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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Johnson City to Greenville?
The direct drive from Johnson City to Greenville is 121 mi (194 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 13 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Johnson City to Greenville, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Asheville, Hendersonville, and the Maggie Valley, as well as top places to visit like Roan Mountain State Park and Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, or the ever-popular Brights Zoo.
The top cities between Johnson City and Greenville are Asheville, Hendersonville, and Maggie Valley. Asheville is the most popular city on the route. It's 1 hour from Johnson City and 1 hour from Greenville.
Asheville, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, is renowned for its thriving arts scene and historic architecture. The city boasts grand landmarks like the Basilica of Saint Lawrence with its striking dome and also the 19th-century Biltmore estate, home to priceless artworks by masters such as Renoir. Asheville has a lively Downtown Art District filled with galleries and museums, while the River Arts District houses artists' studios in converted factory buildings.
Most popular city on this route
2 minutes off the main route, 44% of way to Greenville
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, Maggie Valley is a charming town located on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty, including wildflowers and black bears, along trails like Deep Creek Trail with its stunning waterfalls. For winter sports enthusiasts, Cataloochee Ski Area offers slopes and trails for skiing and snowboarding. History buffs will enjoy the Wheels Through Time Museum's collection of vintage motorcycles and rare cars.
11% as popular as Asheville
37 minutes off the main route, 48% of way to Greenville
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Hendersonville is situated in North Carolina, located south of Asheville. The downtown area features the Henderson County Heritage Museum showcasing Civil War relics and a replica of a 1900s general store. Meanwhile, Jump Off Rock provides an excellent view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. Mills River Park is equipped with dog parks and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
14% as popular as Asheville
5 minutes off the main route, 60% of way to Greenville
Best stops along Johnson City to Greenville drive
The top stops along the way from Johnson City to Greenville (with short detours) are Falls Park on the Reedy, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Chimney Rock State Park. Other popular stops include French Broad Adventures, The Biltmore Inn, and Navitat Canopy Adventures.
1
Brights Zoo
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Zoo focused on education & conservation that's home to numerous exotic mammals, reptiles & birds.
This is definitely a great zoo! The new penguin and otter display are awesome. The giraffes are another highlight as well. This zoo is very stroller friendly as well as handicap accessible. The whole zoo has nice concrete sidewalks throughout. There are plenty of benches. You can feed the giraffes and goats by hand for a small fee. The snack bar offers different options and is pretty good. They also have gem mining for a separate fee ($6-$10) depending on which bag you choose. All in all for a smaller zoo they offer a ton of exhibits.
Colby Williams — Google review
Fun and wonderful place. I will be coming back and bringing my friends back with me. Loved the otters and the Penguins. Love feeding the camels. Easy walk smooth paved walks. Handicapped accessible to every bit of the zoo. On wacky Wednesdays half off admissions with a member you 10% off each ticket.. You will love it.
PATTYE LEE — Google review
So impressed with Bright's Zoo! Traveled up from Asheville for the day and we were pleasantly surprised by the amazing facility at Bright's Zoo. Tons of unique animals to see, the giraffes were amazing and the train ride was definitely worth it! A very cool behind the scenes feel. The place was laid out so great for our 5 year old to keep him engaged, but not too much walking either. The entire place is well kept and clean. Food was really good too! We will definitely be back.
Spencer Hilgeman — Google review
While I may not claim expertise in giraffes, I have a hunch that these majestic creatures would appreciate a lush expanse of grass underfoot, a more spacious terrain to stretch their legs, and perhaps a couple of leafy trees for some respite from the sun. But of course, I must emphasize that my knowledge on giraffe preferences is limited! In any case, I found this petite zoo to be quite charming, exceeding my initial expectations, although the admission fee seemed a tad steep given its size. Perhaps they're earmarking those extra funds for a future enhancement of the giraffe enclosure, which would undoubtedly be an exciting development!
Betty Krachey — Google review
I love zoos. I had no idea this place existed until I was looking on Google Maps for places within 1 hour from Kingsport and it came up. It's quite a big zoo for a family owned facility. The grounds are immaculate and the paddocks are huge. Very impressive collection of animals, many rare species.
I'm biased as a reptile lover so I wish there was a large reptile room with more scaly friends. Hint: if you build it, I will be your reptile keeper!!
I enjoyed the giraffe feeding. A lot of the animals seemed to interact with me which was cool. So at the end of the day, I bought a year pass. I will visit often.
Tim Bonnett — Google review
We went for a school field trip. It was a great experience! My girls loved doing the gemstone mining and seeing all the different types of animals.
Heather Ball — Google review
Great zoo for a small town! Lots to see, totally worth a visit with or without kids. Exhibits are such that you can get up close for some of the animals. It was not crowded on a Monday morning. It sprinkled rain for a few minutes and we sought refuge under some trees with the ostriches! I was really impressed with the variety of animals. Loved the penguins and otters and all the birds.
Lori Ensor — Google review
This is probably the best zoo we have been to. Lots of exotic animals, the grounds and animals are well cared for, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We drove in from Knoxville and will definitely be back.
William Patton — Google review
Great variety of Animals. Looked to be well taken care of and fed. Would have loved tp have seem the giraffe without 4 rows of cage wire between it and being able to take pictures of it. So beautiful!! Will be back when it cools off.
Kay Powers — Google review
I took my granddaughter yesterday. The zoo is immaculate, the walkways are so nice, landscaping is amazing and the employees are the BEST! Everyone from the young man letting us in the door, the clerks, the concession workers and the zoo employees throughout the park were so friendly. You could tell they were genuinely nice, not just a customer service face. Definitely recommend! Oh and the burgers are delicious!
Pat Jones — Google review
Good local place to take kids to. Especially since there aren't many other places in this small area anyway. Wish there was more animals but you can't beat it for the price.
Tina Durham — Google review
This Zoo was an absolute surprise! I was a little skeptical about how much it might have to offer and if the kids were going to be excited, we showed up and there was so much to do and so many different kinds of animals! Plenty of areas to rest and get out of the sun as well and activities like gem mining was a plus! Great day trip to take from Asheville or Bristol. We will be back!
Derrick Erb — Google review
Very cool seeing the only spotless giraffe in the world, Kipekee. A little concerned for a couple of the cats that were pacing and other animals looking lethargic and bored. Otherwise, a very nicely kept zoo. Lots of unique animals to observe. The black swans were beautiful.
Zane Zigmund — Google review
This little zoo in our own backyard is an absolute gem! My Mom & I went to see the darling baby spotless giraffe, and we splurged on the penguin encounter (additional charge). The penguins were the highlight of our day! Their keeper was exceptionally knowledgeable & fun to listen to, and watching her herd 3 penguins was like watching her herd toddlers - I hadn’t laughed so hard in ages! The penguins were named Alice, Dolly, and Waylon - they were hilarious & so much fun to be around. If you have the chance, check out Bright’s Zoo, and splurge on the penguin encounter. You’ll be glad you did!
Carrie Denny — Google review
Amazing family run zoo!! We arrived early and were first ones into the zoo. Pathways were wide, but could be close to animals. Animals were active and a great variety. The giraffe feeding was well done. In small groups at a time on platform, so time to get pictures. The spotless giraffe was cool to see, but kids were impressed with other animals as well. Great anteater, many types of monkey/gibbon/lemurs, undertaker bird, and many others.
Taryn Score — Google review
First time there. Mainly wanted to see the spotless baby giraffe. That was a treat to see. They have so much more! Numerous animals I've not seen before. To me, in some ways, it's better than Knoxville Zoo. Went Oct. 15th. There was a chilly wind and some animals stayed inside. It is a great place to spend an afternoon. We'll definitely return on a warmer day.
Gisela Carr — Google review
Great zoo, honestly it is, especially for self funded you can't beat the breadth and scope of the size of this zoo. It's truly impressive. I understand they are a breeding facility for other facilities/zoos and have several conservation efforts in place for endangered species. The only ding I'll give is small enclosures for some animals. Especially the big cats section, they paced pretty heavily back and forth as if they were miserable in their small enclosures. Also the giraffes have a little more room but not much... and it's all gravel, if the owner replies to this please explain the gravel, it's less than esthetically pleasing but maybe it plays a role for mud or something. EDIT: after a response from the zoo owner I can say that I change my review to 5 stars.. though, to mitigate confusion about enclosures maybe have a sign or 2 explaining the giraffe enclosure so people are not confused
Zeb Duffey — Google review
Brights Zoo was an awesome experience. Especially with the spotless giraffe, Kipekee! We were fortunate enough to see her and the other baby giraffe playing in the large pen by chasing each other. The other animals were alert and looked great in their enclosures. We arrived 30 minutes early to an almost full parking lot. Kipekee has raised quite a stir for the area and USA! Be sure to make your way here.
Dennis Burns — Google review
We recently visited Bright's zoo with our Little's first grade class for a field trip. It was a nice place and everyone had a great time.
They are open from 10-5 which is plenty of time to make it through the zoo. Their parking area is kind of small but has more room than you would think.
They have animal food that you can purchase for a little extra (You can feed anytime for the goats but there's a schedule for giraffes/penguins)
You will be given a map when you enter but it's very easy to navigate, mostly a big loop with signs to let you know where you are, where you're going, and what type of animal you're looking at. (Along with a few fun facts along the way)
There are restrooms conveniently located on both sides of the park. Everything is handicapped accessible. They even have ride- ons for rent, for easier navigation of the park.
They also have a concession stand that offers a little bit of everything including drinks, Pizza, fries, hamburgers, ice cream, etcetera.
No outside food is allowed. Neither are straws.
Our only complaint was the honey bees at the picnic tables and concession areas. They were ruthless. Of course, it's to be expected around food and stuff and we don't blame the zoo for that.
We will definitely visit again.
Strawberry Fields — Google review
Cute family owned zoo that makes it obviously known they truly care for their animals and the staff seem to be valued as well. Animal exhibits are for the most part well kept, clean and maintained with fresh water and regular feedings. Some exhibits seemed older and perhaps needed refreshed and it seems the owners are in the process of more improvements. The staff make it a priority for guests to know the rules to keep animals and humans safe. Very knowledgeable about the animals and interact with the guests by answering questions and engaging kids with the animals. Guests can pay extra to feed birds, goats and giraffes. The giraffes are very popular right now with the birth of the very rare spotless baby, so the zoo was busy and some of the feeding spots were sold out for the day. Food options were mostly junk food (pizza, burgers, Dinonuggies) at the concession stands so I would have enjoyed some healthier options. We ate off the grounds due to the limited choices. Parking was easy and this made for a nice afternoon with the family. Bathrooms were dirty yet again place was very busy and perhaps we just went at the peak time.
I can only imagine how much a family has to factor into running a zoo so kudos to this team for being welcoming and taking care of the animals very well. It was obvious and I cannot stress that enough.
Wendy Allen — Google review
Wonderful local zoo with attractions to delight all ages! This zoo features a great variety of unique animals to learn about, including the incredibly rare spotless baby giraffe, Kipekee! We were delighted to see her at a young age! The zoo is well-maintained with knowledgeable staff who are eager to answer questions. Great location for an afternoon visit!
Park at 6,285 feet with rhododendrons, hiking & camp featuring cabins, tennis court & swimming pool.
This was a super cool experience. The view from the top of Carver’s Gap is incredible and breathtaking. The wind was a bit rough on the little ones so if you have children you’ll want to prepare for that. The hike isn’t easy but definitely not the hardest. The trail goes through a forest of fir trees. For a Florida native like myself who’s used to pines and palm trees it was magical. My oldest daughter described it as a mystical forest, and I have to agree. I kept waiting for an elf to jump out from behind a rock. The pics don’t do the area much justice. It’s worth the hike to see it in person.
Brandy Hillhouse — Google review
I have been to Roan Mountain State Park multiple times and have not had a bad experience yet. I went twice during the Winter season with snow on the ground and twice during warmer weather conditions. I went hiking inside the park and also on Roan Mountain proper. I received good advice on weather and road conditions as well as getting a chance to prepare for my adventures. The bathrooms are clean and the staff members are very friendly.
The trails I have been able to go hiking on are well maintained by the Rangers. This park ranks very high on my list of favorite parks and natural places to spend my time and photograph.
Jason Henry — Google review
Roan Mountain State Park is a beautiful, affordable State Park! Also, it boasts dark skies for stargazing & astronomy (which I greatly appreciate, as an amateur astronomer). We had a fantastic time hiking Roan Mountain! It has absolutely amazing views and gorgeous flowers!
Chris Atkins — Google review
I rate this as one of the nicest “state” parks I have camped in. The grounds are immaculate and the staff are courteous and helpful. The rangers are among the nicest and most helpful I have ever crossed. The park amenities are good and the location is prime being in the wilderness but only 20 mins from a large town. The nearby town of roan mountain (10mins) has grocery and restaurants. You are also at the base of Roan Mountain that is full of trails and sights. I would recommend this park without hesitation. Park fills up quickly in the summer, so plan ahead.
Mike Cooper — Google review
One of our favorites. We had a wonderful time here at the cabin we stayed in. So many things to do here at this park. It is a beautiful area of Tennessee. Lots of history here. Several hiking trails, a beautiful camp ground is located here. Conference building is very nice to rent out for a event. Such a enjoyable time. Thank you.
JEM — Google review
Loved our visit today. Hiked Moonshiners Run along the water, beautiful hike, and well maintained. Fairly easy trail .95 in and .95 back. My 2 year old was able to hike the trail based on difficulty but had to be backpacked due to distance. Definitely stop by the visitor center for souvenirs on your way in or out!
Jessica Jacobs — Google review
Water still off for the season. Despite some rough weather, this was an awesome state park to hike. The views are rumored to be great, I spent the day inside clouds so 🤷♂️
Walt Wunderly — Google review
Such a great place! Just half a mile from the parking lot you can see amazing views into TN and NC. The hike is easy and beautiful. You can keep hiking to higher terrain if you want to keep following the AT. In the fall, it's heaven.
Ride AMAP (As Much As Possible) — Google review
Mountains never fail you to empowering the looker. The wave of ranges in these blue ridge mountains is the proof that our Mother Earth is beautiful beyond words. You will definitely be recharged
rakshi hanbal — Google review
One of my absolute favorite spots on this earth! Come here regularly to hike the Grassy Ridge Bald trail.
5 miles, fairly moderate, anyone with a decent pair of hiking boots can do it, and extremely beautiful with panoramic views! I do my best to show someone this hike every time I go because everyone should check this place out.
For those who are a bit inexperienced with elevation, it's typically a bit colder up here, if you're coming from areas of lower elevation.
Jeremy Wiltshire — Google review
Just breathe taking views; try to make time to stop at each place along the park route and enjoy nature! You will want to return and enjoy the flowers later! Loved the twist and turn seeing the fall colors pop!
Re Blank — Google review
I love Roan Mountain. It's a great place to go if you need a break from reality. The Miller Farmstead is my favorite place on earth and the Chestnut Ridge Overlook is perfect.
Danielle Shuck — Google review
This place was amazing. Stop by the visitors center for all your info and directions. While there you can take a loop hike that starts right off the office steps. JUST MAKE SURE YOU BRING A WALKING STICK, if you need help walking, or its damp out there. It is not a stroll. Once on the trail you can take the path to the mine ( new wood steps to get there. The walk was awesome. Then drive to the top and walk up the path (lots of parking and people walking up and down to get to the top)! The view is amazing! Cant wait to go back to see the sun rise!
Lisa Blevins — Google review
We were in town for a family reunion and hiked Roan Mountain. Parking at carvers gap was hard as the road was closed. But we made the best of it and had a great, clear day to hike.
Erinn Ragan — Google review
Had a wonderful experience. Park staff and park rangers were amazing, helpful and knowledgeable. Definitely plan to revisit the park in warmer weather.
Melissa Albertson — Google review
The best scenery. Stunning 360 views even if you don't hike for long. I have done some backpacking around here too and there are so many great spots to pitch a tent and lots of other backpackers on the trails.
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Rooms, guests
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
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2
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3
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Former president Andrew Johnson's homestead, with a visitor center & cemetery with his burial site.
Really well preserved historical site. A must see to learn of the complexities of this President whether you agree or disagree with his politics. Super educational. Tour guide was incredible.
A Fox — Google review
Able to walk to all of the attractions associated with the park. Easy parking. Very informative and interesting! Awesome food and coffee within walking distance also. Just a great experience! Wonderful small town!
Angela Pitzer — Google review
4 stars because of construction. Just kidding! This is a nice park and I’m one of the people who would’ve been against impeachment. Would you be as well?
The park happens to have the original tailors house that Andrew Johnson worked in. Pretty neat!
Henry Marks — Google review
Beautiful cemetery with lots of historic locations all around town! I definitely recommend seeing Andrew Johnson’s tomb and just soaking up the views from up top! Not a lot of parking but it doesn’t look like it gets that full during the day!
Daniel Duran — Google review
We enjoyed this important piece of history located off the beaten path. Unfortunately time constraints prohibited us from viewing the remote sites, but the home and museum were very interesting. Our kids enjoyed working on their Junior Ranger booklets on the porch of President Johnson's home.
Scott Wessel — Google review
A great little town with a lot of history. Andrew Johnson site is amazing and the staff are friendly and helpful. Check them out. Please consider liking my review/pictures and follow along on all my adventures. Jeff Mullins Photography. It's All About the Adventures!
Jeff Mullins — Google review
Strange to say it, but we had already visited Abraham Lincoln's grave earlier in the week and while it was impressive, this stop was better. The friendly ranger and his stories and passion made this stop well worth it.
William David Francavilla — Google review
The staff at this site is excellent. Nuanced, but bluntly honest interpretation of a confounding man who came from nothing financially yet became a slaveholder, then gave the famous "Moses" speech declaring freedom to every enslaved person in Tennessee. Really knowledgeable staff at bookstore desk. Present impeachment process in fun interactive way that lets you cast your own vote. With impressively even interpretation of American slavery, sectional strife, and the impeachment process, this historic site is a must visit.
Connor Smith — Google review
Come & tour this informative location of Andrew Johnson! Wonderful, friendly, professional employees! Interesting!
Maple Roads — Google review
Took our students here to explore the Beautiful History for a field trip and we all loved it. The tour guide was great! The home tells alot and is stunning!
United in Truth — Google review
This place is perched on top of a higher slope in the modest town of Greeneville, TN. Even though, it has an amazing view of the surrounding area. The centerpiece of this National Park parcel, is the burial memorial for our Beloved Past President of the United States - Andrew Johnson. His loving wife installed an amazing arch to compliment the original tombstone and to illustrate her love for him. It's uncommon.
Regardless of your political opinions, it is legendary. And though statues of US history are no longer "in style" with current opinion leaders and mass media, this memorial is stunning and relevant. The tombstones surrounding it are made of marble and are engraved appropriately. I'm proud of my country's history and this is proof of our freedom. It's worth a visit and respect for our country's history.
Gidget Snyder — Google review
Andrew Johnson Visitor Center provided a wealth of information and artifacts surrounding Andrew Johnson. One of the highlights is the original Tailor Shop, which Andrew used. Very well preserved and awesome to gaze upon. It's highly recommended.
Dennis Burns — Google review
Very well done. Extremely informative. My family enjoyed our visit.
Mike Mumau — Google review
Great park. A lot of history here. Nice Visitor Center. They have a film you can watch, it lasts about 15-20 minutes. The view is very nice from the cemetery.
Judy McConnell — Google review
It was wonderful. The staff was welcoming! The theatre film was informative. The whole experience showing the reproduced original house, the Taylor shop and the later house that Johnson and family lived was great to see. The story of his life from where he came from to what he became can be an Inspiration to others! Very worth seeing!
USA Raft Adventure Resort offers a thrilling experience on the Nolichucky Gorge with expert guides like Walker and Loren. The Lower Nolichucky trip provides a different but fun adventure, with a beautiful primitive campground at Red Banks take out. The friendly and helpful staff, including Dale and Riff, make for an enjoyable stay in accommodations like the Love Shack. While Take Out and One Love were closed during this visit, guests can bring their own supplies for next time.
We love this place. We try to visit 2-3x a year. Bathrooms/showers are clean. The Take out bar and grill was a great additive. We’ve camped in regular tents and the Bell tent.
Ashley Price — Google review
My wife and I were in town for our anniversary and looking for something exciting to do. The spelunking adventure into Worley's Cave was AWESOME! Andy and Miranda (our guides) were knowledgeable, personable, funny, and so patient during our excursion. We were with another group who had smaller kids and they took their time to pause to point out cave-dwelling wildlife, rock formations, and were mindful of what crystalline formations were still growing to look at but not touch! Fantastic experience - highly recommend!
Matt Anthony — Google review
Planned this trip a month ago, long overdue vacation with my wife. We scheduled a 1/2 day rafting trip, for 1:30pm. We both work late nights into early morning so getting up for the 8:30trip would have been a rough indevour. However the wonderful staff worked some magic and got us a group for 10:30am.
Our guide Lauren was amazing, personable, knowledgeable and made our trip memorable and safe.
At night our "Appalachian concierge" Cory was quick to get us what we needed, helpful, friendly and an all around great guy!
We had a couple great evenings at the Take Out Tavern. The food was amazing, the beers ice cold, service was absolutely spot on weather it was to warm our bellies after the wonderful white water or after a few beers.
We stayed in one of the domes, the pictures didn't even do it justice to how luxurious it would be. The bathhouse facility and sauna were clean and maintained daily.
We had a wonderful surprise of live music by the Dirty Dead.
The grounds had this amazing vibe and ambiance, it felt like I came home, it was home, and everyone there was my family.
A completely magical vacation, we can not wait to go again. Already looking at the calendars!
Thank you to everyone, even if I didn't get your name you were intrical to making it the best vacation, what our souls really needed.
Erin Hurlock — Google review
I was charged with criminal trespassing for showing up on their property after getting my property back from my ex-boyfriend at the Nolichucky River Gorge Campground. Avoid going here. They just want your money and do not care about relationships or the truth. I am not a thief.
Cat Walsh — Google review
We stayed at the resort for two nights. Dale, Riff and the rest of the staff that we interacted with were friendly and helpful. We loved staying in the Love Shack. We were there on Monday and Tuesday night, so the Take Out and One Love were not open. We brought our own and will check that the next time we are there.
We went rafting on the Nolichucky Gorge with USA Raft during our stay. Our guide, Walker, was fantastic. He is a real pro on the river. He and trip leader Loren made the trip exciting and fun. We will definitely go again.
We also floated the Lower Nolichucky a couple of times while there. That is a different but fun trip. The Red Banks take out has a nice beach and is a beautiful primative campground.
Benjamin Smith — Google review
Super awesome experience on the Nolichucky with Andy! He was very informative of the surrounding area and history, kept us engaged with silly jokes, and kept us on the edge of our seats! Definitely a trip worth making. Can't wait to come back!
Madison Taylor — Google review
We had an amazing time with USA Raft..A group of us stayed in the Crockett Cabin. The cabin was HUGE..it was great for covid..we all had our separate places and one main area. We spent most of our time outside enjoying the river, fishing, swimming, and tubing…we missed out on the rafting but that’s just an excuse to come back. The communal bathrooms were cleaned and stocked from tampons to hand towels, soap and more…Everything was always fully stocked and clean. We went during SOL Jam…so it was pretty packed. They made everyone comfortable with all things covid. It really was more than I expected in every way. The food was great, the people were great and the music was great. A truly wonderful experience for us all.. We love the Band Sol Driven Train and we hope to come back and see them and USA Raft again next year. Thank you, for sharing your little piece of heaven with us and all your accommodations, recommendations and making us all feel so welcomed.
Kelly Stahulak — Google review
We took a wrong turn coming off the AT trail after hiking 18 miles (the sign with showers and several amnenities got us overly-excited!) and ended up at the USA Rafting Adventure Resort. We were confused and asked for directions and guidance of how to get to Uncle Johnny's Hostel in the main store. They misled us by saying it was far away and telling us there was no real downtown area in Erwin (which we knew was false information) presumably to encourage us to stay there (their cabin rates started at $165). An off-duty staff member offered us a lift (all of 1 mile) for $10 and left us waiting for 20 minutes for him to return and he never showed up. We ended up just hiking the extra mile to Uncle Johnny's. It was confirmed that this facility often mislead and attempt to appeal to the hiking community but doing so by spreading false information is really dishonest and dissapointing.
Virginia Isaharov — Google review
Great location, great people. Horrible management.
The manager, Tiffany, was rude and condescending. When I finally asked her to stop interrupting me, she yelled “OH, YOU’RE CUTE talking to me like that…” And it only got worse from there.
It only takes one person to make the entire establishment look bad. Which is awful considering everyone else was really friendly, accommodating and seemed like very nice people.
The Tiny House was fine as long as you can use the patio and deck area. For $285 I would have expected a few things to be nicer. For example: the cob webs along the AC unit, bleach stained shower curtain covering up a rusty water heater. The tent had 3 of its feet screwed in but one came loose and in the wind was slamming down and quite noisy!
The interior was not made for lounging. The amazing view was blocked by a full sized refrigerator and countertop grille backed by a trellis. The end of the bed and corner of the room were the only places to sit and see the River from inside unless we were standing and as it was too cold to stay outside for long, that’s all we got! During great weather I bet this spot is great but great weather it was not!
We never found the wifi, not in the in-room notebook which would be logical. Finally upon checking out, we saw a plaque in front of the office.
Note to staff:
-When cold weather is coming, don’t make the client have to call for another space heater or extra blankets. Have it in the unit for them.
-Let people speak and if they want $15 worth of tubing passes for the summertime so you might redeem yourselves as a location worth peoples money and time, listen to them instead of manipulating and condescending!
Jenn Criss — Google review
My partner and I have done the Nolichucky half-day trip twice now. This isn't a technical raft, but there are plenty of fun, splashy rapids. The aspect that keeps us coming back--and we'll be back again--is the scenery. For all of the 8.5 mi downriver, you're surrounded by verdant Appalachian mountainsides. A little-used train track traces a line along the south riverbank. Two-thirds of the way through, you are rewarded with a beautiful stretch of rocky cliffs on the north riverbank. Overall, very fun and tough to beat as a tour to this pretty portion of the Appalachians.
Our last guide, Ashley, was outstanding.
Ian Mc Dowell — Google review
First time out with USA Raft and was very impressed. Had a fantastic trip down the Nolichucky with Trip Leader Loren (sp?). He was very knowledgeable about the area, and had amazing control of our raft, such that we actually had to do very little paddling relative to other trips we've been on. His safety briefing was serious but also humorous. We will definitely be going back and requesting Loren as our guide.
Jim Applegate — Google review
We went white water rafting last Friday just before heading back home to FL. Walker was our guide and he was outstanding! Great personality and a Super Guide. We all had an amazing time. This river is now in the top of our favorites. Great white water rapids! The only downside was no pics....y'all need to get those back.
Heather DeBolt — Google review
Had a great time on the rafting trip! Our guide Andy kept us alive and entertained the whole time. Great guy. 10/10 would do again 🫡🫡🫡
Ivan Goubski — Google review
USA Raft is truly an amazing place. I can’t express in words how beautiful the Nolichuky Gorge is. You must float the river and experience it yourself. Danny was our guide, his knowledge on the history of the area, the flora & fauna made the trip that much more special. His paddling skills were amazing, he could certainly pick a line!
The campground at USA Raft is awesome as well, the Take Out Bar has a great beer selection and good bar food. You might get lucky with good music on the small or large stage!
I can’t say enough about this Mountain Gem!
Thanks for a wonderful weekend!
Rhys
Rhys Chittick — Google review
Stayed in one of the airstream camper trailers while hiking the AT. It’s 0.1m off trail and a great spot to stay dry on a rainy night. Activities look very cool, but it’s back to the trail tomorrow.
David L — Google review
Was a great time. My sister had never gone rafting before so we decided on the half day. Had a great time and the scenery was gorgeous. Great for all skill levels and the staff was extremely nice and friendly! Definitely would recommend.
Jennifer Behl — Google review
Rafting was lots of fun, beautiful sights and amazing guides. Cam and Andy were wonderful :)!!
Vikiix — Google review
Our group had a blast on the half day rafting trip through the gorge. It was SO beautiful, and exciting to navigate the class 3 and 4 rapids. Elliott was our guide and he was the master of the water and the dad jokes - very knowledgeable and entertaining. The location is perfect - convenient to the highway etc. We loved the resort too - so much that we came back the following weekend for the Dog Days festival. This will be at the top of our list to refer to our friends. Thank you!
Brooke Melendi — Google review
Wow! Such an amazing experience staying and rafting with my family! We were able to take our 5 and 6 year old kids on the Nolichucky river and Bobby was an incredible guide. Able to give us a taste of adventure without being too scary for the kids. Cannot wait to come back and go again! The Loft cabin was such a perfect and refreshing place to crash after a day of hiking, rafting, and playing in the river. Highly recommend.
Amber Featherston — Google review
Had the best time rafting down the river with USA Rafting! Will was a great guide and got along great with our group! Absolutely loved all the corny jokes he told and how much history he knew of the River. 10/10 would recommend USA rafting! Hope to come back soon!
Brooklyn Newman — Google review
This is my second opportunity to stay here, and I love all the changes (additions) that have been made to include Red Banks, the bar, disc golf and more. Matt Moses and his team are amazing, friendly, and create that “family” vibe. You won’t be disappointed with a stay here, even if you just enjoy the outdoors and sound of the River.
Shawn Schwantes — Google review
Stayed in cabin for the weekend. Clean and comfortable. Bar/grill was awesome so we didn't have to leave the resort for food, staff was extra nice. The music (both live and recorded) was great. The overall atmosphere of the resort was so relaxing and of course beautiful being next to the river. We hope to do it again in the future.
The Orchard at Altapass is a charming apple orchard offering locally-made apple products year-round and apple picking in the fall. It's an ideal spot for admiring the autumn foliage. Visitors can enjoy various apple varieties and stunning views, with a small porch to relax on. The store offers treats like ice cream and apple cider, but doesn't serve full meals. While it lacks activities like playgrounds or animal encounters, it features live music and food trucks.
I love the O! I'm so fortunate to be able to visit here several times a year. The heirloom apples are they way nature intended. This nonprofit organization promotes and preserves the Blue Ridge Mountain culture through music and storytelling. The people of the Orchard are so kind. I wish that I could give them 10 stars!
Kat Bauer — Google review
Spent our Sunday afternoon here at the orchard and had a wonderful experience! This orchard is wedged in the side of the mountain and has the best views. In addition, there were an ample amount of apples to be picked on our U Pick tour. The guide was knowledgeable and informed us of the different types of apples as well as their flavor profile. There is a shop and a little restaurant that had a delicious homemade hot apple pie. Last but not least, this orchard is non-profit and they focus on preserving the land, environment and the original apple trees planted in the 1900s. Truly a gem of a place and will surely be back next year!
Matt Adrianna — Google review
Great views, food track, nice size store and life music. However, I didn’t like the system for apple picking. They let you in in beards and seems like everyone picking at the same time from same trees which doesn’t leave you with much apples or having unique experience. The orchard is very steep so, would not recommend for younger kids. If you go , go during a week and without small kids.
Svetlana Graham — Google review
Altapass is a very tranquil place. The view is beautiful and there are lots of fun things to buy in the store. The orchard and trails aren't that big/long, so this isn't a full day activity. They also do not have an meal food, only things like apple pie and icecream. They also don't have a playground, animals, or apple cannons like some of the other local orchards.
More food and hard apple cider would bump them to 5 stars!
Bryce Jamison — Google review
1st time visiting. A cute Orchard, they have icecream, apple butter and other jams, souvenirs, a train that has toy apples in its cars. Beautiful deck to sit and enjoy the scenery. Such a cute place.
Cecelia Smith — Google review
We really liked this place. We made a detour and stopped here on the way home from the mountains.lots of apple varieties and lots of apples on the trees compared to other orchards we've been too. Beautiful view as well. There is a small back porch you can sit on and enjoy the views. There is a store with ice cream, apple cider and a few treats but unfortunately they didn't have the grill open, wish we would have known that because we were starving and planned on eating here. We were told they couldn't find a cook this year. There is a trail you can walk although we weren't able to loop it all around, it wasn't clearly marked in skme parts but on the map it does go down by the train track and the map also shows a waterfall.
You can go on a tour of the orchards and pick a bag if apples for $10 a bag.
Staff was friendly, the line in the store was really long. We ended up getting some apple bbq sauce and applebutter.
On the weekends they do have bands playing which seems like it would be a nice time to visit.
I would like to visit again when it's a little cooler and when the grill is back open.
TJ — Google review
Absolutely love this orchard. This is the only orchard right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at least in NC. Live music, local food items for sale, local fudge, Hershey’s ice cream, apple pie, decent restrooms, free parking, interpretive exhibits, model train set on display, you-pick apples… need I say more? This place is amazing! The only trouble is congestion, and understandably so. Dogs allowed on leash.
LR P — Google review
It's a Nice apple orchard that offers some amenities ... Ice cream, Ciders, Flavored Fudge, fresh apple pies and home grown honey, dancing/music, children games and more. There is an AWESOME view off the rear deck.
Chris Beard — Google review
I never thought I would have had a chance to come and visit this place, but the opportunity came. A few years back I found out that I'm related to the McKinney's. They have a book about them. I'm from Matilda McKinney line. They had nothing on her line. We do exist. The people were very friendly.
Heather Corey — Google review
Such a neat place! We were on our way to Linville falls and happened to pass by on our way. Took a detour back and it was well worth it. So many tasty treats, fun toys lectionary for kids, and souvenirs for all. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Laura Bass — Google review
Neat little stop along the blue Ridge Pkwy, has a nice shop with a lot of ice cream to choose from, apples, jelly, cider and honey to choose from. They have a nice area to sit and take in the view. They also have a neat little hive that you could see the live bees in working.
Brittany B — Google review
We loved this orchard. It’s in the most beautiful location along the parkway. We had a lot of fun picking apples. We got a few things from the store as well. We will definitely be back.
Ivy — Google review
This cute spot is worth the visit. There are lots of gifts, fresh jams, preserves, honey products, and snacks. The coffee was good, the ice cream was delicious. The view from the deck is beautiful, and the barn sparrows were very active. They have games and a cute model train and stations that talk about the preservation and consenting of bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Our favorite part of this stop was listening to Bill Carson's story about how he ended being the owner of the Orchard and how now, thanks to him and his family, the area is protected by the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will be back this fall to pick apples and listen to more of Bill's adventures.
Adriana Marsh — Google review
Hidden little gem, this is a huge apple orchard on the side of a mountain and they have 10 trails called Eric L Gressel Memorial Trails. Trails go through the orchards and the woods. Super peaceful and quiet. There is also a great store with all kinds of apple goods and other stuff and a cute little food place. The weather is just fantastic up here
John Lindstrand — Google review
We stopped by to pick apples during what happened to be the last day of the season. Instead of having a guided experience and learning about the orchard and apples, we were handed a basket and pointed in a direction. The remaining apples were York. I would have liked to have a more personable and educational experience to make it feel memorable, but at least the view was nice.
Some tips: wear pants and sneakers/boots that you don't mind getting sticky. Also be mindful of wasps in the orchard and store, they will follow you around if you have pie or cider
Ashley Robertson — Google review
This 105 year old Apple orchard is along the Blue Ridge Parkview. It offers stunning views, walk thru the orchard trails and pick your own apples. The apple pie is a must have.
Debbie Meddings — Google review
Wonderful orchard! Great views, apple picking & products! Highly recommend their apple cider and the apple with hot caramel. Pet friendly!
Hallie Mulchan — Google review
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1025 Orchard Road, Blue Rdg Pkwy mm 328.3, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, USA
We had such a great time on our white water rafting adventure. All of the raft guides were great, and you could tell that everyone loved what they were doing. J was a great raft guide, and was super knowledgeable of the area. We loved all of the rapids, and had such a great time on the river. I would definitely do this tour again, and would recommend French Broad Adventures to anyone looking to add a little bit of adrenaline to your trip.
Sutton Holobyn — Google review
This was our first time white water rafting & had the best time! So much so that we want to plan more trips just for rafting! Jim was a great guide, calm, gave great instruction & encouragement, & good advice for other places to visit in the country for rafting. The weather & water was perfect, we stopped off for a snack & also let us jump off a rock right into the water which felt great! We got an opportunity to get off the raft and float down one small rapid which was also great & felt safe. Highly recommend this company to anyone in the area! Everyone was just so nice & knowledge. Felt very safe with them.
Amber S — Google review
We had to choose the kid calm white water rafting adventure because my daughter is 5. To charge us $250 for a family of 4 plus tip is ROBBERY for what we rafted ...seriously it was a lake and completely flat (see picture). There were 3 tiny/short/easy rapids for the entire 2 hour boat ride. They mentioned people tube down it to give you an idea of how gentle it is. Don't waste your money! We had a much better time tubing in Cherokee (and experienced much larger rapids in a tube)!
Melissa Wade — Google review
Went for a calm water tour and it was a great relaxing way to spend the afternoon. They provided splash gear which is essentially high end rain gear and way exceeded expectations. Probably the best gear I've ever been provided rafting. For once I would say weather would not shy me away from running with this crew. Rain or shine you're going to have a great time. It was only 50 deg today and we had smaller children and they even stayed warm. If you forget something they have a great store with everything from clothes to water shoes, to water socks and it's all quality items that aren't throw away when you're done. Very impressed!
Manfred Schreyer — Google review
We had the best time with our rafting trip. Everyone was so nice and professional, they spoke very highly of the owners and how well they were treated. Richard was our comic/host, and Evan was our guide. We could not have asked for a better time. The trip was so much fun, they made a great lunch, and kept everyone safe. We will go again!
Alan Lipscomb — Google review
We made the right choice going with French Broad Adventures. Did the half day w/ lunch with our family (girls 15&12 and son 8). It was plenty for them to introduce them to whitewater rafting. They are ready to go again. The entire staff was friendly and helpful and our guide (Tim) was the best! Of course expect to pay $25-50 if you want a photo(s) (they have a photographer stationed below one of the class three rapids). Our photos turned out great - can’t wait to hang it on the wall!
Gretchen Highfield — Google review
We had an awesome time!! We did the 1/2 day with lunch and it was a blast. We had the opportunity to rock jump and swim before lunch. The experience isn’t just about the rafting it’s also the guides. Glen was so knowledgeable and made us feel very comfortable. Pete..so many jokes!! I laughed so hard (bring a joke with you to share). And Amy, our bus driver, amazing skills.
Andrea — Google review
Never went white water rafting before but decided to go with family. It went very nice. Our guide was name Ellie and she was amazing! She was very humorous, informative, patient and guided us all the way, safety. Very fun adventure went on the half day tour (3-4hrs). The course was great for beginner thrill-seekers or anyone interested in trying something new. It was affordable and fun. I would recommend it to people of all ages. Will be back to try out the other courses :D
I Simon — Google review
The most amazing time of my life, this was by far the best experience of zip lining. Jason and Anya for fun, informative and a blast to be around. We hade a great group. Thank you sooooo much for an unforgettable adventure.
A ?AE Kryptonite? E — Google review
French Broad Adventures was great. The staff was extraordinarily helpful and professional. They really took the time to make sure the trip was special for each person.
The river guides are very knowledgeable and friendly.
We did a half day trip with class 2 & 3 rapids. The river itself was fun. My 10 year old daughter now lists it as best experience of her life.
I would highly encourage anyone looking to raft the French Broad to start with French Broad Adventures.
Neil Kennedy — Google review
We have been going back to French Broad Adventures for 11 years now with our high school youth group, while down for Montreat Youth Conference: and we love it every time! Very friendly staff, knowledgeable guides, and great service. Our kids love rafting down the French Broad with these guides who obviously love what they do! Looking forward to seeing y'all next summer! Ask for Shawn!
Robert Phillips — Google review
We took advantage of both the white water rafing and the zip line your. The location was well marked, the store area was clean and organized, there were changing stalls and bags for wet clothes at the ready. The guides were very personable and knowledgeable of the area. Highly recommended this company !
Stephanie Richards — Google review
An enjoyable whitewater rafting trip. It was quite chilly in the morning considering it was late October and their final week of the season running the trips. Up to class 3 rapids made for a pretty easy going ride. I sat up front though, and was soaked the whole time. Guides were great.
Tara Clapper — Google review
This place is so much fun, The staff was amazing and very helpful with all of our booking needs. The bus ride to the river to get on the rafts was the best safety talk i ever had on top of all the absolutely hilarious dad jokes told by Richard, he really could have a second career as a comedian. Once we got to the boat launch Richard gave us a safety brief then told us which guide we were going to be with for this trip. We were in J’s group, between the awesome history and jokes, we had a great time! Would definitely recommend and would definitely come back. We felt safe and like dare devils at the same time, I personally recommend jumping off the rock it was very fun, and when they tell you you can get out and swim i recommend that too. if you don’t like getting splashed a lot then don’t go in the front you will definitely get splashed. anywhere in the boat you will get splashed but especially in the front. Thanks to all the great staff! can’t wait to come back sometime
mia — Google review
Booked the whitewater rafting and zip lining. Had the best time ever. Shawn was the best river guide ever!!!! If we ever come back again we’re def booking with Shawn. He was very knowledgeable, funny, and made the experience great.
Paris and Vivian the zip lining guides were also great and good at keeping the group engaged.
Nerys Turcios — Google review
My family and I did white water rafting. What a fun time! I can't say enough great things about this company. While we waited we looked around the gift shop which had cute shirts, sweatshirts, hats, coozies, snacks, drinks, ice cream, etc. There were tables outside to enjoy the views while waiting and to listen to the safety meeting prior to departing. I felt well prepared and in good hands. There is a short bus ride to get to the river and the trip lead was funny, full of jokes. Our guide was Losty and she was absolutely wonderful! We were in great hands. The river was beautiful and the cool water felt great. There was the perfect amount of rapids and then parts of calm to enjoy the views and relax. There was a spot where we stopped and we could jump off a rock in the water for a swim. We stopped another time for a snack and a drink of water or lemonade. All in all it was the perfect day and our family can't wait to do it again. I would recommend French Broad Adventures for white water rafting to anyone and everyone!
The next day we did the zip lining with guides Olivia and Avani. I was a little nervous as it was my first time. Our guides were great at alleviating my fears and I loved zip lining! The guides were both funny and they kept us entertained as we went through the course. We really enjoyed our trip through the trees. I would recommend this course to anyone who has never zip lined before. I have spoken to others that have zip lined and this course has a great braking system that seems easier than other courses that I've heard of. It was a lot of fun!
French Broad Adventures has a lot of other activities that I can't wait to try out. Truly a great place for a wonderful adventure.
Christy K — Google review
My family had a great time rafting down the French Broad River with Calvin as our raft guide. He had a lot of rafting experience, was very knowledgable of the river and made the trip extra fun. We booked the half day trip and had time to stop at a jumping ledge, float around in the river and enjoy a snack.
Teresa cody — Google review
Best water experience ever! We booked ziplining and rafting. Rafting was amazing; we had a superb guide, Jim. The weather was chilly with river and low water level. Still a wonderful experience overall.
Blue Heron, Wags, and his crew were great! The weather was pretty… intense when we were getting ready to start out. Not only did they put us at ease, but the staff did not pressure us to go out if we felt uncomfortable. In the end, we enjoyed a slightly rainy but awesome rafting experience. Ended our trip on a high note! Very highly recommended.
Elyse Cook — Google review
Doug was our guide for the trip. He shared a lot of local knowledge along the way and had us working like a well oiled machine by the time we got to the harder stuff. The scenery is incredible. We did the full length trip and loved every second!
John Phillips — Google review
What an exciting afternoon! You can’t ask for a more professional, safe, knowledgeable, and fun experience. They took care of us from the time we got out of the vehicle until the time we got back in the vehicle. Awesome adventure on the river. We can’t wait to return!
Greg Knox — Google review
My family and I went on an afternoon 1/2 day trip and we had a great time. There was a training video with important information on what to do if you fall out. The staff secured the PPE gear to ensure a proper fit. There was a short bus trip to the put in at a calm portion of the French Broad river. Our trip leader, Wags, was very knowledgeable about the history of the river and the area. During the trip we had opportunities to jump into the water and to float to cool off. We went over class II and class III rapids. A photographer will take amazing photos of your whole group and you can purchase all of the digital images when you return. Cookies and water were waiting for us at the end trip before taking the bus to return to the camp. There are clean showers, changing room and bathrooms available to use. I highly recommend the experience.
Leticia Vega — Google review
I booked solo while traveling to the area to visit a friend, and Nate accommodated me on my own private trip! He was so skilled at navigating the rapids while pointing out the history and geology of the area. I would recommend this guided trip for anyone local or visiting that wants a personalized experience doing an activity that is so special and unique!
Adrienne Rigsby — Google review
I had a great time on my trip! I went in late March and the weather was around the mid fifties. We were provided with a wet suit, fleeces, hats, and a splash jacket. Despite the cold, my group enjoyed it throughly and were in good company with our guide, Jordon.
Margaret Flannery-Goodman — Google review
Great experience, the guide was awesome, kept us safe and gave the group good instruction on how to stay inside the raft. Would definitely do again. The team was very nice and friendly. Great customer service and Sandy was really sweet.
Negretta T — Google review
Whether you're a novice or an expert, Blue Heron Whitewater is definitely worth the hype. The French Broad River is gorgeous rafting between the mountains. Make sure to get the lunch package for an awesome picnic, and enjoy your sandwich while watching others go down the river. 10/10 would recommend to everyone!
Mary Grace — Google review
Absolutely amazing experience for my children aged 10/12, first time white water rafting trip.
I received a gift certificate from my husband for an all day trip down the river with the family. It was perfect! Blue Heron was super easy and very friendly with scheduling and arranging our trip. I would highly recommend this company.
Sonya Lopes — Google review
The staff is so friendly, and they do a great job of preparing you and making you feel comfortable. They were very informative and we learned a lot about the history in the area along the way. The rafting itself was not as scary as I thought it would be. We only went through 3 category 3 rapids so those ones were exhilarating but category 1 and 2 arent too bad. We had a great time and Izzy was a fantastic guide. Would definitely recommend this company!
Bridgette Bakoss — Google review
If you insist on getting in a raft and careening down a river through class 1, 2, 3, and 4 rapids, look no further!
Blue Heron Whitewater is awesome!!
My wife took me here for Father’s Day to make up for the fact that my daughter was at school and my son was on a trip.
Personally, I thought she was trying to get rid of me and didn’t want the kids there to witness the carnage.
That was a slight overreaction on my part.
Actually, we had an amazing time!!! We lucked out with Patrick as our guide. He knew the river inside and out and shared a lot of cool stuff along the way (in addition to keeping us from doing anything stupid). And Wags made the usual “here’s what you should do so you don’t die” stuff that you don’t normally listen to in the beginning pretty bearable.
At the end of the day, they did an awesome job giving you enough of a scare to keep you safe so you could have a great time on the water!!!!
I couldn’t recommend them more!!
Marc Ensign — Google review
Our group of 6 first-timers had a blast. A few were apprehensive to begin with. Our guide for the trip was Wags. We cannot say enough good things about him and the comfort he provided to us on the river that day. We have all decided we are ready to do it again very soon. Thanks Wags and Blue Heron for a ✔️ on our bucket lists, and stories to tell.
Angela “Angye” Canada — Google review
Absolutely awesome experience!! The weather was a little misty but that made the experience all the better. The little rain and mist allowed for us to be the only ones on the river. The atmosphere felt like Jurassic Park and it was AWESOME! I’ve been white water rafting in Colorado and was used to top notch guides and equipment. Blue Heron met all the expectations and more. Cheers to those who work there and provide such a great experience! Don’t let “bad” weather stop you from rafting, it only enhanced our experience. Highly recommend.
Cory Burkholder — Google review
Stop , you have found your rafting company , first time rafter here. Every staff member was friendly and so patient with answering questions and guiding us thought out the whole day. The guides have so much knowledge of the French Broad River and surrounding area. They really do think of everything you will need from free sunscreen at checkin and plastic bags to but your wet clothes in . The restrooms and showers are super clean , well the whole place is clean and super organized. They don't over charge from photos , tshirts, hats , and $10 river shoes . Lunch is simple and fresh , they are so prepared and environmental conscious. We saw so much wildlife , from deer wading in the river , bald eagle and of course blue heron. If I could give them 10 stars I would . Thank you for the wonderful adventure and my membership into the French broad swim team .
Attraction offering guided zipline tours through the forested terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Kole and Paxton were responsible, chill, quirky, and knowledgeable. Any questions we asked they had a thoughtful answer for us. We felt very safe and free. The hiking portion was enjoyable because they would stop to show us things in nature giving us a breather and knowledge to take home with us! I highly recommend doing the mountain top tour!
Emma Choplin — Google review
My family and I had a wonderful time doing the Treetop Tour. Kat and Tate we fantastic tour guides. They showed us edible leaves, shared stories from the property’s history, but it didn’t feel like they were performing. It felt like just a conversation with friends while doing a really cool activity on tree platforms where woodland elves live. The views were stunning. We will be back to do the Mountaintop Tour.
kasey hayes — Google review
We had an amazing experience with the mountaintop zip line adventure.
You walk to three different platforms, the guides give plenty of time to rest as you hike to increased elevations, and they give history of the land and plants along the way.
We had River and Spice as our guides and highly recommend them. They were engaging, funny and very professional at the same time as they adhered to all safety standards and made sure each of us was clipped in and secure at each launch point.
We had a wonderful time and would do it again!
Highly recommend
Marla Darius — Google review
River and Willy were our guides for my wife and I anniversary celebration and let’s just say they definitely earned a great review. They were friendly and personable and made our special day all the more enjoyable. They even spared us from being attacked by a copperhead. Willy was being extremely cautious as he pushed the little feller off the beaten path. Needless to say they were awesome Tour guides!!! Will definitely go back again!!!
Charles Simpson — Google review
We had a fantastic time on our zipline tour! Even with wind gusts and rain we had a blast! John and River were excellent guides and were very personable. If we are ever back in the area we would definitely come again!
Emily Palus — Google review
Sydney and Nathan provided us with a great experience. I've never been zip lining and had no plans to ever do it because of my fear of heights but decided to join my kids. They made me feel at ease with their professionalism and their chill personalities. Zip lining here was amazing. The views are breath taking. I would do it again.
Christine Cam — Google review
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience for the treetop tour. . Antonio and Alex were amazing guides. They helped my son to take on his fear when he got to the first zip line . Alex and Antonio were so mindful of everyone in the group. They were obviously very knowledgeable and skilled at taking people through the zip lines . My kids can’t wait to go back and do the mountaintop tour. I would recommend the tour to anyone looking to have a great zip line experience.
Tracey Cavey — Google review
We did not the tree top canopy tour -- six zips of varying lengths through the tree tunnels and crisscrossing across the gorge. Beautiful scenery. Well worth pushing the comfort boundaries high up the hillside. Our guides, Alex and Greg were wonderful -- patient and expert, with knowledge of the foliage and the terrain. The body harnesses make for super-safe zipping -- anyone over 70 lbs, and even great for adventurous grandparents. No climbing involved, just a short hike at the end.
Laura Doto — Google review
I visited Navitat this October and it was an incredibly fun experience. Our guides, Willy and Leap, made us all feel safe and excited to try the ziplines. Their knowledge of the flora of the area and property's history enriched the experience and made us feel connected to our surroundings. Overall it was an extremely well ran operation with breathtaking views and exhilarating rides! I am looking forward to bringing my family back to visit in the future.
Parker Vidmar — Google review
Amazing experience! The views are amazing! The hike up is worth it. Our guides were Alex and Ilze and they were fantastic! So many great dad jokes and nature facts along the way. Would highly recommend. My parents did the atv tour so they could watch us and they had a great time with their guide, Willy.
Monica Cox — Google review
We had an absolute blast!! My wife was a bit anxious before and our guides John and Alex were phenomenal with talking her through the process and calming her! They were both fun and engaging throughout the entire process from check in to exiting the experience. Would give them 10 stars if I could!
Nathan Darko — Google review
Awesome experience! Blue and Victoria were great. We went with a group of 6 and everyone had a blast! We will definitely be going back to do the treetop zip.
With they had a food truck for afterwards but fantastic experience overall and already looking forward to our next adventure!
Justin Chew — Google review
12/10 recommend! Absolutely awesome experience and felt completely safe the entire time! Our guides, Leap and Willy-D were super knowledgeable and fun to hang around too! The drive up the mountain side was so relaxing too! Our driver, Alex, took great care to cruise gently along the well maintained, beautiful trail. Couldn’t have had better guides! If you’re here for a day, or a week, this place is a MUST!
Steven Davis — Google review
We went on a Saturday around 1:10 and did the mountain top tour with JD and Tate - they were such great guides and had some pretty good dad jokes along the way. Definitely felt very safe and the views were very pretty! I’ve done a few zip lines before above the smokies and I do wish there was a little bit more thrill or maybe a few more zip lines, there was only 3, but the guides and the pictures definitely made the experience! Thank you! :)
Cheyenne Raker — Google review
Our guides Greg and Victoria were nothing but amazing, and It's always great to see people who are passionate about their job and obviously love what they do! We had a fantastic time ziplining with them and learning about the local area. My group still talks about the bus ride up the mountain that I can best describe as a wild mystery machine experience. Sadly I didn't get the drivers name but 11/10 would ride again. We had a great time and are looking forward to coming back :)
Lauren Koerner — Google review
Amazing mountaintop ziplining during peak leaf changing! Although there were only three zips, they were all super long, fast, high up, and fun. Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the autumn leaves gorgeousness. It was also nice to ride simultaneously, as they have two side by side zips. Our guides were great, and Navitat was very well organized and had a clean indoor area with restrooms, and hammock chairs outside while we waited for our tour. The only part I wasn't a fan of was the van ride up - extremely bumpy and the driver was blasting rock music. Some might enjoy this though as part of the adventure.
Tara Clapper — Google review
This couldn’t have been any better! Everyone did a great job and we loved it! My wife and I are going but I have a bad ankle and my wife has a bad back, we had no problems zip lining!!! It was a nice little hike but not too hard or intense. Our guides were Naomi, Gus, and McKenzie and they were all fantastic! They were funny and made sure we felt safe and had fun. I will do this every time we come to Asheville from now on.
If you are on the fence about it, just do it! You will not regret it. My wife was a little nervous but after the first zip line, we were good and almost running up the mountain to the next one!
Austin Marcus — Google review
Awesome time!! Don’t think twice, just book it and go. Greg & Alex were our guides and they were the best! We felt like pros at the end of the day thanks to how informative and friendly they were. Beautiful and well set up place. Our next trip to Asheville will include another visit from the Farmer family. Thank you guys to a memorable trip!
Kazie Farmer — Google review
My friends and I were visiting Asheville for spring break and zip lining was on our bucket list and needless to say this place blew us away. Absolutely beautiful location and the most welcoming and friendly and fun staff. It was $125 each which I think was totally worth it. There were three of us in total including me and we did the mountaintop tour. We were luckily that it was just us three on the tour so we were able to get to know the tour guides, John and Victoria, a lot better. Shout out to them because they made us laugh the entire time and gave us great suggestions for restaurants and other places to visit during our stay in Asheville. I had so much fun bantering with them that I forgot to be afraid of heights lol. They did all the harness and securing stuff for us during the tour which made me feel a lot safer and they made sure to get really great photos with of our group together which we bought for around $30 for 26 pictures I believe. The views were extraordinary and breathtaking and the speeds of the zip line left our group speechless. I will say it was freezing cold so dress warm in March but the little bit of hiking warmed us up. Thank you to John and Victoria again!! Y’all were awesome.
Nicole Zani — Google review
Emerson and Jules were amazing guides! They were funny, but informative and very nice to hang out with! The views were amazing and I felt very safe the whole time! I also love the games/hammocks where you can hangout before your tour! We enjoyed celebrating my mom’s birthday here!
MaKenna Lewis — Google review
Our group had the best time! The entire staff were outstanding and helpful. Our guides were Riah and Cat. Highly recommend requesting these two for a fun and safe trip!! The views and experience were well worth it and great for all ages. If you’re looking for an amazing adventure this is the place for you!
Jenny Woods — Google review
We had a fantastic experience, our family including teenagers loved zipping with Navitat! We did the mountaintop tour. The courses were well designed, with what I feel the right amount of thrill still allowing for enough relaxation to admire the beautiful mountain views. Their equipment appeared to be very well maintained. The tour was organized well. Staff was professional, polite and helpful - they maintained an atmosphere of safety, provided great information during the hike and added some good humor to make the tour even more fun.
Christina K — Google review
5.0
(2945)
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5.0
(2156)
242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA
1,946-acre park on the highest peak east of the Mississippi, with camping, hiking & panoramic views.
The summit was very nice to drive up to, the road beautiful. We took the small trail between the parking lot and the summit, and walking casually it took us 20 minutes, lots of stairs and rocks. I suggest having a coat for the high wind up top! And a walking stick if it's muddy, many of the rocks get very slick. Beautiful fir trees and scenic overview at the end. Walking the trail really feels like being in another world.
Angela Berben — Google review
I was here in late July and it was so peaceful. The air was cool & misty and there was moss covering the trees and fallen logs. The air was so refreshing to breathe in. There was a small museum packed with information about the environment, wildlife, geology, and history of the area. The man who “discovered” it as being the highest point on this side of the Mississippi River is actually buried near the peak! He died there while conducting scientific research. The info in the museum compared the habitat to that of Canada. There are magical trails to hike and a short, wide paved hike up to the summit. I highly recommend you go and check it out for yourself! I will be back again soon!
Jen Rivard — Google review
A well-earned state highpoint with beautiful views along the way.
I made the drive here as I continued my journey to hike all 50-state highpoints. As usual I started my day early and had the crisp clean air all around me as I got my gear together. Feeling the clouds up at our elevation roll through was an awesome experience. It is otherworldly and makes you feel like you are living out an epic story from a novel.
It was a beautiful fall day and I didn't see one person while hiking on the trail to and from the peak. Nothing but the sounds of nature and my fellow companions of animals bustling about in the woods.
Much of the trail is exposed to the beautiful vistas surrounding the mountain. You'll certainly work for the summit but is very doable for just about all ranges of hikers.
Nick Ligon — Google review
First State Park in North Carolina (established in 1915) and highest point east of the Mississippi River (6,684 ft). The park contains a great set of trails, an observation tower (at the summit), museum, gift shop, campground, etc. You can even drive to the top and take a short walk (only 300 yards) to the summit. Access to the park is off of the Blue Ridge Parkway so even the drive to the park is nice.
Rocky Bilotta — Google review
Great views! We did the short walk up, and then did the nature trail hike. My kids thought the nature trail was their favorite part of our trip. It was peaceful and smelled like Christmas with all the pine trees.
Laura H — Google review
The drive to the State Park is a very twisty and scenic. It is a slow go, so enjoy the views! Tower at the summit with maps of which mountains can be seen in the distance facing each direction. A snack bar and small museum near the summit. Very clean restrooms. Tent sites available near the top. Sadly, it rained the day we were there but we managed a few views on the way up.
Melissa Lutz — Google review
Gotta say--this hike was definitely not a favorite of mine, although I would come back and give it another go.
To do the full hike starting at the lowest point, you have to put "Black Mountain Campground" into your GPS because the State Park & peak is about a 30 minute drive away from it.
Not only does this hike include trekking 11 miles round trip (for typically 7+ hours) on rugged terrain with a punishing elevation gain--but the weather can change in an instant, the forest is very dense & there are places along the trail where it was so dark/overcast that it felt like dusk. Also, there has recently been a lot of bear activity & sightings along the trail--so be advised and be sure you're comfortable with bear safety.
You'll also want to pack enough water and nutrition to fuel you on your hike as well as a rain jacket/extra layers for temperature & weather changes.
Finally, keep in mind if you are hiking from the base, you will likely go long bouts without seeing other hikers, and I had no signal on my phone, so letting someone know ahead of time about your route is not a bad idea.
I made it about 2 miles up before I decided to turn back and drive to the top. Another hiker said a mama bear was on the trail ahead, and given that it had started to rain and it was kind of dark too, I decided it simply wasn't worth it or all that enjoyable to keep going.
So I drove to the top of the mountain & did the quarter mile hike up to the peak. Honestly, the view was a bit less impressive than I had imagined or seen at other hikes, but that could be because it was overcast, (which I'm told is common there).
There is a little shop at the top as well as a museum, and place to buy coffee & hot chocolate, although the restaurant was closed. There are also several picnic areas with grills, etc.
All in all, there is a lot of promise for this hike-- I likely just chose a less than perfect day to visit.
Valerie Mena — Google review
Note: the mountain is foggy most fall mornings and doesn’t clear up until the afternoon.
We visited during a very foggy morning and weren’t able to see the famous 360-degree views. The 10 minute paved hike from the parking area was easy and the summit is still cool to see.
There are restrooms, a museum and gift shop, and a concessions stand.
Kevin Wang — Google review
It's beautiful not just at the top but getting to the top. It definitely makes you feel small.
I would recommend checking the state park website and the national forest website for closers at the park and on the blue ridge parkway rd.
Jeffrey Young — Google review
Short incline walk to observation deck. We visited on a cold, very windy March day. We dound snow still on the ground. Sky was beautiful blue and view made us forget about the temperature. Well worth the drive.
Laurie Simmons — Google review
This is a beautiful park! It was very crowded, even for a weekday, but it is almost summer. There is a smooth, paved path to the summit. It might be challenging for some due to the slight incline, but it is only 300 yards long and there are benches along the way to sit and rest. Once you do get to the top, you won't be disappointed. There are 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was gorgeous!!
I also took the nice Balsam Nature trail path. This had many information stations along the way that described the different animals, birds and flora at Mt. Mitchell. Don't forget to check out the museum and the gift shop. The museum is very interesting and has lots of information about the history of Mt. Mitchell.
Carrie Hart — Google review
Gorgeous park and views. Great for kids and dog lovers. The hike up to the lookout is steep but mostly paved. Bring comfy shoes you’ll be walking up steep hill. Tons of picnic areas for a great family outing. Stay hydrated!
Jake Stewart — Google review
I love the Mountains!! We drove to the Top of Mount Mitchell from Grandfather Mountain. It took almost one and a half hours for almost 50 miles as the speed limit is 35 and winding roads. Very scenic and beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to Mt. Mitchell. I visited almost the last week of June. Last 3 miles drive to the top was breathtaking. I was driving almost into the clouds. Visibility was almost zero. Couldn't see anything beyond 20 feet. But I really enjoyed the drive. There is an overlook point, but we couldn't see anything as we were in the clouds. This is the highest peak to the east of the Mississippi River. It was quite chilly even though it was a sunny day. Just a little bit disappointed as the Visitor center was closed as I wanted to get Magnet or Souvenir.
Amol More — Google review
Beautiful park. I recommend spending as much time there as you can. If you love to hike, I cannot suggest a better place. There are so many different trails to explore. The drive into the park offers quite a few stops or 'overlooks' for views of these breathtaking mountains. I highly recommend the walk up to the Observation Point. The view from here, the highest point, offers a 360° view of the mountains!
Mary Perkins — Google review
An absolutely wonderful place for an easy hike. Driving the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to get there was lovely in and of itself, and when you enter the state park (which is FREE), you drive most of the way to the top. They have a nice gift shop, small museum, clean restrooms, and a food area for snacks and drinks. The walking path to the top observation deck is paved, with a moderate incline. We went during a foggy/cloudy day, with low visibility. But it only added to the beauty and mystery. The trails looked like something out of a gothic fairy tale. If I hadn't known I was in North Carolina, I would've thought I was in the Pacific Northwest. A must-see, in any weather.
Liz W — Google review
Mount Mitchell is a beautiful place where you can hike and enjoy enchanted forest. This place is truly beautiful and I enjoyed hiking here with my husband. It's not a difficult hike but in a few places you will have to climb over big boulders. We were able to see some beautiful birds there.
Alex Radovic — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous. The short path up to the observation deck is fairly easy but also steep. It is paved. The observation deck is wheelchair friendly but again, the path up is fairly steep. It was pretty busy when we went but there was a lot of parking. There was a small museum, a gift shop, and bathrooms. There were park rangers to assist.
Kylie — Google review
It was very foggy at the peak when I visited back in October! Although, I really enjoyed the hike through the fog. I’d love to go back on a clear visibility day. My dog loved the hike as well 🐾🥾🌲
Rachel Rathle — Google review
Great hiking trails surrounding the entire area. Great platform at the highest park to get a 360 degree view.
Juan Laureano Jr. — Google review
Beautiful and largely accessible natural wonder. The views are of course magnificent, from the summit and most areas within the park. The museum, concession stand, restrooms, and gift shop are all located right off of the huge parking lot. The viewing platform is a 300-yard walk uphill on a well-paved road. There are many hiking trails, including the Mountain-to-Sea trail. Highly recommended.
Jenn Morley — Google review
So glad we made a visit to Mount Mitchell! We drove all the way to the top and started by checking out the observation deck. Stunning 360 views. It’s a very short walk up on a paved path, but on a fairly steep incline.
We then took one of the shorter loop trails and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Such a beautiful park all around.
Max Patch is a renowned bald mountain in the region, featuring hiking trails and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Situated at 4,600 feet, it offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. While previously known for camping opportunities, recent changes have restricted camping and reduced parking to preserve the area's natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment.
Short hike up to an amazing view! However many visitors have trashed the place in the past and it is closed to camping. REMEMBER TO LEAVE NO TRACE!! Pack in and pack out, don’t leave your dogs waste in a bag by the sign, there are no magical trash fairies that take your trash away. They will close this down if people continue to destroy the area!
Alissa Cole — Google review
Definitely the best place to see sunset around Smoky. And easy to get to the summit, you can drive the most way. If you like to go cross-country, you can try the other trail, instead of the main wide road. I used my Civic and made to the top. It is fun. It is a part of Appalachian trail, very cool place.
Kaiyu Wang — Google review
Yes, it is worth the drive. We timed our visit with sunrise. Go before dusk, sit on a blanket, and take in the morning.
Ray Zaffke — Google review
Max Patch is a beautiful place now that the mountain top has had a chance to regrow after being destroyed by campers! Grass is healthy and the bees and birds are a fun site to see! The surrounding mountains just make the bald so much better!
RJ — Google review
This is a must see trail!! Bring a snack and sit and take it all in because it’s a short trail and can be completed quickly if you don’t sit and enjoy it.
Ray G — Google review
Spectacular vistas all year. My barn conversion is just 12 miles away so getting up there is so easy. I love Haywood county.
James Tola — Google review
Super cool spot, easy walk, leashed dog friendly, and BEAUTIFUL! It’s a ways back and at certain times of the year I can imagine a 4-wheel drive vehicle would be a necessity. The views are stunning and worth the trip.
Jonathan Hamrick — Google review
A great place on top of the mountain! My son and I started a hike together from here, and we we hiked the AT to Hot Springs. I will never forget! First picture: Max Patch/ Second picture: My son carrying my back pack and his into Hot Springs♥️
lynisa marks — Google review
I loved this place the first time I came here in 2019 but now that they have removed camping reduced parking and restricted hours its so much better! No more hundreds of people vying for the best spot and trampling protected habitats. It was such a different experience being up there alone on a stormy day and the returning bird populations were amazing to see.
Amber Gibbs — Google review
Mini hike up to the bald. It was a lovely day, even with the fog. I imagine it's lovely when everything is in bloom.
Sonia Donnelly — Google review
Great hike if you have small children. 20 minutes up (if you're with kids), and then a great sit and fun exploring time with them. Can't wait to bring them here to camp!
Lainey Stowe — Google review
Although it was sunny at the bottom of the mountain I hit a hail storm at the top so didn’t get to hike the trail this time. There’s always a chance of no visibility but I had been hopeful and had made the drive up the washboard rutted road, just in case the weather has cleared there too. It hadn’t . Still, everything happens for a reason. There were three soaked hikers in need of a ride off mountain due to an injury and I was able to help get them back to their vehicle in Tennessee where they had left it a week ago.
Ruth Newell — Google review
A magical place indeed. The panoramic views are amazing and I didn’t photograph any for you. Oops.
Joe Lewellin — Google review
A definite must hike! Whether you're thru /section the Appalachian Trail or just visiting and doing the loop, you will love Max Patch! The surrounding views make the wonder of nature a true treasure! Get out and go for a walk. As a matter of fact, make it Max Patch. Happy Trails!
William Fritzler — Google review
This is a beautiful place to hike. The trail is relatively easy and the views are wonderful.
Lane Hall — Google review
Unbelievable view and pretty easy walk. My boyfriend and I had a picnic dinner here for sunset. It was the best picnic spot I have ever been to, so far.
Jacqueline Coutu — Google review
Very Relaxing and Unbelievable view. The walk to the top was very laid back and easy. Family and I hiked to the top and had a very relaxing picnic. This is a place I will most definitely come back to just to sit at top and relax. Highly recommended won’t regret it!!!
Juan M — Google review
Took my cousin for her first visit to the Max Patch. She loved it! The sunset did not disappoint. The quietness was so serene. Can't wait for another visit.
Sondra Annette — Google review
Warning: make sure you have at least 8 inches of ground clearance and extremely good tires before attempting to drive on that road. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and almost popped all of my tires on the 7 mile drive to the top 🤣. There are potholes everywhere, waves in the concrete, and lots of big rocks in the middle of the road, haha. If you can get past that, it's a nice place to visit.
Marcus Thompson — Google review
4.8
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5.0
(375)
North Carolina 28743, USA
12
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
Horseback riding service
Outdoor Activities
Equestrian facility
Stable
Horseback Riding Tours
Thank you guys for saving the day! After another stable lost our reservation we reached out blindly to this awesome place! They were able to squeeze us in to alleviate all tears my 12 and 8 year old had! The staff was amazing for these novice riders and turned our day around. If you want to trail ride use them! Professional, knowledgeable and 4 generation family owned and ran. Trust me you won’t go wrong. Thanks to Teddie for helping my little one have her BEST day! We will be back.
Mandy Starbuck — Google review
5⭐️+! This was the most beautiful trail ride I have ever been on. The staff, the guides, the facilities were top notch. We had 3 kids- 2 who have never rode before and they did great🙌. We did the 2-hour trails and enjoyed every minute!! Highly recommend Jackie and his incredible family❤️
Michelle Kithcart — Google review
Went on a 2 hour Sandy Bottom Trail ride for a bachelorette trip and had such a wonderful experience. The owner was so welcoming and kind. He even gave some of us jackets who weren’t dressed warm enough. Our tour guide Matt was informative, kind, and funny. Great price for the scenic views and the amount of time riding. Overall such a wonderful time, we will definitely be back!!
Olivia Hildreth — Google review
Amazing experience at Sandy Bottom Trail Rides! We have done a few other trail rides and this place exceeded all expectations! They are so professional and gave us an amazing trail ride for 13 people! The horses were very well kept and seemed healthy and happy!
Katelyn Lamar — Google review
10/10 My girlfriend & I are both first time riders which led to us choosing the 1 hour ride which was perfect for us as beginners but after the amazing experience & views… we are planning to do the 3 hour ride next time hopefully with guide Paul again who was knowledgeable & made us feel comfortable the whole ride. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Nicolas Santana — Google review
My best friend and I decided last minute to go horseback riding and we had so much fun! We called and made a quick reservation for an hour long ride. It was just the two of us and the service was amazing! The guide, Josh, was really nice and respectful and talked to us the whole time. The views were gorgeous and the ride was slow enough that we had plenty of photo opportunities. We enjoyed ourselves so much we even thought about going on another ride! We would definitely recommend Sandy Bottom Trail Rides to anyone looking to go horseback riding!
Sydney Jacobs — Google review
My husband Patrick and I are vacationing in the Asheville area and we booked a three hour trail ride ride with Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. Upon arrival, we were met by a friendly gentleman that welcomed us. After getting some friendly instruction, we saddled up and set off for what would we a truly memorable experience. Thank you Heather for being a genuinely kind and knowledgeable guide and for engaging us in conversation throughout the ride. Keep up the good work and continue to take good care of those sweet horses!
Ben Young — Google review
I'm from Miami, Florida, while in Ashville, My family and i visited sandy bottom trail rides yesterday and we all loved it! An amazing experience for my kids whom have never ridden a horse before, the scenery is amazing, the horses are very well trained and kept. The staff is very professional and friendly, the entire place is beautiful. I'd recommend sandy bottom trail rides to whomever wants to have a good time and wants to enjoy the amazing scenery of the mountains, in the hands of truly professional and friendly tour guides. I'd give this 5 more stars if i could. We will be back next year! Keep up the amazing work!
Tech 305 — Google review
This place was amazing. It was amazing to have my husband (a person of color) be treated like a normal human in a "predominantly Caucasian activity", which hasn't been our experience in the past at other establishments. The views were great, the guide was great, the staff was all super kind and professional, and the experience was wonderful. I wish I didn't live States away so we could go more often.
Misty L — Google review
Had a great time on the 3 hour tour. Lucas and Neil were our guided and helped us when needed. I’ve seen some complaints about a silent tour and to be honest, I enjoyed the peace and quiet which was a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Views were fantastic and the horses were fun. Thanks guys! We might be back for a fall at some point!
Austin Armstrong — Google review
Wow! What a fun ride! My mom and I went on the 1 hour ride with Josh as our guide and he was awesome! He was very kind, made great conversation, gave great tips, and he made my mom and I feel extremely safe. I rode on Gracie, who was so sweet and stopped to snack on some plants on the way and my mom rode Alli, the absolute sweetest mule. The views of the property were UNREAL and we chatted with the owner, who was extremely kind and gave us some history of the business. Overall, we have a wonderful experience and the staff was SO friendly. The dogs on the property were extremely sweet, as well. Can't wait to come back next time we visit! Thank you Josh and Sandy Bottom Trail Rides Team!
Bella Viola — Google review
My wife and I were on a trip and decided to come for a ride (she is an avid rider). Horses were well trained and well fed. And our guide, Josh, was fun to ride with and attentive. The views on the 2-hour ride were everything we hoped for as well! We’ll be back whenever we’re back in town. Highly recommend!
Chris F — Google review
We did the one hour ride and this was our first time here. It was wonderful! Our guide, Heather, was awesome, fun and very nice. Family friendly. They teach you how to ride/guide your horse which is great for those who are beginners with riding. From researching multiple other horse trail businesses, this one was the only one I could find with panoramic views of the mountains and the view was breathtaking! It started snowing while we were on the trail. The whole experience was great! We’ll be back for longer rides.
Amanda Mills — Google review
Remote in the mountains outside Asheville - friendly staff, easy riding horses, beautiful scenery. We did the 1 hour ride but kind of wish we did the 3 hour and saw the mine.
Seth DN — Google review
Wonderful experience! I took my two sons, and everything was great. One of my sons rode by himself, and my 4 year old rode with me. Our guide was so attentive to my 6 year old and made sure he was safe and comfortable. Our saddles were checked multiple times, and they went above and beyond to keep our group together and remind us of what to do. We will definitely visit again! The hour-long ride was perfect for two, small kids.
Tiffany Wooten — Google review
What a joy! I brought my daughter here for her birthday and we did a 2 hour ride. We got Matt as a guide and he was absolutely amazing. He was always asking questions and also trying to make people better riders.
The place has amazing scenery and it makes it feel very special. We loved every minute of it. Thanks for making today special!
Chris Hutchison — Google review
We had such a great experience with our guide, Shelby. She had great knowledge of horses and respect for them. The ride was smooth and it was a perfect day for riding. The horses were sweet and seemed well cared for. We also enjoyed the dogs who came along for the ride. Will definitely recommend this family business to others who plan to visit the Asheville area.
Bianca Sanchez — Google review
I love Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. A friend said they were going and I jumped at the opportunity. Everyone who works there are horse living professionals. I wanted Ed a gentle ride with about any drama. They gave me Lady, who truly was! Our trail guides, Matt in chaps & James in shorts, helped a young boy a lot and a sweet Ups-syndrome ride as well. And made ill six of us feel welcome. I’ll be back!
They have more than 60 horses so all are treated with their best health in mind.
Cataloochee, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, is a historic valley that has transformed into a recreational area within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once inhabited by an Appalachian community and used as a Cherokee hunting ground, it now offers visitors a glimpse into its rich past. Accessible only via a winding gravel road from Exit 20 on I-40 in North Carolina, reaching Cataloochee takes about an hour from Gatlinburg.
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is an iconic and gorgeous Catholic church in downtown Asheville, NC. It was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino and features stunning stained glass windows. The basilica offers free guided and self-guided tours, but you don't have to take one if you just want to see the architecture from the 20th century.
Beautiful Architecture can be seen in Basilica of St Lawrence. It was completed in 1909. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is designed by Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith, renowned architects on the Biltmore House. Their updated mass time schedules and visiting hours are available in their website. You can also book a tour with a guide on their website. Make sure to book it atleast a week in advance to get confirmation or approval. Worth to visit!
RJ Conner — Google review
You must come and visit on Sunday for the 9 AM mass and be sure to stay late to receive the amazing free tour afterwards! It was such a joy and funny to hear our hosts speak about the wonderful things of this church and help us to more appreciate the stained glass, sculptures and architecture. The architect love this place so much he is buried here! We had a wonderful mass with Latin spliced in. The congregation was welcoming. We felt good about giving to this church which is in dire need of repair. Peace, Joshua
Joshua Knight — Google review
Beautiful church and the guy at the door was very welcoming. You do need to pay attention to the visiting hours. Self guided tour and the informational sheet was full of helpful history and pointed out awesome details.
Douglas Arterburn — Google review
If you love old buildings with so much history and impressive architecture, this church is a must-visit. Their front door is under kind of construction/repair so the entrance to the church is off to the side. It's a straightforward self-guided tour. It's free to enter but there's a donation box by the entrance.
Maricris G — Google review
While honeymooning in nearby Maggie Valley, we happened upon the Basilica of St Lawrence. This stood out to us as an architectural oddity in the middle of a modern city, and decided to stop in. The outside betrayed the beauty of the inside where frescoes, tapestries and statuaries reign supreme. An absolute beauty.
This structure with its fascinating details in design, is included on my list of Wonders of the World. Truly amazing ❤️
Allicia Beadle-Lee — Google review
The architecture on display at the Basilica is captivating. Such a remarkable display of mankind’s ingenuity.
Dennis Steck — Google review
My husband and I were very excited to go to mass here on our vacation. We learned about it’s history on some of the walking tours we went on. The architecture is unique and amazing so be sure to learn about it! We wish we could have stayed for the free tour after mass! Mass was beautiful and everyone was very friendly. There is a parking lot for people going to mass but we went to a parking deck nearby since we had dinner reservations right after.
joellen devitis — Google review
Beautiful and humbling church. Felt at peace inside and appreciated the care that has gone into caring for this sanctuary. Please leave a cash gift for your entrance before leaving.
Sjk Nelson — Google review
Amazing church and the pastor has a heart of gold. The basilica is beautiful. Sunday tours after mass. Tour guide is a local volunteer who is incredible. One of americas great architects Raphael Guastavino built the church. Its magnificent to behold. And whats best is Jesus is present here. The sacrament of communion is beautifully reverant.
And this parish has a true leader shephard! He dedicates all his time to everyone who enters the doors. He has a true heart for Jesus and you can tell on first glance. He answers questions anyone has about the faith during coffee hour.
M Long — Google review
Full house runs into the street.
Easter morning downtown Asheville. The church filled up fast as more people arrived. Happy Easter
JimBo' B. (JimBo') — Google review
Beautiful church with some interesting history. My rating is due to expecting just a quick stop. If we weren't staying walking distance away and had planned to stay longer, I probably would have been disappointed. As others have pointed out, the posted hours were not consistent with the actual time. We wanted to see the church as tourists, so we came during hours posted for visiting / touring. But as we walked in we were informed mass was starting in 30 minutes. We wanted to be respectful so we didn't walk around. The staff were very friendly and polite and I'm glad we got the chance to see the inside. I completely respect the church wanting to be less tourist focused and more exclusively a place of worship, but feel the hours and information should reflect that.
B Mc — Google review
Beautiful and amazing structure build in the old day, see visiting hours in a picture
G Santana — Google review
Gloriously beautiful basilica! As a visitor, I felt welcomed by the parish. Parking was not hard at all. The mass was celebrated with the deacon, priest, and local seminarians. The stained glass and sculptures were a work of art. The mass was enhanced by amazing music from the choir. I highly recommend for your Sunday worship.
Mark David — Google review
I really don't like having to put up such a low star rating for a place of worship. Unfortunately, for this particular Church, I'm afraid I have to.
And my reason for doing so is quite a simple one: I had been to this church with a fellow homeless man ♂️, who had been staying in the "starvation army" 🪖 shelter of apathy with me, during this weekend. It was a Sunday morning, and pretty cold when we came into this church.
I had initially wanted to have a day of worship at a different variety of church, not far from this one. I had written a review of the other Church in question during the same day I was trying to determine their hours of operation. But, after I had left this basilica to find out if the other church had actually opened its doors yet, the young man I was traveling with caught up to me after a while of me waiting at the other church.
What he told me came as an absolute shock of disgust at all the clergy members of this basilica... Apparently, during my absence, one of their female staff members complained about his carrying bags to him. And even though she offered him a chance to store them away in a side room, he declined on the grounds which he felt directly disrespected by the person who confronted him over his baggage. If this is how staff and clergy members of a Catholic basilica are going to treat regular citizens who only wish to head over to a church for a worship service, then I highly doubt I'll be setting foot into any church at any point in time within the near future of my life!
Ross Eberle (Spiral Storm) — Google review
What a breathtaking Basilica. It's known to have one of the largest free-standing domes in North America. The greeter was especially kind and hands out brochures for those who are visiting. The dome itself is massive, and there are many sculptures, art pieces, and stained glass windows to enjoy. If you can, go for a service so you can get the full experience.
Kelsi H — Google review
I was blessed (tho I didn't know at the time) to visit your Church a few years back, as a protestant. I am so deeply, truly and incredibly sorry for the things I said and the way I felt when I was there. I could never repay you for my sins but I can tell you, my Confirmation is tomorrow night at the Easter Vigil. What a glorious redemption!! I pray I can visit you again some day, with my new heart and eyes set aright.
The Folk Art Center and Southern Highland Craft Guild is a place where you can see art from local and regional craft artists, as well as purchase unique gifts. It's located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina.
We stop here every single time we are in Asheville. Throughout the years we’ve bought platters, clocks, lamps. It’s a treasure. There is always an artist in house doing their craft/art. Lovely museum, store, and art gallery
RobertsMom NC — Google review
Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway,the Southern Highland Craft Shop is one of the oldest craft shops in America.
Local artists from Southern Appalachia sell beautiful artisan made jewelry,pottery,textiles,pottery,glass and more.
Definitely worth a stop !
John Moore — Google review
This place was beautifully maintained with a lot to see. The gift shop was huge and stocked with art from all kinds of mediums from local artists and craftspeople. The prices were so fair too. I loved seeing the quilts and the pottery. Such a great stop!
Julie Zerk — Google review
Excellent craft and gift store. Over 400 artist show and sell their work at the Guild. Special events like glass blowing. Call or check website for times. This is also the oldest craft store in the U.S. Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway afterwards!
Athena Reel — Google review
I loved walking through the craft market! They have their displays on the second floor, and the bottom floor is where you can purchase crafts from various artists. Many of the pieces were well out of my price range, but it was still nice to look at everything. The store on the bottom floor has cheaper souvenirs like stickers, CDs, and postcards.
Tawni Lamb — Google review
A nice break from the heat with beautiful artwork to look at and to purchase, although expensive and for good reason.
There were neat displays and even a local artist demonstration. A gift shop as well. My 13 year old even enjoyed it.
It’s easy to get to right off the parkway. Signs are easy to follow. I’m terrible with directions and I was able to find it easily without maps.
Katie Alexander — Google review
My first stop while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
First impression: very pretty stop with lots of trees (it's Asheville, duh) and lots of parking. You can even have stop here to have lunch (prepare a quick meal in advance) - they have some picnic tables in the parking lot.
If you want a map of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can ask the cashier for a free map.
The store has many interesting crafts like bugs made out of beer bottle caps and pins, tiny little vases, handmade christmas ornaments, etc. You can find all sort of things here and they are good quality stuff. However, they are on the pricey end. One of the ornaments I saw was $115 and a (handmade, one of a kind, pretty) jacket was $900 (it's really nine hundred, I didn't add a 0 by accident).
I didn't walk the whole museum because I didn't know there was more. Will do next time.
Ngan Nguyen — Google review
Pulled in to just use the bathroom, ended up spending a good hour plus here (outside of the bathroom). So many cool things to look at! My wife and I do some woodworking and we took lots of pictures for inspiration for future projects to make. Really great spot to stop and look around. We’ll definitely stop again on our next trip and will give ourselves enough time to really explore and enjoy.
Brady Howe — Google review
Amazing art works from all types of craftsmanship. Great to see with the eyes as every piece is very valuable. Everything is displayed well and o much to see. Be careful if u have a touchy toddler, lol. Came here for a stamp cancelation. Lots of people came with their dogs to hike in the area. Parking is great.
GiGi Fuentes — Google review
So amazing. It smelled good and I felt so comfortable in there. The museum was quiet and the gift shop items were so beautifully made. I love how the museum exhibit items had booklets near most of them explaining the process or showing us more detail. All I want in a museum! Next is let me live here.
Katrina Ostrom — Google review
We always love to hike around the folk art center when in the Asheville area.
The art/craft center is a gem, with amazing local art and beautiful furniture/home good pieces.
Kaitlin Talbot — Google review
It's a hopping place on a Saturday! I happened upon "clay day" with potters of all different kinds, plus a glass blower out front that looks like he's more permanent. There's all manner of potter, fabric, quilts, clothes, jewelry and tons more for sale and to look at. Upstairs is a fancier gallery and some of that is for sale as well. It's a really interesting stop.
Sara Beth Wade — Google review
Enjoyed seeing the art and the historical information. Beautiful place and beautiful work.
The River Arts District is a 22-property commercial and vintage district located close to the French Broad River in Downtown Asheville. It encompasses various craftsman studios as well as galleries open to the public, making it an incredible place to buy unique souvenirs from your time in the city.
Awesome place to walk around and go in different artists' studios and see what they have to offer. So if you're looking for art of all kinds and in different mediums, this is the place to start. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Most artists, if not busy, will come over and explain some pieces and whatnot, very pleasant and informative. We wound up getting a few pieces from different artists, nice additions for our house. Prices vary, so there's something for everyone. Even if you're not in the market to buy, definitely go and check out what's all there, it's like going to museum of fine art.
S Walkr — Google review
Loving this River Art District in Asheville! 😍. A hub of 300+ artists collective to meet, chat with and appreciate is such a unique experience!
HOWEVER, the key locations to visit are scattered and without planning ahead, I accidentally walked 30,000+ steps in 4 hours! 😥 very tired indeed!
So, NOTE for future visits:
START the day with ULTRA Coffeebar (great coffee and breakfast),
THEN park at WEDGE brewing company to visit the studios in its building (also because they open earlier),
THEN drive to lunch at 12 BONES (best BBQ in town), visit the street arts, studios, Marquee and have a wine tasting at Plēb Urben Winery nearby before you
MOVE to the other side of the railway - the studios on Depot st. near the Magnetic Theatre and,
END the day with a meal at Vivian (make sure to reserve a table in advance for this small and special dinner place)!
AND that would be a perfect day for River Art District! 👌
Jennifer Liu — Google review
Love all the street art and cute shops ! Def worth stopping by ti check out. Great spot to tak photos and check out some talented artists.
julia feiler (Jules) — Google review
Enjoyed walking around this area. Some great art work and reasonable prices. The graffiti on the buildings is a great addition to the artisan atmosphere.
John Kurton — Google review
A MUST see if ever in the area. I love the painted murals all over the River Arts District. Not only was it extremely creative but beautiful to look at. All the shops and buildings in this area are covered in graffiti style art. Great area to explore.
MLW — Google review
If someone is interested in a variety of art work, glass, paintings, pottery, wood, etc. this is a great place to visit.
The Biltmore Inn is a beautiful, historic hotel located outside of Asheville in South Asheville. It has a wide variety of rooms and suites to choose from, as well as several great restaurants and lounges within the property. The atmosphere is romantic and inviting, perfect for any special occasion.
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did! We took the self guided tour with listening devices and were able to enjoy this with no rush.
So beautiful!
There were multiple families touring at the same time and the kids did well although I don't think it's somewhere I would've taken my own kids.
We enjoyed the drive through the estate to the wine tasting. John was great at guiding us through each option.
Shopping was very pleasant and Carl helped us decide on our favorites as well as the best way to save to get the most bang for our buck.
The gift shops were great too! We each purchased an ornament for a souvenir.
Ehsan Golzar — Google review
Love the Biltmore Inn. The views are spectacular. Food is delicious....breakfast especially. Rooms are comfy with nice little extras. Staff is very helpful.
Elizabeth Kelly — Google review
My husband and I decided on a whim, to pack a bag and head to The Biltmore House. Neither of us had been, and we were bored. We stayed at The Biltmore Inn. From the moment we arrived... to the moment we left, everything was amazing. We will absolutely be back when we can stay longer than a night. I absolutely love the view from the deluxe terrace rooms. So beautiful and dreamy. And dinner at the on-site restaurant downstairs was superb.
Samantha Hill — Google review
Absolutely wonderful place to stay. Great restaurants, great lounge with big fireplace as well as nice outside firepits
Richy Wittmer — Google review
Enjoyed an amazing First Class Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room. The staff were top notch in thier attention and kindness. The tea was simply the best I have had of tea services I have experieced all over the world. The view was breathtaking. Splendid Holiday decor. Topped off with delicious food and tea.
Cynthia Thompson — Google review
A great experience, tours were so informative, professional and friendly.
John Zarogoza — Google review
We went there for our honeymoon for a week. The valet were excellent and very nice. The front desk, not so much. We were not fans of the front desk. Every person we encountered working there while on our stay was snobby and rude.
The rooms are pretty basic to me. I live about 30 minutes from the West Baden in Indiana and I was just expecting more from the Inn, I suppose. I would rate the Inn a 3/5 on service and friendliness compared to the West Baden. The view is a 10/10. That is perfect and I'm assuming that's why you pay so much to stay there.
Also the "Library" lounge is not a library. It's the "common area" essentially. The drinks are outrageous. We paid $63 for two drinks. Bloody Mary's are $20.. for one shot of vodka lol. Those are like $5 where I live. It was a jump scare. Don't get food delivered to your room either. We wanted a quick lunch while we were getting ready one day. So we ordered one sandwich to split and a Tito's and cranberry... $65 dollars. It's just extortion really. The food was good but not worth $45.
If we come back to Asheville, we would probably stay in a cabin & getting a day pass or at the hotel on the Biltmore. The house tour, the kayaking, the trails, the E-Bikes were all really fun. We just didn't like the Inn and our experience. Also, eat at the Bistro and Cedric's! Both very good and very friendly service and staff.
Also we were told the pool was heated and would be open on our stay, it wasn't. But the hotels was. So all around, I would just stay at the hotel. It's essentially the same thing but friendlier.
Taylor Fischer — Google review
The inn was very welcoming. Complimentary wine every day in the lobby was a nice touch. The turn-down service was one of the best of all my hotel stays! They even tied up the phone charging plugs with a silky red ribbon that has the Vanderbilt insignia. One major disappointment is the room felt damp at all times!
Ashley Biddle — Google review
Staying at Builtmore Inn comes with the great perk of shuttle service on the estate.
Food and service as expected for for its ratings.
Corey Leonhard — Google review
We have had passes to Biltmore for years. Our daughter got married there. We're so grateful for one of N.C.'s greatest treasures. Sometimes, though, their reach for profit exceeds their mission and value proposition. We had not eaten at Biltmore Inn for perhaps a year or so. So we pulled up to Inn to valet park (raining hard). The valet informed us we would have a $20 parking fee for this lunch! Didn't make me very happy. This was NEW. Then we went downstairs for lunch and they informed us that they had transformed downstairs dining room into the "tea room" for afternoon tea and that upstairs in the library where high tea had been held, they were serving lunch. So we go back upstairs and were seated after long wait. They brought menu..... it was not lunch ... it was snacks and appetizers to be taken with drinks! Ugh! So at the Biltmore Inn, now, one cannot have a lunch!!!!! The Inn guests have to leave the hotel if they want to take lunch. The demand for (and profitability of) afternoon tea was large enough to move it downstairs to more capacity and lunch was eliminated, but we were inaccurately guided to library for snacks and appetizers ...... at one time there they even served hamburgers etc. NOT NOW.
I expect more from the Biltmore Inn.
Roger Jenkins — Google review
We spent $450 for tickets, gas and food for 1 day - 2 people. NOT worth the money; gardens and art exhibit were a big disappointment. When we purchased the tickets they told us the spring flowers would be planted, dogwoods and wisteria would be in bloom. Minimal annuals were planted, in fact they were just in the process of digging up dead tulips, so that is what we paid to see. We had to seek out the dogwoods and didn't see 1 wisteria in bloom. Art exhibit was a joke. A projection of renaissance art on the walls, no actual prints to view.
Jacqueline Oshier — Google review
Our experience at the Inn was nearly perfect from beginning to end.
We stayed in the Inn @ Room 259. I was disappointed that we didn’t have a mountain view, but the room was perfect, and we did have a terrace that offered substantial privacy when sitting outside. [I assumed a terrace would come with a mountain view, and I was wrong.]
The valet & bellhop were outstanding, as was the front desk, the concierge, and all of the wait staff. We were treated with the utmost respect and never got bad vibes.
We took the early morning tour of the Biltmore Mansion and it is HIGHLY recommended.
We ate one night @ the Inn and the experience was fantastic! The service was perfect and the meal was delicious. We started with the crab cake, and both ordered filets, then finished with the creme brulee…………like seriously - how can you complain?
The $30 +/- cocktails were pricey, but then you take in the priceless views and suddenly the drinks seemed like a fair value!
CONS:
The website is very confusing. The difference between the Hotel, the Inn, & the Home is not clear at all, and the room descriptions could use some work.
I ordered the embroidered robe for my wife, and it was probably 4 sizes too big. I contacted guest services and they said they only offer one size fits all. It was really only meant to be a keepsake, but perhaps one of my boys will grow up to be a 2x or 3x!
Great job Biltmore – we have told several friends how much we enjoyed our stay and we are proud to have been your guests.
Reed Strunk — Google review
This is much more than a place to stay while visiting Biltmore: it's an experience in and of itself. We stayed here for two nights while celebrating our anniversary last week. Everything was pleasantly over-the-top - just as a stay at the Biltmore must have been. The property, the location, the staff, the accommodations, the view, the shopping, the food. All exceeded our expectations. Definitely worth the stay.
If you're looking for a ski resort with plenty of variety and challenge, Cataloochee is definitely worth checking out. With 18 slopes and trails to choose from, it's perfect for all skill levels. Plus, there are areas for snow tubing and lessons for adults and children all season long. You can purchase day or season passes, or stay in one of the resort's hotels.
After reading other reviews, felt we needed to add ours. Brought my son for his first time snowboarding MLKjr weekend for the big snow!
Then came again today for his 3rd visit!
1st- order your tickets and rentals online, it’ll save you time and you won’t get turned away. Since we did that, it only took a little time to figure out where to get everything we needed. They are super organized, they have plenty of skis and boots and helmets and you will get what you need! If you don’t want to wait in the rental lines, there are places in the Valley that offer rentals. You can also pick up bibs in town. Get there early.
2- get a private lesson, my son was paired up with Zack and after two hours with him (the Private lesson has a shorter lift line!) he had improved SO much and was ready for the blue trails. This also helped as I wasn’t on the slopes with my teenage son! Five stars for Zack!
3. They’ve got typical cafeteria food, it goes quickly, but you can also bring ALL the food you need! Second trip we brought ramen noodles and tea and used the hot water they’ve got.
4. It’s a pandemic, supplies are low, buy your goggles in town, they’re out as of today. They do still have helmets. Also, it’s a pandemic, outdoor activities are all the thing, have patience and enjoy it! Get there early.
5. Everyone’s super nice and helpful. Thank you for that. Great training and management!
Natasha Parker — Google review
This was my 1st time visiting Cataloochee Ski area to snowboard and it was awesome. I did a day session and a night session two weeks ago and everything went perfecto.. The night session was a little better since there was no waiting in line for ski lifts vs during the middle of the day on a Holiday weekend it got to a point where some of the lifts it was a 20 to 30 minute wait. I have a cabin that's less than 1 mile from the Ski Area so I cant wait to see you all next year :) I had all of my gear so all I had to do is buy my ski lift passes which was super easy and I was off Snowboarding and ripping up the slopes.
Uplift RC — Google review
Overall, I had a great experience. When there were lines inside for gear and food, they were extremely short. The lifts had quick lines of a minute or two wait at most. This was my first time snowboarding and I took a private lesson. Dylan, my instructor, was super friendly and taught everything in an easy-to-understand way. I only snowboarded on Beginner’s Luck (that’s where the lesson was given), Easy Way, and Rabbit Hill. The runs were not overcrowded at all and I had tons of room to mess around with. Nobody was being aggressive on the slopes, either. I went on a Tuesday afternoon. The weather was scheduled to be worse than it was. It drizzled lightly a couple of times which did not seem to affect very much. Visibility varied but was never very bad; the worst is shown in the video.
Senor Builder — Google review
I recommend. Buy your tickets online days before and you will have a very comfortable day! Excellent organization compared to other mountains in NC, service divided by squads and short lines. We visited in Jan/16/22 and even with a lot of snow due to the storm, everything worked very well! Thanks Cataloochee team
Douglas Nepomuceno — Google review
I took my 8 year daughter for the first time and signed her up for group lessons. She was the only one so got great one-on-one lessons. The instructor Cullen was so helpful and encouraging. He had her on a Blue Diamond within 45 minutes of her first time ever! We were blown away. She had a perfect first experience skiing and much of that is thanks to Cullen. The resort is easy to access and affordable. We love going.
Lindsay Blackstone — Google review
We had a great time for our honeymoon. We both went snowboarding and had lessons. The instructors were awesome Mark and Ryan. They really took the time to help us understand how to snowboard. All in all had a great time. The process was easy. Thank you We will be back
bryan s — Google review
Read the other reviews and felt I should add my own:
It’s a nice little ski slope that’s convenient from Atlanta, Greenville and other cities in the southeast. I pulled in around 8am and got a parking spot right up front. It doesn’t look like it at first but there’s a few different lots you can park in past the main building. I preordered my lift ticket online and already had my gear. There was no line at the window at 8:15am and I was the 3rd chair up to the top. Highly recommend doing everything online beforehand as I heard they sold out at some point that day.
I’ve seen numerous reviews complaining about long lines to get lift tickets and rentals. Look, if you go to the slopes during peak season and show up at noon with no lift ticket or equipment you’re gonna wait in long lines... And boy were there some lines. Seemed like they really started getting backed up around 11am. By about 2pm the slopes were pretty packed and I decided to call it a day. Overall the snow was decent and I recommend hitting the cat if you’re in the area!
Tips: Order your stuff online beforehand, get there early, beat the crowd, have patience and have some fun.
David Bohn — Google review
Very conveniently located in Maggie Valley. Very safe and fun for the family. Quite crowded but very well run. Delicious on-site Cafe with full liquor bar. Safe and secure property very family friendly. All the equipment you need is rented on site. Night skiing was a lot of fun.
b smith — Google review
We visited the week of Thanksgiving and we were a little nervous based on reviews. I like to give honest reviews to help others because I use a ton of reviews to guide my decisions.
We got to the resort very early. The ticketing process is very slow. One line open. Getting equipment was a little ridiculous. I've never seen having to walk to multiple buildings to get equipment, especially having to wait in line multiple times. It did move fairly fast but still annoying.
The lift lines were never long, even during peak hours.
My kids took lessons to freshen up and they enjoyed them.
I was baffled that there was NO outside seating. Very strange!!!
The food options were also terrible. The only lunch option was soup or chili, delicious but my small kids were NOT pleased. I understand this was opening week but still...some grab n go options would have been appreciated.
Overall, I plan to return..great small ski resort.
Malissa Sue Cooke — Google review
This is definitely one of the better ski resorts in west side of NC due to the elevation and terrain parks. There was amateur ski racing going on when I was there as well.pretty cool.i should have signed up would have been a dope FAIL video😆. I have been here multiple times and will be back in the future.try all the ski resorts in NC for a good judgement yourself😉.all kids of folks there too. But do expect to run into a lot of kids and locals.
When I was there my last time there was actually some younger adults causing some ruckus,being snowboard DI$&S .letting there ego get the best of them(they got kicked off the lifts).food is better here then at wolfridge definitely,but IT IS WHAT IT IS.we drink,eat just enough,and eat trail snacks anyways on boarding days🤟🏽😉😆.
Local enough ..black/latin snowboarder🏂🏽💪🏽
Shah Hill — Google review
Oh wow! Where do I begin? This was our first time skiing. From the warm welcome to the slopes, Cataloochee Ski Area exceeded our expectations. The smiling faces and helpful staff created a fantastic experience for my family. The camaraderie among the skiers added to the enjoyment and fun. From the moment we arrived, everyone was nice and welcoming. We had a great time. I highly recommend.
Allison Johnson — Google review
We went on a quiet Thursday. We had repurchase tickets and our rentals and the pickup process was easy and seamless. My husband and oldest did a private ski lesson that they seemed to enjoy. I like that they have two magic carpet slopes for new learners. The weather has clearly not been ideal and by midafternoon it was slushy, but it didn't dampen our enjoyment. I do feel like a busy weekend would have made it feel overcrowded, but we were very pleased with our experience.
Jolene Pierce — Google review
Decided at the last minute to drive up from Birmingham and shred for a day. Although it was late season (March) and temps had started melting some snow, I still had a blast…..so much that I decided to upgrade my pass and stayed for the night sesh.
This was my first visit, but it won’t be my last. Next time, the whole family is going!
Brad Gannaway — Google review
It was a fantastic experience! We visited on a weekday, and what made it even better was the lack of crowds. I decided to take a snowboarding lesson, and because it was a quiet day, I ended up getting a private coaching session for a very reasonable price of $40. It was a win-win situation for me!
Ayan Samnani — Google review
Very over crowded. I would have given it two stars had I not had fun, but I was in a good mood so it wasn’t terrible for me. There is a good amount of parking but back up parking is pretty far away and they have a shuttle there and back. When you get to the lodge, you go through 3 checkpoints to go ski. First you purchase your tickets (buy online ahead of time to decrease chances of being sold out), then you get in line for boots and helmets. We were in line for at least 30 minutes for this step, then we had to get in line for our ski/snowboard rental which was like 15 minutes.
After that you go and you’re able to ski but to get to the hills you first have to go on a lift, there’s only one beginner lift and each time we waited in line for it we waited at least 30 minutes (very bad crowds) one reason for this is because they have to stop the lift a bunch because so many people fall at the top of the lift. Employees are very kind and quick to help us off the ground when we fall (will Happen). Slopes get pretty icy near the end of the day and the most crowded time is around 11-1. Gets less crowded around 4ish and I’m sure night skiing is a better option to miss crowds (but snow will be icy and slick).
We got here around 11 on a Thursday but didn’t start skiing till 4. Employees are very kind except one man at the boot rental area. I think the processes could be quickened a lot more to reduce crowds. Also a kiddie area with little slant.
4 hour pass is plenty
Bring snacks, lodge food is overpriced and lines there are veryyyyy long, have to wait in whole line just for water bottle (3$)
You will probably fall a lot so wear waterproof clothing.
Look online for tickets, live cams, etc.
Overall I would not return because of extreme lines that are not necessary and you will not find them elsewhere.
M H — Google review
For skiing or snowboarding in the south, this little resort does a great job of curing the itch. They have even updated to an online booking/ticketing system so you’re not left wondering while you drive X hours if your kid will be able to enroll in lessons. I highly recommend you take advantage of the online option to buy lift tickets and schedule your lessons. We always arrive early (8-815am) and the process is very smooth. The later you wait in the day to show up, the more crowded and difficult it becomes to park and get rentals because of the volume of people. We usually get in 8am, ski for a few hours and take off at lunch time 12:30/1 when the resort gets crowded. They also updated their lockers to electronic lockers, which are really nice compared to many outdated places ($5 for a small locker for the day). I’ve been really happy with this little ski area and the improvements they have made over the years and will continue to visit. Their prices are very reasonable, especially if you go during the week. I highly recommend you avoid the weekend rush if you’re able to, to have the best experience!
The North Carolina Arboretum is a public garden located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Western North Carolina town of Asheville. The arboretum contains more than 60 acres of carefully cultivated gardens, including one of the most extensive bonsai collections in the United States. The gardens also showcase a variety of flora, including one of the most extensive ericaceous (acid soil-loving) plant collections in the United States.
So many different things to look at and the flowers are beautiful I went the second week of September and they all still had their colors. They have a very cute gift shop. There was a wedding going on while we were there which was very interesting to look at! Didn’t know they offered those kind of services there. But it is nice to know they do! Also, the cafe they have there was delicious. I believe I got the garden salad and it was so good. The ranch dressing was perfect. Staff is very friendly!
Emily Madrigal — Google review
Excellent arboretum full of beautifully curated displays, fun for the entire family regardless of season! Wonderful outdoor trails to meander peacefully. Huge train exhibit with live plants was really neat and inspiring. Bonsai garden was pretty even though it’s off season. Lots of cool educational nature exhibits inside too. Absolutely stunning welcome center, though the staff totally ignored me, but that was fine because I was able to locate what I needed by myself. Also, great educational program with dedicated area for future outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, a great experience minus the lack of customer service inside the welcome center. Would recommend.
Dawn Gossett — Google review
One of the most beautiful and well kept gardens anywhere! Immaculate care of everything. Don't miss the Bonsai Garden or miniature train area with Thomas and amazing the Bonsai plants in railroad area. Amazing and varied walking trails. Great gift shop. Nearly every plant or tree has marker description. Just amazing for $20.00 car entry fee.
Chad S. — Google review
We’ve been here twice and we loved it both times. So much to see! There are easy and difficult hikes. Everything is well marked. The staff is always so helpful. We love the bonsai exhibit. First Tuesday of the month is half price!
Deanna Watts — Google review
Had a small elopement at the Heritage garden and it was honestly so professional and lovely! Thank you so much to the staff that allowed our dream event happen. Stephanie Carter was so accommodating and flexible. She was super attentive and engaged with everything. They even helped coordinate on the day of which I am honestly so grateful for. They also drove us around to take pictures around the venue and I'm so so grateful for them because walking around in a wedding dress is hard. They went above and beyond for us! The bridal waiting area has a full size mirror, a smaller close up mirror that lights up, a place to hang your clothes, and a lot of charger which was very much needed.
Overall we were so happy with the service and the location!
Thank you so much!
Chonk Family — Google review
A family favorite, every spring, summer and fall! They always have a new exhibit experience, plus the gardens and miniature train town is fun for all ages to enjoy. Easy trails to walk or longer ones if you want. Plus a nice cafe or great areas to bring your own picnic.
Cathy “Cat” Huebner — Google review
We were in Asheville for a long weekend and I was trying not to overdo the hiking since I was trying to recover from an injury. We decided to come here for the afternoon after a short hike in the morning.
I had heard good things, but this place still surpassed my expectations! It's a pretty big place and there are even more traditional trails through the wooded area.
It's $16 to park, but there is technically no entrance fee so you might be able to bike in for free.
Unfortunately, we didn't plan ahead and the Bonsai exhibit was closed for the day (closes at 5 and everything else is open until 7 or 9 depending on the time of year). What we could see from the outside looked cool though.
This is a great spot to spend a few hours exploring. It looks really cool in the winter with Christmas lights too from what I've seen online.
Jacqueline Telljohann — Google review
Such a beautiful and well maintained place. 16 bucks to park and the rest is free unless you decide to buy some $3 succulents. The bonsai exhibit was absolutely beautiful. A miniature redwood tree? One of the cutest things I've seen. The flowers are breathtaking as well. I highly recommend this place for its awe inspiring beauty.
Dylan Ramsey — Google review
The Arboretum is stunning! The gardens are so peaceful and beautiful to walk through. There were musicians playing music outside the bistro, which set such a fun mood. And when the heat gets to be too much, the visitor's center and gift shop have excellent air conditioning. There's also a water fountain with a water bottle filler. We appreciated that the Arboretum was dog and family friendly.
Jordon Hofman — Google review
We loved this place! The gardens were beautifully designed by Frank Law Olmstead and have to be seen to be believed. Beautiful nature trails wind through the entire area and there are plenty of benches to take a break or just take in the scenery. This place is magical. We were fortunate to spot a mother bear, her two cubs and a copperhead on the trail. The trails are well marked and pretty easy to traverse. If I lived here I would be hiking at the Arboretum several days a week. The bistro served a great lunch - The Hungry Hiker Salad with a scoop of curried chicken salad was delicious! Don’t miss the bonsai exhibit!
Barry Hasson — Google review
Loved the winter lights show! A massive amount of colored lights which was a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. We got there early on a Thursday so it wasn’t too busy! As the crowd picked up it was still a very comfortable crowd level. Highly recommended!
Elsie Shuler — Google review
As a member, this is one of our favorite places to walk our dog through the grounds and trails.
I usually enjoy looking at all the flowers and large planter displays.
This late March visit, I was surprised that not very much was in bloom yet, the Quilt Garden was empty and the Planters were not done.
So, it was enjoyable to see what little signs of Spring had popped up.
Looking forward to our next visit to see the Tulip beds in bloom!
Haute Interiors LLC — Google review
This is a really nice park. I personally love walking so for me this place has plenty of trails. There are a ton of decorations around here for Christmas so I highly recommend coming here after dark during the Christmas season. They also had a really nice gift shop at the building that's past all of the decorations.
Lev Marushevskyi — Google review
This place is a steal with only a sixteen dollar parking fee. Everything else was free to enter and explore. Give yourself a few hours to walk and enjoy the gardens and trails. The bonsai exhibit was very well laid out. There is plenty of photo opportunities and great mountain views throughout the park. I would recommend a visit here.
Mountain Guide — Google review
Amazing first visit here. We will definitely return. It was one of the nicest gardens we've ever visited. The design and layout were obviously well thought out and painstakingly built. The Bonsai exhibit was extraordinary! We could have easily spent a whole day here. We can't wait to come back.
$20 per vehicle for parking, no cost for the Arboretum. You can use your parking stub as $20 towards an annual membership.
Marcus Davis — Google review
This is an absolute “must” if you visit Asheville. It was very easy to jump right in and engage in some nature walks.
The navigation MIGHT lead you to a side road through a neighborhood. In which case, the road to the arboretum is two lights over. We luckily had a very nice lady who was an attendant in the campsite parking help us with directions.
You pay $20 per car, and go straight up to the parking. The parking lot is right near the main education center which leads right onto a “red” nature trail that isn’t that advanced. You can do the nature hike, or start with the Bonsai and Quilt garden as pictures, as well as other curated natural exhibits, right next to the education center.
*we brought some binoculars, which was fun because you will spot some red squirrels and other birds. It can be fun to try to find these critters as you navigate the hikes. We watched a squirrel build a nest from the comfort of a bench!*
Gotta go to the Arboretum!
Austin St. Denis — Google review
Loved shooting Brittany and Jakes's summer wedding portraits at the NC Arboretum! The relaxed vibe here is perfect for my intimate, candid photography style. The couples were themselves, laughing and having fun - just like hanging out with friends. The light, the composition, everything so inspired me! It's a dream location for any photographer who loves to tell unique love stories. And the best part? Seeing the joy in their eyes when they saw their stunning, personal images. Five stars for sure!
Michael Freas (Michael Freas Photography) — Google review
We had an incredible day here. The gardens are beautiful, and the bonsai collection outstanding. There was an exhibit about the manufacturing of perfume, related to flower cultivation that is a real treat for the senses. There are "sniffer" tubes set up, so that you can smell different perfume scent sources. A harp trio played in the garden, and the tranquility was so pleasant. What a place to unwind, and get in touch with your soul! Go there!
Ian McIntyre — Google review
Me and my Dad go here regularly. They do a wonderful job making this place bloom. I especially love the bonsai exhibit, which is up during the warmer months. There is a toy train that runs if you get there early in the day. Christmas they do lights and it's so wonderful 😍 ✨️ all year long this is a fun place to visit and I always look forward to it.
Sarah Tilly — Google review
We love coming here. So many beautiful lights. Everyone will definitely love it. There's plenty of room to walk around. The little ones will love the trains. There's hot chocolate, soft drinks, food, gift shops, and restrooms. Lots to enjoy and see .
crystal hollifield — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of visiting The North Carolina Arboretum, and it was a delightful experience. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Asheville, this arboretum offers a tranquil oasis for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The gardens at the arboretum are meticulously maintained, showcasing a diverse range of native plants and flowers. Walking through the various themed gardens, from the peaceful Japanese garden to the vibrant Southern Appalachian garden, was a feast for the senses. Each garden section offers something unique, from colorful blooms to serene water features.
Nook Hanklang — Google review
This is one of the most beautiful garden settings I’ve ever seen. There are many activities and educational programs that go on here.
Before I start, let me tell you that dogs are welcome. However, they are not welcome inside of the Baker visitor center.
there are many beautiful native trails that are surrounded by plants and trees. The trails are nicely cared for and just about anyone could hike them.
There’s an amphitheater, A gift shop, dining and picnics. A waterway and a pond escape. There’s an education center and a bonsai exhibit.
I could go on and on. If you love trailing, botanical things, trees,taking pictures and being outside you could spend the whole day here.
Have a great adventure ♥️
Alicia Vega — Google review
The best place to leisurely experience the nature of the North Carolina words while appreciating the lengths that gardening can go to. I love this place at every season. Entrance for a car full of people for a whole year was $50. It's my favorite place to unwind, enjoy the sun, and read a book.
Patricia Corbin — Google review
We didn’t have enough time to explore everything but it’s beautiful and well maintained. I am sure you can spend hrs if you want to walk all the trails and visit all exhibits. Entrance fees of 20 per vehicle covers parking and admission. We went there at end of March and lot of plants didn’t have leaves yet. Most of bonsai section was empty because of colder temperatures.
Deepak Patil — Google review
You have to pay for parking, but entry to the NC Arboretum itself is free. I didn't mind the parking fee at all, because I'm sure it goes toward caring for the grounds and the people who work there. I took my mom through here and we both enjoyed it. I wheeled Mom around in her wheelchair very easily. There were so many different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees. There's also a small train track and town display. We could've spent so much more time just taking in all of the beauty, but it began to sprinkle, so we went inside to grab gifts and we were on our way. We took lots of photos and will have fun looking back on the memories. The bonsai tree displays had my imagination running wild!
The staff were all very kind, other guests were polite, and everything was clean and well cared for. This is a must see, if you're in the area. We had a blast!!
De Anna — Google review
The North Carolina Arboretum was a wonderful stop during our visit to North Carolina. We went in late October, and the foliage was midway through its transformation. I observed lovely flowers and bonsai trees that were incredibly well-maintained and cared for. I would highly recommend this destination to anyone passing through. It was a wonderful and incredible facility.
Deysi Vatman — Google review
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100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
This iconic rock offers wide-reaching panoramic views over the surrounding parkland.
It is a bit on the pricey side to get into the park but the views are really good. The road going up is pretty narrow so beware when you drive in and out of the park. Be extra careful if you have a large vehicle. There is an elevator to go almost all the way up to the main Chimney Rock portion. We did the hike up and rode the elevator down. The views from Pulpit Rock, Chimney Rock, the Opera Box, and Hickory Nut Falls were all beautiful. Overall it’s a great park to visit and do some moderate hiking. None of the trails that we were on were super strenuous but there are a lot of stairs in several places.
Jon H — Google review
Chimney Rock State Park was a wonderful experience. There were areas marked appropriately on trails and warning signs to prevent injury like ice patches. My husband and I walked 5 trails and enjoyed our visit. Areas that we would recommend some improvements on are that some road guard rails need repair, the gift shop would've been nice to be open even if it was a Sunday. There were enough visitors during our visit to justify having it open. Despite that the eatery was open, there were rangers directing traffic and at the gate. All staff were, pleasant and helpful. Even though there was a wait - about 30 minutes or so, the traffic kept moving along. I would recommend this visiting.
Maria Georgiou — Google review
So much to do here! I suggest going early in the morning to the top of chimney rock and then doing the sky trail before it gets too hot. Then take a break for lunch and don’t skip the waterfall trail. We loved this park! Our dogs couldn’t do all the stairs so we did the waterfall trail with them and dropped them off at the cabin. Your ticket allows you to leave the park and come back all day.
Ashley M — Google review
Beautiful place! We hiked for 4-5 hours and completed all trails here . We took the shuttle both ways to get all things done in time as we had only one day here . Well maintained park, clean restrooms, drinking water fountains , nice staffs , everything good .
Anu MahapatraGupta — Google review
Breathtaking views of the lake lure and its surrounding parklands from the Chimney rock and Devil’s head. Worth visiting and hiking all trails. You can park at the ground parking near ticket plaza ($17 each) and take a shuttle, it’s few minutes ride. To reach at the top, one can use tunnel to elevator (26 stories in 32 secs)or stairs (approx 20 mins), through stairs you can see Vista view, Subway, Grotto, Pulpit Rock, Crevice Pass. It was amazing to visit Opera Box, Devil’s Head, Exclamation trail, Skyline trail, Hickory nut falls trail, waterfall and the four season trail. All trails are intermediate, not long but has stairs. This park has outdoor classrooms, kids friendly trails, sky lounge, shelters, benches, restrooms, nice parking, gift shop etc. Staff is great and friendly. Exploring this park was really fun and stunning.
Chanchal — Google review
This was a beautiful place with easy to follow directions and maps. Workers were all very friendly and knowledgeable. There are AMAZING views, and the gifts shops and cafe is great. There is elevator access to those who may struggle with stairs. A lot of railings to make the walks feel safe. The waterfall was very pretty and easy to get to. Seems to be a good place for families as well, I don’t have kids myself but heard of a lot of activities and programs for smaller ones. I would definitely recommend.
Lane Hall — Google review
So proud of myself to have survived this walk. Although, you can use the elevator to go up the chimney rock but since we also brought the puppies, we opt to climb the stairs from the bottom all the way up to the falls view. The view is breathtaking. This would prob look much more beautiful if all the trees turned green. Overall, we recommend this place.
1Skash — Google review
Me and husband decided that we were not going to take the elevator and just hike all the way up. It was a fun experience but next time we will take the elevator so we can see the rest of the park. Once you make it to where the flag pole is your not going to want to hike up the rest of the way if you didn't take the elevator. There is also a bat cave but did hear or see any bats. There is also two views of a water fall but we only did the bottom view. We look forward to going back one day.
Papa's little Angel — Google review
Chimney Rock was so beautiful. The walking paths were clearly marked and wide enough in all the spots that I hiked. The park staff were all very kind and helpful. The animal exhibit was great for people of all ages, perfect for Boy Scouts or a Girl Scout Troop. I learned a lot! The bat cave was closed due to increased bat activity, but I would definitely come again to walk through the cave! Some of the outdoor animals near the animal discovery den were also removed so we didn’t get to see those. Otherwise a 10/10 experience!
Lily Tunstall — Google review
If you enjoy hiking and seeing the Mountain View’s then you will not want to miss chimney rock. There is plenty of parking , there is a fee to enter the park . There are waterfalls and also a elevator for anyone that might need assistance. There is a store at the top with plenty of seating, And restrooms that are very clean . It is a little strenuous on the legs walking up the stairs and there are a lot of stairs lol. But the views are well with the hike. There are also other trails you can walk after you finish the chimney.
If you are in the area don’t miss this stop .
EDWARD QUINN — Google review
Beautiful park and very well-organized! There is an option to hike 28 floors up to the top which we did. If you choose to take the grotto road, then you will pass through a little cave which is fun! There is an elevator almost fully to the top of the Chimney rock and it is convinient if you travel with older folks or kids! Nice store with souvenirs too!!
Olga Barry — Google review
It’s been 20 years since I’ve stepped foot on Chimney Rock. The excitement and nostalgia returned immediately. What a beautiful planet we live on. My Fiance and son adored the park. We will definitely be returning again in the near future to do some more exploring. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area.
Damon Watford — Google review
Beautiful place!
Make sure you arrive early so you can take plenty of pictures without many people because it does get crowded (9am)
It has a souvenir store where they also have some snacks and ice cream.
Tickets are around 17$ per adult.
Pet friendly as well.
Hiking to the waterfall is an easy one, even little kids can do that hike (of course with an adult supervision)
Laura Nj — Google review
Nice drive in. The road is very narrow so you have to be careful. There are some parts that only fit one car so you have to let the other car pass. We visited in December 23. It was very windy and cold. There's a gift shop where you park the car. There you can buy snacks, drinks, extra shirts and jackets if you needs it. The hike to the waterfall was 0.7 miles, took about 35 minutes. The waterfall was nice. The hike back was harder since we have to go upstairs while carrying a 35 lbs toddler.
There's a elevator in the parking lot that takes you to up the mountain, that was nice. Right when you get off the elevator, there is a another gift shop. There they sell more souvenirs and food. The view was beautiful. Very windy so you have to watch your step. There also a flight of stairs if you wants to hike to the peak of the mountain. I love the views. There are a few others trail you can hike. You can also take your pet on the trails.
It definitely worth the trip here.
Trini Dang — Google review
Cost is not bad for the adventure and views you get to see. They do offer a military discount (just show ID at entrance). Lots of stairs, HIGHLY suggest taking water for everyone to drink on the way up and down. They do offer an elevator as well, however today it was down. There’s even a bar cave and waterfall. Take your time going up and enjoy the view for a bit once you reach the top. I suggest going early as it’s less crowded. They open at 8:30am, we arrived around 9:30am and it wasn’t bad. It is HARD but there are plenty of resting spots when walking up. We spent about 2 hours there and as we left the parking lot was pretty full and there were tons of people. Don’t forget to check out the souvenir shop (one at the bottom and one at the top). Bottom store had more to look at I feel like. A MIST VISIT IF YOUR IN THE AREA!
Constance Jenkins — Google review
The admission fee for adults is $15, while children aged 5 to 15 can enter for $8. There are several trails to explore, some of which can be quite strenuous, so it’s important to assess your physical condition before attempting them. The area around Chimney Rock offers a variety of scenic spots with stunning and relaxing views. It’s an ideal destination for a family outing. On busy days, such as weekends and holidays, visitors will be directed to park and then take a shuttle to the elevator, which leads to the gift shop. From there, it’s just a short walk up the stairs to the top of Chimney Rock. On less busy days, visitors can drive directly to the parking lot near the elevator entrance. However, please note that to fully appreciate the view of Chimney Rock, you’ll need to climb many more stairs along the trails. Another must-see attraction is Hickory Nut Falls, which can be reached via a 1.4-mile round-trip hike of intermediate difficulty.
E Y — Google review
This is really a nice place and I would say it’s a must visit place. Once you will enter from bridge. You need to drive up about 2 miles until the park entrance. There is a ticket per person and not per car. Entry fees per Adult is $17 and $8 for the kids 5-12 years. There is no ticket required for the kids below 5. You can go on the top by elevator or by stairs. You should try both. Elevator is in the middle of the rock, you need to go in the tunnel to get the elevator. Whereas the view from stairs is amazing.
Andy D — Google review
Beautiful views of the surrounding area once you get to the top.
I suggest going when they open to get the full experience without all the people about.
The hike to the lower water fall was an easy one at just about 1.5 miles out and back.
Be prepared for steps if you journey around the chimney rock park, there are many many of them.
Jonathan Wyatt (Jon) — Google review
Great place and an iconic landmark, well worth a visit.
The hikes are accessible to every level of trekking experience, the view from top of Chimney Rock is stunning.
Hickory Nuts Forest Falls deserve a visit, especially when the sun starts to light the falls with some awesome light effects.
Enjoyed it very much!
SIMONE PIETRO SARAGOSA — Google review
An incredible place to visit! We went during Christmas break, there were a lot of people there, all ages from babies to elderly. The park was running a shuttle (busses) which is included in your admission (don't have to pay extra) to bring people up to the upper parking lot. From there you can choose to take an elevator to the top or take the stairs, which are a relatively easy climb. The stairs are almost a feature in and of themselves because the construction is so sturdy and well done, it's an impressive structure. You could spe d all day here hiking and climbing or you could make a quick trip to the top and be in and out of the park in an hour. There's a couple of cute gift shops with water and food if you are hungry. Also the entrance is conveniently located in downtown Lake Lure. Drive onto the state park's property and take the road up to the entrance parking lots. Views are spectacular.
Jennifer Bennett — Google review
The views here are breathtaking. The trail to chimney rock is relatively steep the map estimates roughly 500 steps you will climb. Thankfully for those who can’t make it up but still want to enjoy the view, they have an elevator! Hiking to the waterfall was very easy, almost completely flat and well maintained. The waterfall was beautiful!
Keep in mind some parts of trails can be closed to weather such as ice and wind. Overall I’d say it was worth the cost to visit at least once! (Kids will love it here!)
Polariss Star — Google review
Great hike. The elevator was not working so had a even longer hike. Whole lot of stairs and exercise but worth it for the views. Has a nice place near top for food and gift shop with a few tables
jeff gorelli — Google review
Good place to bring the family for some outdoor adventures. We did a lot of hiking prior to go up to Chimney Rock, so the elevator was awesome for little tired legs. Parking can be rough, guides do the best they can. Be kind, be patient!
Dirty Mike & The Boys — Google review
The park is beautiful. Wear comfortable clothes, good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. We visited during Labor Day weekend and there were record numbers of visitors that day. The wait in line for the elevator to the top was almost an hour but you can also climb the stairs to the top. Definitely worth the visit.
Melanie Nichols — Google review
I really loved this place. The drive up was nice. There is an elevator for people who don't want to take the stairs. There are A LOT of stairs but it's a good workout. The view from the flag was beautiful but you can keep going up and there is a pretty trail on top of the mountain that goes for a mile at least to a waterfall.
Christian holland — Google review
Amazing experience to see the beauty of the NC mountains! Make sure you go on a beautiful day! Nice easy elevator if need to get up quick!!
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a historic 1925 highway bridge that has been transformed into a stunning garden. Closed to traffic in 2011, the bridge now features an array of flowers and sculptures maintained by local volunteers, attracting butterflies and visitors alike. The area surrounding Lake Lure and Chimney Rock is steeped in history, with Dr. Lucius B. Morse playing a significant role in their development.
Very nice. I like the way the different gardens are constructed and got some nice ideas for the home outside sitting area. The flowers were beautiful and you can tell it's well taken care of.
Chuck Simpson — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place to stop if your visiting Lake Lure! It’s FREE but offers a donation box for those who want to contribute to this beautiful location. There’s so many fairy housing sets, a dog area, Peter Rabbit area, mirror on the wall and so much more. Definitely suggest stopping to check it out. There’s parking on both ends of the bridge making it easy to get too. Plenty of areas to sit and relax as well. Not a far walk but if your wanting to enjoy the views give yourself at least a hour to look around. Easy to use stroller or wheel chair if needed as well as most is paved.
Constance Jenkins — Google review
This place was so cute!! So beautiful and unique also. Our kids loved it and so did we. They loved trying to find all the painted books, the rabbit scavenger hunt. The flowers are all so pretty, and the decorations are just so awesome. The volunteers who designed the different sections are amazing! One was a beach with sea shells put together & the way it was made was just so cool. They did another water one with the garden stones. I just really thought it was a cool place to see when passing through.
Katie Kramer — Google review
This is one of the most unique and beautiful gardens we have ever seen! The many different flowers and plants that have been planted here is just stunning.
We especially enjoyed the painted book rocks, they were wonderful to see each book and it's uniqueness. Definitely a must see place when you come to Lake Lure, SC or even if you're just passing through. Plus, the gardens are only about 15 minutes away from Chimney Rock State Park. Also a must see place!
We will be back again to visit!!
Dakota Driggers — Google review
This was a surprise find as we drove down 74A. Sometimes, roadside features are worth stopping at and this is one of them. Free but supported by donations. This old bridge has been turned beautiful but the addition of so many plants and unique decorations. Lots of time and care obviously goes into this place. There were so many little details we missed more than we saw, I'm sure. There was a cell phone audio tour but I didn't use it. This is appropriate for all ages and is really a site to see. The mere variety of plants alone is impressive, much less all the work, design and love.
Travis Bickle — Google review
I had the best day exploring the Lake Lure area in beautiful NC! First we went hiking at Chimney Rock State Park, if you've never been there you have to go, I was blown away by the beauty! Then afterwards we took a short ride down the road to see The Flowering Bridge. It's an old bridge that was brilliantly converted into a walking garden. It's free but there are donation boxes to help with the upkeep. There are so many pretty areas to see, there's a rainbow bridge for all the doggies that went to heaven and their collars are attached to the bridge🥺 so sweet, there's Peter Rabbits garden, a pretty gazebo with a glass chandelier, gorgeous flowers everywhere and it all overlooks the lake. It's a small bridge, easily walkable and it leads into town where there are shops and restaurants plus beautiful Lake Lure is close by. It's so well done, I really enjoyed it. Definitely worth seeing if you're in the area!
Lynn Marine — Google review
This is a must-see while driving through Lake Lure! The community does an amazing job keeping the garden beautiful in all seasons. They have expanded to include a children’s garden. You can easily spend a half hour reading all about the different flowers and enjoying the butterflies. We love coming back year after year to see how much it keeps growing.
Emily Collins — Google review
Honestly, the only reason we went there was that a power line was down in Chimney Rock State Park, but I'm really glad we did. It is really beautiful, and I'm really glad the community could envision such a beautiful use of the beautiful old bridge.
Our 12 year old wasn't terribly interested, but had he been a little younger, he would have loved the tiny garden gnome settings placed throughout the garden as well as the children's book replicas. There were also age-appropriate scavenger hunts (that our 12 year old wasn't in to).
It was really sweet that they had a literal rainbow bridge where folks could place memorials (pet tags, collars, etc.) to loved but gone pets.
I loved the variety of plants that worked well with each other visually, and it was so fun to watch the bees, butterflies, and moths doing their job pollinating. They were so busy they hardly paid any attention to us.
Finally, this is clearly a labor of love for the community who were there in force watering, pruning, and more! They were all very friendly and helpful.
You really should make a visit if you are in the area -- and make a donation to support the garden.
Troy Sims — Google review
Lake lure flowering bridge was absolutely beautiful. There are signs as soon as you get there with descriptions and guides. There are cute mailboxes painted there. There are also plenty of flowers with different colors and shapes. Each family of the flower has its own name and description. There are a lot of decorations, this is a great place for taking pictures. Taking a walk with the family and enjoying nature. If you’re looking for a spot to explore this is the place.
A R — Google review
Great place to see. Lots of flowers and plants plus they have a cool memorial place for dog called the rainbow Bridge. People place their loved ones collars on the bridge. Nice touch. Thumbs up 👍
jeff gorelli — Google review
Took an amazing trip to Chimney Rock State Park right near Lake Lure and stopped to see the Flowering Bridge. This is such a a brilliant idea, they took an old bridge and turned it into a beautiful walkable garden! There are so many pretty little gardens spread out and they created a special Rainbow Bridge for dogs who have passed away, the owners hang their dogs collars on the bridge and it's just the sweetest thing to see. It's a small garden but beautifully done. Definitely worth checking out!
Lynn Marine — Google review
A lovely stroll on the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a must. We visited in May when the spring flowers were in bloom. A pleasant stroll looking at the flower gardens that are maintained by the locals. With peaceful places to sit and enjoy!
Melanie Taylor — Google review
Beautiful peaceful spot close to Chimney Rock and the lake. There were a lot of varieties of flowers to see as well as lizards that were encountered along the way. Recommend it for a quick stop along the way. You will enjoy the walk and it's dog friendly.
Heather F — Google review
This place is awesome! It is all maintained by volunteers and what a phenomenal job they have done! The weather was perfect as we strolled around the gardens. The gardens just celebrated their 10-year anniversary. What an amazing place with fantastic views of chimney Rock! So if you and your family are in the area please make this a must do while you're there it's kid-friendly and pet friendly as they have water bowls for your fur babies all through the gardens!
susan greenberg — Google review
Great stop while visiting Lake Lure. The flowers and layout are very good. Love all the different flowers in such a small area. The rainbow bridge is also very special. Loved everything about the place. Thank you to the volunteers that maintain it.
B. Y. — Google review
This place is completely amazing!!! It is absolutely gorgeous and so romantic!!! Definitely a place to bring your significant other!!! I loved walking around the garden and over the bridge!!! It is so well thought out!!! There are nooks and crannies all over the place to get secluded!!! It is sometimes hard to imagine that just a few feet from you are people passing!!! The scenery is so tranquil!!! I would be volunteering here if I lived close enough!!! Go check them out!! Remember that they subsist entirely off of donations and volunteer workers! If you love your time there, please be sure to give a donation to keep it alive!!!
Andrew George — Google review
We hadn't visited the garden in years and it had been expanded and developed so wonderfully with so much creativity and love. We were very moved by the rainbow bridge section for people to honor their beloved pets who had passed. They put many lovely little seating areas tucked into quiet magical places throughout the garden. It was child and dog friendly. Was happy to see such a variety of ages and people of many backgrounds visiting the garden.
Jaleh Estes — Google review
First off I am biased because I absolutely love this place. I want to get married on the bridge. I just think it’s one of the coolest and prettiest places ever. It’s always well maintained and the themes are often updated so you can never get bored of it. It’s lovely and well worth it to stop and get out and check it out!
Charity Clark — Google review
This spot is absolutely beautiful! The pictures don't do it any justice. There were so many different kinds of flowers and every one of them were so pretty!! The Rainbow Bridge for the pets was so sweet and brought a tear to my eyes. We loved everything about this area.
Nikki Appleton — Google review
Sooo pretty! Even more so at night! Kid friendly and even encouraged! Don't forget to do scavenger hunts like the peanut butter tree and sign the guest books!! Kids, too!!! It was very romantic at night and still kid friendly!
Lisa Parris — Google review
Wonderful recycling of old bridge! Visited in spring with lots of blooms. Gorgeous displays of TLC including a wall where people hang their dog collar on the Rainbow Bridge. Plenty of places to sit or take pictures. Names if the flowers provides education. A staff member was on duty tending to the flowers. Great attraction in Lake Lure, also very close to Chimney Rock. Love it!
Julie Phillips — Google review
A great free attraction just outside chimney rock state park. The gardens were beautiful, just wish we were here during the peak summer season!
Brett Martin — Google review
This place was so good that we went twice. Once during the day and than at night. I wish we lived closer so we could go at different times of the year to see the various plants blooming. The rainbow bridge brought tears. I wish I had the collar of my good boy to leave there. A lot of planning and hard work went in to creating this site. Make sure to visit Fae Nectar down the street.
Chris Linden — Google review
This place is a true gem, we love bringing our daughter here. So well maintained and unique.
Rikki Giambruno — Google review
Beautiful place! Came to bring my puppy's leach to the rainbow 🌈 bridge 🌉 as a memorial for her recent passing. It's truly beautiful and peaceful here.
(It's free)
They have mail boxes around with scavenger hunts and notebooks with prompts to leave a note behind. Which is lovely.
Itzamary Melendez (itzamarymel) — Google review
Fun place to stop on a road trip. Really liked all the variety of flowers and everything was in bloom. It was very well maintained and there were good views of the river.
Katie D — Google review
Very good work by whomever put the place together. Wide variety of plants, trees, and herbs to inspire your imagination for your own yard or piece of property. Many plants and trees I haven't seen before. Peacefully quiet for a place to gather thoughts.
Rick RRTEXAS — Google review
We found this at the last minute and so glad we stopped! What a wonderful idea for a decommissioned bridge! It's so beautiful meticulously maintained. Plus, the rainbow bridge for dogs was so touching.
Cynthia Castell (Cindy) — Google review
Beautiful, just wonderful, spend a few minutes or hours. I really liked that every plant was labeled. I took my mother for an early Mother's Day trip. A wonderfully magical outing. We will return.
Horse-centered resort offering a hotel & cabins with kitchens, plus dining, bars & 13 show arenas.
Alot of fun with the family here on their Christmas celebration! Beautiful drive through of lights that was well worth the drive! Will definitely go back, and encourage others to partake in their holiday festivities!
D Patterson — Google review
A lot of fun for adults and kids here on their Saturday Night Lights event.
From carousel to competition, Tryon Equestrian Center is for all who love horses.
Free family entertainment:
- Pony rides
- Carousel rides
- Performers like magicians and jugglers
- Live music
- Bucking horse ride
- Face painting
- Restaurants
The evening culminates with world-class show jumping competition under the lights in Tryon Stadium.
Bogdan Dusa — Google review
Beautiful place, with beautiful memories. I just made the biggest mistake of my entire life. And I’ve made quite a few. I crumbled at the last minute. And hurt all those around me yet again. I am sorry Ana. Mia. And all those I’ve let down. I promise you don’t hate me more than I hate me. For those people who think I’ve moved on from Ana don’t know me very well at all. I tried to, desperately.. knowing that she was done. I absolutely don’t blame her. I am so sorry for the pain I have brought into your lives. Things were so much on a better path. Thank you for all the people that have been so supportive. Ana is an amazing woman, and mom. And her family is amazing as well. Please lift her and Mia up. They don’t deserve any of whatever is going on. If this is fact real it has to be the worst news ever for her. For all of us.
Kori John Shackleford — Google review
It is an amazing place to visit. This facility for horse competitions makes you feel like you're in a city in another state. It's definitely an asset to Rutherford County.
Nelson Scott Rich — Google review
This place was such a wonderful experience! The competition was amazing to see in person! They offer free pony/horse rides for kids and a cute little horse race kids can participate in. There was a lot of things to do here with the carousel, the bounce house, basketball and football throwing bounce activity, and many more! A lot of different options for food even though it is way over priced but it all makes sense why this is considered a free event. There is a starbucks inside the store and delicious ice cream. Overall we had a great experience and will be back again for more! Thanks ❤️
Julie Romanz — Google review
Really enjoyed Saturday night family fun during the summer. Only complaint was the wait for certain things. The center did a great job shuttling people from their parking spots so we didn't have to walk with 2 little kids. I don't eat meat or dairy and there were food options that I was able to enjoy.
Alexandra Ann — Google review
One of my favorite places to work at and visit! Grounds are so nice and the events are for everyone! Can not say enough good things about this place. Prices range from moderate to some what high at most of the venues and shopping places inside the complex.
Amanda Powell — Google review
Wonderful experience! There are tons of fun and free things for the little to do! Lots of food options and drinks to choose from. We had never been before, and we will definitely be back to a Saturday Night Lights! Fun for the whole family! The horse show was amazing. We've never seen horsesjump in person and it was so much fun to watch!
Emily Gerolimatos — Google review
Wonderful venue. Seen a top notch rodeo. Listened to great live music. Had a great sandwich and cider from Rogers. Can't wait to go to Saturday night lights!!!
Jan — Google review
I absolutely love getting to visit here and see the beautiful horses perform! It's a great spot to go for family visiting, or a first date, you can get sushi to go from Blue Ginger and have dinner and a show! I'm so grateful to have a place like this so close to home.
Miranda Jones — Google review
Love having the Equestrian Center at my back door. Had a great night listening to the live music for the St Patrick's day evening. Stirling Bridge put on a great show!
Dennis Bishop — Google review
Beautiful place to visit during their events. It's very quiet when events are not in session, so make sure to find some other activities with your kids.
N P — Google review
Traveling and stopped by, this place was beautiful. Wish we would've had more time to spend there, seeing the horses was so much fun.
Missy B — Google review
This International Equestrian facility is 5 star. Olympians train here. The best of the best....Great family venue.Always something to see and do here. Plenty of parking and great food and drink!
Walter Dinda (Walt) — Google review
Had an amazing time! Currently in a wheel chair and everything, including the shops were wheelchair accessible. Venue is great, there's really no bad seating in the entire arena! Love the fact that there is a campground and cabins on the premises!!
Renee Black — Google review
The staff were pleasant, the market is adorable, but the food for Breakfast with Santa was pretty much the quality of the free breakfast at a hotel. It was nearly $200 for our family of 5 and even the waffles were so bad we left hungry. It was not crowded and Santa was engaging but would not do again.
Thomas Fortuna — Google review
It’s hard to describe this place! There’s entertainment, excellent restaurants, beautiful stores (must see the chocolate shop) and of course world-class equestrian facilities. From massive themed events to a casual diner experience to high-end shopping, this place has a lot to offer. I look forward to continuing my exploration of experiences that TIEC has to offer!
Stephanie Brooks — Google review
We stopped here for the Halloween drone show and the equestrian show. The show was great and it was busy. Kids loved the merry go round and various activities. We stopped inside some of the shops and everyone was pretty nice.
Wayne T Whaley — Google review
We attended the last Saturday night lights and it was awesome!! Great show, food and the best night our family has had in a long time!! Can’t wait to go at Christmas
Charmon Allen — Google review
Best New Year's eve of my life. 80s band and dance. So much fun. Beautiful Christmas lights & drive. Awesome drinks & prices
tamra jayne — Google review
Beautiful facilities. Attended the Earl Scruggs Music Festival there. Excellent festival.
Playhouse for the state theater group of NC, staging revivals, original productions & concerts.
First, I was impressed because FRP was implementing a stringent attendance policy ( which was clearly explained during the ticket purchase process). Not only was vaccine proof & masks required, but they checked IDs against those vaccine cards to ensure compliance. Therefore, I felt perfectly safe sitting next to strangers.
Second, the Christmas Show performance was brilliantly done, from timing, set design and to the fact that the focus was on the voices and dancing rather than garish costumes. Great way to let this awesome troupe shine!
And boy did they! The Soprano had the voice of an angel, the narrator was entertaining and did a marvelous rendition of The Grinch.
The chorus and dance troupe kept perfectly timed and swept you right up into the "feelings."(damn allergies!🤣)
Third, we enjoyed our first attendance so much that we cannot wait for future performances and are likely to at least become season ticket members and even perhaps become patrons down the road.
Thank You Flat Rock Playhouse for a wonderful start to Christmas and for brilliantly bringing to our hearts.
ENCORE!
Rose-Marie V — Google review
Wonderful experience. Pleasant staff that assist with parking. Greeted with warm expressions. Spacious environment with great seating. Booster pads available if needed. I really like how the lighting and sound give it a pleasant experience throughout the theater.
Brandon Mays — Google review
Our first show at the famous Flat Rock Playhouse was their Christmas performance of medley. We enjoyed the fun, the performances and the enthusiasm of everyone on stage. It was a delight. We will be back for more.
Corey Vertich — Google review
The Flat Rock Playhouse presented the “Million Dollar Quartet” which is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. This show was just as unforgettable and the performers were incredible.
Paul Foster — Google review
Hadn't been to this venue since childhood. I love this theater.
Saw Cinderella and it was fabulous. Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother's voices were just amazing. The entire production/performance was fabulous!
Cassie K — Google review
The playhouse consistently has excellent broadway shows. We saw A Chorus Line that was terrific. The story, the dancing and music was terrific. We have i sited previously and always enjoy the plays. Excellent!
Charlene Mixa — Google review
This a great place to see a live play or show. We just saw the Christmas show where they had a fabulous group singing and acting out many favorite Christmas songs. Go support your local artists and thesbians!! ❤❤💖
Brian Gamble — Google review
Have NEVER been disappointed here. The Christmas program was perfect to kick off the holiday season. If your ever in Hendersonville, you must take in a play. Always professional and fun.
Christy Socol — Google review
Been there before. Great venue. Professional productions. Parking is handled really well. Hearing devices are fabulous (2 of the 3 in party used and loved them).
Hani Stempler — Google review
I was there recently to see/hear the music of dirty dancing! It did not disappoint! It was fun, had high energy, and wow... can they sing (and dance)!?!?!?! 😊 AMAZING!!! Please go support the Flat Rock Playhouse!!!! WE NEED THE ARTS!!!!
Cynthia Wilcox — Google review
The Christmas show put me in the Christmas spirit because of the enthusiasm of the crew, songs that were selected, pretty costumes, plus the talented dancers , singers and musicians.
This delightful, all-age appropriate variety show was packed full of Christmas cheer. It is an excellent value for the price . Plus, the seating was comfortable and the free parking provided convenient access to the theater. Great wholesome fun!
Margaret — Google review
A gem of a theater in a stunning setting. We went to a Wednesday matinee and were among the youngest present. I am mid-60ish 😉. The place was packed, production was divine. Excellent staff, including volunteers. We came from Greenville and will be back. In fact, we already have tickets to Shakespeare this summer.
Kathleen Kenny — Google review
So quaint best staff..quality cast..above and beyond visuals and production staff. Great concession selection and gardens. Go early..stay late.
Ocean State Of Happiness — Google review
The Christmas Show last night was just amazing! We are blessed to have this wonderful theater with such talent in our hometown. Kathleen Watson stole the show with her "rich, powerful, and famous" song. Great job, Kathleen!!
Karen Benfield — Google review
We went for the Flat Rock Christmas show with friends. Great show, great number of friendly employees to help with parking, good concession options, plenty of clean bathrooms. The sound in the theatre was excellent and not a bad view in the entire playhouse! Love this small business and look forward to being back again!
Tia Rosenbalm — Google review
Have been to a number of holiday shows. I always leave just a little better for the shear Joy and magic of live theatre.
National park on the preserved goat farm & farmhouse where the acclaimed poet lived until his death.
The home and tours were not open. However it was open and free to walk the trails and pet the goats which was surprisingly fun. There were a couple NPS guides at the goat barn and they were good about answering questions. This was a very pleasant way to spend an hour or two.
John Blair — Google review
Loved the goats, bit of a hike depending on time of day and age of parties involved. Very friendly goats and staff to assist. Adult and baby goats separated. Awesome free activity for the kids. 3 chickens nearby and pretty waterfall. Lots of walking trails. Limited parking, suggest arriving early. If parking at playhouse, need to move your car by noon
Brett Werner — Google review
Great historical place to visit. Tip: Pack a lunch and bring water with you. Also, RSVP ahead of time if you plan to take a guided tour inside Carl Sandburg’s home. Lovely gift shop. Plus, goats to visit and pet during your visit.
Debra Roinestad — Google review
This was a delightful tour that I recommend for anyone! Such a beautiful place and story. It leaves your heart warm.
The personnel was very informative and positive to be around. Right from the shuttle bus all the way up to the tour guide!
The little gift store has beautiful gifts at affordable prices. And the grounds, barns and animals are very enjoyable.
Janice Taylor — Google review
The house tours just recently opened to the public but we were unaware until we arrived and did not have reservations. Beautiful walk thru the woods from the parking area. There are several trails. We took the gravel trail around the lake and up the wooded hill arriving behind the home.
Brenda Smith — Google review
The grounds are nice. Several small buildings to view. One played a very interesting video about how the Sandburg's ended up in North Carolina. We did not tour the home, instead we hiked the 2 miles up the mountain to a rock look out. Absolutely gorgeous. We greatly enjoyed the area of Flat Rock
Candace Scavone — Google review
We stopped by on a Wednesday morning for a relaxing hike up to Grassy Mountain Overlook. The hike was about 1.5 mile and about a 2000 foot elevation change. The view was well worth the effort. We also walked around the house and hit the gift shop. Highly recommended you spend the afternoon on the property.
Douglas Arterburn — Google review
Beautiful place to hike, spend time with goats, and learn about the Sandburgs. Three baby goats were born today, one while we were there. I have brought my kids for years, and it's always fun.
Galen F — Google review
Beautiful home at the top of the hill which there are two options to get up! The first option is to hike up the hill (which the pedestrian bridge was down when I visited so there was detour) or you can take the shuttle from the hikers parking lot! I highly recommend seeing the store on the first floor of the house and then taking a tour if possible! He was an amazing American poet as you learn more about his life!
Daniel Duran — Google review
Not wanting to spend a fortune to see the Biltmore, I was looking for a place that offered walking trails and great American history. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site was exactly what I was looking for - and with my National Parks pass I was able to get a free tour. The grounds are really beautiful for walking, hiking and exploring - both near the Sandburg residence and in the surrounding area. There was ample parking and there were clean and accessible restrooms when you entered the park area. You do have to do a bit of walking to get to the home, but it’s an easy to moderate walk. The tour (8-10 people) was extraordinary and our guide was excellent. And the home was left almost exactly as it was when the Sandburgs turned it over to the National Park Service, packed some bags, and left. It’s almost like the family went out to run errands and I got to look around their home while they were gone. A really extraordinary experience for literature, history and cultural buffs.
Michael Chodroff — Google review
A nice historic sight, well maintained. Bonus for the walking trails. They do offer a shuttle for those who need it. Herd of goats at the barn, which is fun for kids to see. There are plenty of options for parking and clean restrooms.
Emily — Google review
One of my favorite places. Our whole family loved the experience. The boys loved the goats and I loved the old buildings and trees. Such a beautiful property! The front parking lot has a trail through the woods to the house and farm. There is another parking lot over by the farm. The house and farm are a short walk on a gravel road. There are several old buildings to check out along the way. The whole farm is self guided. You can let yourself into and out of the fences with the goats 🐐 we did not tour the house this time because we had two small children with us.
Kylie — Google review
Brought my 70-something parents here today, they let us bring car up to goat area (handicap parking) Perfect fall day, helpful staff, reminiscing about a simpler more introspective life. Didn't hike this time, but enjoy the trails.
h h — Google review
This is an excellent place to visit!!! Love to walk up the path to the goat barn and visit the diary barn, chickens, and goats!!! Scenery is truly stunning!!! I have been coming since I was a tiny tot, and I still love to come back here and walk around!!! Parking is really the only tricky piece because there never seems to be enough of it!!!
Andrew George — Google review
I wish I had planned ahead to schedule a tour but the hikes around the grounds were lovely and the goats were the friendliest I've ever met. We learned a lot about the poet and his wife!
Mya Hancy — Google review
Lots of hiking trails, goat herd to visit. The house is very historical and worth seeing since it is filled with all original items just as the family left them. Important note: house tours book up well ahead of time. Go online to get tickets well ahead of the date you plan to visit. The tickets are currently free, but there is a $5 charge for processing.
Loretta Divine — Google review
Great visit to the Carl Sandburg home site with some nice hiking trail loops. Nothing too strenuous but may tax you if you're elderly or don't get out much. Nice to see the goats, barn cats and birds. Lots of mushrooms in the forest if you pay attention. Really nice 👍
Built in 1909, SC's sole remaining covered bridge spans Beaverdam Creek & is surrounded by parkland.
Quaint piece of Americana can be felt at Campbells Covered Bridge. It's painted school yard candy red which makes it stand out in the landscape. The parking is plenty and there are picnic areas around to enjoy the stream flowing under the bridge. It's very nostalgic and impressive to see a 100+ year old structure still intact.
Jessica Shin — Google review
A great place to go on a short road trip. A beautiful, well preserved, well maintained park area. Enjoyed a few hours here with my four legged travel companion and I think he loved the park even more than me. My dog really enjoyed playing in the water under and around the bridge.
Ronald Bierworth — Google review
Visiting Campbell's Covered Bridge was nice. It's beautiful for anyone wanting some unique pictures taken. We enjoyed the beauty of the land & how the bridge fits in so naturally. It's easy to find for everyone.
B — Google review
This was such a peaceful place to visit! I will definitely be back and have a picnic in tow. It's not a far walk down to the bridge and it is beautiful scenery. You cannot drive through the bridge but there is a decent amount of parking. There are no bathrooms on site so be sure to stop before your visit! It's worth a visit for sure!
D S — Google review
What a great little picnic spot! Shallow stream rinsing under a well-preserved covered bridge. Original stonework visible. Nice hiking trails and not over-crowded.
Zachary Aument — Google review
I love this place! 💘
My husband introduced me to this place for the first time, about five years ago and I fell in love with it.
I love to get out and snap pics of beautiful nature scenery, and this place made it easy to do🌈. I didn't have up edit many of the photos I was able to get and the ones I did, it was just me wanting to play around with them.
The water is so peaceful and the walk was beautiful, and the atmosphere breathtaking! 🥰
Leah Gunter — Google review
Much had been reconstructed to preserve the bridge so some imagination was needed to appreciate the original bridge history. Short drive from Poinsette Bridge so can be combined together.
Tim Gieschen — Google review
We came upon this gem as we were driving the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Drive. This is one of the stopping points on the drive and did not disappoint. It is a beautiful little spot, very shaded. Would be a perfect spot for a wedding. As were we there, there were some people doing a photo shoot. Very peaceful and relaxing and plenty of room to have a picnic.
Dave Cipriani — Google review
I love coming up here for just a place that's quiet and serene. It's so beautiful here with the bridge, all it's history, and the river. The bridge is currently undergoing conservation repairs as of October 2022 so hopefully it will be open to walk through again soon. All other areas of the park are still accessible just as they always have been.
Jacob ?Jake? Pegg — Google review
I have been going to this place on & off for years, with my boys when they were growing up and now with my 5 grandbabies, ages 4-14 and now we ALL love it!! And now I love taking them 🙂. It's just a beautiful place with the beautiful red bridge over the river and plenty of space and room for family activities and picnicing.
Kelly Sullivan — Google review
Cool place to stop. Walk across the bridge, wade in the creek below or have lunch at one of the picnic tables. Walking trails are a great way to see lots of different plants and some animals. The keep the bridge looking nice, just painted it.
Missy Kess — Google review
Such a beautiful place to see. The bridge, the creek and the trees starting to change. Make sure this is added to your trip.
Mindy Dilley — Google review
Ample parking area with trash cans. The bridge is a very short walk down a path and there is no entrance fee. Probably “peak” scenic in the fall or under winter snow. In summer the creek running under the bridge can be accessed from both ends of the bridge, but there is lots of algae on the water rocks which is extremely slick.
Theresa H — Google review
Very pretty place. Took my dog for some photos since we were in the area
amber wilder — Google review
Nice covered bridge. Very clean, inside a park. You can walk right down into the water
Bill Maguire — Google review
It's a cute little bridge, very short but still worth going to see. There is some renovation work going on at the moment and unfortunately a lot of ugly orange barrier netting that is hard to avoid in photos. Otherwise the surrounding area is nice for walking and the river is pretty. We'll go back later when there is more greenery and the construction is gone. UPDATE: we have since been back and all of the renovation work is done and the bridge looks lovely!
Patrice Christian — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(152)
171 Campbell Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
Hollywild Animal Park is a zoo that boasts a vast array of animals who roam freely. Many of these animals have been featured in movies and television shows, and the park offers safari rides to visitors. One of its main attractions is the drive-in Christmas lights display and feeding experience, which is highly anticipated by visitors every year. Despite some issues with vehicles going in every direction during feeding time, people love this unique opportunity to see these precious animals up close.
We went to the zoo for the drive in Christmas lights and feeding zoo experience. The lights were good and our daughter loved feeding the animals. The only thing is during the feeding section there’s no order so the vehicles were going in every direction.
Jessica White — Google review
Unreal experience for children and adults alike! Having the tongues of the creatures lather your hands with their saliva is quite the involved experience and not for the feint of heart. Make sure your little ones are ready for some in for face wild animal action. No lions, no Tigers, no Bears, but oh my is this experience is - as the kids say these days - lit 🔥
It's Dad — Google review
Awesome awesome very Merry awesome touch for Christmas.
Buy your tickets in advance for both zones, and get the biggest bag of food to enjoy interacting with the animals. Very well taken care of.
Thank you Hollywild!!!! I came from far to disconnect from a hard week of work and I got served above and beyond!!
Kudos!!!!!
Marce — Google review
I look forward to this ALL year! Absolutely my favorite thing to during Christmas!!! I LOVE all of these precious animals. Best Time!
Gennifer Shafer — Google review
Great staff! Animals were super cute and look heathy! Place is kept clean no trash on sight. Had a great time. Make sure to buy lots of food bc the animals do love to eat it.
E. P. — Google review
We came to Hollywild to see the Christmas light display. The line to get in was not that bad. The lights were pretty decent, but charing $10 a person was a bit steep (and then another $10 per bag of food if you want to feed animals in the deer yard). I didn't mind paying them because I knew the money goes toward care of the animals. The deer yard would have been better had not there been SO many cars in it ... it was chaos and deer were running all over. I felt bad for them. Perhaps letting only so many cars in at once would make for a better experience for people and for animals.
April Emery — Google review
We had a blast if this isn’t a place to take your family to enjoy Christmas lights and seeing the reindeer, then there’s no other place to go. You’re admission fee is really helping the animals and when you buy the bags of food to feed the animals. It also goes towards them. It’s out in the middle of nowhere but when you arrive, you will be surprised.
Craft Stove Gas Log Repair — Google review
Went for the Christmas lights and to feed the animals. The lights were beautiful and well done. The wait to get in was understandably long but once you are in, you follow the path of the lights and it was very smooth moving and at a great pace to see everything! Once you get to the animals where you can feed them, the traffic is chaos. There is no path to follow and there are cars going every which way! It’s fun to have the gentle animals come up to your window for food but the structure around traffic is difficult to manage in that area. No one is there to direct cars so it’s kind of a free for all. After you leave that area, you’re back on the vehicle path and all is good getting back out. Loved the experience overall!
Marie Summer — Google review
This was great fun and a good way to introduce city kids to animals. We drove through twice while an assortment of deer, emu, donkeys, geese and more ate out of our hands. This family owned business deserves support. Thank you for creating and maintaining the park for the animals and families like ours. We will be bringing all our visitors here.
F and B Hoehner — Google review
My kids always wait for the season when we could visit this place. Hand feed the animals, they always are very excited. Nice to see many animals so close. Three stars only because of very short period for visiting this place
Olena Halushko — Google review
Have had this on my “must go” list for two years now after hearing from local friends about how awesome it was - finally made it this past weekend and I’m sorry to say it was an enormous disappointment. It appears that what used to be a unique local attraction has been outsourced to some third party to operate and it’s gone majorly downhill in the process. We spent $40 just to drive through the park and see the lights and then an extra $10 to experience the “enchanted deer forest” - most of the light display consisted of these canned sculptures/lighted signs propped up along the side of the road - the kind you can see on display in any number of cities for free. Half of the lights were out across the park - you could see several sculptures and structures that looked like they were maybe supposed to be lit, but the lights weren’t on for whatever reason. The signs at the entrance said to turn your radio to a particular channel (I assume to hear Christmas music) but the station was nothing but white noise. The “enchanted deer forest” was basically a section of open parking lot area with a herd of terrified deer running around trying to escape from cars that were driving around at them like some kind of strange vehicle rodeo. If you wanted to throw food at them, that cost extra $$. Santa’s village was open this year, but whereas that had been free to walk through in prior years, now they charge extra $$ just to enter (and there’s not much in there to see) plus it’s an extra charge if you want to do any of the activities in there ($30 for the “best deal” ticket package to do the 3-4 activities available). Plus it took us over an hour and a half just to get in and drive through the thing, which sounds like it would be great because that’s more time for the money spent right? But because the displays were so lame it just made the entire experience more painful - that’s an hour and a half of my life I can’t get back. So disappointed.
Jennifer Browne — Google review
The drive thru was not the greatest for being marked off. Got turned around but it is part of the ride. Lol. Had a blast feeding the deer and cows. What a treat for young people and all. Thumbs up from all of us.
Ronnie McElroy — Google review
The lights were spectacular. Definitely worth your money. The village was also great for kids and much easier to feed the animals. The drive through animal was a bit hectic. The deer just run terrified. I felt bad and left. All that CO2 they breath in. Do the walk thru. So much better. Kids love it.
Matt S — Google review
We have so much fun , this place it’s a most go if you’re visiting the upstate or
you’re from around , it’s amazing how you can touch and interact with deers cows and bulls, I feed them with my own hands 😁
Irene J — Google review
Lots of light decorations and an enclosed field full of deer to feed. They were all very cute, and so were all of the animals in Santa’s workshop. I only knocked off a star because it seemed like they were lacking some animals this year. I do not know the reason.
Aidan Mears — Google review
Lights are better than years past, and santas village was expanded but we went on Thanksgiving so it was slow and understandably understaffed but newbies don't understand the flow of the reindeer forest. KEEP MOVING!
The Greenville Zoo is a small, no-frills zoo that offers visitors a chance to learn about local and exotic wildlife. The zoo has a variety of walking paths, playgrounds, courts, and more to make it a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
We visited on Friday 4/8/2022 - We arrived at the Zoo around 10:30 am. I did not have to wait long to purchase my ticket even though there was a small line. My daughter and I spent a good hour - hour & half, venturing around the open exhibits. Our favorite was the giraffes ! 🦒🦒🦒 The "baby" one kept running around between the adults, it was so cute! The Ocelot was super cute! The Leopard was GORGEOUS 🖤 Some animals were not present & some things were being built, so there is some construction - That just means more animals are coming , so let's be patient while we wait! 🤍 Several different playgrounds on site. Gift shop is reasonably priced as well. We didn't not purchase any food or drinks. There was a shaved ice truck also out front when we left. It was a nice thing to enjoy with my child on a Friday ! ✨️🙌🤍 They do hold special dates & seasonal events. Membership & group rates are available per request! Check out their website before heading out. I recommend the Greenville Zoo to locals & those passing through ! 🦒🦎🐸🐺🐒🐼🐆🤍✨️
Ashley H — Google review
We visited the Greenville Zoo for the first time and really enjoyed it. The park was very clean and the gift shop had a lot of neat things. We’ll definitely be back to see the animals again!
Lindsey Altman — Google review
Our family loves the zoo. It's a great zoo, not too big and we've never been when it's crowded. We get family passes every year. Everyone there is so friendly and easy to talk to. I've never had any issues with cleanliness in the bathrooms and the playground that's in the front of the zoo is great. The playground has different sections. Ones for 5 and under and the other is 5-12.
Angela Nicholson — Google review
We love the Greenville Zoo!! Beautiful location nestled in the hills, with a lot of trees for shade. Big enough but not too big and very well put together. There's even a small kids park mid-way through to stop and get some energy out. Great picnic area and additional larger park right outside the Zoo. We can definitely spend 1-2 hours here on a nice day.
Jade Lantz — Google review
A beautiful experience, with well cared for animals and clean atmosphere. Even with the little bit of renovating going on, the animals were quite relaxed and seemed happy. The kids had a blast! A great little seating area for snacks, and a large park for the little ones to let off some energy. Stay until near closing and you can get some interactions with the cats as they await dinnertime.
Amy Jeffery — Google review
As someone who has frequented bigger zoos in the past, I think this zoo is quality for the price of entry and the size of the space available. Some of the enclosures need to be updated and the exhibit descriptions are better for children than adults. There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of engaging enrichment for the animals since many of them were facing the back of their enclosures (the keeper side) clearly waiting to be fed. I think there are certainly better zoos in the southeast, but again, I think this one is on par for what you pay.
Zack Williams — Google review
It was okay for a small zoo. We enjoyed seeing the leopard and orangutans the most. My grandson was thrilled because he loves animals and those were two he had not seen before. There were also lions which he always enjoys. Only one small snack bar is offered. It only takes about an hour to traverse the whole zoo so we were able to see all his favorites two or three times.
Peggy Sherman — Google review
Small but fun zoo great family fun. There are lots of different animals for their size. Worth the trip if you have small kids and are trying to entertain them for a while.
Jermaine Wilhite — Google review
Greenville Zoo is small but kept nice and clean. They have many different animals, my favorites were red pandas and baby orangutan and the leopard. Unfortunately it was a cold day so giraffes were inside and we didn’t see any, same with lions. But that means we will have to be back.
Olga Gloria Sundy — Google review
It's a small zoo but well done - most areas look new, even the sections being remodeled! So while it doesn't have a lot of space, it seems that it's got some good donors. The animals look reasonably happy and relaxed and they even have a big African lion, giraffes, and a leopard. The red pandas are super cute and active, some bat-eared foxes are super cute, and there are several birds of prey and a reptile house.
I was mainly there to take a walk on a pretty day, and it only takes about 30 minutes to do a completely circuit, pausing to look at most of the animals. I did another lap in reverse, which rewarded me with different views of some animals. It is on a hill, so you are walking (and possibly pushing a stroller) up and down some decent hills. I recommend heading uphill first, then winding your way down and around to the alligator and farm animals.
Sara Beth Wade — Google review
I love all the improvements to the Zoo. Our granddaughter had such a wonderful time. She was literally squealing with delight at all the different animals. All the animals and their enclosures were clean and healthy. The reptile exhibit was outstanding! The staff was friendly, especially the lady in the gift shop. Keep up the excellent work!
bumblegirl — Google review
Wonderful zoo! Well designed and small enough for kids to walk around comfortably but plenty to see! Took us around an hour to walk though the whole park. My kids really enjoyed seeing the alligator, giraffes, lions, and monkeys. There's also a nice park right next to the zoo.
Rocky Bilotta — Google review
Very cute little zoo. Took only about 2hrs of pittling though. There wasn't much but the few they had were cool. Expected bigger and the gift shop they have wasn't stocked and bare. Could have been better but was a good little detour. Been to the Detroit Zoo in Michigan and that's an all day thing! Which I expected but it's ok.
Jhenna Strong — Google review
It's small but cute. Perfect to go to & just walk around for an hour or so... Price is fair, too. Go early or on cooler days, as with any place with animals, you won't see much movement from them when it's really hot outside. The baby giraffe is adorable!
Tatiana Moore — Google review
Unexpectedly great zoo! For a zoo on the smaller side, it was great! The animals are situated in a way where they are easily visible and the setting is very natural. The zoo is easily walkable with small kids and all the animals were out! We even saw a lion roar!
Pia Linder — Google review
We got free tickets and went here over Memorial weekend... it was sprinkling, so they weren't busy at all. It's a small zoo and doesn't take long to walk the whole thing. The gardens are beautiful and well taken care of and so are the animals. We always enjoy the giraffes, lions and monkeys, but this time they had some sort of lizzard. He loves people they said, and he followed my grandson all over near the window. It made his day! It was our 2nd time visiting this zoo and we will definitely be back.
Lori K — Google review
A great small zoo with a really nice reptile house. Some different animals than Riverbanks or Atlanta have. Tickets are $11 for adults and $8 for kids.
Beth McK — Google review
Small zoo but very nice. Not too many animals, several different kinds of monkeys, lions, giraffe, leopard, birds, flamingos. Cost was $14 for an adult. Very clean and well kept. Easy parking.
Debra Clen — Google review
Always a good time here. Small enough for little ones but still has exotic animals. Not to mention Cleveland park and the swamp rabbit trail right in the front yard. Tickets are fairly priced but the gift shop is pricey - still the money goes to the zoo so it’s not hard to spend anyway. Not to mention, downtown Greenville is right around the corner.
Hanna Inman — Google review
We were doing recon for a family picnic. While we didn't visit the zoo, the covered picnic areas were large enough which were located across from the zoo entrance. The nearby bathroom was a plus as well.
Jo-C Coleman — Google review
Cool little zoo. Not as big as some of the there’s we have seen, but a nice place to spend the morning around Greenville. Great addition to the surrounding park area. Definitely will be back again.
Brian Gottleib — Google review
Such a great place to visit for a couple of hours. Smaller than the Atlanta zoo, but also a fraction of the cost and crowds! We always have a blast!
Courtney Guess — Google review
Really cute local zoo if you don’t feel like fighting to crowds at Riverbanks. They are putting in a lot of work to make it even nicer over this next year. I can’t wait to see everything when it’s all done.
Ali Maclay — Google review
Nice zoo outing. There is a preschool playground inside the zoo and 2 large playgrounds outside the zoo. Parking is free.
Eve D. — Google review
What a fun, little zoo! Just perfect for young children and adults alike. Loved all the play areas and I’m excited to bring my family back here to visit and play. It was a rainy day when we spent time at the zoo, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Well maintained.
Maggie Schwarting — Google review
The Greenville Zoo is small, but don't let that dissuade you! This place is a real gem! They have a large variety of animals, and everything is nice and clean!
The Peace Center Concert Hall is a large contemporary concert hall in downtown Greenville that regularly hosts major musical and dramatic presentations. The center has a combined seating capacity of over four thousand people, making it one of the larger performing arts venues in the area. The Greenville Symphony Orchestra and ballet company are both based at the Peace Center, making regular appearances throughout the year with both classical and contemporary works.
Went to see Earth, Wind & Fire last night and we thoroughly enjoyed the show even from the balcony. We could see and hear just fine. What a great show and venue.
Robert Sullivan — Google review
Loved watching Betelgeuse The Musical with my family! The bathrooms were very clean, the staff were extremely friendly and skilled in their jobs, and there was plenty of seating for the most amount of people to fit without anything being cramped. They had bars and bathrooms everywhere and the lines were relatively short and quick. Very nice place would love to go to another event here.
Lilly Day — Google review
A gorgeous theatre! Very clean, great seating, and a very friendly staff. I love that Genevieve's is attached to the theatre. Enjoying dinner and simply walking through the door and into the theatre was so convenient and having desserts and coffee during intermission was awesome!
We saw CATS and we will be back for another show.
Michelle W. — Google review
We sat in the very last row (K) of the balcony and still enjoyed the performance of Wicked. I highly recommend binoculars if you’re sitting in the balcony to see the faces, but the sound is great and I still felt involved in the show even in Row K balcony, middle seats. Fabulous venue!
Steph M — Google review
We came here to see Neil deGrasse Tyson. We parked in the lot across the street. $25 to park is pretty expensive but we didn't want to try to find another spot. We walked to Sobey's for dinner. Delicious! Lots of dining options near the Peace Center. We walked back and went straight into the venue. Went through the metal detector and had our e-tickets scanned. No problem. We had the absolute cheapest seats in the place. Tickets for live performances are getting outrageously expensive. We walked up all the steps to our seats. Even though we were far up, we could still see everything and the sound system made hearing the talk very easy. This place is always clean and the staff is very nice. There are several beverage stations so you don't all have to stand in one long line. Even the line for the ladies room was manageable. We enjoy coming to the Peace Center and will likely be back.
Shelly K. — Google review
Outstanding acoustics, comfortable box seats, and attentive staff. There's a bar for cocktails prior to the show. This venue has an intimate atmosphere coupled with sophisticated technology, which makes for a perfect experience, at least it was for us, despite the rainy night. (Just remember that you can't bring beverages into the hall.)
Rebecca Ambroe — Google review
What a fabulous venue, nice bars inside, not as pricey as some concert venues and very comfortable seating. The staff was friendly and helpful. Saw Weird Al concert, really enjoyed the show.
Charles Sweeney — Google review
Love the Peace Center! We have Broadway season tickets and absolutely love it. They bring in such a good variety of shoes. From Broadway to comedians to orchestras there are so many things you can see.
The restrooms are nice and there are some on every floor.
The people who work there are so polite. If you ever have to call customer service expect it to be the most pleasant call of your life.
All in all this is one of my favorite places in Greenville.
Kristen Klein — Google review
I just recently went to the peace center for the first time with my godmother. I was blown away by their production of wicked. The atmosphere was amazing. There’s not a bad seat in the house. The staff is wonderful. There was great parking across the street that was $20. This was a wonderful birthday gift. I highly recommend it as a special occasion event.
Gerry-Ann Bates — Google review
Love this place! We drove down from NC and the venue is well worth it. We always eat nearby first, then enter when the doors open. This time we saw the Indigo Girls and it was a blast! The crowd sang, yelled and clapped to all the songs…what a fun and happy crowd. We were in row D of the Founder’s balcony area and could see just fine. May want to use the facilities at intermission…otherwise there is a long line in all the restrooms for women. 👎🏼 We will be back in November and can’t wait!
Denise Fischer Hayes — Google review
First time visiting! Went to see Earth, Wind, and Fire!! Amazing Performance. The venue is nice and the sound quality is Great! I would definitely come back to see a performance here!
Victoria C — Google review
Saw my first concert since moving to the Greenville area. I was not disappointed. The seats were excellent and the venue is intimate unlike a huge stadium. Genevieve’s was great for the pre concert eats and dessert during intermission. I love the venue and will definitely be going back.
Erik Andersen — Google review
This theater is gorgeous!! The seats are extremely comfortable. I chose not to leave during intermission and sat for 3 hours without any discomfort. The acoustics are great. The staff was super kind. There are side entrances so don't get stuck in the long line through the main door.
Heather Ray — Google review
Amazing concert hall. Food was horrible as there was nothing but nuts to snack on and mostly alcohol drinks. So bring a purse big enough for drinks and snacks. Or eat a good meal before you go.
Trinity stables Horses healing hearts inc. — Google review
Beautiful, clean facility. Parking wasn’t so easy but the walk to the concert hall was short. Great atmosphere for all different types of people and walks of life
Magee L — Google review
Saw Girl From the North Country here on an anniversary weekend. Beautiful venue, comfy seats. It was a little chilly in the hall, but it was February. Helpful, friendly staff.
Maggie Schwarting — Google review
Drove over 4 hours to come and see the Celtic Woman and it was totally worth it! Even tho we had far up seats, the sound and view of the stage were incredible! The orchestra sounded amazing and over all it was totally worth the drive!
Oh and the hanging angel they have in the entrance is just an art masterpiece!!! So elegant and beautiful!
Lizeth Panuco — Google review
We saw Croce last weekend and everything was great! The venue is spectacular and we can't wait to go back! We actually bought tickets at the box office for another show! Good sight lines and the Peace Center seems like it is just the right size.
Michael Scully — Google review
Very impressive facility, a world-class concert hall. Great acoustics, very nice staff, cool part of Greenville. Well worth return visits!
Bruce Wharton — Google review
Wonderful production of "The Wiz." Comfortable seats in the performance chamber and excellent sound quality. Front of house staff (security, ticket scanners, greeters, and ushers) could stand to be given some refresher training in smiling 😃 and customer service - kind of off-putting lack of friendliness makes this first-time visitor wonder if this is the norm for the venue.
Falls Park on the Reedy is a gorgeous and peaceful urban park that is easily accessible for exploration. The park is home to gardens, walking trails, waterfalls, and art installations that make it a great place to spend a relaxing day. Passerelle Bistro in the park afterward is a fantastic French restaurant that should not be missed if you're looking for some great food and amazing views.
Absolutely gorgeous park that brings the city together as it shows the harmonious symbioticness between the river falls and skyscrapers. The extensive walking path purposely weaves everyone through the landscape with great views of the waterfall. The Liberty Bridge politely calls attention to its engineering marvel. What a great place to spend an afternoon people watching and soaking up the city vibe. Also a great place to take the pets!
Jessica Shin — Google review
Serenity found. We enjoyed an early midweek stroll and had this gorgeous place pretty much to ourselves. We had researched articles and short video history on this area so it made our visit that more interesting. History is fascinating on this area! Gorgeous and all FREE. Also public restrooms were available too.
Michelle Haley — Google review
This place is absolutely beautiful. Greenville has hands down the best looking downtown area I have been to date. There are several different walking areas and benches so you can view this waterfall. We sat on one of the benches near the bottom and sat there watching the falls for about 45 minutes as the sun was setting it was a sight worth seeing. I also recommend walking across the suspension bridge, and taking in the view from there. Will 100 percent come back to this place in the future.
Jake Young — Google review
What a beautiful and thoughtful place. We visited in the morning - the air was crisp, the water was flowing, and there were just a few people. We can't wait to come back and relax on a swinging bench and take in more of the area. We parked downtown and took advantage of the free 2-hour street parking - it was about a half mile walk. Just gorgeous!
Rachel Land — Google review
Falls park is unlike any other place in our country. It's beauty is supported by the eclectic nature of its city surroundings. Amenities aplenty including restrooms, eateries, many shops, galleries, picnicking areas, and walking paths. Dog friendly, the park is a playground of exploration for both children and fun seeking adults alike. The park IS the destination for those people in search of wonder and relaxation.
D.J. Humphrey — Google review
In the middle of the city, this is a beautiful gem with paved paths and beautiful fall views.
There is no free or public parking available nearby, so you need to park in a parking garage nearby.
It may seem like a small spot, but there are many paths you can take that takes you to beautiful spots where you can sit relax and enjoy.
Paths are a bit uneven, and there are stairs, so wear appropriate shoes.
Abeer Mustafa — Google review
The most amazingly and beautiful park in any city ever. Make sure to explore around and look for the secret staircase in the photos. Hint, you may have to cross the falls to find it. The suspended bridge is just incredible with views and energy. Plan to spend a good half day enjoying this park and walk along all the trails.
David Costa — Google review
Busy on a Saturday afternoon we found one parking space four blocks away. As we got closer there was a wonderful floral scent that grew stronger as we got closer to the park. Lots of restaurants and shops line the street leading to the park.
Beautiful falls and walkway gardens surrounding the park.
A three bathroom stall ( very tiny for the highly popular spot) is found through a outdoor patio.
A very clean, safe and family friendly spot! Highly recommended!
Psalms 118:17 — Google review
We love Falls Park on the Reedy! The waterfalls were enjoyable to listen to, beautiful views, pristine walkways and grass, the bridge was fun to walk on, and there was plenty of area to sit and relax! Our Pembroke Corgis loved their walk and all the attention they received by everyone around. Restaurants and hotels are there. We will return!
Jeanne French-Newman — Google review
While photographing a conference in Greenville I got to walk around and enjoy the park during one of the breaks. The thriving downtown area has a lot to offer. And this park is a beautiful oasis in the midst of it all!
Chris Smith (chrisandcami) — Google review
Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, SC, is a true hidden gem that offers a captivating natural escape. The park's main highlight is the breathtaking waterfall that cascades gracefully through the heart of the city. The sight and sound of the rushing water create a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The park's well-maintained trails and bridges provide scenic views and opportunities for leisurely walks or jogs. The beautifully landscaped gardens and lush green spaces make it a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation. The Liberty Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel, offers stunning panoramic views of the falls. Falls Park on the Reedy is a must-visit destination that combines the beauty of nature with urban charm, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of Greenville.
Joel G — Google review
Falls park is very nice.
Lots of people and children along the banks and playing on the rocks in the middle of the river.
Lots of photo shoots going on and saw someone taking their wedding pictured.
Very nicely organized and designed.
The suspended Bridge is the center point of attention and curves around perfectly so you can enjoy the small falls in the river.
Over all a great place to visit.
Laura Lockhart — Google review
I will never forget the feeling of AWE the first time I saw Reedy Falls in the heart of Greenville! Magnificent, beautiful and breathtaking! The best view is from the pedestrian bridge and it also takes you to the other side of the river!
Greenville would not be such a spectacular place without the falls. We love and treasure our downtown park!
Olga Gloria Sundy — Google review
This place is so beautiful. My family was absolutely amazed to experience the falls in the middle of downtown. We took a few trails( woody, narrow stairs, bugs) that led to one exploration after another(Spill the Beans coffee has great ice cream. The Grand Bohemian very picturesque, and Gather has a ton of food options in a covered outdoor fun atmosphere) The Falls Park is really cool. You definitely need walking shoes!
DeAndrea Brown — Google review
Visited during the holiday season.. streets filled with lights and a festive atmosphere. There were Christmas decorations, live music and popup stalls selling trinkets and gift items. The highlight was the picture with Santa for free!
As this park was right in the middle of the city, there were all sorts of stores for shopping, restaurants and coffee shops.
Plenty of street parking and garage options.
V Yadiki — Google review
It's a nice walk for you and your partner. Or for you and your friends, walking over liberty Bridge and then down into Falls Park is both scenically beautiful but also just fun. There's usually someone playing music on the stone bridge. Or swings to watch the waterfall.
*pictures from several different occasions*
Callie cat — Google review
The grounds are beautiful. So many different trails to take and the vegetation/garden areas are gorgeous. I only wish it were more stroller friendly but overall, a definite must visit.
Shyann McWhirter — Google review
One time watch. At the heart of the town, this falls add to its beauty. Less crowded on weekdays but become busy on weekend. There are bench to sit at different location. No ticket is required. Other usual service such as public restroom is available.
Tej Raj Karki — Google review
The hidden gem in the heart of Greenville, Falls Park on the Reedy is everything a park should be.
We entered the park by way of Pedrick Garden at Falls Park, walked over a small bridge and down a side road to the park. We were able to get a great view of Liberty Bridge and could hear the falls.
Surrounded by restaurants, cafes and hotels all within walking distance, Falls Park boasts lush greenery lined paved walkways with benches and swings to sit, relax and enjoy the views and sounds of the falls. There are large open green spaces available for kids to play, families to picnic and relax and pets to roam.
The park was busy on the Saturday we visited, yet it did not feel crowded. There was plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the area.
A true gem for nature lovers!
Take a stroll across Liberty Bridge to get the most expansive view of Reedy River Falls. Enjoy listening to the flow of water, natural white noise. From the bridge you will be able to see adults, kids, and dogs on the rocks below enjoying the shallow areas of the falls.
We were not able to fully explore the area to our liking due to our time constraints.
So we look forward to returning for a long weekend to explore this amazing park, the Greenville downtown and the surrounding areas soon.
Danielle — Google review
This is an amazing place to visit. This park makes this city. The waterfalls are very relaxing and the park is beautifully maintained. The pedestrian sky bridge is a great place to take photos. The location is perfect for having dinner and enjoying the visit to downtown Greenville.
Paul Holstein — Google review
Well maintained, beautiful space. It was busy on a Saturday but still plenty of room to mill about. We found a parking spot not too far away.
Denise Seidensticker — Google review
Nestled in the heart of our city, this park is a true gem for nature lovers and dog owners alike. The highlight of the park is undoubtedly its artificial waterfall, which is nothing short of phenomenal. The sound of cascading water creates a serene atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The surroundings complement the fall beautifully. The park’s design is thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing, with winding paths, lush greenery, and well-maintained flower beds. It’s a delight to stroll through the park, with every turn offering a new, picturesque view.
Dog owners will find this park exceptionally welcoming. The area is very dog-friendly, providing ample space for pets to run and play. There are also plenty of benches and seating areas, making it comfortable for pet owners to relax while their furry friends enjoy themselves.
Overall, this park is a wonderful spot for relaxation, exercise, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the waterfall, take a leisurely walk, or spend quality time with your dog, this park caters to all.
KC TW — Google review
What a magnificent place. Bridges, green spaces, waterfalls, shopping ,great food and art plus so much more. Can't wait to go back to this perfectly designed park on the heart of Greenville. Wow.
Ellen Holmes Steeves-LeBlanc — Google review
Beautiful city walk with plenty of picnic areas, good for walking, jogging, people watching and plenty of restaurants nearby. There is also a hotel, a Bank of America if you need cash, parking ranges between $5.00 and $20.00 for the entire stay.
Alex L — Google review
Falls Park is a beautiful place to visit in downtown Greenville. I recommend if you have the ability to; to take a journey out across the rocks and get to a place I like to call “Falcons Cove” . In the last picture I took I am on top of the rock I like to call “Falcon’s Cove” . Maybe you’ll see why if you venture to the rock. Be safe, have fun. Love, Just!
Jamie Eschborn — Google review
Beautiful city park with lots of walking paths and several waterfalls, not just the big one. The bridge over the falls is perfect - what a good idea by the city whenever they did that! Lots of great places to eat - Spill the Beans coffee, Passerelle French bistro, Carmella's dessert cafe, and the restaurant and bar at the huge Grand Bohemian. Feel free to walk inside and sit on the terrace overlooking the falls!
The historic Fluor Field in downtown Greenville is home to the Greenville Drive baseball team. The stadium has been designed following the classic design of Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, and accommodates more than 5,000 people.
My family had a great time at today's game. Sweet Caroline's ice cream cones were wonderful and fair priced. On Sunday's kids are allowed to run the bases after the game which my daughter loved. It was very busy and crowded though. Today's game set an attendance record per the announcer.
Tonja Suttles — Google review
Beautiful venue to take in a baseball game. Several food options in the stadium and around the stadium. There is always something going on during the game to keep things interesting for fans. The staff, no matter where you are in the stadium, are super helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend visiting. Its not just a baseball field, it's an experience.
Louis Adams — Google review
Lots of fun, great food, energetic teams and mascot! My family and I had never experienced a baseball game with lights that dance the way this stadium's do to the songs so that was a delightful plus. The seats could be a tiny bit wider but the stairs were easy to use and the seat numbers easy to find. The way the vendors are set up was also convenient and the restrooms nearby and easy to find. The stadium was a bit of a trek to get to.
Overall, definitely recommending to friends and family left and right!
Robyn Westmoreland — Google review
Our team went to Fluor Field for an afternoon game as part of a team building offsite.
The suite was a little small for the size of our team but was really nice.
The food and drink was pretty good. Much better than I had expected, and the lady that was serving us did an awesome job of keeping everything stocked and everyone happy.
The game was good and the entertainment between innings was also good.
I'd love to do another event like this in the future.
Great job by the Greenville Drive and the Fluor Field Teams!
Duayne Stewart — Google review
Really great venue. Meticulously maintained. Obviously good for baseball but also for corporate event, holiday fairs, unique gathering, etc. Right downtown so access is easy and public transportation stops at the gate. Trolleys are clean and free to the public.
Nathan Olson — Google review
In terms of minor league baseball this is one of the best venues I visited. Highly encourage folks to check out an afternoon game here over the summer - just hope it doesn't rain! There are lots of food options and last time i was there you could order from your seat to have it delivered. This alone was a winning feature. Additionally, there are some cool options for team merchandise to purchase, beer & seltzer to try, and various good seating packages for single or season tickets. If you can "swing" it during your trip to the GVL, I am sure Reedy & the Drive will keep you entertained while you enjoy the trip.
Zach E. — Google review
Baseball is about as American 🇺🇸 as you can get and Fluor Field is an excellent choice to see a good game in downtown Greenville! This field is enjoyed by many, with a fun kid area, shops for your favorite Greenville drive gear to your favorite baseball gear this is a great place to visit and root for your favorite local team!
Plants Over Animals — Google review
Great atmosphere & clean facilities make this a wonderful ballpark for the Greenville, SC area. I try to make it to at least one of the yearly neutral site games for Clemson University. Outfield center is 420 feet & Boston's famous Green Monster in imitated here in this Red Sox minor league affiliate.
Tyler L. Gibson — Google review
We love Fluor Field! It's one of the best small town baseball venues we've ever been to! We love the people, the concessions are reasonably priced, the customer service in the box office is great and the foods are decent! They try to make it family friendly in all ways. Bring your family for a game. You won't be disappointed!
Marianne Schofield — Google review
We visited Fluor Field to take in a Greenville Drive baseball game while on a weekend road trip to Greenville. We sat in the "Green Monster" seats in left field, modeled after the Green Monster at Fenway Park in Boston. They were a lot of fun! The lower deck of the Green Monster has bar-type seating, but the upper deck where we sat has small individual tables with four seats clustered around it so that all faced the field. There was plenty of space on the table to place food and drinks, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience of sitting in this special location.
The game was entertaining, the restrooms were plentiful and clean, and there were ample concession stands. The game was well attended by enthusiastic fans, and the experience was topped off by a great Friday Night Fireworks show. My son, who has visited many minor league ballparks, said this was his best minor league ballpark experience ever. I agree. Greenville is a wonderful town to visit, and Fluor Field is certainly one of the city's jewels.
Greg Squyres — Google review
Great friendly environment! I really how they have a huge play area for the kids, it keeps them busy and less distraction for the adults that want to watch the game! My son is 19 now and we had blast watching the game! Very clean stadium, good food, I will be back soon!
Mathew Lathum — Google review
Really nice stadium, great food and drink selections, and so fun to watch the team. If you haven't tried it yet, you must!
Jeanne S — Google review
Just left the Upstate Veterans Celebration. Excellent program including flyover, paratroopers, bands and fireworks to say thank you to our valuable veterans.
Robert H — Google review
What a great minor league ballpark! Beautiful field based on their major league team park, Fenway Park.
Brian Neher — Google review
Another amazing time had here! I love this venue. This is one of the best bangs for your buck in the upstate! Their 4th of July show was credible!
Christopher Bryant — Google review
Nice ballpark and they put on a really good show for the ballgame. Fun stuff between innings. Video board was top notch. Only dings were the food being uninspired, sEATz app delivery options were limited, and security to get in needs some bowls or something if they are going to have you empty all of your pockets.
Jeff Causey — Google review
This ballpark is great! It was very clean and we'll staffed. Crowd control was good. This is a wonderful family friendly and disability friendly setting. They have plenty of stocked, clean bathrooms and tons of reasonably priced food options. Nice serving of chocolate I cream in a souvenir helmet was only $4!
Don't forget to read the clear bag policy.
I liked that their mascot roams around and that photos with him are free of charge.
It's important to be alert when seated behind the netting. Multiple balls managed to get over the safety netting and into the fan sections. It was honestly nerve wracking, bc the net only catches some of the tipped balls. Fans ultimately DO have a responsibility to pay attention!!
Both teams tonight had some awesome diving catches! It was a lot of fun to watch!
My group had an overall great game experience and I'd enjoy returning.
Parking tip: behind the $10 pay lot there's an apartment building with a parking garage that offers public parking. It's PERFECT and basically right across the street from the entrance. I only had to pay $5.00.
Holly Murrah — Google review
So it was mother's day today and me my wife and kids had very good tickets for the game. After we walked a half mile to the stadium from the restaurant we went to, we finally arrived to have a great mother's day game. When we got to the gate we saw the clear bag policy and unfortunately she had a backpack purse. Almost immediately the guy says that we can't enter due to the policy. I asked is there any lockers or any place we can check the bag so we can enter and the response was " no you can't enter". Are you serious, on mother's day. There obviously was a solution with the clear bags in the gift shop but that wasn't even thought about by the staff. So we just ate 75 dollars in tickets because of a clear bag policy that could have been resolved by just buying one in the gift shop. This whole experience ruined my wife's mother's day because she was excited to go and that was taken away. Thanks for coming up with a solution for this policy.
Jigglybits — Google review
What a fun night out! Great little baseball stadium with plenty of seats, all with great views of the field and a play area for the kiddos! Lots of food options and drinks, tickets are very reasonable and on Friday nights they have fireworks. If you bring a pocketbook it must be under 8 inches wide and they will search your bag or you can bring a clear bag so they can see in it. There is a cute gift shop that sells all the Drive Team sports memorabilia. It's right in the heart of downtown Greenville in Main street surrounded by great restaurants, bars and Falls Park on the Reedy. Highly recommend!