Each fall I find myself longing to be in the mountains. Here in coastal South Carolina we do not have the change in colors, or in temperatures, that I was accustomed to growing up in New Jersey. Sensing my need for cooler air and higher elevations, my husband suggested a long weekend in Asheville, NC, and we decided Thanksgiving was the perfect time for a road trip.
We drove up on Thanksgiving and enjoyed a holiday feast of chicken nachos and smoked gouda mac ‘n cheese accompanied by a few local craft beers at The Bier Garden in Asheville. If you are a craft beer lover I suggest you put this city on your must-visit list as there are several quality breweries in the area. Our favorite find this trip was the Catawba Valley White Zombie Ale with a fresh orange slice.
On Friday we hit the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic trip to Graveyard Fields Falls for our first hike. We were a few weeks late for the fall foliage, but the air was blissfully humidity-free. The upside was less traffic and less crowds. We did not find this area to be the most picturesque, but we did enjoy an active four-plus mile hike that helped us burn off (some) of our meal from the night before.
On Saturday we ventured off to Catawba Falls in Old Fort, NC at the recommendation of a friend. It was a gorgeous day, and the scenery here did not disappoint. The trail is basically a three-mile roundtrip up to the falls and back. You do have to cross the river at the start/ end point, so be prepared with waterproof boots (or wade across sans socks and shoes as some hikers do).
Upon leaving Catawba Falls we decided to drive to Mount Mitchell State Park in Burnsville, NC. The drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway is breathtaking in its own right. Upon reaching the park you can climb to the summit and look out from the highest elevation point east of the Mississippi River. There are different trails to choose from, and due to limited daylight hours left we picked a short three-quarters of a mile Balsam Trail.
We made our way back to the coast this afternoon tired, happy, and with great memories of a wonderful weekend getaway. It was the perfect opportunity to unplug and tune in to the wonders that nature offers. If there is one thing I have learned it is that when the mountains are calling I must put down the phone and answer them.
Daily Prompt: Bloggers, Unplugged
All Photos Copyright @Karen B. Pearce 2015
This looks wonderful, there’s nothing as enjoyable as a good road trip. Fantastic photos.
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It was one of those near perfect getaways. We couldn’t have asked for a better time- good for the soul!
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Looks amazing, I love all the photos you took.
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Thanks, Wes! Nature made it easy, even for an amateur like me. 😉
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Nature makes things look nicer for some reason, I take a picture of my yard and it’s blah. I take a picture of the woods though and the thing looks sweet. Nature is magic apparently.
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Loved the photos.
I love road trips as well but it isn’t my wife’s idea of a great holiday but I’m not complaining…
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It looks like you have been enjoying a once in a lifetime trip yourself! I’ve enjoyed your photos, too.
My husband draws the line at any drive over five hours. Also, we would likely not go so far as to camp. We do like a nice comfy hotel room and lots of restaurants nearby!
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So beautiful! It is important to unplug sometimes and these look like some great places to do that! 🙂
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It was sorely needed and greatly appreciated time away! 🙂
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Beautiful photos! Aren’t the mountains just so peaceful and magical this time of the year? 🙂
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Hi Cody, Thank you for dropping by! That is exactly how I would describe them and how I felt wander through the forest. I could’ve stayed for a month… 🙂
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Fall hikes are one of my favourites and these pictures are beautiful!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Mine, too! I just adore fall and everything about it!
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I worked in Asheville for 12 years and I never got tired of looking at the mountains on my way to work. Love the Blue Ridge Parkway and all the hiking/waterfalls in that whole area. Like you, I love the foliage season there. Fall was my favorite time of the year. So glad you were able to enjoy some mountain time! 🙂
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It’s a great city with such a cool vibe! We have discussed possibly moving up that way in the future. You’ve got this great artsy scene, awesome restaurants & breweries, and then drive a few miles and you’re in the middle of the forest. It’s the perfect combo. 🙂
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Great shots, Karen, you may have gotten your fill of Fall 🙂
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I love winter just as much so I’m a happy person these days 🙂
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Great photography Karen! Looks like a power packed trip for sure, I’ve never been on the Blue Ridge Parkway but I have heard it’s quite the drive.
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Such beautiful pictures, Karen. I’ve never been to that part of the world but its definitely on my travel list. You’ve whet my appetite! Thank you.
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We are already thinking of doing a trip to New England next fall to explore- so many areas we’ve not seen yet!
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Beautiful shots, Karen. We were supposed to go to Ashville this past summer but it did t work out. Now I’m thinking maybe early fall.😊
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Yes, if you get the chance to reschedule do so! We were just talking about this yesterday and realizing how many more places up there we need to explore!
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What beautiful pictures!
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Thank you! I’m glad you came by for a visit! 🙂
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Those are some exceptional images, especially the waterfalls!
Nice!
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Thank you! We are looking forward to returning to the area again next year. 🙂
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