: Adventure

Trip Summary

North Carolina offers travelers everything from stunning natural terrain to classic North Carolina culture in comforting small towns. This adventure will have you traipsing through the rolling landscape to view thundering waterfalls and rich forests that cover the southeastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Overlooks on your hikes will get you “ooh”ing and “ahh”ing at the vast country sprawling beneath you. After getting your fill of the rugged North Carolina scenery, immerse yourself in an insider’s look at America’s largest private home, Biltmore Estate. This property will no doubt remind you of extravagant European architecture and the royals who resided within. Take a tour inside the mansion and a bike ride outside to get a comprehensive experience of the Biltmore grounds. This captivating six-day vacation will have you wanting to return after you hear “Y’all come back now!” from the locals.

The toughest part is going home.SM North Carolina: Blue Ridge Mountains Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Asheville Arrival | | | Blowing Rock

Asheville Arrival: Welcome to North Carolina! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Transfer Time: 1 Hour Linville Falls Hike: This short, easy trek takes you to one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina. Nestled in dense rock and forest, Linville Falls is a 1.6-mile roundtrip walk to three different viewpoints overlooking the falls and Linville Gorge. Ooh and aah at the craggy rock walls surrounded by thick pine tree forests. Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” features long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The entire parkway connects Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the North Carolina portion of National Park, a total of 469 miles. The winding roads with lower speed limits allow visitors to see amazing vistas from every angle. Rough Ridge Hike: Hike up Rough Ridge Trail where you’ll have stunning landscape views of rolling hills studded with trees as far as the eye can see. This short distance hike, about 1.2 miles roundtrip, brings you to a rock outcropping that soars above vistas including and the . Along the way you’ll climb wood and rock stairs, winding through lush green forests in rocky terrain. Blowing Rock, North Carolina: This small historical southern town, where just over 1,000 people reside, boasts a quaint downtown that harkens back to a simpler time. The town not only has cute shops and restaurants to explore, but is a gateway to the larger natural world of adventure. Its name comes from a legendary cliff near town where the northwest wind blows with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void. Accommodation: Chetola Resort (L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 2: Price Lake | Linville Falls Winery

Price Lake Kayak: Kayak or canoe on the idyllic Price Lake that’s not far off the Blue Ridge Parkway and just a short distance from the town of Blowing Rock. Paddle along on the shoreline of this 47-acre lake that is surrounded by abundant woods. Perfect for all levels of paddlers, this lake is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon navigating the calm waters. Linville Falls Winery Tasting: Try some North Carolina high country wine at Linville Falls Winery, a sweet countryside property with Italian architecture design impressions. This family-owned winery opened in 2012 on a 40-acre farm. Eight varieties of grape vines grow on the land. Accommodation: Chetola Resort (B,L,D)

Day 3: Grandfather Mountain State Park

Grandfather Mountain State Park: The iconic Grandfather Mountain State Park offers a natural escape for travelers seeking breathtaking views. The park showcases unique ecological diversity and withstands some of the most extreme weather in the southern U.S. region, including snow in the winter. Grandfather Mountain itself has an elevation of 5,946 feet, a crowning feature of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mile High Swinging Bridge Walk: Walk across the-Mile-High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension bridge spanning an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. The bridge was built in 1952 to provide easy access to a sweeping view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. MacRae Peak Hike: This short but challenging trek to MacRae Peak is a heart-pumping experience! Although you’re only hiking 1.8 miles out-and-back, cables and ladders will help you up 697 feet of elevation. While the ladder sections can be a bit intimidating, summiting MacRae Peak is definitely worth the effort. Your reward for summiting is 360-degree views of forested hills and mountains from what seems like the top of the world. Accommodation: Chetola Resort (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 4: Linville Gorge Wilderness Area | Biltmore Estate

Transfer Time: 1 Hour Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Linville Gorge is one of Eastern America’s most scenic and rugged gorges, created by the scouring action of the . The 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, part of the , features plenty of opportunities for backcountry hiking through virgin forests to spectacular overlooks. Table Rock Mountain Hike: Trek up Table Rock Mountain on this 2.2-mile strenuous out-and- back trail. Your summit will be a rewarding, expansive bird’s-eye view of the forested, rolling wilderness that lies before you. View the entire Linville Gorge at the top of this 3,930-foot peak. Transfer Time: 2 Hours Biltmore Estate: The Biltmore Estate is spread out across 8,000 acres and features a French Renaissance castle built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895. The mansion’s dramatic residential architecture reminiscent of French chateaus will stun and inspire you. The estate also boasts beautiful gardens and trails winding throughout the property, with a village and winery on the estate. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate (B,L)

Day 5: Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House Private Tour: A local historian leads our small group on a private behind-the- scenes tour through the Biltmore House. The Biltmore is an architectural jewel and the largest privately owned house in the featuring nearly 179,000 square feet of floor space including 250 rooms. Revel in the fascinating stories of this historical mansion. Biltmore Gardens Walk: Walk through peaceful, magnificent gardens at the Biltmore residence. The elegant landscaping is the creative child of esteemed American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The garden’s year-round beauty features different blooms depending on the month. Antler Hill Village Bike Ride: Beginning your bike ride in Antler Hill Village on the Biltmore Estate, you’ll explore the grounds at your own pace which may take you along the , through dense forests, or alongside peaceful open meadows. With several trails at differing difficulty levels to choose from, your guides will help you choose the ride that’s best for you. Accommodation: Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM

Day 6: Biltmore Estate| Asheville Departure

Biltmore Trails Hike: A network of trails will lead you past a rainbow of natural colors, artful statues, and water fountains on the Biltmore estate. The many paths on the Estate connect the house and gardens to Antler Hill Village and the banks of the French Broad River. Some trails are paved and some are dirt, making for a variety of options to choose from. Asheville Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Asheville to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

The toughest part is going home.SM North Carolina: Blue Ridge Mountains Adventure

Distinctive Accommodation

Chetola Resort - 3 night(s) Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock is a 78-acre resort within walking distance of the quaint mountain village of Blowing Rock and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of . Our group will reside in the Chetola Lodge during our stay which includes 42 well-appointed rooms with views of Chetola Lake or overlooking the beautiful grounds. Those staying at Chetola Resort have access to the Highlands Sports and Recreation Center, Chetola Lake, and the onsite trails which adjoin with 3,600-acre Moses Cone Park. The indoor heated pool, dry sauna, and Jacuzzi beckon guests after a day spent exploring the wilds of North Carolina.

Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate - 2 night(s)

The newest accommodation on the Biltmore Estate, the Village Hotel is located about two miles from the Biltmore House in the Antler Hill Village. A casual and relaxing way to extend your Biltmore experience, Antler Hill Village connects the estate’s past and present with dining, shopping, exhibits, the Farmyard, the Winery, and more. The Village Hotel is just a short stroll away from all that charming Antler Hill Village has to offer and is the perfect home base from which to enjoy Biltmore’s 8,000-acres estate. The hotel’s amenities include a fitness center, heated outdoor pool, access to The Spa Biltmore (at the nearby Inn), and plenty of lovely in-room amenities that are sure to make your stay enjoyable.

The toughest part is going home.SM North Carolina: Blue Ridge Mountains Adventure

Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary.’ Biking: Most bike rides on this trip are considered easy to moderate (10 to 20 miles, flat and/or rolling terrain). If a more difficult bike ride is included on this itinerary, more specific details will be included in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Bike rides are van supported, meaning that there will be checkpoints along the way in which you can access the van/guide if needed or can end your ride early. There will also be one guide accompanying the group by bike. Kayaking: Our goal while kayaking is to stick to the flatwater sections of the body of water we’re paddling in. Your group will stick together as your guide navigates the best path to keep the group safe. Gear and paddling instruction provided.

The toughest part is going home.SM What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses

The toughest part is going home.SM