The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Explore great outdoors in North Carolina
Rich in history as one of the original 13 Colonies, North Carolina also claims an abundance of Southern charm, and enough natural wonders to keep visitors engaged and, thus, returning year after year. Be it hiking, water sports, golfing or simply meandering among its many historic towns, North Carolina offers a bounty not easily found elsewhere.
Hiking Panthertown Valley
Panthertown Valley huddles neatly on the Eastern Continental Divide in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and is considered part of the Nantahala National Forest. Although the wildly diverse habitat, redolent with abundant wildlife and rare plants, is designated as a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, it also enjoys its reputation as the “Yosemite of the East.” That moniker, in no small part, easily is due to the variety of pleasures it offers the legions of outdoor enthusiasts who visit this dramatic stretch of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Boasting more than 30 miles of scenic backcountry trails and eight major waterfalls — and plenty of minor ones — Panthertown plays host to mountain bikers, campers, equestrians, hikers and photographers. For hikers, the biggest decision comes in picking which path to wander. First-timers might consider the Panthertown Valley Loop (trail 474), which is not only the most popular, but the 3.3mile trek offers an all-encompassing taste of what the area has to offer as it meanders through valleys and rocky granite outcrops, then crosses over Panthertown and Greenland creeks.
Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, N.C. 828-524-6441, www. fs.fed.us, @Panthertown.
Dabble in the sport of kings, High Hampton Inn
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this gracious family-owned and family-friendly retreat blends rustic mountain charm with finely appointed guest rooms, suites and cottages. Creature comforts and traditional Southern hospitality, teamed with a wide array of outdoor activities, keep guests coming back to this welcoming spot neatly tucked away on 1,400 gently rolling acres in the lush foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Maybe you’ll gather your family for a rousing game of croquet on the ample lawn, or opt for golf, fly fishing or paddle boarding — the estate boasts a 35-acre lake.
However, for a completely different twist on high-flying adventure — and one you won’t soon forget — indulge in the sport of nobles, spending an afternoon learning the ancient art of falconry. Accompany a licensed falconer from Curtis Wright Falconry for an education on the sport, then thrill to a hands-on experience with a trained raptor. Your concierge will gladly set up the adventure.
Note that the inn closes the Sunday after Thanksgiving and doesn’t reopen until the last weekend in April.
1525 N.C. 107 S., Cashiers, N.C. 1-800-334-2551, www. highhamptoninn.com, @ highhamptoninn.
Classic golf at the Inn at Mid Pines
If you live and breathe golf, then immersing yourself in a course designed by Scottish-born Donald Ross, whose name is synonymous with stellar golf course designs, is a must. You’ll find the Mid Pines golf course impeccably maintained and exactly as it was when designed by Ross in 1921. This classic course has hosted its share of national competitions.
When golfing is done for the day, return to the Mid Pines Inn, grab a highball, wander to the terrace and gab about your game while you take in the picturesque views of the 18th hole. Or you and the rest of your gang can take your libations in the casual comfort of Pop’s Lounge, where all things golf are discussed endlessly, obsessively and with great detail.
When arranging your stay at the Inn at Mid Pines, which was built in 1921 and maintains its gracious Georgian-style charm, make sure to request a room with a view of the golf course.
1005 Midland Road, Southern Pines, N.C. 1-800-7477272, pineneedles-midpines.com, @PineNeedlesGolf.
Fly Fishing Trail, Jackson County
Jackson County, home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, is primed to become the official Trout Capital of the state sometime next year. Occupying a chunk of southwestern North Carolina, this county boasts 4,600 miles of trout streams and receives an annual stocking of 92,800 trout, which is the most of any county in the state. It also claims the state’s longest contiguous stretch of North Carolina Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, including 15 access points to fly fishing. Three of the 13 towns designated with Mountain Heritage Trout Waters are in Jackson County: Sylva, Dillsboro and Webster. Need someone to show you the way to the prime fly fishing spots? Not a problem. There are several local guide services that will ensure that brook, rainbow and brown trout grab your hook.
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, 773 W. Main St., Sylva, N.C. 828586-2155, mountainlovers. com, flyfishingtrail.com, @ MountainLovers.
Tour de Food and NASCAR, Lake Norman
Lake Norman enjoys bragging rights as the largest manmade lake in the Carolinas. Boasting 520 miles of shoreline, it’s home to the towns of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville, each of which provides plenty of attractions to keep visitors occupied. While Cornelius offers an abundance of family water activities, historic Davidson is the place to take in the three-hour Tour de Food. It begins at the Old Cotton Mill, now the Brick House Tavern, and allows participants to get up close and personal with local restaurants, chefs, locally grown produce, craft beers and wines.
Sports fans will find their NASCAR needs easily met in nearby Huntersville, also known as home to Joe Gibbs Racing, which puts together the annual Fan Fest Car Show each October. This year’s event was Oct. 7, but it’s never too early to start revving up for next year. Along with the judged car show — categories range from street rods, muscle cars and trucks — the event also features plenty of NASCAR drivers in person.
704-987-3300, visitlakenorman.org, @VisitLakeNorman.
Joe Gibbs Racing has the Race Shop, 13415 Reese Blvd. W., Huntersville, N.C. 704944-5000, www.visitnc.com, @JoeGibbsRacing.