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.