Smoky Mountain Vacation

Joyce Kilmer National Park in Great Smoky Mountains. Two mile trail loaded with family sight seeing. Back in the early 1900’s the virgin trees of Little Santeelah Creek were the oldest and largest trees around in that area.

In the early 1920’s loggers who did not appreciate the lovely place of Trees, flowers and animals, began to destroy its existence. Full of greed, all they cared about was the money these giants would bring. And they destroyed all in their path. They cut all around Little Santeelah Creek without getting into its main body. Cleared and stripped destruction was all around it however.

In 1934-35, the Forest Service protected and preserved this land. Calling it Joyce Kilmer National Park. The poem Trees by a WW1 soldier,  just 31 years of age,  killed in action inspired them to name it after him.

The J.K.Memorial Forest is all part of the Nantahala National forest. Only on foot can you compass these lands. The National Recreation Trail, Whiteside Mountain Trail winds to the top, named for its face of white Granite. At places the cliffs tower some 750 feet high.

Waterfalls shooting down 400 feet. Azaleas landscape the Park scenery.  Appalachian intertwines through the National Forest.

No permit needed. Joyce Kilmer National Park, imagine over 500,000 acres of water and land.  This Forest is located in Southwestern, NC. Robbinsville. For the lastest current information call: Highlands Dist. 828.526.3765 / Cheoah Dist.828.479.6431 / Wayah Dist.828.524.6441

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In the Biltmore House large spiral staircase, made of stone. It has no less than 102 steps. In its middle suspended by one large bolt is an iron chandelier holding 72 electric light bulbs.

The Gardens themselves are breath taking. You see a collection of a 1000 Azaleas. Over 2300 Roses with Shrubs. Many different types of statues and the perfect care of the Gardens is a wonder.

There’s the Biltmore Estate Inn where you can stay, eat, and relax. Shop and see all the wonders they have to offer in a 21st century setting. It over looks some of the most beautiful country in the world. The peace and quiet surroundings will ease away the sress and worry of a rushing, busy life.

For the young in age Biltmore has thought of that too. Commodore’s Cub Club has games of all kinds such as matching games, fun facts, puzzles, e-trading cards, coloring pages, word find, and so much more.

There’s even the mascot, Commodore the lion cub which will keep the younger generation fully occupied.

Those who love to shop where ever you go. Biltmore House has much  going on and you can take back many lovely reminders. .

With 8000 acres which they call their backyard there is so many activities for the adventure and excitement you crave.

There is over 100 miles of riding trails. You can ride your bike or horse. Go rafting,  hiking, there are fishing areas, you can just take it easy if you want and sight see all of Gods great nature scenes.

Biltmore House directions, or best time to come or any special events that are taking place call the numbers at the beginning of this article. Even for reservations at the Biltmore Inn, or any of your needs, they’ll be glad to help.

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Biltmore House and Gardens, located in Ashville NC just a jump from I-40 and part of the Smoky Mountains. It has 250 large rooms built by its past owner, George Vanderbilt in 1895. He did much traveling around the world.

Much of these beautifully furnished rooms of antiques and works of art came back with him from his travels. It takes a week to tour, but a good day can yield great sights.

You’ll come away from seeing works of art that makes this Biltmore House and Gardens one of the most visited places in the country.

For complete pricing of tickets you can go to this website www.biltmore.com or you can call one of these numbers:800-543-2961 / 800-624-1304.

They are open all year with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. They open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.  ( Call for updated info )

 It took 6 years and about one thousand men building it. The 250 rooms are covered on approximately 4 acres of floor space with 3 kitchens, 43 bathrooms, and 34 bedrooms.

Biltmore House Banquet Hall is 74 by 42 feet. As many as 64 guests could be seated at the dinner table. There were usually 8 courses with 15 utensils per person eating.  Imagine that !

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Knowledge of your backpacking backpacks for camping gear equipment will save you extra work and time. Many campers drive their RV’s and have it made with everything supplied. Nothing wrong with that.

Out in no mans land where there is no easy push button lifestyle, camping and hiking can be extremely severe. Especially if you’ve not had experience before.

It is a whole different world. You need to know what you’re doing before you venture very far out in the lovely, but cruel back roads. It could save your life.

From muddy roads to snow, ice, bitter winds and cold, unbearable temperatures to sunny days, conditions can change quickly. Never come out into the back country alone, bring a friend if possible.

Don’t go very far from home until you’ve learned survival tactics. How do you do that? Simply learn the terrain in your own neighborhood, learn about animals, plants, how to dress for weather conditions, to build campfires, what to do in winter conditions.

If you’ll learn backpacking backpacks for camping rules around your own home area first, it’ll be much easier when you get into Smoky Mountains. Ok, here’s what you need to do…( Continued )

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