Triple Falls - Dupont State Forest

The third of the Little River Falls, Triple consists of three distinct cascades, totaling about 120' in vertical drop. Featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans, Triple Falls is about a seven minute walk from the Hooker Falls parking area.

How to get there:
From the Hooker Falls parking lot on Staton Road, cross over Staton Road, carefully watching for traffic. Walk along shoulder of road towards bridge and cross bridge. Find stepping stones and descend to the Little River on the opposite side of the bridge from parking area.

Find the trail running parallel to the river and hike upstream about 1000' on level ground. Trail then bends to the right and ascends another 1000' feet up a steep slope. Find view of Triple Falls on your left. There is a trail down to the falls further up on the left.

Return the same way, or continue up to High Falls.

BLUERIDGE PARKWAY HIKING TRAILS

BLUERIDGE PARKWAY HIKING TRAILS. The Parkway, for 469.1 uninterrupted miles, displays blue-misted mountains, cascading waterfalls, rolling pasture, and gorges banked with wildflowers. The Parkway offers hikers of all skill levels the opportunity to explore more than 100 varied and intriguing trails in North Carolina and Virginia. Meandering alongside and crossing the scenic motor road, the trails provide a close-up look at some of the most beautiful wilderness in the country. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/trails.htm

Exhibit :Artists Inspirations from the Forest- Brevard

June 1- 30 Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM Forest Discovery Center at Cradle of Forestry.
A 16-panel exhibit produced by the Smithsonian illustrating how artists, writers, and musicians draw inspiration from the natural world.
www.cradleofforestry.org

Update: Chimney Rock Park - Work Continues to Exclamation Point

Progress is being made along the Skyline trail leading to Exclamation Point. So far, they've got about 1/3 of the gravel in place and have completed some of the necessary retaining walls. Remember, the project necessitates that more than 25 tons of gravel and 120 timbers be moved to the work site, and that work site is 2,480 ft. up the side of a mountain.

They hope to have the section of the trail from Devil's Head to Exclamation Point open sometime early this summer. The plan for the rest of the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop will be considered in State Parks' overall Master Plan for Chimney Rock State Park.

Family Fun Series at Chimney Rock Park

May 30 2 PM Chimney Rock Park.
Chimney Rock's Education Specialist Emily Walker leads a fun and interactive reptile program at Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows area of the Park. Emily will discuss the kinds of reptiles that live in Chimney Rock and guests will even have a chance to meet some live snakes and turtles.
www.ncparks.gov

Rock climbing at Chimney Rock State Park

Tyler Parker, CR Park new director of climbing operations, has been busy teaching folks from age 6 to 76 the basics of rock climbing. Most every weekend, and many weekdays (weather permitting), you'll find Tyler at the base of Chimney Rock ready to show you the ropes, literally.
We're one, if not the only, place in North Carolina where you can walk up, saddle up (that's get in a harness) and be climbing real rock in a matter of minutes. Tasters, a 15-minute "give it a go," are available most days and no equipment or experience is necessary. You can also book a half- or full-day clinic with Tyler for a more in-depth lesson.
Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Daylight Saving Time) weekdays and weekends
8:30am – 4:30pm (Eastern Standard Time) weekdays and weekends
Contact: 828-625-9611 or toll-free 800-277-9611

Blue Ridge Parkway History for the curious!

This summer's Parkway educational stops.
A number of historic homes, Revolutionary War sites, and interpreted natural sites can enrich the traveler's journey. Among them are: Brinegar Cabin, milepost 238.5.  Ben Long frescoes at Glendale Springs, milepost 258-259.  Moses Cone Manor and Memorial Park, milepost 292.7.  Historic Flat Top Manor House and Parkway Craft Center, milepost 294.  Museum of North Carolina Minerals, milepost 331.  Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, milepost 331.  Mt. Mitchell State Park, milepost 355.4.  Folk Art Center, milepost 382.

ASHEVILLE Wildflower Day - BR Parkway

ASHEVILLE Wildflower Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.
Free attraction open daily 9 am-5 pm.
828-298-5330 x 301

Father's Day Special at Chimney Rock Park

June 20 - 21 Chimney Rock Park.
Treat dad to a getaway to Chimney Rock Park for Father's Day.
Why not get him to try rock climbing too? Purchase one regularly-priced adult ticket and recieve one complimentary adult ticket. YOU MUST PRINT OUT THIS COUPON AND PRESENT IT AT THE TICKET PLAZA WHEN PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS. *Not valid with other discounts. One coupon per vehicle.
Offer valid June 14 and 15 only.

National Trails & Land Trust Day- Chimney Rock Park

June 6 Chimney Rock Park.
Join guided hikes with Park specialists, rock climbing demonstrations with the opportunity to try it for yourself. Area land trust organizations, hiking associations and other outdoor vendors will also be on hand to share their dedication to preserving and protecting green spaces.

Birding: Warblers! at Chimney Rock Park

May 17 9AM - noon. Chimney Rock Park. Dozens of species of warblers live and breed in the Park. Join birding expert Simon Thompson to see or hear all these species, including Worm-eating, Swainson’s, Black-and-white, Hooded and Yellow-throated. Ages 10 and up. $19; $3 for Annual Passholders; $8 for ages 6-15; free for Grady’s Kids Club Members.

Chimney Rock Park News

We hosted more than 1,300 of you at our 54th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, over 800 kids for our Earth Day programs and nearly 150 dogs (and their well-behaved people) at our 5th Annual Bark in the Park.

The climbing tower in the Meadows provided some fun and exhilarating exercise in the fresh air during our recent Spring Boy Scout Day. This weekend we will be hosting a special day for the Girl Scouts which also includes climbs up the 32-foot tower.

Early spring rains have made Hickory Nut Falls a sight to see. The wildflowers and trees are blooming and budding and the animals are out and about. Come on out to the Park and see for yourself!

Our trails crew, in partnership with crews from NC State Parks, continues to make progress along the Skyline trail leading to Exclamation Point. So far, they've got about 1/3 of the gravel in place and have completed some of the necessary retaining walls.

We hope to have the section of the trail from Devil's Head to Exclamation Point open sometime early this summer.

EXTREME HIKE COMBO TRIP- Clingman's Dome

May 18 EXTREME HIKE COMBO TRIP will premier on the summit of Clingman’s Dome –6,643 ft. - the second highest peak on the East Coast. The hike will take you through some of the most biologically diverse areas on earth, being an International Biosphere and a World Heritage Site, every thing about this hike is extreme. Cost is $125 per person – lunch, snacks, water, jet boat ride and all transportation is included. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring camera and raingear in your pack 1-888-900-9091

BR Parkway Road Closure-Blowing Rock Area

Milepost 269.8 - 280.9

Fill repair at Milepost 270.3 will close the Parkway until November, 2009.

For southbound traffic, exit the Parkway at Phillips Gap (Milepost 269.8) to Phillips Gap Road (NC 1168) to Idlewild Road (NC 1003) to US 221 south to US 421 south back to the Parkway at Deep Gap (Milepost 276.4).

For northbound traffic, exit the Parkway at Parkway School (Milepost 280.9) to Old US 421 south to New US 421 south to US 221 north to Idlewild Road (NC 1003) to Phillips Gap Road (NC 1168) back to the Parkway at Phillips Gap (Milepost 269.8).

Gorges State Park's Grassy Ridge Access Closed

Grassy Ridge Access (hwy 281s) is closed due to construction till May 2009.
Horse Pasture River area (USFS property) will need to secure legal parking in the community.
Frozen Creek Access off of Frozen Creek road near Rosman is open.

Lake Eden Arts Festival

May 7 - 10 Black Mountain. Enjoy a full weekend of art, music, and outdoor fun in a beautiful mountain lake setting. Experience cultural enrichment from all over the world! Camp Rockmont, Lake Eden Road. http://www.theleaf.com/

Grandfather Mountain Naturalist's Weekend

May 16-17 Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend is a fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover "nature on a whole different level". ll programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist's Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who attend for both days should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday. For details, phone 800-468-7325.

2009 Kid’s Fishing Day

May 29 - 30 Boone Fork Pond in Caldwell County. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.. A parent or guardian must be present. The event is open to kids age 1 (must be able to hold and reel in their own pole) to age 12. If you have a pole, bring it. If you don’t, a limited number of fishing poles are available. This event is held in coordination with the NC Wildlife Commission. (The Kid’s with Disabilities Fishing Day is scheduled for May 29 for pre-arranged groups.) The Boone Fork Pond will be closed to public fishing from 8:00 a.m. May 28, through 3:00 p.m. May 30, in conjunction with this event.

International Migratory Bird Day

May 16 Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard. Learn about migratory birds at the Cradle Of Forestry, one of the area's most popular historic and educational resources.

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is one of four national forests in North Carolina. The Grandfather, Appalachian and Pisgah ranger districts are spread across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina. The 512,670-acre Forest offers more than 950 miles of trail open to adventure by foot, bike or horse, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the forest for 110 miles.