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.

Willow Pond Stables has a two bedroom ranch style home available on Airbnb for you to vacation in…read more My family and I were in town for a wedding this past weekend, and we chose to stay here for two nights. The home is exactly what we needed. Clean, open, and with all of the amenities that you would expect from your own home. On the property there are horses, a rabbit, a barn cat, a pond for fishing (full of carp and sunfish), and clear open skies. I woke up at 4:30am on Saturday morning to take a picture of the comet that was visible prior to sunrise, and it was beautiful. There are several rules posted in the house on the fridge, most of which are common sense, so please respect the property and the animals, which are mostly being boarded here. Wifi is available and there was a hot tub out back which we enjoyed each night under the stars. I would definitely stay here again.

Nice, big grassy dog park with some shade! Was traveling in the area from SC and wanted to get…read moreexercise for my puppy. She enjoyed it. The trails are vast around it if you decide to walk or bike as well.

This place is incredible!! There is a giant field as you enter and then if you continue on and go…read moreunder the railroad tracks there are acres and Acres of woods and trails and creeks and squirrels and everything else you need to have an incredible time with your dog. This is not really a go for 5 minutes but your dog run crazy and then go home type of place so, this is more of a pack a lunch and take your dog to enjoy the day with them, hiking the trails and playing in the creek, etc etc. It is a little hard to find it because you have to drive down to the bike park and then Park in the area right behind it. But it is well worth it

Chestnut Ridge is yet another preserved hiking gem in the area located between Glassy and Squirrel…read moreMntn. There are many options and routes from the two trailhead's. I hiked 5.7 miles total from the southernmost trailhead. South Pacolet River is about 3 miles from the start and quite tranquil. The trail is rough with roots and uneven terrain. There is some elevation in this hike, but nothing too challenging for seasoned hikers. Don't get me wrong, this hike is a great workout! The 'red' trail portion of the hike is actually quite wide, but proper hiking footwear is most definitely needed considering the rugged nature with the roots and all. There are a few stairs missing in some spots, but I just can't bring myself to knock a star off for that because I had such a great hike regardless!

The river walk amounts to a bit of infrastructure connecting the street to the stream, with stairs…read moreand bridges and a somewhat continuous trail that allows one to walk over the rocky river here. It's good for splashing around; not comparable to some of the other sights nearby but it's good that the town has made the water accessible.

So fun! We loved walking along the water and seeing all the people up top eating at the different…read morerestaurants. The water was nice and crisp. There are a couple areas with large rocks to sit on and relax.

A++ to the community of folks who have preserved this area! We were one of three folks exploring on…read morea mid afternoon weekday. It's serene, peaceful and just so happens to be apart of the Palmetto trail system - look it up!

Beautiful, low traffic trail to get a good walk around 2 ponds at. The trail connects to the longer…read morePalmetto trail which crosses the state. The Preserve offers moderate inclines in mostly gravel trail with some steeper areas after the first 1.5 miles. Lovely birds, restored land (following a kudzu cleanup), running water, and a waterfall (I didnt go far enough to see that). Limited parking and no restrooms. I'll definitely go back as long as I can get there early.

One of the only stroller friendly parks in the area. It is an amazing space with a track, lots of…read morefields, a basketball court, frisbee golf, and a lovely river. The river is wonderful to swim in and is a great way to cool off after walking around the giant loop.

Loved it there and will be going back again as soon as I can. There were so many bad reviews I…read morewas a bit nervous going. They are getting ready to do some work on the campsites to make them larger. Bathhouse is like a 5 minute walk from the back of the campsite but they are clean and free hot showers. Loved that we had electricity at the site as we were able to charge our phones and so many people had lights on their tents.

The campground was beautiful, well maintained and quiet, the bathrooms were a huge bonus and very…read moreclean. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We had the best time there. I can't wait for my next stay there.