This is a beautiful park with a lovely walk near the creek. The outer bands of the hurricane just…read moreleft yesterday so the creek was really high but still beautiful! This is a nice way to get a little exercise and see something pretty in the process. Definitely stop by if you're ever in Bakersville! And while you're at it check out Southern Ridge Cafe because it's awesome and has all the things you could want for a snack or meal!

I love going to walk on the creek walk. Such a pretty walk, and very nice. My daughter loves it as…read morewell.

Stumbled upon this cute little park area as we were driving around exploring side roads from Old…read moreFort to Asheville. What a gem! This little community center seems to have a lot to offer: - The playground is a lot of fun- both our kids, ages 4 & 7, loved it! A well-kept wooden playground with swings (3 regular & 1 baby swing), a seesaw, a tire swing, and a big plastic sea monster for climbing. - Short paved walking loop with some benches, picnic tables and grill, and 1 of those little exercise stops and a creek flowing by (great for kids to splash around in!) - Large grassy field - Basketball court (half court) - Community garden - Large picnic table area with covered pavilion - Leashed dogs allowed (please pick up after them - there are poop bags along the sidewalk) The community center appears to be closed right now and I haven't checked out the website yet but there's a board with some info by the playground. It seems like they offer yoga classes (Free maybe? Says "donations accepted"), there's an ad for reiki healing, and a whole calendar of events for children and adults. This center definitely seems to run on donations and volunteers. We were happy to contribute to the painted metal donation post by the playground. Peaceful, safe, beautiful park areas like this are hard to find these days. We're passing through, as we're just frequent vacationers to the area, but I hope the community keeps up this little local gem!

Saturday Tony Vanoy and I went hiking at Linville Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville NC…read morearea. It was such a beautiful day! It was about a 2 mile loop if you go all the way to Erwin' View on the trail from the Visitors Center & parking lot where the bathrooms and gift shop is located. We had a lovely hiking adventure!

For the plunge basin trial. Even if it is just 0.7mi down, the trail is kinda difficult, because it…read moreis not well maintained. Many down trees across path and the path is narrow. I see family with kids can hike down to the basin and backup to the visitor center. That should give you some perspective on how challenging it is. Once you arrive at the beach on the bottom. Enjoy the view. You are surrounded by clear water and the gorge. If the water is warmer you can walk closer to the falls if you don't mind getting wet. I completed the whole route in 1hour with plenty of pictures taking opportunities Other trails to overlook and upper falls are pretty simple

So pretty! A lovely little stop. Just a short climb...:and for anyone you can't climb, you can see…read moremost of it from the rocks at the bottom.

I almost passed this spot entirely, and missing it would have been a real loss. Tucked across from…read morethe Ingles Market, a modest parking area and an understated sign conceal a striking series of cascading waterfalls. The path leading up the slope was carved out by volunteer firefighters, and while it is steep in places, it offers a rewarding climb with views that unfold as you ascend. It's medium difficulty. The park features a few picnic tables scattered near the base, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy the sound of rushing water. The falls themselves are double-tiered, flowing over rugged stone, and a natural rock bridge allows you to cross to the other side with reasonable footing. I had the place entirely to myself today, and despite the questionable wisdom of climbing solo, I made it up and back without incident. The experience was peaceful and memorable, and I left with a handful of beautiful photos and a sense of quiet satisfaction. Locally, the site is also known as Bobby McLean Memorial Park, named in tribute to a respected community figure whose legacy lives on in this serene corner of Newland. [Review 1222 of 2025 - 4407 in North Carolina - 24774 overall]

Not Too Bad Of A Hike. Very Rewarding Views At The End! Slippery When Wet. Wear The Proper Shoes!read more

You can't pay for views like this, and good news is... you don't have to!…read more Rough Ridge Overlook is a local *and* tourist hot spot for some of the best views in the state! I went there with some GFs for nature and the views, and it didn't dissapoint. Definiteluy put this spot on your map when planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain.

Great park for a picnic and play! Large playground suitable for all ages (even toddlers). Picnic…read moretables and benches. Walking paths along a little river. And a softball field.

Riverside Park is a scenic park located along the North Toe River in Spruce Pine. There's an access…read morebridge with lots of rustic character than can get you there from Locust Street in the downtown area, otherwise the main entrance is on Tappan Street. As I walked across the bridge, you could see small children and their families playing and splashing in the river. It was a hot day and I had to restrain myself from jumping in too! Plenty of sheltered picnic areas, walking trails, a playground, a baseball field and a fishing pier. I'm not sure what you catch around here - I'm guessing trout! A short walk through this park will do a body good and maybe even your spirit! Great little park!

The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.read more

Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not…read moremaintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state.

Completely and utterly agree with Jamie S. Best park I've found in Asheville as of yet!…read moreWooden structures on small "islands" separated by shallow creeks flow through this gorgeous playground. We went on a family adventure to explore Black Mountain and saw this adorable playground. The boys begged to be let out of their seats (even if it was 50 out and melting snow on the ground) to go play. I'm so glad we found time because I will drive the 30 minutes to get to this park again. My toddler apparently loves slides because he went down the Tree House Island slide multiple times. Middle went down to the creek and found out how freezing cold winter creek water is. So many trees, beautiful structures, picnic tables, gazebo. Whoever designed this park is a genius. Even though there is a creek it is easy to keep new walkers away from the edges and occupied elsewhere (mine is so CLUMSY and gives me heart attacks often throughout the day) I cannot wait to visit here during the summer - best splash area ever - and maybe have a few birthday parties.

One of the larger parks in the area and quite fun for the kids, at least according to my 9, 6, and…read more2yr old. Spaced out with plenty of room to run, different playground sets for kids to run between, and even a creek running through the middle that the kids can safely play in!

This fabulous huge park features five picnic shelters with tables and grills, two playgrounds, rest…read morerooms, a gazebo, lighted and paved walking trail, nature boardwalk, 24-hole disc golf course, canoe launch, horseshoe pits and a memorial garden. The walking is well utilized and is open year-round. It is a two mile long loop and leashed dogs are permitted on the trail. [Review 15404 overall, 907 of 2021, number 2954 in North Carolina.]

Beautiful park have had several get togethers and bday parties here, well kept clean safe feeling…read more Tranquil setting at some spots

Took the trail from Dennis Cove rd. Beautiful well maintained trail. Fairly moderate until the…read morefinal climb down. Very steep but plenty of places to rest. Definitely one of my favorite waterfalls hikes yet.

An amazing place with a lot of tiny trails on the side. Great for photography and even just to…read morerelax.