CAROLINA COMPASS
Birding & Nature Walk Boonville (336) 677-1700 www.sandersridge.com
Mountain Heritage Festival Sparta (336) 372-5473 www.Sparta-NC.com Fall Festival Lillington (910) 893-3751 www.lillingtonchamber.org Heroes, Villains & Special Effects Science behind entertainment Sept. 17–18, Durham (919) 220-5429 www.lifeandscience.org
Crafty Saturday Card making Tarboro (252) 641-0857 www.cardscraps.com
Railfest Railroad food, music, storytelling Sept. 17–18, Bryson City (828) 586-8811 www.gsmr.com
Bluegrass Concert Albemarle (704) 791-7399 www.littlecreekmusicpark.com
Asian Papermaking Sept. 17–18, Black Mountain (828) 669-0930 www.blackmountainarts.org
Scott Ainslie Blues Concert Beaufort (252) 354-2444 www.downeastfolkarts.org Fall Wildflower Walk Chimney Rock State Park (828) 287-6113 www.chimneyrockpark.com
Boone
Linville Caverns (Marian) Asheville
Linville Falls (Newland)
Antique Gun & Military Antiques Sept. 17–18, Raleigh, NC (704) 282-1339 www.thecarolinatrader.com Constitution Week Sept. 17–23, Edenton (252) 482-2637 www.edenton.nchistoricsites.org Open House & Fall Sale Ironwood Estate Orchids Sept. 17–25, Hickory (828) 294-3950 www.ironwoodorchids.com
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| SUN.
Music In The Park US Air Force Heritage of America Band (252) 482-8595 www.visitedenton.com
19
| MON.
Percussion Ensemble Concert Greenville (252) 329-4200 www.ecu.edu
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| WED.
Celebration Of The Arts Sept. 21–25, Spindale (828) 287-6113 www.rcvag.com
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| THURS.
Summer Concert Series Coastal music Cashiers (404) 237-3761 www.highhamptoninn.com
CAROLINA COUNTRY
adventures
ip r T y a D
Linville Falls Recreation Area
Did you know that North Carolina has a spectacular grand canyon? It’s called “The Grand Canyon of the East,” or more precisely, Linville Gorge. Chiseled by the Linville River that runs between Linville Mountain on the west and Jonas Ridge on the east, this gorgeous gorge is no place for sissies. In fact, the Linville Gorge Wilderness is so rugged it was left unscathed during the earlycentury logging that felled so many other eastern forests. Even the most experienced hikers find exploring the gorge challenging. It’s as much as 2,000 feet down from the east and west rims, there are no detailed trail signs or blazes, and sometimes, there isn’t even much of a trail. Nevertheless, rock-climbers, Tumbling cascades of water, rugged hikers and backpackers reap great rewards for their sweaty forays. And fishercliffs and virgin forests draw outdoor men can pull brown, rainbow and brook trout from Linville River. Those who want a more moderate adventure can still enjoy amazing views enthusiasts to the Linville Falls via trails that begin near the Linville Falls Visitor Center in Newland. Linville Recreation Area. Falls is an amazing 150 feet in height. It starts with a twin set of upper falls and spirals through a small canyon where it then plunges 45 feet to the Linville River below. The trails in the Linville Falls system range from easy to strenuous, and they take you to different overlooks for viewing the upper and lower falls. Erwin’s View is a popular, moderate 1.6-mile roundtrip trail with four overlooks. The rangers can give you maps and advice. To drive there, take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Milepost 316.3 and follow the road about 1.5 miles to the visitor center, which is open through Nov. 1. You’ll pass by Linville Falls Campground. Nearby attractions include Linville Caverns in Marion (800-419~0540 or www.linvillecaverns.com).
—Karen Olson House Learn of other nearby adventures and events:
(828) 765-1045 (Linville Falls Visitor Center) | (828) 652-4841 (Linville Gorge information) www.nps.gov (search “Linville Falls”) | www.linvillegorge.net | www.visitblueridgeparkway.com/linville_falls.php Carolina Country SEPTEMBER 2011 37