Blue Ridge National Heritage Area National Park Service Western North Carolina U.S. Department of the Interior Blue Ridge National Heritage Area www.blueridgeheritage.com www.nps.gov Photo courtesy of Bill Lea The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area: A unique natural and cultural treasure. Outdoor adventures abound in the The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area comprises the 25 westernmost Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. counties and the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation) in the Hiking, biking, fi shing, state of North Carolina. The region encompasses nearly 11,000 square birding, rock climbing, miles of mountains, forests, lakes, streams, small towns, farms and fi elds. paddling and snow skiing In designating Western North Carolina as a National Heritage Area draw outdoor enthusiasts to in 2003, Congress recognized the cultural and natural resources of the the area. The Nantahala, region that played a signifi cant role in the history of the United States French Broad, Nolichucky and the state of North Carolina. and Green rivers are among the region’s waterways Discover the natural scenic beauty of the mountains, foothills and offering whitewater rafting, forests of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. kayaking, canoeing and Two of the most visited national many state parks located within the other water sports. Ski slopes parklands in the country lie within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. of the High Country and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area — The famed Appalachian Trail Cataloochee and Sapphire the Great Smoky Mountains National stretches for 88 miles through the Valley regions beckon Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky winter sports buffs. Bikers known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” Mountains National Park and Pisgah and hikers will fi nd hundreds The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in National Forest within the boundaries of miles of fi rst-rate trails Photo courtesy of Biltmore™ the Nantahala National Forest preserves of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Biltmore Estate winding through the forests one of the largest stands of old growth Area. Throughout the region visitors and alongside the rivers trees in the Eastern United States. The are enchanted by exquisite waterways Museums, heritage sites and America’s largest home. and streams. The minerals highest mountain east of the Mississippi and waterfalls, scenic byways and More than 100 museums and by wealthy industrialist George W. found throughout the region River, Mount Mitchell, soars above the breathtaking mountain views. heritage sites refl ect the history, Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. It is now are famous worldwide, Pisgah National Forest and is one of the culture and arts of the Blue Ridge operated as a private attraction and visitors can hunt for National Heritage Area. Among them that includes the mansion, gardens, treasures at the many gem is Biltmore Estate, known worldwide as vineyards, historic farm, crafts and mines in the area. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Travel & Tourism. “America’s Largest Home.” Located music performances. in Asheville, the estate was built Farming traditions preserve a beloved land. For thousands of years, Native than 30 wineries open to the public in Americans cultivated the fertile valleys the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, of the North Carolina mountains, raising many of which are located in the state’s the “three sisters” — corn, beans and only two American Viticultural Areas. squash — which were the staples of (See map and Web site on back.) their diet. After the Revolutionary War, European and African immigrants Photo courtesy of NC Department of Commerce Blue Ridge Parkway / Linville Viaduct brought their own farming traditions into the region, but also adopted many of Handcrafts and mountain music reflect the heart the Cherokee ways. of Southern Appalachian culture. Today, farmers and conservationists throughout the Blue Ridge National Immigrant settlers brought with The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Heritage Area strive to maintain them their native cultural traditions, in Cherokee represents more than these agricultural traditions, resulting many of which blended over time 300 artists who create baskets, in a resurgence in locally grown into the unique culture of the Blue pottery, woodcarving, beadwork, Photo courtesy of High Country Host food and the preservation of scenic Ridge. These traditions, especially in jewelry, masks, dolls and other items agricultural landscapes. handcrafts and music, have been of Cherokee traditional art. Traditional crops continue to be passed down through generations A fertile meeting ground for cultivated along with many newer and still thrive today. European and African music introductions — specialty crops such The John C. Campbell Folk School traditions, the North Carolina as Christmas trees, ornamentals, in Brasstown and Penland School mountains still ring with the sounds mushrooms, herbs and grapes. of Crafts near Spruce Pine play of the fi ddle, banjo, string bands Viticulture (vineyards and winemaking) important roles in preserving the arts and cloggers, which can be heard is among the region’s fastest growing and crafts traditions of the region. everywhere from front porches to agricultural enterprises. There are more Photo courtesy of High Country Host The Southern Highland Craft festival stages and town squares. Avery County Christmas tree farm Guild, one of the nation’s The music includes lively strains of premier craft organizations, old-time, bluegrass, ballad singing, is headquartered in the region. blues and sacred music. Cherokee culture thrives in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. The town of Cherokee, located within the Qualla Boundary in the far western part of the state, is the cultural center of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center Once the largest of all Southern tribes, the Cherokee have lived in these mountains for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the history and cultural traditions of the Cherokee at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Oconoluftee Indian Village living history exhibit and the Learn more about all there is to see and do in outdoor drama, Unto These Hills. Balancing the modern world with ancient the North Carolina mountains and foothills! traditions, the Cherokee welcome millions of visitors each year while stewarding the delicate www.BlueRidgeHeritage.com mountain landscape that is their ancestral home. Crafter at Penland School of Crafts David Holt and Doc Watson at MerleFest Photo courtesy of Penland School of Crafts Photo courtesy of BanjoMan Courtesy of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation Blue Ridge National Heritage Area National Park Service Western North Carolina U.S. Department of the Interior Blue Ridge National Heritage Area www.blueridgeheritage.com www.nps.gov Photo courtesy of Bill Lea The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area: A unique natural and cultural treasure. Outdoor adventures abound in the The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area comprises the 25 westernmost Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. counties and the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation) in the Hiking, biking, fi shing, state of North Carolina. The region encompasses nearly 11,000 square birding, rock climbing, miles of mountains, forests, lakes, streams, small towns, farms and fi elds. paddling and snow skiing In designating Western North Carolina as a National Heritage Area draw outdoor enthusiasts to in 2003, Congress recognized the cultural and natural resources of the the area. The Nantahala, region that played a signifi cant role in the history of the United States French Broad, Nolichucky and the state of North Carolina. and Green rivers are among the region’s waterways Discover the natural scenic beauty of the mountains, foothills and offering whitewater rafting, forests of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. kayaking, canoeing and Two of the most visited national many state parks located within the other water sports. Ski slopes parklands in the country lie within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. of the High Country and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area — The famed Appalachian Trail Cataloochee and Sapphire the Great Smoky Mountains National stretches for 88 miles through the Valley regions beckon Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky winter sports buffs. Bikers known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” Mountains National Park and Pisgah and hikers will fi nd hundreds The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in National Forest within the boundaries of miles of fi rst-rate trails Photo courtesy of Biltmore™ the Nantahala National Forest preserves of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Biltmore Estate winding through the forests one of the largest stands of old growth Area. Throughout the region visitors and alongside the rivers trees in the Eastern United States. The are enchanted by exquisite waterways Museums, heritage sites and America’s largest home. and streams. The minerals highest mountain east of the Mississippi and waterfalls, scenic byways and More than 100 museums and by wealthy industrialist George W. found throughout the region River, Mount Mitchell, soars above the breathtaking mountain views. heritage sites refl ect the history, Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. It is now are famous worldwide, Pisgah National Forest and is one of the culture and arts of the Blue Ridge operated as a private attraction and visitors can hunt for National Heritage Area. Among them that includes the mansion, gardens, treasures at the many gem is Biltmore Estate, known worldwide as vineyards, historic farm, crafts and mines in the area. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Travel & Tourism. “America’s Largest Home.” Located music performances. in Asheville, the estate was built Farming traditions preserve a beloved land. For thousands of years, Native than 30 wineries open to the public in Americans cultivated the fertile valleys the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, of the North Carolina mountains, raising many of which are located in the state’s the “three sisters” — corn, beans and only two American Viticultural Areas. squash — which were the staples of (See map and Web site on back.) their diet.