Tag: hiking

Posted on by Admin

 

They say not to go chasing waterfalls, but when you’re visiting an area like Blowing Rock or Chetola with 20+ waterfalls around you, it’s impossible not to enjoy them. So we say grab your gear, pack accordingly, and go chase those High Country waterfalls. 

Though there are many waterfalls and trails to choose from in the area, our favorites to chase include:

Glen Burney Falls (3.2 miles)

Located just 3 minutes from Chetola Resort, these beautiful falls are right in the heart of Downtown Blowing Rock. On this 3.2 mile out and back trail, enjoy views of Glen Marie Falls and Glen Burney Falls at the end of the trail. In addition to viewing the falls, at the beginning of the trail you can find remains of an old structure.

This trail is a favorite of Chetola guests and visitors because its location makes it a great adventure to experience before or after exploring downtown Blowing Rock. You can even walk from downtown to the trailhead for the falls! It’s the perfect hidden gem, right in town!

Important Note: Though many spots list this trail as easy, it is more moderately challenging the further you go down the trail and is often slick and muddy. Please prepare accordingly.

Otter Falls (0.9 miles)

Located just a short drive away in Seven Devils, NC, this short hike that is rated as moderately strenuous follows a beautifully forested trail as it descends 230 feet to Otter Falls. With 4 different colored trails, each exploring a different part of the forest, there is a nature walk in Seven Devils for everyone to enjoy! There are also observation decks for hikers to take in the views from the top of the falls as well as trails that lead to the bottom.

Visitors love this spot because the trek is less strenuous than some other waterfall hikes in the area, but Otter Falls is just as stunning as some of the bigger falls.

The trek to Otter Falls is rated as moderate and does descend about 230 feet towards the falls. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended

Cascades Trail (0.8 miles)

The Cascades Trail is an easy, 1-mile loop trail located at Milepost 271.9 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Deep Gap, NC. This beautiful hike takes adventurers past views, gorgeous High Country plants and spring blooms, before reaching two overlooks that show off the falls. There is an upper and lower view of the falls, and both provide spectacular scenes. If you’re looking for a shorter hike with great views and a waterfall in the middle, then this is the perfect trail to explore.

Important Note: Please do not climb on the falls or atop the stone walls. Both are very slippery and injuries have occurred. 

Linville Falls (distance varies)

Linville Falls is considered one of the area's most beautiful waterfalls. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and marking the beginning of the Linville Gorge, Linville Falls is an iconic waterfall and a must-see for all hiking enthusiasts. With 4 different trails and viewpoints of Linville Falls, there is a trail (and a view) for everyone’s tastes. 3 of the trails are considered easy treks, while the 4th is considered as strenuous and only recommended for experienced hikers. 

Important Note: This hike can get extremely busy during the warmer months especially on weekends. Please plan to hike early in the morning or during the weekdays. Swimming in this area is extremely dangerous and not allowed. Please stay behind all signs and follow all rules. They are there to keep you safe from the falls. And remember to leave this area better than you found it.

Crab Orchard Falls (1.4 miles)

The 1.4 mile trek to Crab Orchard Falls is a moderate, uphill trek that leads to small water pools and beautiful cascading waterfalls. Winding up through forested areas, with tall trees, and wonderful nature sounds, this hike is worth the uphill climb to enjoy the views beyond. And since what goes up, must come down, enjoy a gradual downhill all the way back to your vehicle as you enjoy the hike back.

Important Note: The wooden bridge to Crab Orchard Falls can be slick. Use caution when walking this part of the trail.

Elk River Falls (0.8 miles)

Located just past Banner Elk in the town of Elk Park, the Elk River Falls trail provides a spectacular view of a 50 ft waterfall after a short hike. Follow the trail sign for “Big Falls” for an easy ¼ of a mile walk and you will find yourself at the top of the falls. Take in the views of the water tumbling down and then continue down the trail for another ¼ mile (this last part is a little steeper) and you’ll find yourself at the base of the falls. At the base, there is a big, flat rock where many sit to enjoy the views or take a picnic (we highly recommend a to-go meal from Timberlake’s). Many people also take the opportunity to swim in this spot, but please read the notes below about safety precautions at Elk River Falls.

Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended.

*Important Note: Although swimming is allowed at the pools below the falls, you should NOT swim near the base of the falls or at the top of the falls. The currents are too strong for wading in these spots and can be deadly. You should also not jump from the top of the falls.

Bonus: Chetola Dam (0.4 miles from Chetola Lodge)

Though not necessarily a true waterfall, the Chetola Dam is a hidden gem that not many people know about. Historically, the original entrance to Chetola Resort, the dam now serves as a beautiful spot to enjoy the view, picnic, fish, and take a little trip back in history. This spot can be accessed by guests of the resort.

 

We can’t wait for you to chase waterfalls on your next getaway to Chetola Resort!

For the best experience while waterfall hiking, here are a few extra tips for hiking to see these spectacular spots:

 

  • Follow Outdoor NC’s 7 principles for recreating in the North Carolina
  • Check the weather! Know what conditions will look like during the day.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Many trails can be slick and muddy during all seasons.
  • Bring water and stay hydrated.
  • Be safe and have fun out there!

 

*Please be sure that when exploring you leave the waterfalls and the surrounding areas better than you found them. Please pick up all trash, leave only footprints, take nothing but photos and follow OutdoorNC’s seven principles for recreating in North Carolina. Find the seven principles by visiting https://www.visitnc.com/outdoornc

 

Posted on by Admin

 

Summer is the season for hiking in the High Country during your stay at Chetola Resort. With beautiful views of greens & blues all around, long days full of sunshine, and breathtaking hikes at every turn, summer is the perfect season for exploring a new trail.

While you can’t go wrong with any trail you choose to wander down in the summer season, a few of our all time favorites are: 

Price Lake

This 2.3 mile loop around Price Lake is the perfect trail for any level of adventurer. Between the breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain reflecting on Price Lake, the beautiful blooms, rhododendron tunnels, and various terrain types, this trail will delight those who want a relaxing lake experience, as well as those who want epic mountain views (without the climb). And, if you’re still looking for some additional adventure after you trek around the lake, visit Price Lake Boat Rentals where you can enjoy Price Lake from a canoe, kayak, or paddle board!

Important Note: This trail can get extremely muddy after rains. Please proceed with caution after inclement weather.

Linville Falls

Linville Falls is considered one of the area's most beautiful waterfalls. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and marking the beginning of the Linville Gorge, Linville Falls is an iconic waterfall and a must-see for all hiking enthusiasts. With 4 different trails and viewpoints of Linville Falls, there is a trail (and a view) for everyone’s tastes. 3 of the trails are considered easy treks, while the 4th is considered as strenuous and only recommended for experienced hikers. 

Important Note: This hike can get extremely busy during the warmer months especially on weekends. Please plan to hike early in the morning or during the weekdays. And remember to leave this area better than you found it.

Black Rock Trail

The Black Rock Trail is a 1.8 mile moderate hike on Grandfather Mountain where hikers can enjoy a forested trail, giant boulders, short ladder/cable climbs, and panoramic views of Beacon Heights, Grandmother Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the peaks of Macrae and Attic Window. 

Important Note: Black Rock Trail is located on the private portion of Grandfather Mountain and requires park admission ($$) to access. Park admission includes access to multiple trails, animal habitats, Mile-High Swinging Bridge, and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. This trail also includes ladders and cables at the end to access some of the view points.

Crab Orchard Falls

The 1.4 mile trek to Crab Orchard Falls is a moderate, uphill trek that leads to small water pools and beautiful cascading waterfalls. Winding up through forested areas, with tall trees, and wonderful nature sounds, this hike is worth the uphill climb to enjoy the views beyond. And since what goes up, must come down, enjoy a gradual downhill all the way back to your vehicle as you enjoy the hike back.

Important Note: The wooden bridge to Crab Orchard Falls can be slick. Use caution when walking this part of the trail.

 

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re hoping to embark on during your next visit to Chetola, any or all of these hikes are the perfect escape into the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us soon at Chetola for beautiful sunny days and epic trails!

 

*Always hike at your own risk.

**Leave what you find. Do not pick, rip, or trample flowers or other flora. Take only photos.

***Please remember when exploring these beautiful trails to leave the area better than you found it so that others can enjoy its natural beauty.

For more information on how to responsibly recreate on the trails and across North Carolina visit https://www.visitnc.com/outdoornc

 

 

Posted on by Admin

 

Outdoor adventure is abundant in North Carolina and especially around Chetola Resort. One of our favorite and less well-known spots to explore in the area is the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST). The Mountains to Sea Trail is North Carolina’s state hiking trail. Stretching 1175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, the Mountains to Sea Trail traverses some of the most beautiful spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read below to explore some of our favorite sections of the MST near Chetola Resort!

Stack Rock Overlook (Milepost 304.8)

From the Stack Rock parking area along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hop on the Tanawha Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail heading North to reach Stack Rock. Upon reaching Stack Rock you will come upon a natural rock formation of a rock pillar and enjoy views of the mountains beyond. From this point you can continue along the MST/Tanawha Trail for as long as you’d like, or you can turn around and head back to the Overlook.

The trail to Stack Rock is not long, but it can be somewhat strenuous with big rocks and steep climbs to get to the rock formation. Please use caution and come prepared with the correct footwear and gear.

   

Rich Mountain (Start at Trout Lake or Shulls Mill Road)

To find this section of the MST, follow Shull’s Mill Road from Blowing Rock, just past Trout Lake until you see a gate and a small parking area. Follow the gravel carriage trail up and then signs for Rich Mountain.

Attached to the Moses Cone Memorial Park Trail System, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail follows the MST for about 1 mile before you  can choose to continue following the Mountains to Sea Trail as far as you want to go or continue up the trail to the peak of Rich Mountain (about another 1.5 miles).

The path up to Rich Mountain is a very gentle climb along a gravel carriage trail with multiple views along the way in mountain side meadows. At the summit, savor views of the surrounding mountains like Grandfather Mountain and Flat Top Mountain along with the historic stonework from when the Cones enjoyed the property.

If you want more time on this section of the MST, extend your hike by starting at Trout Lake and then hiking up to the peak of Rich Mountain.

**If parking area is full, please park at Trout Lake or find another spot to hike for the day. Do not park on the road or block road from Trout Lake.

Raven’s Rock Overlook (Milepost 289.5)

After enjoying the view from Raven’s Rock, you can follow the  MST from this overlook by finding the trail to the left or right side of the parking lot. The right-side section of the trail is along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the left side is through the trees from the parking lot.

If you take the MST to the right, enjoy traversing through cow fields and forests with views of mountain ranges in the distance. If you take the trail to the left, you’ll enjoy a forested hike and eventually come out to views of panoramic mountain ranges.

*Park at the Raven Rock Overlook area to enjoy this section of the MST.

 

Some of the best adventures are the ones that are off the beaten trail. We hope that you’ll be able to discover some new adventures and make wonderful memories  down the Mountains to Sea Trail on your next visit to Chetola Resort.

Reminders for hiking:

*Follow Outdoor NC’s and Leave No Trace’s 7 principles for recreating in the outdoors https://www.visitnc.com/outdoornc

**Leave what you find. Do not pick, rip, or trample flowers or plants. Take only photos.

***Please remember when exploring these beautiful trails to leave the area better than you found it so that others can enjoy its natural beauty.

Posted on by Admin

 

One of our favorite reasons for coming up to the mountains in the summer: you can enjoy live music almost every night of the week. Explore spots all around the High Country while discovering your new favorite bands. Here are just a few of our favorite spots around Blowing Rock and beyond to enjoy a night full of tunes:

Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort

We’re a little biased… but the most delicious spot to enjoy live music in Blowing Rock is Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort. With live music throughout the entire year and the only spot to enjoy music on a Wednesday night in the High Country, you don’t want to miss the fun at Timberlake’s.

In the summer, you can enjoy live music at Timberlake’s Wednesday – Saturday nights from 6 – 9pm. In the winter, join us Thursday – Saturday for live music 6 – 9pm.

Visit https://chetola.com/dining-2/ to view our full live music lineup.

Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer or on the weekends, we always recommend making a reservation to ensure you can enjoy the music.

Photo Courtesy of the Town of Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Concerts in the Park

Sundays after strolling through Art in the Park, throughout June - September join the town of Blowing Rock at 4 pm for live music in Memorial Park! Bring your chair, some delicious snacks from a local restaurant, and enjoy the tunes!

Blowing Rock Town Concert Series at Broyhill Park

Start your week off right with a Monday night concert at Broyhill Park. Monday nights July - August enjoy concerts at the gazebo at 7 pm. Bring a chair or blanket and a to-go meal from Timberlake’s for a guaranteed good time.

Photo Courtesy Green Park Inn

Music on the Veranda at Green Park Inn

End your week with good music and a good time at the Green Park Inn. On Sunday afternoons, mid-June through October enjoy live music from 5 – 8 pm.

Music on the Lawn at Inn at Ragged Gardens

Your Friday night just got better. Join Inn at Ragged Gardens for live music every Friday 5:30  - 8:30, May – October. A cash bar and lawn menu are available during these events. They ask that your furry friends stay home.

Pro-Tip: Arrive early (like really early) and bring your own chair. This live music event tends to be very popular and the lawn fills up quickly.

Photo Courtesy of Town of Boone, Jones House

Jones House Community Center in Boone

Spending the day in Boone? Enjoy live music every Friday July – August from 5 – 7 pm on the front porch of the Jones House in Downtown Boone. Pick up a snack from a local restaurant, bring a chair or blanket, and appreciate some great tunes.

Photo Courtesy of The Speckled Trout

Tunes at the Trout at Speckled Trout

Revel in the sounds of the mountains when you enjoy a delicious meal and boot-stomping tunes on Thursday nights at The Speckled Trout from 6-8 pm. Right on Main Street in Blowing Rock, you will not only enjoy the music but the sights and sounds of the town.

Photo Courtesy of Town of Banner Elk

Banner Elk Music in the Park

Enjoy eclectic music at 6:30, July - September on the outdoor stage at Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk. With food, beer, and wine vendors on-site you can grab a snack and enjoy the live music all night long.

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Music Trails

Backstreet Park Summer Concerts in West Jefferson

Be entertained with traditional bluegrass, country, and gospel music every 3rd Friday from June – August at the Backstreet of Downtown West Jefferson. Pick up a meal from a local restaurant, grab your favorite chair or picnic blanket, and enjoy great music in the town of West Jefferson.

We hope to see you at Timberlake’s Restaurant or at one of these other amazing outdoor music spaces this season!

For a more extensive list of even more music around the High Country visit, https://highcountryhost.com/NC-High-Country-FREE-Music

Posted on by Admin

 

Though there’s no bad season to go hiking in the High Country, spring is at the top of our list to get outside and explore. The warmer weather, colorful blooms, and an abundance of trails makes this season the perfect one to adventure in. If you’re ready to head on a spring adventure, here are a few of our favorite spots around the area to explore.

Chetola Resort Bass Lake TRACK Trail

The Chetola Resort Bass Lake TRACK Trail is a 1.8 mile loop that takes hikers down a forested gravel trail and then around Bass Lake. Except for the hill from the parking area to the main trail, this hike is relatively flat and accessible for all abilities of hikers. Along the trail enjoy views of nature critters, high country plants & flowers, horses, Bass Lake, and the Moses Cone Manor up on the hill. The perfect hike for all explorers, the Bass Lake TRACK Trail is a must do on your next visit to Chetola Resort.  And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Moses Cone Trail system has 25+ miles of trails to wander and explore.

Cascades Trail

The Cascades Trail is an easy, 1-mile loop trail located Milepost 271.9 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Deep Gap, NC. This beautiful hike takes adventurers past views, gorgeous High Country plants and spring blooms, before reaching two overlooks that show off the falls. There is an upper and lower view of the falls, and both provide spectacular scenes. If you’re looking for a shorter hike with great views and a waterfall in the middle, then this is the perfect trail to explore.

Important Note: Please do not climb on the falls or atop the stone walls. Both are very slippery and injuries have occurred.

Green Knob Trail

The Green Knob Trail is a moderate, 2.3 mile loop located at Milepost 295.9 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. This adventure takes hikers through a forested area, past mountain streams and Sim’s Pond, under the Parkway, through cow fields filled with flowers (and sometimes butterflies) and then back through the forest to where you began.  Whether you enjoy mountain views, blooms, a beautiful trail, or the potential to see cows, this a great trail to explore on your next visit to Chetola.

Important Note: If you encounter cows, please keep your distance and stay on the trails.

Boone Fork Trail

The Boone Fork Trail is a moderate (but can be strenuous in spots), 5.2 mile loop located at the Price Lake Picnic Area at Milepost 296.4 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. This trail is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It follows Boone Fork Creek for the first few miles through the forest before it leads to Hebron Falls. The trail then continues through the forest over rocks, through fields, showing off views of Grandfather Mountain before it leads you back through the forest to where you started.

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re hoping to embark on during your next visit to Chetola, any or all of these hikes are part of the perfect escape into the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us soon at Chetola for beautiful blooms and epic trails!

 

*Always hike at your own risk.

**Leave what you find. Do not pick, rip, or trample flowers. Take only photos.

***Please remember when exploring these beautiful trails to leave the area better than you found it so that others can enjoy it’s natural beauty.