Blue Ridge Parkway. Offers a scenic drive with overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers.

Chimney Rock Park. Chimney Rock. (800) 277-9611. Breath-taking views, 404-foot waterfall, rock formations, nature trails.

Cradle of Forestry. Pisgah Forest. (828) 877-3130. The birthplace of forestry in America. Guided trails, historical buildings, logging locomotive and sawmill, craft demonstrations.

DuPont State Forest. Cedar Mountain. (828) 877-6527. Features four waterfalls – High Falls, Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Consists of 10,256 acres of forestland where you can enjoy walking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing (state license required).

North Carolina Arboretum. Asheville. 828-665-2492. Located on 426 acres in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest. Offers classes, workshops, and seminars as well as beautiful grounds, trails and walkways. Handicapped-accessible.