Day 7: Blue Ridge Parkway, N.C.

Today was our nature day. We decided to take the long way to Virginia, and hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For most of our ride, it was b-e-a-utiful weather. I wish I wasn’t the one driving, because all I wanted to do was look and see all the amazing picturesque views with every turn we made. It must be an amazing site to see in autumn. I pulled over at least five times so I could have a chance to look around the corners. We did hit one very foggy area. Most people would hate fog on a windy road like the Blue Ridge Parkway; I actually got very excited. Do you realize the cool photos I could take? Like I said, the rest of the drive was perfect, so a little fog really didn’t disrupt any views. Take a look at those foggy photos above!

While traveling the Parkway, we made two stops: one at the beginning, and one at the end, well end for us. The first stop was Craggy Gardens. Unfortunately, we just missed the peak rhododendron bloom season. They generally peak in the second or third week in June, and we were there at the end of the third week. It was so upsetting. That hike must be gorgeous during the full bloom! Even without the rhododendrons in bloom, the hike was still enjoyable. The hike is insanely easy, and even though there isn’t much to see at the summit, you still get that hiker’s high. The fresh air and open spaces at the top make you feel alive!

Then the last spot on the Parkway was Catawba Falls. This isn’t actually on the Parkway, but it’s only a couple miles off in Old Fort, N.C. I was actually going to cut this out of our trip because we were running extremely late, but I had read some great reviews, and I really didn’t want to pass this up. You have no idea how happy I was when we got to the falls. THEY ARE HUGE! And they are gorgeous. This was the highlight of everybody’s day – but first, let me tell you about the hike there. The trail starts at an great trail head, with a parking lot and bathrooms. Shortly after heading out on the trail, we came across the Catawba River. It was very beautiful in and of itself. They had just built a bridge to cross the river, and that coupled with the few rhododendrons in bloom made for a very scenic view. It almost looked like something you’d see painted on a canvas in an art gallery. After stopping to take some pictures of a old ruins and the nice scenery, we crossed the bridge and continued our journey. There seems to be quite a few little side trails and a couple of nice spots where you can catch glimpses of the waterfalls. We didn’t partake in these, due to time constraints, but in any future trips I make here, I’ll be sure to add those to my hike. As we continued along, the sound of rushing water grew louder. While the hike itself is fairly short (1.5 miles one way), I was growing impatient, I was excited to see the falls! Thankfully there was an adorable dog we followed for most of the way up. He was not on a leash, which normally is not acceptable, but he was very obedient. Whenever another dog came by, he’d head over to his owners and wait to be leashed. He never went up to any other people, unless they seemed interested in petting him. And he never strayed too far from Mommy and Daddy. This was my favorite characteristic. He’d venture along without them, but as soon as they were out of site, he’d travel back down and meet up with them. I wish that my dog was this obedient, but no, she is a coonhound, and once she gets on a scent, no amounts of bacon will get her attention. Anyway, back to the hike. This little dog entertained me the whole way to the falls. Before I knew it, we were standing in front of this beautiful cascade of water, flowing over boulders and mosses. It was almost angelic!

We just stood there in awe for a bit. Then I saw a couple people climbing up even higher. I didn’t know there was a trail that continued. So I decided I’d head up there for a good photo-op. For anyone reading this, who may try this hike some day, be extremely careful! I wish I had known then what I know now. A man died a few days before our visit there. The climb is very steep, very wet, and very rocky. It is very dangerous. They say there are signs discouraging climbing, but if I had seen them, I wouldn’t have climbed up there. So really, be careful!

 

 

 

After I got down from the top of the falls, we reluctantly headed back to the car. Our next stop was Charlotte, to visit Kristina’s coworkers at ESPN. We didn’t spend much time there, so I’m not going to say much about Charlotte. But I must say, if you are ever in Greenville, Asheville, or Charlotte, you need to eat at Tupelo Honey Cafe. The food was delicious. I had the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and Brussels sprouts. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. If only I could order it and have it delivered to me in New York.