Travel Through Life

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower in Pisgah National Forest is the tallest fire tower in North Carolina. From the tower, you can see Cold Mountain’s magnificent views, Looking Glass Rock to the south, and the great ridges of North Carolina’s mountains. Mount Pisgah (MP 408.6) is the closest Blue Ridge Parkway landmark to Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower. Also down the road from Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower is Skinny Dip Falls, which starts across the road from the beautiful Looking Glass Rock Overlook (MP 417).

While exploring North Carolina‘s Camel City, you can’t miss out on visiting these 10 riveting museums, even if they weren’t originally at the top of your to-see list. Admission is valid for two consecutive days and gives you access to historic buildings and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts‘ Admission is valid for two consecutive days and gets you access to historic buildings and MESDA’s self-guided galleries. Museum members, children 18 and under, students with a valid ID, and military personnel with ID: Free For a more modern stop, check out the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in the Historic Reynolda District.

This trail is also where you’ll find Goose Creek State Park’s swimming area. Fishing at Goose Creek State Park is free, but state fishing licenses are required, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations must be followed. If you’re launching your boat at Dinah’s Landing, there’s a set of picnic tables near the boat ramp, with one handicap-accessible table available. You can choose from primitive campsites on Campground Rd, group campsites near the end of the Main Rd, or cabins and RV campsites at the Family Campground (near the visitor center).

Don’t forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County town lives and breathes local art. Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Tom’s Creek Falls. Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hikes to Hawksbill, Linville Falls and the nearby Wiseman’s View, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park.