We just had our second stay here and it really gets better each visit. There's constantly something…read morenew to discover or that's improved. We really enjoyed the secret lake trails, amazing playground and marina restaurant this visit.

Been there a million times. Even though it's changed alot through the year's it's a beautiful…read moreplace.

Very pretty, very easy hike. And we're not hikers…read more Met some kayakers heading down as we headed back. It's way back in the country.

Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not…read moremaintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state.

Blowing Rock really has a lot going for it, from the busy downtown scene with restaurants, shops,…read moreboutiques, sweets, breweries, fine dining, you name it. And then just a 15min walk (or 2 minute car ride) from downtown, Bass Lake is right there for your hiking pleasure. The lake itself is serene with great views from the circumferential hiking path around it. But it doesn't end there. Miles and miles of trails break off from the main lake for a longer outdoor experience. Plenty of parking with clean bathrooms at the main parking area. This is perfect for a shorter stroll around the lake, or a day's adventure across the many trails leading from here.

Great park to go for a walk. I bet they have hiking trails also but I have never been on those. We…read morejust stick to the path around the lake which is an easy walk and gorgeous everywhere you look. They have signs about the different fish in the lake so I believe you can fish there although I've not seen anyone fishing yet. Definitely worth checking out if you're on the area.

Beautiful and Serene Park…read more This park is located in the Cherokee National Forest. My Harley-Loving husband takes us here all the time, he has a ride he calls the Watuaga Lake Loop. It is a great ride in the hotter months because of the higher elevations. For him, it is a great ride through both the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests just getting to this lake. I love the ride because I love the water views with the mountains in the background at this lake. I have posted a couple of photos. There are actually a few parks around this lake however this particular one seems especially nice. I have seen small boats on this lake but never noticed any water sports such has water skiing. I imagine the water is probably too cold for that even in the summer. So that being said, it is a very quiet lake. We love boating also and are considering a pontoon for this lake. The park has the basics -- restrooms and picnic tables. We generally just stop for a picnic lunch. Cannot beat the views for lunch. I recommend this park for a picnic, or a solitary quiet time, or a romantic day trip to just name a few suggestions.

Area is amazing. Views are spectacular.read more

While the actual park frontage area is fairly tiny, consisting of not much but a small shelter with…read morepicnic tables, and a basketball court, it includes trailheads abutting some excellent running and hiking trails. On a recent visit, I was able to enjoy a brisk run along Steele Creek Lake on a wide, relatively flat trail covered in a bed of leaves (as indicated by my pictures). I also started a hike up the Lake Ridge Trail, more of a winding single-track with a good bit of up-and-down, but turned around due to an increasingly persistent chilly rain. I pretty much had the park all to myself, though I'm guessing the weather forecast of 45 degrees and rain had something to do with that. Even still, I'm guessing that due to the fairly sparse population of this area, it's rarely if ever what a big-city guy like myself would consider to be "crowded." If you're in the area and would like to go out for a run or walk, this park is definitely worth a visit.

At the center of a sort of suburban sprawl that characterizes this confluence of states, this park…read moreoffers trails, frisbee golf, golf golf, and a variety of other activities. The lake has one very hilly, woodsy side, and one quite flat side, so you can choose your adventure or do both. The parking area was kind of confusing and had gates which just opened automatically so I don't know why they needed to be there at all. The overlook on the more rugged part of the trail didn't have a clear view, though what one could make out through the brush looked nice. It certainly isn't like being out in the abundant nearby wilderness, but as far as urban park land goes it has plenty to offer.

Love this park, so glad they put in a Splash Pad for the kids...my kids love it. Only cost $2.00 to…read moreget in. They have a nice (air conditioned) nature center and we love going out on the water in the paddle boats. Kids love riding the little train. They have several shelters that can be rented for parties. The playgrounds are really nice and well maintained. Nice place to take your bikes and ride around the lake.

First off I want to thank Gabby as she got us in the door after debating the 2hr minimum price…read more It was really slow and not busy at all so they helped us out by giving us a 1hr rental option. Thank you to Andrew and the team for getting us on the lake so quickly to enjoy this scenic cruise. Awesome!

Our family is staying in a house near the marina for vacation. We decided to rent a pontoon boat…read morefor the day. Reserving the boat was easy. We were asked to get there 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. I think we should have gotten there more like 20-25 minutes early because fitting for life vests took a little longer than expected. The boat was nice and came with nice life vests, not just the typical orange ones. When we came back in, the dock employees were there ready to help dock the boat. Any day on Holston Lake is a good day. Definitely a do again!

This is one of the few if not the only lake on the blue ridge parkway! If I'm not mistaken the…read morelinville area is the only other water area. We stayed several weeks back during a holiday weekend (towards the end) all camp spots on the app were booked or closed due to dead trees and storms. We drove in and found a spot on the water side.. I'm impressed with these camping areas friendly folks and quiet!!!! Unbelievably quiet! Than once I realized you can walk around the WHOLE lake!! How cool is that! Just an awesome place! And we live here!!! I've drove by. I've drove through. I've dropped the kids for events here. But I've never experienced the park myself! I'm now hooked! You can be there and not really understand that there quite possibly is 1000's of people around you.. not really noticeable.. pretty awesome.. there's places to go and not far from you where there will be nobody! It's quite amazing!! I like to feel alone and this place works!!! Campsites are perfectly private and spaced as such! Love this place!

On our way to the top for leaf peeping, we stopped here for a bit and enjoyed the scenery. Located…read moreat milepost 297 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the part encompasses over 4200 acres of rolling mountainous terrain that include campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic sites and Price Lake. The highlight is the Tanawha Trail that runs 13.5 miles and includes Grandfather Mountain. There are canoes available for rental and the lake is stocked with fish. This time of year with the leaves turning, it was a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our time here. Five stars. [Review 15917 overall - 3132 in North Carolina - 1422 of 2021.]