Suggestions for Family Scenic Road over Holiday

[Jeff Elliott]

Hi All -

Daughters are both in town and would like to explore some back roads. We would probably take my LX570 as I'm not yet confident in my FZJ80 for longer drives. Would appreciate any suggestions on mild / moderate trail rides in the Boone / Asheville areas. I've seen posts about Old 105 but never been. Would ideally like to do something in the Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, etc. area but can adjust if there are better options elsewhere.

Thanks!!

 

[stevezero]

Wilson Creek Gorge, up to Mortimer, then forest service roads, Globe road up into Blowing Rock. dirt roads, not too scruffy unless it has rained recently. Downside, you'll get your offroad cred blasted by a local in an 89 lumina with 3 bald tires wanting to pass you

If you want to destroy the interior, take highway 80 as fast as you dare. everyone will be wanting to yak within 5 minutes of leaving Marion)

Pic of Wilson Creek gorge at peak fall foliage.

 

[coinoperated40]

Wilson Creek Gorge, up to Mortimer, then forest service roads, Globe road up into Blowing Rock. dirt roads, not too scruffy unless it has rained recently. Downside, you'll get your offroad cred blasted by a local in an 89 lumina with 3 bald tires wanting to pass you

If you want to destroy the interior, take highway 80 as fast as you dare. everyone will be wanting to yak within 5 minutes of leaving Marion)

Pic of Wilson Creek gorge at peak fall foliage.

View attachment 2874295

Did that area on a hard tail Harley many years ago. Girlfriend was with me and is now my wife. Real trouper she is. Great tubing in the summertime.

 

[2014 LEX 570 GA]

Wilson Creek Gorge, up to Mortimer, then forest service roads, Globe road up into Blowing Rock. dirt roads, not too scruffy unless it has rained recently. Downside, you'll get your offroad cred blasted by a local in an 89 lumina with 3 bald tires wanting to pass you

If you want to destroy the interior, take highway 80 as fast as you dare. everyone will be wanting to yak within 5 minutes of leaving Marion)

Pic of Wilson Creek gorge at peak fall foliage.

View attachment 2874295

Thanks for this - also heading to Asheville this week from Atlanta.

Will check out this one.

Anyone have any other Forest Service Road recommendations, ideally ones that have a good 4-5 mile hike off of them?

 

[stevezero]

Thanks for this - also heading to Asheville this week from Atlanta.

Will check out this one.

Anyone have any other Forest Service Road recommendations, ideally ones that have a good 4-5 mile hike off of

Thanks for this - also heading to Asheville this week from Atlanta.

Will check out this one.

Anyone have any other Forest Service Road recommendations, ideally ones that have a good 4-5 mile hike off of them?

Look on many Blue Ridge Parkway websites, including the nps.gov website for the Blue Ridge. they have all the various overlooks and hiking trails identified. Only issue of concern would be traffic (vehicle and pedestrian). Well traveled/popular areas will have full parking lots and trails. Which is good for vehicle (catalytic converter) safety, but crowded on the trails. Remote hiking does increase the risk of a tweaker grabbing your cats.

App Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, and countless others are all around the Metro Ashville area. If you want your knees, hips,and ankles to hate you, see if Joyce Kilmer is open for hiking. Beautiful, but very steep/strenuous climbs and descents through old growth forest.

 

[stevezero]

Just a bit of news. There is a wildfire near Rosewood, near Grandfather mtn. Its in/near the Wilson Creek area. it was discovered Christmas Eve, and some roads may be impacted. They are using heli drops from lakes to try to manage it. Grandfather mtn attraction is still open as of 8am Monday, 12/27.

Trails closed as firefighters continue to battle blaze at Grandfather Mountain for 3rd day

AVERY COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Trails are closed while firefighters are responding to a fire on Grandfather Mountain for the third day, according to a US Forest Service news release. The fire is…

myfox8.com

 

[2014 LEX 570 GA]

Just a bit of news. There is a wildfire near Rosewood, near Grandfather mtn. Its in/near the Wilson Creek area. it was discovered Christmas Eve, and some roads may be impacted. They are using heli drops from lakes to try to manage it. Grandfather mtn attraction is still open as of 8am Monday, 12/27.

Trails closed as firefighters continue to battle blaze at Grandfather Mountain for 3rd day

AVERY COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Trails are closed while firefighters are responding to a fire on Grandfather Mountain for the third day, according to a US Forest Service news release. The fire is…

myfox8.com

Very helpful. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[amay3]

Second to your suggestion of Old 105. There are abundant hikes off 105 down into Linville Gorge. If you have time take the road up to Table Rock, which runs along the other side of the Gorge. The Hawks Bill trail off of this road is a bit of a hike but rewards with awesome views from the top. Enjoy!