- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Bryson City/Smoky/Blue Ridge recommendations
Posted on 7/30/19 at 10:47 am
Posted on 7/30/19 at 10:47 am
Taking the family up to the mountains, staying outside Bryson City. I have not been up that way in 20 years.
We have 5 full days. Plan to head to the Gatlinburg side for a day to hit Elkmont, Cade's Cove (maybe) and Gatlinburg. Going Asheville two days - one for Asheville itself and Hanging Rock, one for the Biltmore.
The other two days are up in the air. Probably go drive down towards Highlands and Cashiers, stop and make some short hikes, see some waterfalls. We want to do a little stream/river fishing, so maybe that can be rolled in together.
Probably spend some time going to Cataloochie Valley - would this substitute for Cade's Cove?
And, tubing for an afternoon on Deep Creek. My youngest is 6 and is too young for whitewater rafting.
Any other suggestions on things to do, places to go, easy hikes, cool sites? Sliding Rock? Cherokee? good swimming holes with short hikes?
Anyone have good restaurant recs for Bryson City, Waynesville and Asheville? We like food (I refuse to use that stupid word) and wine.
Thanks everyone
We have 5 full days. Plan to head to the Gatlinburg side for a day to hit Elkmont, Cade's Cove (maybe) and Gatlinburg. Going Asheville two days - one for Asheville itself and Hanging Rock, one for the Biltmore.
The other two days are up in the air. Probably go drive down towards Highlands and Cashiers, stop and make some short hikes, see some waterfalls. We want to do a little stream/river fishing, so maybe that can be rolled in together.
Probably spend some time going to Cataloochie Valley - would this substitute for Cade's Cove?
And, tubing for an afternoon on Deep Creek. My youngest is 6 and is too young for whitewater rafting.
Any other suggestions on things to do, places to go, easy hikes, cool sites? Sliding Rock? Cherokee? good swimming holes with short hikes?
Anyone have good restaurant recs for Bryson City, Waynesville and Asheville? We like food (I refuse to use that stupid word) and wine.
Thanks everyone
9
Posted on 7/30/19 at 10:56 am to BrotherEsau
Whiteside Mt between Highlands and Cashiers is a good family hike. About 2 mile loop with some nice vistas and views at the top. It does have a small parking lot though and gets pretty crowded. If you're around Highlands near sunset, Sunset Rock is a really easy hike and it starts right downtown. As the name suggests, it's popular place to sit and watch the sunset.
If you come into Highlands from the Franklin side(opposite Cashiers) there's a decent swimming hole just off the main road - Bust Your Butt Falls. A small rock slide and a pretty high cliff to jump from. You do have to scramble over some rocks to get to it, but nothing too daunting. Dry Falls is near there as well.
If you come into Highlands from the Franklin side(opposite Cashiers) there's a decent swimming hole just off the main road - Bust Your Butt Falls. A small rock slide and a pretty high cliff to jump from. You do have to scramble over some rocks to get to it, but nothing too daunting. Dry Falls is near there as well.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 11:04 am to The Spleen
quote:
A small rock slide and a pretty high cliff to jump from
Kids will love it, my wife won't be able to look. ha.
great info, thank you
I love the area, especially Highlands/Cashiers on 64. May nix the Gatlinburg side trip for more waterfall/trail time.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 11:35 am to BrotherEsau
Don’t bother with Cherokee... unless you like gambling, bad souvenirs, and fake gem mining.
I remember going to Cade’s Cove around 6 years old and thought it was pretty cool. Sliding Rock is fun. The train ride in Bryson City is interesting. Even though it’s 5 days, that does seem like a lot to do. Those things aren’t exactly close to one another, and I’m sure the kids don’t want to spend the whole time in the car.
I remember going to Cade’s Cove around 6 years old and thought it was pretty cool. Sliding Rock is fun. The train ride in Bryson City is interesting. Even though it’s 5 days, that does seem like a lot to do. Those things aren’t exactly close to one another, and I’m sure the kids don’t want to spend the whole time in the car.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 11:39 am to OldHickory
Navitat in Bernardsville , NC. Some great zip lining.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 11:47 am to BrotherEsau
Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls are cool swimming spots that are certainly kid friendly.
12 Bones in Asheville for BBQ (best ribs I’ve had) and Biscuit Head in Asheville for breakfast.
12 Bones in Asheville for BBQ (best ribs I’ve had) and Biscuit Head in Asheville for breakfast.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 1:05 pm to BrotherEsau
quote:
Probably spend some time going to Cataloochie Valley - would this substitute for Cade's Cove?
Yes
Posted on 7/30/19 at 1:13 pm to BrotherEsau
quote:
I love the area, especially Highlands/Cashiers on 64.
We've been doing a week in Highlands every summer for 10 or so years now. Highlands proper is a little too snooty for me, but I do love the area. Most of the restaurants there are great. Cyprus is probably my favorite for a nice dinner. Ugly Dog Pub for a lunch or afternoon drinks with apps. Their entrees are kind of hit or miss. Pizza from Mt Fresh Grocery is good, as is their breakfast if you find yourself there in the AM.
Sylva and Brevard are my two favorite towns. Sylva is close to Bryson City, but Brevard is a bit of a haul. Lulu's On Main in Sylva is a decent place to eat. The pizza place next to Innovation Brewing is good too. Forget the name of it. I live Sylva because there are like 4 breweries within walking distance of each other.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 2:02 pm to BrotherEsau
Sounds like you already have a good grasp of the area and some good suggestions in here. Would add Panthertown Valley as a hiking option near Cashiers. Has short easy hikes to waterfalls with swimming holes.
In Waynesville, Boojum is my favorite spot for brew and food. Would also recommend Haywood Smokehouse for their brisket. Chef’s Table if you want a higher end option with extensive wine list. Panacea for coffee on the river (but would not recommend Frog Level Brewing next door to them, very mediocre brew).
In Waynesville, Boojum is my favorite spot for brew and food. Would also recommend Haywood Smokehouse for their brisket. Chef’s Table if you want a higher end option with extensive wine list. Panacea for coffee on the river (but would not recommend Frog Level Brewing next door to them, very mediocre brew).
Posted on 7/30/19 at 2:09 pm to maclauer
Y'all all rock, great suggestions, thank you!
I've never been to Gatlinburg, and its the kids' first trip up that way, so I thought we ought to check it out. Will probably nix that because it's the farthest thing away.
My general idea is to check out a town/route each day, with stops for hikes, waterfalls and swimming along the way. easy stuff, still in civilization. It's an introductory trip. I'll build them up until their ready for a two week trail trek, and eventually to hike the whole thing with me when I'm old and (hopefully) no longer slaving away for the man, because I've either retired or become the man.
Though now on google maps, some of my ideas- highlands/cashiers - may be too far.
I've never been to Gatlinburg, and its the kids' first trip up that way, so I thought we ought to check it out. Will probably nix that because it's the farthest thing away.
My general idea is to check out a town/route each day, with stops for hikes, waterfalls and swimming along the way. easy stuff, still in civilization. It's an introductory trip. I'll build them up until their ready for a two week trail trek, and eventually to hike the whole thing with me when I'm old and (hopefully) no longer slaving away for the man, because I've either retired or become the man.
Though now on google maps, some of my ideas- highlands/cashiers - may be too far.
This post was edited on 7/30/19 at 2:11 pm
Posted on 7/30/19 at 2:19 pm to BrotherEsau
Definitely skip Gatlinburg. The kids will likely like it, but what they don't know won't kill them. There's enough in other areas to entertain them without the cheesiness, and your 6 year old doesn't really need a throwing star.
Highlands is a little over an hour's drive from Bryson City if you go through Franklin. Of course stopping off at places along the way adds time to that, but it's an easily doable day trip. The drive up the Cullasaja Basin into Highlands is worth it, IMO.
Highlands is a little over an hour's drive from Bryson City if you go through Franklin. Of course stopping off at places along the way adds time to that, but it's an easily doable day trip. The drive up the Cullasaja Basin into Highlands is worth it, IMO.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 2:29 pm to BrotherEsau
If you like scenic drives, I did the foothills parkway last month.
A lot of sports cars and motorcycles running the roads over there if you enjoy that too. The 2nd leg ends at the Fontana Dam, which wasn't a bad view.
A lot of sports cars and motorcycles running the roads over there if you enjoy that too. The 2nd leg ends at the Fontana Dam, which wasn't a bad view.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 2:32 pm to BrotherEsau
Bryson City - check out the Greak Smoky Mountains RR. Pretty scenic ride behind a steam engine parallel to the river.
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is tacky as hell. I've never really been a fan of that place. If you like trashy dinner shows and gimmicky shops/fun fairs go for it. Dollywood isn't too bad though if you want the kids to have fun.
Check out Kingman's Dome.
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is tacky as hell. I've never really been a fan of that place. If you like trashy dinner shows and gimmicky shops/fun fairs go for it. Dollywood isn't too bad though if you want the kids to have fun.
Check out Kingman's Dome.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 3:21 pm to LigerFan
quote:
If you like scenic drives, I did the foothills parkway last month. A lot of sports cars and motorcycles running the roads over there if you enjoy that too. The 2nd leg ends at the Fontana Dam, which wasn't a bad view
Foothills ends on 129 right before you get to the section known as the dragon. You would have to take 129 to 28 to get to Fontana Dam.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 3:24 pm to Walter White
quote:
12 Bones in Asheville for BBQ (best ribs I’ve had)
Ate at Buxton Hall BBQ there recently and it was amazing. They do whole hog barbecue and cook a lot of things in their pits with it. Had some mussels cooked under the hog and they were sublime.
Posted on 7/30/19 at 4:08 pm to BrotherEsau
This is the link to my trip report from last year. We rented a house on a lake near Cashiers.
The pictures go away after a period of time and you have to click the link to see them.
Lake Glenville/Cashiers area trip review 2018
The 30 year old's in our group liked Slab Town Pizza a lot and Cornucopia is good. Both in Cashiers.
We went to Asheville this spring and toured Biltmore. We did the roof top tour, which is about $25 extra I think but we thought it was worth it.
The Moose Café in Asheville is good for breakfast, huge biscuits. It is next to the farmer's market which is worth checking out, especially if you are doing any cooking.
Biltmore tour Spring 2019
This is a link to the Biltmore tour report. It has some pictures of what you see if you do the roof top tour.
Cherohala Skyway is a scenic drive from TN into NC. The Tail of the Dragon roadway is nearby; you can google it. Asheville and Bryson City are to the east; Highlands and Cashiers are to the south.
[/url][/img]
The pictures go away after a period of time and you have to click the link to see them.
Lake Glenville/Cashiers area trip review 2018
The 30 year old's in our group liked Slab Town Pizza a lot and Cornucopia is good. Both in Cashiers.
We went to Asheville this spring and toured Biltmore. We did the roof top tour, which is about $25 extra I think but we thought it was worth it.
The Moose Café in Asheville is good for breakfast, huge biscuits. It is next to the farmer's market which is worth checking out, especially if you are doing any cooking.
Biltmore tour Spring 2019
This is a link to the Biltmore tour report. It has some pictures of what you see if you do the roof top tour.
Cherohala Skyway is a scenic drive from TN into NC. The Tail of the Dragon roadway is nearby; you can google it. Asheville and Bryson City are to the east; Highlands and Cashiers are to the south.
[/url][/img] This post was edited on 7/30/19 at 4:28 pm
Posted on 7/30/19 at 5:29 pm to nctiger71
quote:
The Tail of the Dragon roadway is nearby
It’s a store, the road is just the dragon.
This post was edited on 7/30/19 at 5:30 pm
Posted on 7/30/19 at 7:01 pm to Dam Guide
quote:
It’s a store, the road is just the dragon.
quote:
Beginning at Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line is the Tail of the Dragon. It is considered by many as one of the world's foremost motorcycling and sports car touring roads.
Google it and you will find
references to the road being The Dragon and The Tail of the Dragon.
quote:
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Can you brave it? It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.
Maybe you can get “ride of your life” in a store; if it is the right kinda store.
This post was edited on 7/30/19 at 7:13 pm
Posted on 7/31/19 at 10:01 pm to nctiger71
quote:
Google it and you will find
references to the road being The Dragon and The Tail of the Dragon.
Been going up there before TotD had a store. They use to have a table they would set up at the overlook to sell things. DGMR was there first well before TotD even existed, go to dealsgap.com. TotD didn’t come into play really until they started advertising their store and Darryl aka Killboy really made it popular on the net because he is associated with that store. Hence why people mistake TotD the store for the road. Road will always be just the dragon.
You immediately recognize who isn’t a local when they make reference to it as TotD.
It’s really about copyright, the new store had to think of a way to monetize it without getting sued by the established store.
There isn’t 318 turns either, it’s a number Pete (previous owner of DGMR) made up, think it had something to do with the engine in his truck.
This post was edited on 7/31/19 at 10:29 pm
Posted on 8/1/19 at 5:54 am to The Spleen
quote:
The pizza place next to Innovation Brewing is good too.
You may be referring to Speedy's Pizza which is a Sylva institution!
OP, you may want to try the Tuckaseegee River for "rafting".
Kid friendly, class zero waves and alot of fun LINK /
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News