Blue Ridge Mountain Hiking On The Appalachian Trail

by | Oct 23, 2011 | Asheville, NC, blue ridge mountains, hiking

Your Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Reynolds Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn, Asheville NC

The passing of the Blue Ridge Parkway and The Appalachian Trail through the Blue Ridge Mountain Host Area provides 2 different types of access to this beautiful destination. The Parkway makes it easy for motorists to explore all that this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains has to offer . For the adventurist, there is The Appalachian Trail. The “A.T.,” as it is called by hikers, is much more than merely a path thru the woods. It’s a countrywide pretty trail, part of the same national park system that includes Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Hazy Mountains. Its official name is the Appalachian State Breathtaking Trail. However unlike those famous parks, it is not a concentrated preserve, with campgrounds and paths within its bounds.

As the longest, skinniest part of America’s national park system, the A.T. Stretches over fourteen different states and passes through more than 60 Fed, state, and local parks and forests. Hundreds of roads cross it. In some pieces, the Trail “corridor” is only a few hundred feet wide. In the Blue Ridge Mountain Host area, The Appalachian Trail passes from one end of Madison County to the other with many access points, giving day hikers a great opportunity to walk short segments of the trail. As it winds itself thru Madison County it passes through the picturesque town of Hot Springs, home of Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Visitors can pick up the A.T. Here and hike north or south for as far as they would like – and then return to this relaxed hamlet to unwind under the stars with a calming mineral bath along the banks of the French Broad River.

A popular destination on the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs is Max Patch Mountain, a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree perspectives. On a clear day visitors can see to Mt. Mitchell on the east, and to the Great Hazy Mountains on the south. A perfect place for a picnic, flying a kite, star gazing and enjoying wildflowers.

In addition to hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Hot Springs area offers other outside activities like whitewater rafting. In and around Hot Springs are “put-ins” and “take-outs” for the French Broad River. Outfitters like French Broad Rafting Expeditions, Huck Finn Rafting Journeys, Nantahala Outdoor Center and USA Raft offer guided brook trips and outfitter buying the out of doors experience. After a day of adventure, visitors can turn in at one of many camping sites, cabins, cottages, or bed and breakfast inns the area has to offer.

Book your stay at the Reynolds Mansion, a top visitor-ranked bed and breakfast in Asheville, NC.