CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Cherohala Sky between Robbinsville, NC and Tellico Plain, TN. A beautiful drive of less than 100 miles. When you cross from NC into Tn (or vise versa) you will be at the highest point, approx 5600 feet and the view is terrific. There are plenty of places to pull off and do photography. I have ridden this many times by motorcycle. You will enjoy this one.

http://www.cherohala.org/

redtooth

If you are into street photography , be sure and go to downtown Asheville . It is a FREAK show . Second only to Portland and Seattle .

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I remember we found a lot of neat waterfalls to the East of Waynesville. Check this site: http://explorebrevard.com/

Roger Dickinson Loc: Boston

Been through the region many times. If you happen to be near Drexel on Saturday early afternoon this is a must. It is Bluegrass in the back room after the barbershop closes.

https://www.miles2gobeforeisleep.com/blog/2018/2/12/pickin-and-trimmin-bluegrass-at-the-barber-shop

kcooke Loc: Alabama

You've gotten some good ideas here. Ill add my 2 cents. We spent 14 days between Asheville and Linville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit is 45 mph i think and there is really nothing directly on the parkway. If you want food and lodging you have to get off. The scenery is spectacular. If you want to see waterfalls, in general you will need to be prepared to walk varying distances to them. Some hikes are easy and some are brutal depending on your physical condition. I think there are over 50 accessible waterfalls between Asheville and Linville just by parking and hiking from the parkway. Have fun!!

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Linville Falls area and the gorge is beautiful but the Upper Falls viewing area was damaged in recent storm. Stone rails washed away and a bit unsafe. River full of sawed logs from the cleanup. Drive to Wiseman’s View is difficult without high 4wd due to washouts. Be careful.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

Check out Ashe county. We're the county at the NW point of NC. Both the N and S forks of the New River wind all through our county. One of the oldest rivers in the world and one of onky a few that flow North. We have more unpaved back roads than any other county in the state, so lots of old farm buildings etc. The colors in the mountains don't usually peak until mid October, so keep that in mind with your plans. There are some B&Bs here and also cabins for short term rental. Google Ashe county for more info.

Donna Jones

Thanks. I have not visited this site. Sounds good but I will wait until road has been repaired. Appreciate the heads up!

Djjack1991

If you are going to Cherokee then there are a few "MUST SEES" that are very close and if you've never seen western NC you'll be very happy with my suggestions! If you like nature, waterfalls, sunsets with mountains and the reason for "SMOKY" in "Smokey Mountains" you have to put this in your itinerary! "Nantahala National Park". Also before I forget, Bryson City has the Train tour which is pretty cool and informative. And all in the same little group of cities. Depending on your energy level, the water rafting at the "NOC" is on a small highway(74) that intersects with a road called "Wayah Rd" that is my personal favorite. Lots of "pullovers " at waterfalls and if you don't mind the switchbacks you will keep going back to this area for the rest of your life. This road runs alongside a river/cheek that you can walk into and take pics from all angles FOR MILES! Also if you have Any love for gem mining,this area is def for you!!! The Nantahala lake and Lake Fontana, GORGEOUS. Hope this has been helpful! An area map is essential bc there's just SO MUCH TO SEE!

old poet

The Orchard at Altapass, lots of history there, and good apples, dancing on weekends. Linville Falls, Little Switzerland, Crabtree Mine near Spruce Pine for NC mining history. North Cove valley on Hwy 221 a few miles south of Linville Caverns has some beautiful old farm homes and outbuildings, beautiful hayfields unspoiled by development.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog, Donna, enjoy.

RS Bandit

If you will be near Asheville, suggest you consider visiting Biltmore Estate. Also, you will find a very unique McDonald’s restaurant in Biltmore.

NatureRocks

Biltmore is surely an amazing place; I have taken tripod and micro lenses to their greenhouses, where you can have exceptional lighting, no wind and beautiful flowers. Further east is Linville Gorge, purportedly the oldest exposed rock on the continent; lots of great vistas: atop Tablerock or other promitory, along trail south from Tablerock parking lot. Westward, Cashiers-Highlands area is incredibly photogenic with highest faces on East Coast, many waterfalls, and great restaurants. You might be in synch with the arts and crafts fair which happens in Asheville in early September; also, go to the New Morning Gallery in Asheville. Brevard offers good restaurants and nearby is Pisgah Forest. On and on and on.

Have a great time!

Donna Jones

Thanks for the info. I have added added this to my bucket list. Did the “Tail of the Dragon” a couple of years ago

Donna Jones

Thanks to everyone for some stellar ideas. I am really excited about the PO’s.