Special Places & Events

 by Amber Deen

A couple visiting from Charlotte six days ago had just driven down to Burnsville from Mount Mitchell on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and said the fall color up there was still beautiful. So, while there is still some autumn beauty to behold in the mountains, I wanted to tell you about two other favorite places that are magnificent in the fall, Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. They are neighboring national attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and both are managed by the US Forest Service.

Linville Falls

The entrance to the falls is at Milepost 316.3 of the Parkway just north of where US 221 crosses the Parkway. There are two trails from the Visitor Center that take you to different views of the falls, both magnificent. And along the river that feeds the falls are trails to other viewing spots.

I prefer the upper trail with a slightly downward view. And it’s not nearly as steep as the lower view trail. It matters not from which direction you look at the falls, though, it is like no other waterfall you have ever seen. Learn more at www.Linvillefalls.com.

Linville Gorge

The Linville Gorge wilderness area is a mecca for campers, climbers, scramblers, and simply anyone who loves nature and being in the great outdoors. There are trails that take you to the river for fishing and camping, and trails that follow the cliff edges with fantastic views of the river valley and opposite cliffs.
The website www.linvillegorge.net says, “Linville Gorge will keep calling you back so be prepared to spend some time there. Feel free to use this website to learn all you can about this special place.”

The Cove at Celo Mountain’s Hideaway Treehouse

Of all the charming natural nooks and crannies at The Cove, my favorite is the Hideaway Treehouse. Doesn’t everyone love treehouses? My favorite thing at Disney World is the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. So the Hideaway Treehouse at The Cove appeals to the kid in me as well as the nature lover that I am.

And there are so many other oh-so-interesting things to see in The Cove. One new resident said, “It’s like having your own National Park – without all the people.”

We have a view book filled with details and images of our community that we’ll be happy to send you. Just give us a call at 866 378-4769, or visit our website celoliving.com




Plan to Visit for….

A hike Nov. 10

The NC High Peaks Trail Association will have a hike Sat., Nov. 10. Details at www.nchighpeaks.org.


Penland School of Crafts Auction Nov. 15

Each Penland session ends with an auction of work donated by students, instructors, and friends. All proceeds support the school’s scholarship program. It’s a great chance to enjoy the energy of one of the most revered crafts schools in the country. Details: 828 765-2359 or email info@penland.org.

Burnsville’s Annual Christmas Ornament Festival Nov. 17

Speaking of crafts, our annual Christmas Ornament Festival is a great way to do some holiday shopping for one-of-a-kind ornaments, handmade by local artists, without the traffic and crowds of a mall. The event will be at our Town Center from 10-2. Contact 828 682-7209, www.burnsvilletowncenter.com.