It's not a huge hiking trail (maybe a mile total) but the terrain is very hills and technical. We…read morewent when the ground was a little snowy/icy, so I would recommend hiking boots for the excursion. The views and scenery are fabulous. There are waterfalls and streams and tons of rocks to climb for fun photos. My only wish was to have a picnic area near the parking area so that we could enjoy a picnic and then a family walk together.

Some friends and I met in Boone and were looking for a nearby trail that was not too long (before…read moreThanksgiving food). Otter Falls was a good fit. It wasn't too crazy with bunches of rocks or too "woodsy," but there is a good sized hill when you get close to the waterfall. There's a platform that you can take a few steps down onto for photos along with some other spots you can Instagram from. Given COVID, I recommend waiting for groups to come up the steps before going down. Note: There are not a ton of parking spaces at the trail head (maybe 15), so be prepared to possibly park along the road.

Worth It 10 Times Over $30.42…read more Grandfather Mountain was the highlight of my trip to the North Carolina mountains and worth every penny. The experience starts the moment you arrive. The staff is organized, friendly, and efficient. They provide a map and a self-guided audio tour that plugs right into your car, making it easy to learn about the mountain as you drive from stop to stop. My advice: arrive before 11 a.m. and check Blue Ridge Parkway closures before you leave. There are still detours and road closures that can add significant time to your drive, and you don't want to miss your entry time. I headed straight to the top for the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The weather was classic mountain weather--cool temperatures in the 50s and 60s with fog drifting across the peaks. Even with the clouds rolling through, the views were absolutely stunning. If stairs are a concern, there's an elevator that takes visitors up to the bridge level. Afterward, I worked my way down the mountain, stopping at Split Rock before exploring the Wildlife Habitats. This area exceeded my expectations. I saw black bears, elk, a cougar, bald eagles, river otters, and plenty of butterflies. The botanical gardens were beautiful and everything was clearly marked and easy to navigate. The entire property is exceptionally well maintained. Clean restrooms at both the summit and wildlife center were an added bonus. I arrived around 10:30 a.m. and left shortly after noon, which gave me plenty of time to see everything at a comfortable pace. You could easily spend longer if you enjoy hiking or lingering at the exhibits. As someone escaping the summer heat in Charlotte, the cool mountain air alone was worth the drive. If you're visiting western North Carolina, put Grandfather Mountain on your bucket list. The scenery, wildlife, organization, and educational experience make it one of the best attractions in the region. There's a big world out there to explore. This is one place that's absolutely worth the trip.

Nice park and mountain, but $37 PER PERSON? With NO…read moresignage/pricing posted anywhere ... yikes I could understand for something like Yosemite or Yellowstone, but just a state park ...tough pill to swallow especially when it's not posted anywhere. I was planning to hike with some friends and we were going to start at one of the other lots but the roads were closed leaving us no choice but to enter the park. I really just wish the pricing/fees were posted somewhere-anywhere- because they weren't online or on the park signs out front. Had to pull up to the gate/window and even then the park ranger seemed to want to withhold that information as long as possible. The actual park is beautiful and well maintained- and you do get an audio guide plus map upon entry. But the lack of transparency here is a hard no for me. @azfitfoodfun

Don't let the name fool you. It's not really a swinging bridge - but it does creak. And those…read moresounds are a bit alarming as you're hiking up Grandfather Mountain. Admission to the mountain is $25/person. And it's highly recommended you pre-pay online, especially during tourist season when spots fill up. To get to Mile High Swinging Bridge, you pay the admission and can park in the various areas. The top of the mountain does have a parking lot, a gift shop, and restrooms; but the top parking lot fills up. So we parked farther down and did the 20-30 minute hike up. Take a lot of pics during your nervous walk across the bridge. Great views as you're 5,280 feet above sea level. Also, do not wear flip flops! I see a lot of people, even little kids, running around the top of the mountain with flip flops. What in the world?!

So totally worth it. The town is wonderful. We enjoyed just the approach to the mountain…read more Grandfather Mountain is very cool with a legendary history. The swinging bridge was just another jewel in their crown of glory. I totally recommend it for young and Old the Vista points are stupendous. And there's a really wonderful video to watch and a nature center, and even some animals to catch up with.

This is a beautiful lake in a beautiful park. The lake is suitable for trout fishing and has…read moreseveral docks. There are covered picnic areas. A small sandy beach is near the parking area.

IF this is the same Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk near Lees McCrae College and Grandfather Mountain…read morehome, it's not permanently closed. I went there multiple times this summer (2019). It does close today, Labor Day 2019, for the Winter months (the water will be way too cold for swimming, so no use to pay lifeguards) but reopens every summer.

We had a fabulous time with Jesse caving. The cave itself was pretty diverse. Most of it had a high…read moreceiling so it never felt claustophobic. There is lots of water, so wear clothes and shoes that you may never get clean again - fair warning. If you have mobility issues, I'd avoid this one. Otherwise, go and enjoy. You will absolutely love it. The cave is pretty amazing.

After drying off and getting into dry clothes they play a prank on you and spray you with water. So…read morenow I have to sit in wet clothes for an hour ride back to the base. Like, do that when I'm still soaking wet but let me get dry and be dry.

Our family had an amazing time with Edge of the World Whitewater Rafting. From start to finish, the…read moreentire experience was a blast. All of the guides were incredible -- fun, energetic, and the kind of people who make the trip feel special. The bus ride was a little long, but honestly, they turned it into part of the entertainment. Their performances kept everyone laughing and engaged, and it set the tone for the rest of the adventure. Once we hit the rapids, it was nonstop excitement. The time you get to actually spend in the water is the best part -- thrilling, refreshing, and exactly what you hope for in a whitewater trip. And of course, the guides' performances along the way made it even better. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and a perfect family adventure. Highly recommend.

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST! What a fun group of rafting guides. We had a massive group with some little…read moreones and were looking for a rafting guide that could accommodate us all, and we found it. Little did we know it was going to be the best rafting experience we've had. Not the most insane class 7000 rapids but the level of hospitality and just general experience made this such a good trip. Go book a tour with them right now, stop reading, no really stop reading and go book.

An enjoyable trip from the Wilbur Dam down the river. Our guide, Daniel, was very personable &…read moreknowledgeable. We really enjoyed his conversation & information about the river. Trip was about 2+ hrs. We stopped for snacks & water & a bathroom break. Also an opportunity to jump into an area of still water. Rope swing & slide available as well. It was a rainy afternoon, we were provided ponchos. Water guns also included! Which was fun for the teenager in our group !

We had a wonderful experience rafting on the Watauga River. Our guide, Jerry, was really great. He…read morewas very knowledgeable, fun and informative. The owner was Teresa was super friendly. She took many photos of us along with our guide that she sent us for free. They even loaned us a hat to wear on the river! I highly recommend Watauga Kayak Tours & Outfitters!

The reward of the spider lilies after (easy) paddling is so amazing. It is even prettier in person…read morethan in pictures, and going through the lily maze in the water puts you right up close. It's the best way to experience this short-lived phenomenon. Our group was small, the crew members were informative, helpful, and very friendly. The trip was very well-organized and worth every penny. I would definitely recommend this trip with NCOA.

As an experienced paddler, I expected professionalism from a kayaking provider for the Rocky Shoals…read morespider lilies. I booked in March, received an automated confirmation then had to email the company three days prior to the end of May trip for an updated confirmation bc our trip day coincided with a festival. It was then our group received confirmations three days prior to our trip. - Our group of 10 included novice kayakers & no instruction was given to them. Several struggled on the River. - Incorrect information about the lilies was given on the trip. At least have educated guides! - Our lead guide left us so we had no idea which way to maneuver through the lilies. My friend & I assisted two paddlers who said they were uneasy. After leaving a poor review on the business's FB to alert novices this is probably not the best outfit to take you kayaking, I received snarky responses from the owner (including a phone call), called a bully for posting my accurate account of the trip & then bullied by the owner's friends for my negative review. With that, I say AVOID THIS BUSINESS!! They are unprofessional. An organization is only as good as it's leader & it's no wonder this is a trash operation.