Self-Guided Walks & Tours
Walk along creeks and rivers, among hardwood forests, and to the top of 6,285 ft. high Roan Mountain. Experience this unique natural wonderland!
Bakersville Area
Penland School of Craft
Penland School of Craft is dedicated to helping people live creative lives. An approximate 8.5 mile drive southeast of Bakersville, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also offers artists’ residencies, community collaboration programs, and a gallery and information center. Self-guided tours are available to visitors. A PDF map (see the link, below) shows the destinations and provides guidelines for visitors.
Get a Google Map to Penland | Get a PDF Map of Self-Guided Tours | Penland School of Craft Website ​
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Roan Mountain Rhododendron Gardens and Appalachian Trail
Roan Mountain is the second highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The rhododendrons in bloom peak usually in the third week of June and are a must-see. Easy trails wind among this largest rhododendron forest in the world. Also, the Appalachian Trail goes along the ridge line of "The Roan," as locals call it. The AT in both directions from that area and the world class scenery can be a memorable self-guided walk.
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Spruce Pine Area
Eric L. Gressel Memorial Trails at The Orchard at Altapass
The Orchard is a nonprofit foundation that preserves the heritage, regional traditions, culture, and land on which all was created. The apples are of the traditional heirloom varieties and some of the trees are over 100 years old at still producing. Trails vary in difficulty. Here's a map of the trails. There's a general store, pick your own if you'd like, a grill, live music and other things to do. Check the Orchard's website as activities vary by the season and some trails may be unavailable due to hurricane Helene.
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