Recreation

While there’s plenty of activity and entertainment available at Lonesome Valley, for those interested in additional recreation, you don’t have to look far. Just beyond Lonesome Valley’s gates are opportunities for adventure that most folks would have to buy a plane ticket for. And if your willing to venture a bit further, the outdoor options become downright mind boggling.

Lonesome Valley’s proximity to this adventure wonderland is rivaled only by the variety of locally available activities. Between the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests there are over a million acres of nature waiting to be mountain biked, hiked, rafted, rappelled, snowboarded and spelunked. In most cases, the only “cost of admission” to this storied realm is a sturdy pair of hiking boots and a water bottle.

Unfurling across these Southern Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway  serves as a scenic introduction to our mountains. Skirting along ridge tops and dropping down into fog shrouded coves,  “America’s Favorite Drive” offers dramatic overlooks around every bend.  Need to stretch your legs? Just pull over. From just about anywhere on this route, it’s possible to pick up the thread of the Mountains to Sea hiking trail.

Whether your favorite pastime is paddling whitewater or wetting a line,  numerous high country rivers and tributaries offer plenty of places to splash down. From Spring to Fall, the French Broad, Nantahala, Nolichuky, Chattooga, Ocoee and Tuckaseigee Rivers are speckled with rafts and kayaks bounding through the Class II, III and IV rapids. And on the creeks and streams that branch off the Davidson, Whitewater, Pigeon and Mills Rivers, fly fisherman of every stripe work secret fishing holes that are guarded like prized inheritances.

For winter sports, look no further than Sapphire Valley Ski Area, which offers intermediate and beginner runs for downhill and snowboarding along with snow-tubing fun for the whole family.

Golfers can choose from several championship courses, including Bear Lake Reserve, Smoky Mountain Country Club, Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley, Maggie Valley Club & Resort, High Hampton Inn and Country Club  and Sapphire National.

Below you’ll find links to many of our favorite outfitters, guides and day-trip destinations. Then orient yourself with a good map (the sturdy National Geographic topographic of the Pisgah Ranger District, No. 780, is a handy one to start with) and hit the trail.