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Step 1
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest. The two-lane road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking you past gorgeous colors as the fall leaves change. Keep an eye on the road, though, because 1000 foot drops off the road are common.
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Step 2
Hike the section of the Appalachian Trail within the forest. You'll find shelters every 8 to 12 miles, although you can also day hike parts of the trail. Other popular hikes in the forest include Linville Gorge and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
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Step 3
Visit the Cradle of Forestry in America center to see exhibits on how forests are managed. You'll learn about the history and evolution of forests. The center has a forest fire fighting stimulator that you can ride. You can also play a computer game in which you can make management decisions.
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Step 4
See the Looking Glass Falls, a 60-foot falls near Brevard. In the winter, the water freezes on Looking Glass Rock to look like a mirror. You can see the falls from U.S. 276 or take the steps down to the bottom.
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Step 5
Take on the whitewater rapids on the Nolichucky. The rapids are all natural, flowing all year long. You'll find class III and IV rapids for about 30 miles into Tennessee from Poplar, North Carolina.
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Step 6
Mountain bike miles of single track trails by waterfalls, streams and woods. Both Staire Creek and Black Mountain routes are popular and challenging for all levels of bikers. Be sure to take a map or GPS unit so that you can find your way back to your car from the network of trails.
