Linville Caverns - Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions

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Big Bear Cabin is located within 5 minutes of the Orchard at Altapass, 10 minutes of the areas best gem mining, 15 minutes of the nationally acclaimed Penland School of Crafts, 10 minutes of the beautiful Linville Falls Recreation Area, 25 minutes of Mount Mitchell, 45 minutes of the ski slopes, 20 minutes of Grandfather Mountain and 10 minutes of Linville Caverns.

Attractions

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Our Spruce Pine NC cabin is located right in the heart of all the exciting attractions that abound in Western North Carolina. Our area is full of cultural and recreational activities that draw thousands of visitors each year. The rich culture of the Appalachian Mountains ensures that a unique festival is just around the corner, no matter what time of year you visit. Take a look at our Festivals and Events page to learn more about the numerous cultural events that take place each year in and around Spruce Pine NC.

The mountains themselves provide a unique beauty that few other areas of the country can match. Grandfather Mountain is North Carolina’s top scenic attraction, and is famous for it’s breathtaking views, mile high swinging bridge, and wildlife preserve. It is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range and the only private park in the world to be designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Guests can drive their vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to participate in a variety of activities. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which was built in an effort to give visitors easy access to the unparalleled scenery from Linville Peak. The bridge is 228 feet long and spans an 80 foot chasm at over a mile in elevation, and offers 360 degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges. In addition, the mountain also offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of native wildlife in environmental habitats, such as black bear, river otters, cougars, bald and golden eagles, and white tailed deer. The mountain also features 11 hiking trails varying in difficulty from an easy walk through the woods to a rigorous climb through rugged peaks.

Linville Caverns is another popular natural attraction near Spruce Pine. First discovered in the 1800’s by two fishermen who noticed trout in the stream leading into the mountain, the caverns were opened to the public commercially in 1939 by John Q. Gilkey. Visitors can go on a guided tour through the caverns to see the numerous natural formations created by limestone deposits from water flowing through the caves. The caverns remain active, as mineral deposits continue to form the stalactites and stalagmites that you see when you visit the caverns. During the winter and early spring, you may even get a chance to see an Eastern Pipistrelle Bat which hibernates in the caves.

The Blue Ridge Parkway provides numerous opportunities to see some beautiful spots throughout the mountains, one of the more popular being Linville Falls near the Wilson Creek Wilderness area. The road to the falls turns at mile post 316.4 and dead ends at the visitor’s center. There are 2 main trails to follow once your reach the visitor’s center. Erwin’s View Trail is the most popular; it is a 1.6 mile, moderately difficult trail. The first viewing area is at .5 miles and shows you the small double falls above the main falls. Go another two-tenths of a mile to see the Chimney View – the first view of the main falls. You also get a great view of the Linville River and the gorge below the falls. The trail ends .8 miles from the visitor’s center and gives you a fantastic aerial view of the falls and surrounding forest. The best views are found on the trail that leads to the bottom of the falls, which is a bit more difficult. The forest is much thicker through here, but in the end your are awarded for your efforts by some up-close views of the falls thundering into the Linville River. There are numerous Blue Ridge Parkway attractions located in Western North Carolina to add excitement to your NC Mountain vacation.

The Orchard at Altapass is another popular attraction for those visiting our Spruce Pine cabin. This is a 100 year old apple orchard sitting right on the Blue Ridge Parkway and providing some of the most amazing scenery around. Here you can enjoy traditional mountain music, home made ice cream and fudge, shop for local crafts, and sample their delicious jams, jellies, sauces, and sweets! You can even take a hayride through the orchard to enjoy the picture perfect views while you listen to the history of the land Altapass calls home. The Orchard is open to the public from mid-May through October, and is closed on Tuesdays. Bring the family; you’re sure to have a great time!

Grandfather Mountain Entrance: 828-733-4337 Nature Museum: 828-733-1059 Gift Shop: 828-733-2800	Linville Caverns 19929 US 221 North Marion, NC 28752 800-419-0540
The Orchard at Altapass 1025 Orchard Road Milepost 328.3 on the Parkway 888-765-9531	Penland School of Crafts 67 Doras Trail Penland, NC 28765 828-765-2359 828-765-6211 (gallery)


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