Preparing for a trip to the mountains - these links will help you prepare and plan your trip to the mountains. You should cross reference as much info that you can. I try to make the information on my site as accurate and up to date as possible, but you should check the official sites for the national forests and state parks for the most up to date info.
Ray's Weather Center - The first thing you should do is check the weather conditions in the area you are heading to so you can dress acordingly. Ray's covers the entire western North Carolina area with the most up to date conditions
The Forest Place - good resource for trail maps in the area - click on 'maps', then 'North Carolina' - I use the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Smoky Mtn maps the most - they also have the NC Gazetteer that Kevin Adams references in his NC waterfall book
North Carolina State Parks - official guide to all of NC's state parks
South Carolina State Parks - official site for SC state parks
Tennessee State Parks - official site for TN state parks
Great Smoky Mountains NP - official site
National Forests in North Carolina - the majority of the waterfalls on this site lie in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests - this official site has a load of good info if you dig around enough - they keep it fairly up to date, so check it regularly for possible closures and new info
Blue Ridge Parkway - the official government site - check here for activities and possible closures - click 'directions', then 'map' for an excellent BRP map - remember that a lot of the Parkway is closed in the winter
The Blue Ridge Parkway - home page for the Blue Ridge Parkway Association - more good info on the Parkway
DuPont State Forest - all the info you need for hiking in DSF
visitwaterfalls.com - lots of good info on activities, lodging and campgrounds in Brevard and Transylvania County
What else to do in the mountains - these sites include info on hiking, mountain biking, white water fun, sight seeing and other activities in the mountains and in specific communities
Hiking in Western North Carolina - an online guide for hiking in western NC
Mountain Biking in Western North Carolina - online guide to mountain biking in western NC
Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers - Western NC has quite a few lookout towers that can be accessed by the general public. The views from some of these towers is absolutely spectacular.
Friends of the Mountain to Sea Trail
The Foothills Trail - site from the Foothills Trail Conference
Carolina Family Adventures - Relax and rejuvenate on an unforgettable, stress-free mountain vacation designed just for families. Ready and waiting are beautiful accommodations, outdoor adventures, and delightful meals. All you have to do is come and play
Headwaters Outfitters - canoe, kayak, and tubing on the French Broad River and other locations in western NC
Carolina Outdoors Guide - a compendium of federal and state recreation lands in North Carolina. Listings on the pages to the left include links to Web sites sponsored by the National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Tennessee Valley Authority, N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and N.C. Division of Forest Resources.
Romantic Asheville - Your online travel guide to romantic getaways in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Now - new community based Asheville informational website started by 2 UNC Asheville graduates
Western NC Attractions - Western NC's area attractions and travel guide
Asheville Chamber of Commerce - Dedicated to serving all businesses in and around the Asheville, North Carolina area. Most consider Asheville the 'capitol of the mountains'.
Explore Asheville - The Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau’s official Web site, www.exploreasheville.com lists area accommodations, attractions and restaurants as well as featuring the region’s most up-to-date calendar of events. Sign up for the CVB’s FREE bimonthly e-newsletter to receive special deals, package information and stories on festivals, specialty shops and more!
Polk County Travel & Tourism - all the info you need on visiting this beautiful mountain county
The Dan River Company - canoe and kayak rentals, professional livery and shuttle service for Dan River near Hanging Rock SP
South Carolina Trails - excellent resource for hiking in SC
Georgia Hikes - online hiking guide for Georgia
Hiking Trails/Day Hikes - Jon has put together an extensive list of day hikes he has done in NC, SC, GA, and TN with detailed descriptions of each hike.
Trout University - TroutU's mission is to efficiently provide useful, relevant information and products to trout fishermen with all levels of experience, while promoting catch and release trout fishing as a family sport
NC Natural - guide to North Carolina nature, entertainment, and culture
NCGuide.com - online guide to activities in North Carolina
webtransylvania.com - info on Transylvania County
Alex's Whitewater River Photos - Alex Harvey's site with some great whitewater photos and lots of whitewater videos
The Great Smokies - Adventures in North Carolina - personal site
North Carolina Outdoors - personal site
GoCashiers.com - an online guide to the Cashiers, North Carolina area
WaynesvilleLive.com - Waynesville, North Carolina's live local area community site with loads of Waynesville information and entertainment!
Hickory Nut Gorge News - news and events from the Lake Lure, Bat Cave, Chimney Rock area
Mountain Travel Guide - online guide to activities in mountain areas around the USA
Trails of Western North Carolina - personal site
These sites deal mostly with lodging, camping, and real estate in the area.
Adventure Village - cabin rentals, RV and tent sites, fly fishing, river adventures, a fishing pond and a whole lot more - located west of Brevard in the heart of waterfall country
Asheville Cabins, Cottages, and More - Whether you are looking for a private mountain cabin or cottage or a downtown Asheville experience we have what you are looking for. All locations are pet friendly!
Ash Grove Resort Cabins & Camping - Fully-equipped 1, 2 & 3BR cabins, secluded tent camping and RV sites located on 14 mountaintop acres less than 10 minutes from Dupont State Forest and downtown Brevard. Amenities include a hot tub, hiking trails, and our own small waterfall.
Rainbow Lake Resort - rustic elegance just south of Brevard, NC
Persimmon Creek Campground - New campground in Cherokee County west of Murphy on Hwy 64. Tent and full hook up, easy access, fishing, free WiFi, pets welcome
Camping North Carolina - lots of good info on camping and attractions all over the NC mountains
Catawba Falls Campground - RV and tent camping on the Catawba River in Old Fort. Very close to the elusive Catawba Falls
Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast - Waynesville North Carolina Bed and Breakfast where we are surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the quiet comforts in the mountains with us.
All Smoky Mountain Vacations - your one-stop internet guide for log cabin or chalet rentals, wedding chapels, bed and breakfast inns, luxury resort lodges, corporate meeting retreats, real estate, events and information about Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, Sevierville, Cosby and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Serendipity - A Mount Mitchell cabin rental
Cabin Fever - Secluded country cabins nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Saluda, NC
Smoky Mountain Mall - lots of good info on what to do and where to stay in the Smokies
Asheville Cozy Cabins - restored log cabins for rent in the Asheville area
Asheville Bed and Breakfasts - At Cumberland Falls: - The premier Asheville NC bed and breakfast. Pure luxury located 3 miles from the Biltmore House Estate in Western North Carolina. Jacuzzis, gardens, waterfalls, lavish gourmet breakfasts, fireplaces, massages, and the best luxury amenities. Romantic turn-of-the-century Victorian B and B in the historic district.
Biltmore Village Inn - A North Carolina Bed and Breakfast located in Historic Asheville North Carolina. Enjoy A North Carolina Vacation at the historic Biltmore Inn just a stones throw away from the Biltmore Estate!
Trout House Falls - A Secluded Cabin and Lodge… Private Waterfall and Wild Trout Stream …surrounded on two sides by 5,000 acre preserve… 12 miles from Brevard, NC
Asheville North Carolina Cabin Vacation Rentals - Luxurious antique cabin vacation rentals located in the mountains of Western North Carolina justJocassee Lodge - Private, new 4 bedroom waterfront home on Lake Jocassee for rent. Great views - 1/2 mile from Devil's Fork State Park.
The Waverly Inn - a Hendersonville Bed & Breakfast
Bear Lake Reserve - Discover Bear Lake Reserve vacation homes in North Carolina. Luxury Lake Homes and Mountain Homes are now available. Beautiful Smoky Mountain Real Estate and Property.
Pine Mountain Resort - a year round resort next to South Mountain State Park
Big Branch Cabins - 2 bedroom cabins for rent in a secluded area south of Brevard, NC
Maplecrest at Lake Jocassee - 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house for rent less than a mile from Devil's Fork State Park in SC
Luxury Asheville Cabin Rentals - 7 cabins on a private spring fed, stocked lake with hot tubs, fishing, trail rides.
Brookside at Ivy Knob - Secluded Asheville area timber-frame, off-the-grid vacation rental bordering Pisgah National Forest, 3 BR, 3.5 BA
Foxfire Mountain Cabins - The highest elevation lodging in South Carolina! These rental cabins in Caesar's Head are across the road from the trailhead to Raven Cliff Falls in the beautiful Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast - This Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast is a great place to come and enjoy Asheville. Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast is a 1905 English Tudor style home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, that overlooks an acre of lush grounds and woods and has been fully restored with elegance and grace. It is one of the most affordable Asheville NC bed and breakfasts.
Main Street Inn - Highlands, NC - Ranked #2 of best small inns of America - The Inn now offers 20 charming and cozy rooms with private baths, individual heating & air conditioning, direct-dial telephones, wireless Internet access and cable TV. Many have private balconies.
North Lodge on Oakland - Bed & Breakfast - Visiting Asheville? Looking for relaxation and convenience? Come to North Lodge and enjoy the peace and serenity of our 1904 house, nestled on an acre of gardens and featuring six tastefully appointed guest rooms.
Waterfall Hideaway - a cozy 2 bedroom log cabin near Elkin, NC and Stone Mountain State Park. Relax on the wrap around porch and enjoy the view of your very own 70' waterfall!
Dancing Sun Cabins - Located in beautiful Hot Springs, NC, these cabins are on a 74 acre farm surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest near the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy a hike to the beautiful Max Patch Mountain, then come back and relax in your own personal hot tub.
Vacation In Asheville - several excellent vacation rental properties in the Asheville area to choose from
Oakland Cottage B&B - a historic 5000 square foot home located 1.5 miles from the entrance to Biltmore House and 2 miles from downtown Asheville
Ash Mountain Cabin - a beautiful 2 bedroom vacation home located between Nantahala Village and the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Brown Mountain Lodge - pet and horse friendly 3 bedroom rental home on 11 acres in the Wilson Creek gorge area near the Mortimer campground - 4 horse barn
Luxurious Asheville Cabin Rentals - Asheville Cabin Rental Resort near the Biltmore Estate offers cabins and cottages for a North Carolina vacation in the NC Blue Ridge Mountains.Angel Cabins -
Angel Cabins offers affordable cabin rentals in
North Carolina located minutes away from
North Carolina
Smoky
Mountains National
Park . The cabins have a premium location, are
secluded, private and romantic. Our guests say that our NC rental cabins provide
great value.
The Cabins at Seven Foxes - Pet Friendly! 5 fully equipped cabins nestled in the heart of waterfall country - Lake Toxaway, NC.
Cabins.com - vacation cabins and chalet rentals - a large selection of rentals all over the North Carolina mountains
North Carolina Mountains Cabin Rentals - Rock Creek Cabins - North Carolina log cabin rentals. Bryson City , NC . Fully equipped cabins with hot tubs, fireplaces and breathtaking views. Many cabins are "pet friendly". Online availability and reservationsHummingbird Realty - Hummingbird Realty Vacation Rentals and Sales in the Land of Waterfalls
Asheville Bed and Breakfast - Dry Ridge Inn - We offer a relaxed small town ambiance only 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, NC and the Biltmore Estate. Enjoy Asheville, NC, then come out to a safe small town.
Limestone Cabin - Hot Springs, NC 100 year old remodeled log cabin with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River
Asheville NC Cabin Rentals - GSMVRO specializes in vacation cabin rentals in the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains regions of the Southeast U.S
These next sites have info on hiking around the USA
National Parked - information to help plan every part of a trip to one of the many National Parks in the USA
These next links have waterfall photos and info from North Carolina and other parts of the world. Some offer prints and other merchandise for sale.
Eastern Waterfall Database - a comprehensive and collective effort to record and provide information for waterfalls anywhere east of the Mississippi using Google Earth placemarks.
Jesse Richardson dot com - photos of many North and South Carolina waterfalls
Ron Anderson Photography - waterfall and outdoor photography
New England Waterfalls - new site about falls in the New England area
Waterfalls of North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains - excellent photos by Dan Heimsoth
some more great NC waterfalls photos - by David
Waterfalls of Northeastern United States
Jon Maloney's Waterfall Picures - nice photos of NC, SC, GA, and KY waterfalls
Dan's Waterfalls - Dan Weemhoff's Webshot's waterfall gallery - he's got NC waterfalls I haven't been to yet
carolinawaterfalls.com - North and South Carolina waterfalls by Larry Yeats
Greg Lief Photography - Pacific Northwest landscapes with beautiful waterfall images
NorthCarolinaPics.com - beautiful North Carolina images for sale
World of Waterfalls - waterfall photos, info, and travel stories from Johnny and Julie's worldwide travels
Next are sites with great photos, prints, or other Southern Appalachian artwork or crafts for sale. They don't necessarily have anything to do with waterfalls or NC, but ones I think you will enjoy.
Appalachian Designs - Extended line of custom designed rustic log furniture, accessories and art to beautify your log home, rustic home, western, mountain, Appalachian, country or log cabin home. Hand made, hand peeled and carved, hand hewn pine log furniture and stair railings. Appalachian Designs - since 1993. We create the sturdiest log furniture and stair railings and provide the best customer service. Lifetime guarantee. In-house designer.
Jessie's Garden of Wildflowers - photos of the wildflowers of the southern Appalachians
AmericanScapes - original framed photographic prints, greeting cards, and photo licensing
A S Hnatko Designs - fine art photography featuring waterfalls of the New York Fingerlakes Region
Love Fine Art - Paintings and wall art from California artists Paul and Susanne Renee Leasure
TibArt Images - A special collection of nature photographs, digital art, audio, poetry, essays, and much more by North Carolina artists and photographers
Four Forty-Six Photography - Fine art photography by Greg A Kiser