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With hundreds of miles of trails in Transylvania County, hiking is
perhaps the most popular activity in the area. It's great exercise,
it's a great way for everyone to explore the mountains and waterfalls,
and it doesn't require expensive equipment.  Furthermore, Transylvania County's hiking options are almost unlimited. In Pisgah National Forest you can take a 30-minute leg-stretcher behind the Ranger Station, you can spend a couple hours visiting the beautiful Moore Cove Falls, or you can take half a day to see the spectacular views from atop Looking Glass Rock. More experienced hikers can shoulder their packs for an overnight hike on the Foothills Trail in Gorges State Park, or they can enjoy the breathtaking overlook into South Carolina during a short hike from the parking lot. This new 2,900-acre park in southern Transylvania also has one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique plant species in the eastern United States, making it popular among nature enthusiasts. Waterfall lovers will definitely want to visit Dupont State Forest. During a relatively short hike you can visit Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. If you're still in the mood for more exercise, you can head up the mountain to see the unique beauty of Bridle Veil Falls. Hiking is so easy in Transylvania, however, that many people forget to take a few common sense precautions. Our forests are immense, and people frequently get lost. A little advance planning can save you a lot of trouble. First of all, get a map or guide book. It's vital to know not only where you're going, but the length and difficulty of a hike. Be sure to take water, leave yourself enough time to get back to the car before dark, and bring a flashlight to be on the safe side. Even though it may seem like unnecessary trouble, let someone at home or at your hotel know that you're going hiking, and tell them when you expect to return. If nobody knows you're missing, no one's going come looking for you. If you're coming during hunting season, pack some hunter's orange or other bright clothing to wear. If you would like to avoid hunting season altogether, you can get more information from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 888-2HUNTFISH (248-6843) or 888-629-4535 or visit www.ncwildlife.org. |
