8 Tranquil Spots Not to Miss in North Carolina

Our Frugal Family Travelers have explored the mountains of Tennessee numerous times on previous trips!   However, on a recent excursion, we decided it was time to explore North Carolina!  The trip did not disappoint, mostly because it was devoid of the commercialism often found in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  Don’t get me wrong, we love these areas, but this new location offered the tranquil atmosphere we were seeking on this trip.  So, if you and your Frugal Family Travelers enjoy hiking and also soaking up the tranquility to be had at waterfalls, then add some of these North Carolina spots to your next vacation itinerary.    The best part is that these waterfalls are all in the same general area of Asheville, NC and therefore, can be easily combined with other local activities, including the Biltmore.  

Pearson’s Falls 

This beautiful waterfall is located in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains and is privately owned and maintained by the Tryon Garden Club.  The waterfall is a short hike from the parking area and is great for those traveling with small children or those with limited mobility.  

Cost: $5 Adults; $1 Children

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom facility on site. 

Directions: 

Pearson’s Falls 2748 Pearson Falls Road Saluda, NC 28773

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Catawba Falls

At approximately 100 ft high, Catawba is certainly worth the 3 mile round trip hike.   This best part is it is only 26 miles from Asheville! 

Cost: Free

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom facility on site. 

Directions: 

Catawba Falls 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762

Pictured below is Andrew’s Geyser.  This is a great picnic spot and is not far from Catawba Falls!  

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Linville Falls 

The falls plunges into the Linville Gorge which makes for a spectacular view!   The trail leading to the falls is 1.6 miles round trip and is easy for families as well as those with limited mobility.  

Cost: Free

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: A bathroom facility is located up the road from the trailhead at the information cabin  

Directions:

Click here for direction

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High, Triple, Hooker Falls

These beautiful waterfalls are located in DuPont State Forest.  The best part is that all three are accessible from the same trail.   

(Above: High Falls) 

(Above: Tripple Falls)

(Above: Hooker Falls)

(Above: Covered Bridge Above High Falls)

Cost: Optional Donation

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom available at information center. 

Directions: 

Dupont State Forest 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718

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Looking glass Falls and Sliding Rock

Both waterfalls are located in the Pisgah National Forest and are down the road from one another.   Both waterfalls are perfect spots for families with small children and those with limited mobility as there is no hike required.   However,  the waterfall may be viewed its base by hiking down a short set of steps.    

(Above: Looking Glass Falls)

(Above: Sliding Rock)

Cost: Free; Sliding Rock charges in the summer! 

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom facility is open seasonally at Sliding Rock.  In the summer pack a bathing suit to slide down Sliding Rock! 

Directions: 

Click here for directions

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

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Oh! Shenandoah!

It is no secret that our Frugal Family Travelers love to hike and soak up the scenery to be found while outdoors.  For this reason, we planned a visit to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and were excited  to add this buautiful location to our list of National Parks visited.  Picturesque views of the mountain vistas can easily accessed by car, from the scenic Skyline Drive, or for the more adventurous at heart, a hike through the woods.   This park truly offers the mountaintop experience for those of all levels of activity.    Scenic hikes or drives, waterfalls, swimming, cabins, camping of all types can be experienced while in Shendenoah.  Be sure to stop at a Shenendoah National Park Visitors Center at the start of your trip and speak with a park ranger for directions and tips for hikes appropriate for parties of various ages/skill levels.   We did this and it helped to maximize our time in the park.   The ranger on duty was very knowledgeable and suggested the Rose River Loop Trail. She supplied us with maps and directions to the trailhead.   This hike turned out to be just the right amount of adventure we were seeking for the time allotted in our schedule.   The pictures below speak more than mere words!

Directions:  Click here for directions to the Harry F. Byrd Visitors Center 

Tip:

If  hiking, pack plenty of water, apply sunscreen and bug spray.  Pack a first aid kit and let someone know the trail on which you are hiking, as cell service is not always available on hikes, or can be very limited.  

Alert:

Bears are present!  We encountered one while hiking.   Be aware and be prepared!  Follow the link to discover how to safely deal with this sort of encounter. 

Note:

For families traveling with a 4th grader, the Natuonal Park Service is currently offering  free or discounted entrance fees into all National Parks by completing a simple form on their website.   Take advantage of this offer and visit a National Park!  Click here to get your pass:    FREE FAMILY PASS

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover