Celo Valley Retreat Guidebook
Our Favorite local Waterfalls
About a 25 min. drive (14 miles) from our Retreat to a most lovely and short, fairly strenuous hike (little less then a mile) to the falls. A good trail and most delightful waterfall at the end.
155 locals recommend
Crabtree Falls
39000 Blue Ridge PkwyAbout a 25 min. drive (14 miles) from our Retreat to a most lovely and short, fairly strenuous hike (little less then a mile) to the falls. A good trail and most delightful waterfall at the end.
Only 7 miles, (about 13 minutes) from our retreat to the trailhead, and a 3/4 mile easy hike to the Falls. There are more falls in this area than I can list, but these give you a sampling. Ask and I'll point you to more.
45 locals recommend
Roaring Fork Falls Trailhead
208 Busick Work Center RdOnly 7 miles, (about 13 minutes) from our retreat to the trailhead, and a 3/4 mile easy hike to the Falls. There are more falls in this area than I can list, but these give you a sampling. Ask and I'll point you to more.
Local Nature Parks and Recreation Areas
This campground and park are just up the road, only several minutes from us- and sits right by the South Toe River, which is great for tubing, and wading in large pools.
41 locals recommend
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area
6000 NC-80This campground and park are just up the road, only several minutes from us- and sits right by the South Toe River, which is great for tubing, and wading in large pools.
About 45 min. from our Retreat (25 miles). An awe inspiring area with breath taking views and miles of hiking trails. Lots to see and do in the park, incl. nature exhibits and more. This mountain is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
414 locals recommend
Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 NC-128About 45 min. from our Retreat (25 miles). An awe inspiring area with breath taking views and miles of hiking trails. Lots to see and do in the park, incl. nature exhibits and more. This mountain is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
One of the best views in the area after a short 1/2 mile easy walk to the lookout. 29 miles from us (about 45 min.) right off the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Mt. Mitchell. Well worth the drive. Right next to it is Craggy Gardens, a delight to nature lovers.
143 locals recommend
Craggy Pinnacle Hike
3641 Blue Ridge PkwyOne of the best views in the area after a short 1/2 mile easy walk to the lookout. 29 miles from us (about 45 min.) right off the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Mt. Mitchell. Well worth the drive. Right next to it is Craggy Gardens, a delight to nature lovers.
Roan Mountain is not one mountain, but a five-mile ridge top that ranges in elevation from a lofty 6,286 ft. at Roan High Knob to a low of 5,500 ft. at Carver’s Gap, near Bakersville, NC. The Appalachian Trail crosses the grassy summits and affords wonderful panoramic mountain views during the ridge top hike. It's famous for the massive native Catawba Rhododendron display of blooms each June. The unique terrain also creates a rare and beautiful ecosystem.
There are two distinct sections to explore Roan. For the best hiking, park at Carver's Gap near the North Carolina / Tennessee state line and hike east (across the road) atop the grassy summits of Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge - five miles round-trip. Or drive two miles from Carver's Gap into the Roan Mountain Recreation Area ($3/car, open summer months), part of Pisgah National Forest, for a picnic area, restrooms, paved half-mile trail through rhododendron gardens and a hike to Roan High Bluff overlook.
Epic Five Mile Hike Across the Balds
This is definitely one of our favorite hikes in western North Carolina, and it's one of most spectacular sections of the Appalachian Trail! You can hike as little or as much as you like, and then turn around. It's only 3/4 mile to the first bald with spectacular vistas. Go all the way to Grassy Ridge Bald for an unforgettable five-mile trek (with a total of about 1,200 ft. in elevation gain as you ascend and descend the balds).
67 locals recommend
Roan Mountain
Roan Mountain is not one mountain, but a five-mile ridge top that ranges in elevation from a lofty 6,286 ft. at Roan High Knob to a low of 5,500 ft. at Carver’s Gap, near Bakersville, NC. The Appalachian Trail crosses the grassy summits and affords wonderful panoramic mountain views during the ridge top hike. It's famous for the massive native Catawba Rhododendron display of blooms each June. The unique terrain also creates a rare and beautiful ecosystem.
There are two distinct sections to explore Roan. For the best hiking, park at Carver's Gap near the North Carolina / Tennessee state line and hike east (across the road) atop the grassy summits of Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge - five miles round-trip. Or drive two miles from Carver's Gap into the Roan Mountain Recreation Area ($3/car, open summer months), part of Pisgah National Forest, for a picnic area, restrooms, paved half-mile trail through rhododendron gardens and a hike to Roan High Bluff overlook.
Epic Five Mile Hike Across the Balds
This is definitely one of our favorite hikes in western North Carolina, and it's one of most spectacular sections of the Appalachian Trail! You can hike as little or as much as you like, and then turn around. It's only 3/4 mile to the first bald with spectacular vistas. Go all the way to Grassy Ridge Bald for an unforgettable five-mile trek (with a total of about 1,200 ft. in elevation gain as you ascend and descend the balds).
Sightseeing
Especially interesting for old mountain history lovers. Only about 10 minutes from us. This mine/village has the most fascinating free museum of Old mining and mountain lore as well as a tour you pay for. Well worth the short drive. Also you can
62 locals recommend
Emerald Village
331 McKinney Mine RdEspecially interesting for old mountain history lovers. Only about 10 minutes from us. This mine/village has the most fascinating free museum of Old mining and mountain lore as well as a tour you pay for. Well worth the short drive. Also you can
Only 10 - 15 min. to the Blue Ridge Parkway from our Retreat, you can travel both North or South to amazing overlooks all along the way. Just driving the parkway is a treat in itself.
757 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge ParkwayOnly 10 - 15 min. to the Blue Ridge Parkway from our Retreat, you can travel both North or South to amazing overlooks all along the way. Just driving the parkway is a treat in itself.
Experience Mountain Bluegrass and fiddle music for free, white you eat home made fudge, and hand dipped ice cream. See and taste the many other treats and items of historic interest, as well as apples from their own orchard. You won't want to miss the tractor pulled hay rides with historic mountain story telling . Only 25 minutes from us, just North on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
68 locals recommend
The Orchard at Altapass
3 Orchard RdExperience Mountain Bluegrass and fiddle music for free, white you eat home made fudge, and hand dipped ice cream. See and taste the many other treats and items of historic interest, as well as apples from their own orchard. You won't want to miss the tractor pulled hay rides with historic mountain story telling . Only 25 minutes from us, just North on the Blue Ridge Parkway.