part of which was purchased from the Biltmore Estate
in 1916, ranges in elevation
from 2,000 feet to the 6,410-ft. Richland Balsam Mountain. Headquarters of the Ranger
District and major entrance is near Brevard where N.C. 280 intersects U.S. 276.
Hours for the Visitor Center are 8:00 to 5:00 on weekdays. During the summer months the
visitor center is also
open from 9:00 to 5:00 on weekends and holidays. Admission is free.
Pisgah Ranger District
1001 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(704) 877-3350
Directions: On US 276, north of Brevard.
Return to top
Mount Mitchell State Park
Explore miles of hiking trails and reward yourself with breathtaking views of the
Blue Ridge Mountains. Ascend the highest peak east of the Mississippi, rising to 6,684
feet and watch the world take on a new perspective from the observation tower.
Visit the museum and learn about the natural and cultural history of
North Carolina's first state park. The famished hiker or the hungry tourist can enjoy a
relaxing meal in the restaurant.
Address: Route 5 Box 700, Burnsville, NC 28714
Telephone: Park Office: (828) 675-4611; Fax: (828) 675-9655; Restaurant (828) 675-9545.
Directions: Follow Blue Ridge Parkway to milemarker 355, then NC 128 to the park entrance.
Park Hours: November-February 8am-6pm; March, October 8am-7pm; April, May, September
8am-8pm; June-August 8am-9pm. Office hours: 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Gates will
remain locked, except in emergency situations, when the park is not in operation. Please
plan accordingly. The park is closed Christmas Day.
Accessible Facilities: Parking, restrooms at the restaurant and at the concession stand
are accessible. Pathways and picnic shelters are not accessible.
Special Interest Areas: A short trail beginning at the summit parking lot leads to the
stone observation towers. On a clear day, there are spectacular views from this highest
point east of the Mississippi River. It would not be unusual to observe the beautiful
flight of a peregrine falcon. The body of Dr. Elisha Mitchell is buried next to the tower
where a stone marker recounts his work in the Black Mountains.
Return to top
White Water
Rafting
Several locations offer White Water Rafting here are two which our guests have used:
French Broad Rafting Co. - about
an hour from Prospect Hill
1-800-842-3189 • (828) 649-3574 • 1-800-570-RAFT (7238)
24 Hour Reservation Line
376 Walnut Drive • Marshall, NC 28753
Return to top
Nantahala Outdoor Center - about
45 minutes from Prospect Hill
13 Mi. South of Bryson City on US 74
800-232-7238 Rafting only
A commercial rafting trip on the Nantahala River typically consists of a half-day
adventure through the Nantahala Gorge—some of the area's most scenic terrain. The
Nantahala, a Class II-III river, is a fine trip for both the first-timer and experienced
rafter, as well as private boaters of any skill level. With a wealth of rapids running the
length of river, there's plenty of fun for rafters and boaters alike. Families are
particularly fond of this river since, by USFS rules, rafters need only weigh 60 pounds.
This lets most children participate in this unique family adventure. Outfitters provide
the equipment and gear needed for the trip down the river (lifejacket, splash pants); many
also offer rental rafts or ducky trips depending on water levels.
From put-in to take-out, the rafting stretch is eight-and-a-half miles. That's about
two-and-a-half hours spent on the water for a commercial trip. A commercial outfitter will
transport you by bus or van to the put-in, the shuttle leaves about every 30-45 minutes in
peak season. Private boaters must use the Forest Service's commercial put-in and pay a one
dollar fee for daily use. A five dollar season permit is also available through the USFS.
Rafters' USFS fees should be included in the outfitter's trip price.
Return to top
Biltmore Estate - 45
minutes by car from Prospect Hill
Boasting four acres of floor space, the 250-room mansion featured 34 master bedrooms, 43
bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens, and an indoor swimming pool. It was appointed
with a priceless collection of furnishings and art works and equipped with every
conceivable amenity, from elevators to refrigerators. The surrounding grounds were equally
impressive, encompassing a 125,000-acres of forest, park, and gardens. Biltmore Estate is
open seven days a week, 363 days a year. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Days.
The Admissions Gate and Reception & Ticket Center are open for daytime visits:
January - March, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
April - December, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission Rates (Daytime)
No reservations accepted or required.
2002 Rates: Adults: $36
Youth Ages 10-15: $27
You can extend your visit to a second day for an additional $8.00
Children nine and under with paying parent: free
800-543-2961
Return to top
Harrah's Casino at
Cherokee - 45 minutes by car from Prospect Hill
Harrah's, the top name in casino entertainment, is now in Cherokee with the biggest fun
you've ever seen. They've opened a casino the size of three football fields, featuring all
your favorite games in video format, like Double Diamonds, Red, White & Blue and
Sizzling Sevens, all with the added skill feature of a second spin to win. Plus Video
Blackjack, Video Poker and Video Craps. And don't miss the world famous performers at the
1,500 seat Cherokee Pavilion theater, plus three great restaurants.
For information, call 1-800-HARRAHS
Return to top
Great Smoky Mountain
Railway - about an hour and 15 minutes away
The Great Smoky Mountains Railway is now in its eleventh year of providing a full season
of over 836 tourist railway round trip excursions. On passenger schedules, the railway now
operates four diesel-electric locomotives and one Baldwin steam locomotive, No. 1702.
Passengers ride comfortable, reconditioned coaches, crown
coaches, club cars, dining cars, cabooses, and open cars which are ideal for viewing and
picture taking. (Be sure to check which ones have restrooms and which do not!)
Scenic excursions take you through a beautiful section of western North
Carolina with views of the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains, winding rivers, and lakes.
Don't forget your camera.
Call for additional information and reservations at
1-800-872-4681
Return to top
Golf: - the most distant one is
20 minutes away
Golf Course
Lake Junaluska
Laurel Ridge (Private)
Springdale Resort
Waynesville Country Club |
18 Hole Price
$12
$65
$45
$44 |
Phone (828)
456-5777
456-3200
235-8451
452-4617 |
Return to top
Cradle of Forestry-
about 30 minutes from Prospect Hill
On U.S. 276 four miles south of milepost 412 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Features
exhibits, films, guided tours, restored historic buildings from the late 1800s and early
1990s, forestry exhibits, restored steam locomotive and gift shop. Nominal fee charged.
Open April 19 to end of October. Call 828-877-3130.
Return to top
Prospect Hill
Inn, Waynesville, North Carolina 828-456-5980
Reservations & Information: 800-219-6147
Home
Page |
Rooms & Rates
| Today's weather in the Mountains
| Book Reviews
Schedule of local events
| Directions | Waynesville's
Main Street
|
|
