Topics Related to Mountains

Location: Ashe County, 26 miles northeast of Boone

You can find: Luther Rock and over 700 species of plants

Highlights: drive-up overlooks along the park road, showcasing great views; annual downhill skateboarding event; moderate to strenuous hikes

Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp; easy put-in access to paddle-in campsites (reservations required) on Long Arm peninsula

Location: McDowell County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: boat ramp

Location: McDowell County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: Sandy Cliff and Lake Channel overlooks; walk-in backpack camping; large group rental that includes picnic shelter and swimming area

Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: wooden bridge; bike trails; swim beach; boat rentals; drive-in camping; paddle-in camping to Long Arm peninsula; access to Fonta Flora and Overmountain Victory state trails

Location: Avery County, 13 miles southwest of Boone

You can find: over 70 species of rare, threatened and endangered plants and animals

Highlights: Grandfather Profile; backcountry camping; free hiking access to more than 13 miles of trail

Location: Transylvania County, near the NC/SC/GA tripoint

At this park, you can find: 26 remote waterfalls and over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest that host extraordinary biodiversity

Highlights at this access: free backcountry camping; multiuse trails; access to the Foothills Trail and Lake Jocassee

Location: Transylvania County, near the NC/SC/GA tripoint

At this park, you can find: 26 remote waterfalls and over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest that host extraordinary biodiversity

Highlights at this access: Upper Bearwallow Falls; visitor center; modern family campground

Location: Watauga County, 11 miles north of Boone

You can find: Gray's lily, trailing wolfsbane, large purple-fringed orchid, and flame azalea

Highlights: the summit, offering views from one of the highest peaks in the high country; cross country skiing and snowshoeing on ungroomed trail; backpack and zone camping

Location: Rutherford County, 27 miles southeast of Asheville

At the park, you can find: peregrine falcons, rock gnome lichen, green salamanders, lampshade spiders, and white irisette

Highlights at this access: hiking through large boulder fields; bouldering and rock climbing; Rumbling Bald Mountain; free access