Hiking in the Carolinas

[Landshark]

Seeing as we have about a week before I have to get back to school, my wife and I are going to a place we've never been before:  the mountains.  To be more specific, we will be going to Lake Lure, NC and staying at a friend's cabin.  I've done a bit of research on the area and it looks like Chimney Rock State Park is a really nice place to hike and take in the views. 

Is there anyone who knows the area that can share some ideas?

[Dolphster]

I used to go up there every summer.  If you have time, check out Looking Glass Falls and some of that area along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest.  Really pretty around there.   There is a Ranger Station down the mountain a little ways toward Brevard where they can give you the 411 on some really cool hiking trails.  There is a little restaurant at the Pisgah Inn where you can get a decent (nothing fancy) meal and they have a wall of windows that look out over the valley from a high elevation.  Very pretty spot. 

[SCFinfan]

Seeing as we have about a week before I have to get back to school, my wife and I are going to a place we've never been before:  the mountains.  To be more specific, we will be going to Lake Lure, NC and staying at a friend's cabin.  I've done a bit of research on the area and it looks like Chimney Rock State Park is a really nice place to hike and take in the views. 

Is there anyone who knows the area that can share some ideas?

My only idea would be to come down to the real Carolina - plenty of beautiful sights down here.