4 Great Winter Hikes in Western North Carolina

WNC -- Contrary to what you may think, winter hiking is popular in Western North Carolina. Many of the popular trails are open, and the hike is a whole new experience in this season. A really cool experience is the state parks’ 1st day hikes.  These are free, park ranger guided hikes on January 1, 2018 in most of the state parks in North Carolina. See the list below for 1st day hikes close to Avalon Mountain Community:

Chimney Rock State Park: (55.1 miles from Avalon) This one is a 3 mile hike from 8am to 10am. Meet at the front entrance of the park. While hiking, the park ranger will also talk about the history of the park.
Georges State Park: (54.9 miles from Avalon) This hike is a two mile trek on the Upper Bear Wallow Trail, and it starts at 1pm. Meet at the Visitors’ Center to start the hike. While here you’ll want to make the hike to Upper Whitewater Falls, it’s part of the tallest waterfalls on the east coast and it’s spectacular in the winter.
Grandfather Mountain State Park: (99.7 miles from Avalon) This hike is a 1.5 mile hike on the new section of the Profile Trail. Meet in the Profile Trail Parking area (Hwy. 105 South) at 1pm.
Mitchell State Park: (74.9 miles from Avalon) This one is a shorter ¾ mile hike on the Balsam Nature Trail. Meet at the Upper Summit parking lot at 12pm.
For more NC State Park 1st day hike information, visit NC Parks.

Check on updates or changes of hike schedules above and find more Winter Fun @ Fun Things to Do This Winter in Western North Carolina