Newland

Just before reaching Yellow Gap, note a Forest Service Road to your left. This takes you to the "Barn", an old barn that has been converted into an Appalachian Trail shelter. Continue north on Overmountain Trail for another few hundred feet, and you will reach Yellow Gap and the junction with the AT. You will note that the Overmountain Trail continues north into Tennessee. For this hike though,...

Flat Rock Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Linville, North Carolina.

Flat Rock Trail is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 308. There is a pull-off from the Parkway with a sign designating the location. There are several picnic tables around the pull-off, but I would recommend taking your lunch up to Flat Rock. The wide, clear trail is practically flat and easily traveled. Follow the yellow arrows to the overlook. After a quarter-mile, you will encou...

Sugar Mountain Ski Area is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Mile High Swinging Bridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Linville, North Carolina.

Grandfather Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Linville, North Carolina.

Raven Rocks Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Linville, North Carolina.

If you're feeling frisky, set your alarm for the early am and park at the Beacon Heights Parking area about 30 minutes before dawn. Put on your head lamp and hike the short trip to Beacon Heights, bask in the glory of the warm morning sun, then head back down and connect with the Tanawha Trail. As you leave Beacon Heights be sure to look up and see Grandfather Mountain smiling down on you - he'...

Beacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but veer left to enjoy the perfect sunrise. You will know you're in the right spot when you see a lone...