Yellowstone Prong and (depending on your exact route) encounter three waterfalls. Pay close attention to the bushes: Come next summer, you can add wild-blueberry picking to your exploration of this popular area. And the largest waterfall offers an ice-cold swimming hole even in the hottest summers. Milepost 418 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Black Balsam Knob
Just down the road, nestled between Graveyard Fields and Devil’s Courthouse (another spot you should visit, at milepost 422.4) is another gem worth checking out in the search for fall foliage. Unlike other hikes in the area, the ridgeline at Black Balsam (elevation 6,214 feet) has almost no trees, which means you get unobstructed mountain views. Wait for a clear day and you’ll be able to see up to 70 miles away. Milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Looking Glass Rock
If you’ve ever driven on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ve probably seen this iconic rock (keep your eyes on the road, though). But why just look at it when you can sit on it? If you want to tackle the short but steep and switchbacked trail to the top (elevation 3,969 feet), give yourself a few hours. Access is on the backside of the big pluton — unless you’re a rock-climbing fiend. Parts of the path will take you through tunnels of rhododendron, perfect for those who’ve always wanted to act out a scene from The Wind in the Willows. Be sure to watch your step for ice. Get on US Highway 276 and turn left onto FS Road 475. The trailhead is on the right after about half a mile. Parking is available for 15 vehicles in a paved lot.
Hickory Nut Gorge to Black Mountain
Tired from that trek to Looking Glass? For lower-elevation, late-fall scenery, the views don’t have to end if you don’t feel like hiking: Get in the car and head down I-26 South to US 64 East and into Hickory Nut Gorge. Continue to Chimney Rock Park (elevation 2,280 feet). Enjoy views of Lake Lure, one of the locations used in the film Dirty Dancing and the spot you can use to re-enact scenes from the same. Then, head to Bat Cave and pick up NC 9, but we just call it No. 9. Wind through Black Mountain and take US 70 through the Swannanoa Valley back to Asheville. X Mary Caitlin Byrd is a UNCA journalism student.
“Night Vision Adventure” Our goal is to provide you with a unique opportunity to view the sky as never before! Using our Alpha Generation 3 militaryissue night vision gogles, you will
be able to search the heavens for constellations, shooting stars, satellites, experimental aircraft, and unidentified flying objects.
The Ultimate Star Gazing Experience www.StarWatchTours.com • 828-989-0015 26
G E TAWAY • FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2