What a gorgeous park, even in the winter time…read more Since it's winter when I visited, I can't review all of the incredible summer time water sports but I know this park can get busy then. Winter was in incredible time to visit, easy parking, a chance to chat with the staff at the visitor center, and walk around. The lake is beautiful. I've heard that this area did get some hurricane/ storm damage but everything needed to drive around is up and running! Make a plan to visit next time you're nearby. It's about 1 hour drive from downtown Asheville.

This has the look of one of those parks formed around a dam. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for…read morehydroelectric power, but artificial lakes always feel like they're lacking a certain mystique. This park had an impressive visitor center and restrooms were open even after it closed, though neighboring water fountains were not functioning on a hot summer day. The trail I selected was rugged and had occasional waterside views, most notably on a footbridge that offered a mountain vista. Cell service was not great for me, and while I'd hoped to do a zoom meeting on the run I had to return to more urban areas. But if you actually want to get unplugged, the people on boats here appeared to be having a good time.

Nice close place Worth short drive and easy walk and was…read moreable to bring kids or older parents

Really beautiful place. The admission was $5 per adult, and it was well worth it. There were other…read morevisitors, but it wasn't overwhelming. The gentleman who helped us was very kind and gave us a map of the trail and grounds. There are picnic tables and benches around. The trail is very easy to walk. There are steps along the way. I have a bad knee, but nothing was very strenuous. The trail is lined with a creek that makes it's way to the falls. There are two different spots to have different views and take photos. I found being here very peaceful. The weather was a bit chilly and very windy otherwise I would've loved to sit there longer. Really important bit of info..... there are no restrooms available so use the facilities somewhere if you need to before arriving. I would recommend visiting! It's been on my list for a while.

This is easily one of the coolest and most beautiful parks I have taken my children to. Both…read morecreative and esthetically pleasing, you really must bring your children here. Restrooms are here as well.

The kids and I love this place. Listen...I've lived in several states, I've seen all types of…read moreparks...this place does NOT disappoint. There are so many unique and completely fun pieces of playground equipment. Rope walks, sliding swings, rope wall, etc. Additionally there are great picnic areas and shelters, grills, and a zip line course. But also a greenway to ride bikes or walk yourself or your pups. And, let's add the multiple baseball fields that are a great place to practice with your peers or your kiddos. I absolutely recommend this gem. Its an awesome, FREE, place to spend a beautiful day in Morganton.

We circled the entire garden from the outside once to try to find an access point without stairs…read moreand found none. Hence, 4 stars. I ended up leaving the stroller on top and climbed down the stairs with my toddler. It is a beautiful, quaint place. I'm sure it can be very peaceful when coming at the right time. I visited in the evening, but with children, so not exactly peaceful and quiet. I can see why this location has so many photo sessions. It can also be rented for weddings, although I wouldn't know where the guests would park since there is no actual parking area. Happy yelping!

Just off of the creek and its long greenway trail, this quieter spit of land does offer an…read moreartificial waterfall, and the small stream is surrounded by rocks. There are stairs to the top of a waterfall and some constructed seating areas and plant displays, but it is overall a natural and unfussy area. Not the kind of attraction that the main falls are, but a nice little area for those who have some time.

The only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina, this 38 foot long pine structure…read morespans Beaverdam Creek. The bridge and the area around it is part of a passive park owned by Greenville County. It was built in 1909 by Charles Irwin Willis (1878-1966) and is a four-span Howe truss, featuring diagonal timbers and vertical iron rods. It is named for Alexander Lafayette Campbell (1836-1920) who owned and operated a grist mill here. The foundations of the mill and home site are still here to be explored. Ample parking and several picnic tables in the shade make this into a great stop for lunch. When the water isn't running to quickly, there's nothing wrong with dipping your feet into the creek to cool off. There are several signs about so that you can learn about the area. [Review 14940 overall, 442 of 2021, number 811 in South Carolina.]

super cute and small little park all centered around the bridge! I probably wouldn't go an hour out…read moreof my way to come, but if you are passing through, it's pretty neat. Make sure your kids wear clothes they can get wet! The little river under the bridge is unique with lots of smooth rock. FYI, it only gets mid calf deep, so it's not really a swimming hole.

If you like the outdoors and some big rocks and cliffs, come check out this State Park. The park…read moreis one of the cooler State parks in North Carolina that I have had the pleasure of experiencing. I am a mountain type of person and I am really glad that public access has been provided to these cliffs and this Area. Rumbling Bald park host several great hiking trails through massive boulder fields and spectacular hardwood forests. The main draw for the park has to be for Bouldering and Rock Climbing. While hiking or walking through the woods in the winter/spring it is certain you'll see lots of people climbing up and down rocks. Thanks to the park staff for creating a viable parking lot for the park too. When you come here make sure to try and park as closely together as you can. It can get packed on the weekends. Also, don't double park or block anyone, or else you'll get a ticket. I really hope they access can be opened to the other cliff areas around the lake, like Ghost Town and the Darkside, which are currently closed.. 1 suggestion is to avoid this place in the summer, as it turns into a oven with the south-facing rocks, and there is poison ivy all over the place. Go enjoy the outdoor wander around some rocks.

This park is perfect for climbers and bouldering. The hike during the summer months does not…read moreprovide views unless you're willing to do a little climbing to escape the canopy. However, it's a beautiful trail, and I would bet full of views in the winter.

What a nice park. My son has a blast. It was just so windy! The slide has to be the biggest in the…read morearea!

We were staying in Hickory when we needed to find a place for the little one to burn off some…read moreenergy. This place was a great find. It's completely accessible and inviting. Best of all it's free to the public. It has fields, colorful playground equipment and tennis courts. Next to it is also a splash pad. There are several areas to get out of the sun and cooking areas. I think the Kiwanis and Zahra Baker parks are named for the adjoins areas of the park.

We did this hike back in the winter and it wasn't crowded. There's a little bit of parking by the…read moretrailhead and a lot of people park along the street. If you're looking at AllTrails, we did Little Bearwallow via Wildcat Rock Trail. The trail is pretty steep and on the more strenuous side. It's 4.7 miles round trip if you follow the same path. If you only care about views, I would recommend going to the Wildcat Rock Overlook and turning around after that. It would be about 3 miles round trip. There are no views from the Little Bearwallow Summit. The Wildcat Rock Trail also continues to Bearwallow Mountain, but we didn't do that portion. I'd like to come back for it at some point.

We were visiting Bat Cave, North Carolina. We had planned to hike Chimney Rock. As our luck would…read morehave it, the two days that we were in town, Chimney Rock was closed for maintenance. While we were driving from Asheville on our way back to Bat Cave later that day I spotted a new hiking trail head. Basically it is tucked right off the winding country highway. There is a sign, and some gravel parking. What I noticed while driving by were the cars parked there. So be on the lookout. We planned to hike it the next morning. We decided to get an early start. When we arrived before 8am, there were two cars parked in the gravel near the trail head. You start by crossing the road, you head down before (trust me) you go up the mountain. You can choose to hike just 1.1 miles to Little Bearwallow Falls. Or you can continue up to Wildcat Rock which is listed as basically 1.6 miles one way which sounds easy. But if you ask me it is straight up. The day we went it felt like we were hiking in the rain forest. We were sweating so much that sweat was dripping from our finger tips as we hiked up. I loved every minute of it. We were secluded and we were working hard. It felt so good. Once we reached Little Bearwallow Falls, we just knew that we needed to continue to the top. We needed to see something a little more spectacular. Once we reached the top to Wildcat Rock it was gorgeous. We stepped out of the foliage and we could see the valley below and the mountains in the distance. It was beautiful. We waited and we were lucky enough to see a bird soaring high above the mountain tops. It was the perfect hike for us. Strenuous yet providing the feeling of peace and accomplishment. We highly suggest checking out Wildcat Rock especially if Chimney Rock is too busy, or if money is a factor. There is no cost to enter at this trailhead unlike if you go to Chimney Rock. Also, take water.