Experience the Appalachians
There are amazing trails in the Western North Carolina region like the Mountains to the Sea Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Almost all of them are within an easy drive of the Early Blue Motel.
Hiking: Green River Game Lands
In spite of its ~18,000 acres of wilderness, the Green River Gamelands is less frequented by hikers than its big brothers, Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In spite of this under-the-radar reputation, the 15+ mile trail system features stunning views, lung-busting climbs, tranquil campsites, and access to the granite cathedral that is the Green River Narrows.
Hiking: Triple Falls / High Falls / Hooker Falls
Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls nip at the heels of Looking Glass Falls for the mantle of classic and most popular Western North Carolina waterfalls to visit. Due to their convenient access and aesthetic beauty, these cascades have been featured by Hollywood in movies like Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans, and these sections of the Little River remain popular destinations for anglers, hikers, swimmers, and kayakers. Triple Falls and High Falls in particular are breathtakingly beautiful. Please use caution (and common sense) as the smooth wet granite rocks slope into the river and a fall can be very dangerous.
Triple Falls Trail, Hendersonville NC
Triple Falls Trail is a popular hiking trail located in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Hendersonville, North Carolina. The trail is named after the three waterfalls that it leads to, all of which are located within a half-mile of each other. The trail is approximately 2.7 miles loop and is rated as a moderate hike, with some steep sections and rocky terrain. The trail is well-marked and offers several scenic viewpoints along the way, including the three waterfalls themselves. The first waterfall on the trail is called High Falls, which is a 125-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep pool below. The second waterfall is called Triple Falls, which is actually a series of three waterfalls that cascade down a total of 120 feet. The third waterfall is called Bridal Veil Falls, which is a 45-foot waterfall that flows over a broad rock face and creates a misty veil effect. The trail is open year-round and is particularly popular during the summer months when visitors can swim in the pools at the base of the waterfalls. The trailhead is located near the Hooker Falls parking lot, which also provides access to several other hiking trails and recreational activities in the area.
Bearwallow Mountain, Hendersonville NC
Bearwallow Mountain is a popular destination for hikers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from its summit. The mountain is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species. In addition to hiking, visitors to Bearwallow Mountain can also enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The area is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with several species of raptors, including red-tailed hawks and bald eagles, often seen soaring overhead. Bearwallow Mountain is located within the 4,000-acre Bearwallow Mountain Preserve, which is managed by Conserving Carolina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the region. The preserve is open to the public and offers a variety of trails and recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.