Hayley & Alex
Things To Do
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, hence its name. We recommend hiking up to the top but you can also drive up to the top. During this time of the year there will be a line at the gate and an entry fee. There are two main trails to the top, Profile Trail and Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Both trails are on there and back trails or can be linked if you shuttle a car. Profile Trail is shorter and can be done in a half day. Daniel Boone Scout Trail is one of our favorite trails to hike but is a full day adventure if you plan to go all the way to the swinging bridge. These trails offer amazing views of the high country but you better be ready to work for them.
Rough Ridge Lookout - Grandfather Mountain, NC.
This is were we went on our first climbing adventure which later was the spot I proposed to Hayley. The climbing area, Ship Rock, is a world class place to rope up. We climb here as often as possible but for those of you not roping up, there is a great short hiking trail to the top. This is one of the most popular trails because the views are spectacular. A must do!
The Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Great place to grab a beer.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Spend the day driving along the blueridge parkway. There are a bunch of overlooks along the parkway that offer great views of the area. You can also stretch your legs on the short hiking trails from the some of the pulloffs. Some that we like are Beacon Heights, Rough Ridge, Flat Rock, Linville Falls, and Juilian Price Park Lake. You can't go wrong.
Coyote Kitchen
Excellent food!
Wild Craft Eatery
Another great spot to grab a bite to eat. Hayley worked here.
Linville Falls
The Linville Falls area is located at the west end of the Linville Gorge. Here you can stroll along easy hiking trails to a handful of lookouts with breath taking views of the waterfall.
Wiseman's View Scenic Overlook
This is quite possibly the best view of the Linville Gorge. Drive along a gravel road on the south side of the gorge to wisemans lookout parking area. From there its just a short hike to the lookout over the gorge. There are also a bunch of trails along the gravel road where you can hike down to the bottom of the gorge and take a dip in the linville river. We have had some of our most epic runs here together. Hayley learned never to trust a Carey about distances and terrain and Alex learned that Hayley was up for any challenge Alex to throw at her.
Linville Gorge Wilderness
The Linville Gorge offers the some of the most rugged terrain in the US. Great hiking trails in this wilderness area. Some of our favorites are Table Rock trail, Hawksbill, Sitting Bear, Spencer ridge, Mountain to Sea, Linville gorge trail, and babel towers. We recommend driving up the table rock parking and hiking to the top of table rock or hike along the ridge to chimney rocks. This place has been our playground for years. If you have time, go for the entire day.
Moses H Cone Memorial Park
Go check out the Moses Cone Manor. This is one of our go to trail running spots. If you really want to go for it, run/hike up to the fire tower for the 360 view.
Bistro Roca
Great place for nicer sit down dinner.
Sky Retreat
This is our wedding venue. They also offer paragliding, conditions permitting, and there are hiking and mountain biking trails nearby. You can rent mountain bikes at Boone Bikes and Magic cycles.