Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail, known simply as the “A.T.” among those who hike on it, is a 2174.1 mile-long scenic mountaintop footpath used by thousands of backpackers each year to fellowship with wilderness and to commune with nature. The A.T. circles around Heartwood providing easy access to the trail off Walnut Mountain Road just 2 miles from the development. You could hike south for an overnight trip to Carvers Gap on top of Roan Mountain State Park or north for a one day hike to Dennis Cove. To make it an overnight trip continue over the Watauga Dam along the Iron Mountain Range into Damascus, VA. Check trail maps for mileage and levels of difficulty before planning your hike on the A.T.
For more information visit:
http://www.trailplace.com/portal/index.php
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html
Virginia Creeper
The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 35 miles from Abingdon, VA thru Damascus, VA to the NC State Line near Whitetop, VA. Open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding it is an adventure you don’t want to miss. You can ride up the Creeper for a more challenging journey or just relax, coast down and take in the gorgeous surroundings of waterfalls, trees, meadows and mother nature at her finest.
For more information visit:
http://www.vacreepertrail.com/
Watauga Lake
Beautiful Watauga Lake has 106 miles of shoreline and was created in 1942 by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and Appalachian Mountains. Fly fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming are among the many ways to enjoy this wonderful lake. There are 6 marinas around the lake with everything from jet skis to 40 foot sailboats. Pioneer Landing and Fish Springs Marina are the 2 closest marinas to Heartwood, only a short 20 minute drive. Pioneer Landing (423) 768-3164 Fish Springs (423) 768-2336
For more information visit:
http://www.tva.gov/sites/watauga.htm
http://www.recreation.gov
Snow Skiing
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Located in Blowing Rock, NC and just 1 hour drive from Heartwood. Appalachian Ski Mountain welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all skills and styles. It is the premier winter resort for families and groups in the Blue Ridge region of North Carolina.
For more information visit:
http://appskimtn.com/
Beech Mountain
Ski Beech is the highest ski resort in Eastern North America at 5506 ft. above sea level. Ski Beech offers activities for all members of your group or family. Day and night skiing. Ski Beech is approximately an hour drive from Heartwood.
For more information visit:
http://www.skibeech.com
Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort is the larges ski area in North Carolina. With 115 acres,
Sugar has 20 trails and 8 lifts. Sugar is the only resort with a 1200 ft. vertical!
The mountain terrain accomodates skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
For more information visit:
http://www.skisugar.com
Fly Fishing
The Elk River and Watauga River offer some of the finest fly fishing in the East.
There are several area schools and guides available. We have listed a few of these below:
Foscoe Fishing Company Schools and Trips
Located between Boone and Banner Elk, Foscoe Fishing is North Carolina’s only Orvis endorsed outfitter and dealer. A favorite among locals and has been serving fly fisherman for 15 years.(828) 295-7636 or on the web at www.foscoefishing.com
Appalachian Angler Outfitter and Guide Service/Schools and Trips
Located off Highway 105 near Hound Ears Club, the Appalachian Angler has been dedicated to guiding and outfitting fly fisherman in the High Country for 20 years. Their cozy shop is stocked full with fly tying materials, books, and accessories but guiding is their specialty. Give them a call at (828) 963-5050 or visit on the web at www.appalachianangler.com
Whitetop Laurel Fly Shop & Outfitter/Trips and Schools
Located in beautiful Ashe County, but only a twenty minute drive from Boone, Whitetop Laurel is a full service outfitter specializing in guided trips for brown, brook, and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth bass, throughout Ashe County and southern Virginia. Please call (336) 246-FISH or visit on the web at www.whitetop.com
Blue Ridge Parkway
Hiking Trails
Trails located along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer hikers just about any level of trekking their hearts might desire. Some trails are long and challenging, others are short loops leading to waterfalls or scenic vistas. For more information call (828) 295-7591 or (828) 295-3782.
Moses Cone Memorial Park (milepost 293-295)
Moses Cone Park is home to the Cone Manor, a lovely home that has been turned into the Southern Highlands Craft Guild’s Parkway Craft Center. It includes a visitor center which can be reached at (828) 295-3782. Throughout the season, local craftspeople exhibit their arts and crafts. The Park also has 25 miles of carriage trails for curious visitors to explore on foot or horseback.
Linville Falls (milepost 316.5)
The grand finale as the Parkway leaves the High Country is the magnificent Linville Falls. The waterfalls at Linville are breathtaking and are accessible by a number of short trails. The campground is open year-round. For more information, contact Linville Falls Visitor Center at (828) 765-1045.
Grandfather Mountain (milepost 298-305)
Grandfather Mountain is the crown jewel of the Parkway. This area is replete with awesome views and hiking trails, and the road itself is a tremendous sight.
Julian Price Park (milepost 295-299)
Price Park has 4200 acres and has much to offer. An amphitheater, picnic area, campground, and canoe rentals, as well as 25 miles of hiking trails. Price Lake is excellent for fishing, no motor boating or swimming is allowed. Anyone over 16 who holds a pole should also hold a state license.
Golf
Boone Golf Club
Synonymous with “Olde Towne” this course, created in 1958 by Ellis Maples, was updated for the purpose of bridge widening on perimeter road. This update made for a better layout than the original and greatly improved the course. 4pm rate with cart just $23 through Thanksgiving close date. (828) 264-6397
Hawksnest Golf
Located between Boone and Banner Elk at 4,200 feet above sea level, the Hawksnest layout courses through a mountain valley that’s stunning in the fall. Interesting variety of holes, true mountain feel, and quirky greens that defy gravity. Lots of fun and affordable. Closes when snow makers fire up. (828) 963-6561
Roan Valley Golf Estates
An 18 hole golf course designed in 1983 by Dan Maples located in Mountain City, approximately 45 minutes from Heartwood. Consists of expansive flat holes then gives way to very hilly and steep terrain. Lower altitude spells milder temps in October and later peak in fall color. Close around Thanksgiving. (423) 727-7931
Mountain Glen Golf Club
Located outside Newland, North Carolina this course is approximately 30 minutes from Heartwood across Walnut Mountain. This is a favorite Cobb design playable day in and
day out. Closes October 31st. (828) 733-5804