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Thanks everyone for your input...it's very much appreciated.
Oldnorthstate: We'll remember to take it easy some, too!
Saucystargazer: Good ideas...we're going to add Linville Caverns and G'father Mountain if we can fit it in. Max Patch is now out although it sounds like a great place. Also, I'll look into some gem mining. My son will love that...he's a rock collector.
Dhanu86: Clingman's Dome is at the top of the list. Yeah, I seem to remember some pretty curvy roads when I was a kid and as an adult I get a little freaked driving those types of roads. But I guessif grandma can do it, we'll be ok.
Francois: About Biltmore...I guess I was trying to avoid Asheville on this trip and anything that resembled a city. I get plenty of that here! But I remember going as a kid and especially like the maze...do they still have that? I think I'll at least put it on the list of possibilities in case we feel like getting back to a bigger city.
Wcu25rs: Hadn't thought about getting a gps...good idea. Also, thanks for explaining about the waterfalls. I had read some posts on here about people dying around waterfalls, but it wasn't clear to me what exactly these people had done. But, yeah, I will definitely hold tight to the little one at all times and steer clear of the edges. It's a shame your life is put a risk by those who don't follow warnings on posted signs.
Loves Mountains: Graveyard Fields is at the top of the list of stuff to do. I'll look into Laurel Creek, too.
So, based on all your comments and suggestions (and a DM from LovesMountains – a different one I think??), we've revised our trip a little. In case you're curious, here's the new plan:
Drive to Roan Mtn. Area; Hike Carver's Gap; overnight Roan Mtn. State Park.
Next day, drive to Spruce Pine/Bear Den with a possible detour on the way (if we feel like the extra drive) to Grandfather Mountain and lunch at Blowing Rock. (I know it's a travesty, but I'm going to skip Tweetsie this time. We will instead do the GRSM train in Bryson City. The weekend we're there they will have a Halloween ride with Snoopy characters, bouncy house, hay stacks...my son will love this!)
At Bear Den we've scratched Max Patch, and have added Linville Falls/Caverns. Will look into gem mining, too.
Then we'll do Davidson River for 4 nights (lots of great stuff to do here) and Bryson City for 3 nights with lots of stuff to choose from here as well.
Thanks again for all your help – I live in the Chicago area and am always a little disappointed at the outdoor activities here. There are some rolling hills in Wisconsin, but when we decided to move here, I didn't realize how much I'd miss being close to mountains. So we're pretty excited about this trip.
If there's anything I've missed, please let me know. When we return, I'll let you guys know how it went.
Thanks everyone for your input...it's very much appreciated.
Francois: About Biltmore...I guess I was trying to avoid Asheville on this trip and anything that resembled a city. I get plenty of that here! But I remember going as a kid and especially like the maze...do they still have that? I think I'll at least put it on the list of possibilities in case we feel like getting back to a bigger city.
I haven't personally been to Biltmore in about 20 years, but previously, *I* had been as a child and it had changed a LOT in that time. I'm sure it's even cooler now. And it's outside of town, so you don't really go into the city of Asheville. I can't remember the maze, but they showed a lot more of the house the last time I went than when I'd been 10-15 years before. And of course there is the winery there, with tours, etc. Probably much more has been added since I was there!
Wcu25rs: Hadn't thought about getting a gps...good idea. Also, thanks for explaining about the waterfalls. I had read some posts on here about people dying around waterfalls, but it wasn't clear to me what exactly these people had done. But, yeah, I will definitely hold tight to the little one at all times and steer clear of the edges. It's a shame your life is put a risk by those who don't follow warnings on posted signs.
it's not just getting near the edges of waterfalls. Depending on current, a slip back from even 50 yards back, and it could be tragic. Just use common sense and you'll be fine. I'm sure you probably know this, but river rock can be slicker and harder to walk on than ice.
I beg to differ - the French Broad is rather shallow and it IS warm!! especially in July/Aug.
ok, argue with someone who has lived around it their whole life(28 years).
Just to clarify again, I'm sure it warms a few degrees, but those few degrees do not make the water "warm" by any stretch of the imagination. Even in the hot summer, as good as it feels, it still cold. I just dont want these potential visitors thinking that they will actually be experiencing warm water, because they wont, but due to the heat, it will feel awesome.
If the French Broad River is anything like the Nantahala River, it's about 45 degrees! I rafted the Nantahala in summer and got soaked to the skin. My teeth were chattering!
If the French Broad River is anything like the Nantahala River, it's about 45 degrees! I rafted the Nantahala in summer and got soaked to the skin. My teeth were chattering!
It's nothing like the Nantahala - the Nantahala has tons of rapids - the French Broad runs from South to North and does not have many rapids (even though rafting companies like to say there are Class IV) - there are mostly nothing above a Class III and that's only when the river is running high due to rain. Temperature is relative, I guess - we swim in Lake Michigan and that is cold!! Canoeing the French Broad at Rosman and being in that water - your teeth won't be chattering for sure!!
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City came to mind for your 4 year old; if you do not take the train ride, the store nearby is a wonderful treat! The Nantahala River Gorge is just outside Bryson City if you travel on the train, you will see it, just be sure to sit on the left side of the train, otherwise all you will see is LOTS of kudzu!
Bluegrass music is also featured on the weekends in Bryson City.
Websites: gsmr.com-Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
greatsmokies.com/events or just go to Bryson City
Also, Stecoah Harvest Festival in Robbinsville, NC, about 40 minutes from Bryson City, N.C.
As with folks answering you on this Thread, the folks in Western North Carolina, most friendly, helpful.
My first trip to the South and felt right at home!
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