Plan your trip to Wilson Creek Cabins pet friendly cabin rentals near Blowing Rock and take a day to explore the NC Mountains Wineries and scenic beauty.  First stop is Linville Winery:
LINVILLE FALLS WINERYlinvillefallswinery.com
(828) 765-1400 – Tasting Room
9557 Linville Falls Highway, Linville Falls, NC 28647
Linville Falls Winery is part of a 40 acre family owned and operated farm in the Blue Ridge mountains. Just off of the Blue Ridge parkway, the winery is in a great location to enjoy the outdoors while sipping on mountain-grown wine. Elevate your taste with us!

Next on the tour is the Grandfather Vineyard! 

GRANDFATHER VINEYARDgrandfathervineyard.com
(828) 963-2400 – Tasting Room
225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Our terraced mountain vineyard & winery is nestled along the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. We are the first producing winery in Watauga County, NC. Warm breezes during the day and cool, crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance of our wine. Enjoy and share with friends.

Last stop on the trail is in beautiful Banner Elk near the ski slopes!

BANNER ELK WINERY bannerelkwinery.com
(828) 898-9090 – Tasting Room
Pisgah National Forest, 135 Deer Run Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Nestled in the awe inspiring majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stands North Carolina High Country’s original winery. Come for a tasting or a tour, or perhaps stay the night at our Tuscan-inspired Villa. A private retreat with luxury accommodation, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality in an idyllic setting.

PLAN YOUR WINE TRAIL TRIP:
​Before you begin check the individual wineries website for a complete listing of contact information and hours of operation. Each winery may also be hosting special events that you will not want to miss!
YOU HAVE THE TIME AND WE HAVE THE WINE!The trail offers an exciting wine-lovers getaway adventure to four incredible wineries that grace the hills from Banner Elk to Foscoe to Linville Falls and onward to Watauga Lake. The High Country Wine Trail offers you a passport that entitles you to receive a special thank you gift when you complete the tour and visit all four wineries.
The five wineries include Banner Elk Winery in Banner Elk, NC; Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in Foscoe, NC; Linville Falls Winery in Linville Falls, NC, and their Tennessee cousins, Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards Farm Winery in Butler, TN. Each winery is known for their distinctive wines produced from the grapes grown in the Appalachian High Country American Viticulture Area.
All you have to do is hit the trail and you will experience Wine with a View!

A guest favorite excursion from WilsonCreekCabins.com is a trip up the Blue Ridge parkway to see the Highest Peak in the East at a whopping 6684 ft above sea level! 

Drive to the parking area and there is a Gift Shop and Information Center to explore and then the short Hike to the Lookout Tower with 360 degree views and unlimited distance as far as the eye can see on a clear day!

It is acceptable to bring your dog on a leash as well and there are spots for a picnic and take in the beauty and serenity of the sounds above the world.

See natures effects of Acid rain at these high elevations and vistas and colors in fall for miles all around!

The trip up the parkway is loaded with tunnels and turnout parking areas for a quick view and stretch your legs!  See lots of tunnels and the view on the Blue Ridge Parkways is a destination in itself.

Long range views and breezes and a different thermo-cline means dress accordingly its a different world up here!

Eastern US Continental Divide near Grandfather MtnMap of the North American Continental DividesThe Continental Divide is the water shed flow of water from mountain ranges around the world.  Below is the picture from the Divides in North America.  Wilsoncreekcabins.com Pet friendly cabins near Blowing Rock are located in The Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Gorge which starts at the top of Grandfather Mountain and traverses through the Brown Mountain area which is part of the Grandfather Mountain Ranger district and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest.

The Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are the result of the action of plate tectonics. The crust of our planet is composed of five primary plates, or huge pieces of rock which move very slowly over deeper layers of hot, pliable rock.  Here you can see how the Appalachains were formed.

Some of the plates are composed of heavy oceanic crust, while others are made of lighter continental crust. At the middle of each oceanic plate a large crack pours forth lava onto the ocean floor. This causes oceanic plates to expand an inch or two every year. When oceanic crust is forced against continental crust, the oceanic crust is pushed underneath the continental crust. When continental crust is forced against continental crust, huge mountains usually are formed.
The Appalachian Mountains were formed in the remote past by collision of two continental crusts. During such mountain building, huge sheets of rock are pushed over each other. A rock layer called the Blue Ridge Thrust Sheet was moved over 60 miles to cover what is now Grandfather Mountain.
These mountains were once much higher (10 times as high!) than they are today. Erosion over hundreds of millions of years has carried away most of the rocks to form thick layers of sediment all across the Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and in the Atlantic Ocean. At Grandfather mountain, erosion has worn away the Blue Ridge Thrust Sheet from over top of the underlying older rock, allowing us to study them. Geologists call this a “window” in time.

​ 23.3-mile mountain stream, Wilson Creek was added to the National Wild and Scenic River System in 2000. Much of Wilson Creek lies within the Pisgah National Forest. The stream starts atop 5,920-foot high Grandfather Mountain, just 100 yards above the Blue Ridge Parkway. Twenty miles later, the headwaters rush through the Blue Ridge Mountains into a 200-foot deep gorge of granite bedrock.
The Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River gorge is one of North Carolina's best kept secrets for the natural beauty and unspoiled commercialism.  The river and terrain has been a family favorite spot for exploring in the great Pisgah National Forest part of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Here is a view of a kayaker taking in the beauty of the Gorge as the Wilson Creek has cut a path through the boulders and solid rock formations that are billions of years old.  Thees are the oldest exposed rock formations and  mountains in the world.

For perfect home base accommodations to enjoy your Pet friendly Mountain cabin rentals near Boone and Blowing Rock visit: wilsoncreekcabins.com website.  Tons of pic's video and details of the Wilson Creek River Gorge area and the fun stuff to do here.  We are centrally located between Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock and Lenoir.

A short drive to the parking area at Table Rock Park from Wilson Creek Cabins and your looking right into the Canyon!

Guests at Pet friendly Wilson Creek Cabins enjoy Rock Hounding for Gemstones.  The applachains are some the oldest mountains in the world.  These creeks and streams have exposed veins of gemstones and if you are lucky enough and know how to find them they are here.  For vacationers we recommend the mines in Franklin NC and Hiddenite NC.  Chances of finding a family treasure are there and the experience is great.  Lifetime memories for kids and adults enjoy and treasure thier finds too.

For the memorable Mountain Vacation fun for all ages come to the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic Gorge and you never know you may stumble upon a tally whacker gem of your own.

         List of Gem Mines for your Rock Hounding Mountain Adventure:Gem Mines  
BooneFoggy Mountain Gem Mine 
About: Mostly imported gem ore from Brazil
Address: 4416 Highway 105 South, Boone NC 28607
Telephone: 828-963-4367
Travel Time From Asheville: 2-21/2 hours west.
River and Earth Adventures, Inc Gem Mine 
About: 90% imported gem ore from Brazil, some from local mines
Address: 1655 Highway 105, Boone NC 28607
Telephone: 800-411-7238, 828-963-5491
Travel Time From Asheville: 2-21/2 hours west. 
CantonOld Pressley Sapphire Mine
About: World's largest blue star sapphires were found at this mine. Only native gemstone ore.
Address: 240 Old Pressley Mine Road, Canton NC 28716
Telephone: 828-648-6320
Travel Time From Asheville: 45 minutes west.
FoscoeThe Greater Foscoe Mining Co.
About: Indoor and outdoor flume gem mining.  Native gem ore enriched with imported.
Address: 8998 Highway 105 South, Foscoe NC 28604
Telephone: 828-963-5928
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours east
Franklin
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
About: Only native gemstone ore from the Cowee Valley. 
Address: 41 Cherokee Mine Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-349-2941
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine
About: Native and imported gem ore .
Address: 6771 Sylva Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-369-5271
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
Gem Mine at Gem World
About: Imported gem ore only from five different countries.
Address: 1884 Georgia Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-349-5411
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
Gold City Gem Mine
About: Native and imported gem ore, gold panning. 
Address: 9410 Sylva Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 800-713-7767, 828-369-3905
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
Mason's Ruby & Sapphire Mine
About: Native gem ore where you dig your dirt from their own mine.  
Address: 6961 Upper Burningtown Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-369-9742
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
Mason Mountain Mine & Cowee Gift Shop
About: Native gem ore where you dig your dirt from their own mine. Also enriched buckets with imported ore. 
Address: 5315 Bryson City Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-524-4570
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
Rose Creek Mine
About: Native gem ore where you dig your own dirt from their own mine.
Address: 115 Terrace Ridge Drive, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-349-3774
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west

Sheffield Mine 
About: Native ruby and sapphire gem ore from their own mine.
Address: 385 Sheffield Farms Road, Franklin NC 28734
Telephone: 828-369-8383
Travel Time From Asheville: 2 hours west
HendersonvilleElijah Mountain Gem Mine
About: Imported gem ore only.
Address: 2120 Brevard Road, Hendersonville NC 28739
Telephone: 828-693-3123
Travel Time From Asheville: 30 minutes south
 HiddeniteEmerald Hollow Mine
About: Native gem ore, including emeralds, from their own mine.
Address: 484 Emerald Hollow Mine Drive, Hiddenite NC 28636
Telephone: 866-600-4367
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours east
Jefferson
Gem Valley NCAbout: Native gem ore, some imported
Address: 2489 Little Peak Creek Road, Jefferson NC 28640 
Telephone: 336-982-5177 
Travel Time From Asheville: 3 hours east
MarionHeather Grove Gold & Gem Panning
About: Native and imported gem ores and local gold
Address: 43 Polly Spout Road, Marion NC 28752
Telephone: 828-738-3573
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 hour east

The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem MineAbout: Native and imported gem ores, gold panning in the Second Broad River. Campground.
Address: 251 Lucky Strike Lane, Marion NC 28752
Telephone: 828-738-4893
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 hour east
Little Switzerland:
The Emerald Mine of Little SwitzerlandAbout: Native and imported gem ore, two dig sites.
Address: 74 George Street off of McKinney Mine Road, Little Switzerland NC 28749
Telephone: 828-765-6832
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours east
Spruce Pine:Emerald Village
About: Native gem ore from their mine and other area mines. 
Address: 331 McKinney Mine Road, Spruce Pine NC 28777
Telephone: 828-765-6463, 828-765-0000
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours east
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine
About: Covered flumes. Gem ore brought in daily from mines.
Address: Highway 226, Spruce Pine NC 28777
Telephone: 888-817-5829
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours east
Rio Doce Gem Mine
About: Native and imported (Brazil) gem ore
Address: 14622 Highway 226 South, Spruce Pine NC 28777
Telephone: 828-765-2099
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours east
Spruce Pine Gemstone Mine
About: Native gem ore from local gem mines.
Address: 15090 Highway 226 South, Spruce Pine NC 28777
Telephone: 828-765-7981
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours east
Union MillsThermal City Gold Mine
About: Panning for gold from ore from their site. Gem ore from native and imported sources.
Address: 5240 US Highway 221 North, Union Mills NC 28167
Telephone: 828-286-3016
Travel Time From Asheville: 1 -11/2 hours southeast


Gem Shops
Asheville
The Silver Armadillo West Gate Shopping Center, Asheville NC; 828-253-3020
Franklin
Burglens Natural Gems 5868 Sylva Road, Franklin NC 28744; 828-524-9171
Cowee Gift Shop 5315 Bryson City Road, 828-524-4570
Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine & Gift Shop 6771 Sylva Road, Franklin NC 28734, 828-369-571
Franklin Gemstone & Jewelry Warehouse 3002 Georgia Road, Franklin NC 28734, 828-524-6132
Gold City Jewelry & Gem Shop 9410 Sylva Road, Franklin NC 28734, 828-369-3905
Ruby City Gems & Minerals 130 East Main Street, Franklin NC 28734; 828-524-3967
Tari's RokGem 1884 Georgia Road, Franklin NC 28734; 828-349-5411


            For Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals homes in the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Gorge:check us out at:
                                                 www.wilsoncreekcabins.com

Table Rock Park parking area is a short 45 min drive from Wilson Creek Cabins pet friendly cabins near Blowing Rock and Boone. Begin the hike at the north end of the parking lot (the side away from the toilets). The trail is located to the right of the sign board. The ridge of Table Rock looms high above the parking area right from the start. The trail starts out level, but very quickly begins its steep, mostly relentless climb to the top.
Not only is it steep, but it quickly becomes very rocky, with some large stepping stones that have become dislodged and loose due to heavy hiker traffic. Some stretches of trail sport smooth, sloping rock, so watch your footing to avoid a slip.
The beginning of the trail is in a forest of medium-height hardwood trees; mostly oaks. A few hemlocks and white pines grow in the understory, hoping to overtake the hardwoods and poke out into the sun some decades into the future.
But the forest quickly changes, and the trail becomes more open and sunny. In years past, this area was a forest, composed primarily of a species scraggly tree called Table Mountain Pine. But many of those have died as a result of an infestation of the native Southern Pine Beetle. Only the gnarled trunks now remain. Luckily, this insect has evolved along with the pines, so the trees aren't all killed by an infestation. Sparse sections of healthy pine forest can still be found.
This forest has also been affected by fire. In fact, these pines need fires periodically to open their cones and regenerate from seed. Along the way, you'll see signs explaining fire ecology which mention this fact. Aside from the pines, trailside vegetation consists mostly of rhododendron and mountain laurel. They are prolific, and bloom relatively early here (late May), which is an excellent time to hike this trail.  Parking lot below:

To your left, a nice view opens up through the sparse trees of the Linville Gorge and - to the far left - the Chimneys. These rock formations are some of the closest features we have in the Appalachians to "hoodoos" so common out west - pillars of rock standing apart from a main cliff face, formed by erosion. They are a popular rock climbing destination (as is Table Rock itself) and even have a connection to the famous Linville Falls some miles up the Linville River from this location.
Linville Gorge was formed as the Linville River cut down through a hard, resistant layer of rock into the softer rocks below. Where the river flows over this layer near the top of the gorge, it forms Linville Falls. The Chimneys, Table Rock, Hawksbill Mountain (which you will see once you reach the top), and all the high cliffs near the rim of the Gorge are all formed as a result of that same ancient, erosion-resistant layer of rock.

As you ascend, and once you reach the top, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Peregrine Falcon. These graceful, large raptors are native to the area. They are, in fact, widespread across much of the world. But they were eliminated regionally during the 20th century due to the effects of DDT. Since then, they've been reintroduced to the area successfully and are still protected. Rock climbing routes near their high, windy cliff-side nesting sites are closed periodically to ensure that the birds are able to hatch and raise their offspring in peace. The Peregrine's most well-known feature is their hunting style: taking other birds in mid-flight, they dive from high above, striking their prey at literally breakneck speeds.

Near the summit, you start to get views back down into the gorge, such as this one of an adjacent cliff face covered with blooming rhododendron and azalea.The trail will go around a ridge and curve to the right. An intersection with a faint path - the old Little Table Rock trail - is at the top of the ridge; bear right, uphill. You will immediately pass onto a cooler, wetter slope of the mountain. Here, Carolina Hemlocks grow among the pines and hardwoods (or grew - they may be dead by the time you hike here) with a few Eastern hemlocks as well. Both hemlock species are being ravaged by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, a non-native pest that has a lot less mercy on its host than the pine beetles have.
There is another intersection on the left; this time, with the Mountains to Sea Trail. Bear right, uphill.
The trail switches back again, climbing in earnest, and goes back onto the open, sunny south side of the mountain. The trail climbs steeply along much of the remainder of the route. Several rock formations stand out along this section of trail. At one point, the trail passes through a neat slot formed by a large boulder that has split away from the main rock face.
As you approach the top, the vegetation gets reduced down to very short, gnarled growth. It's mostly shrubs with a few stunted trees. The trail officially ends on a small flat area where an observation tower once stood. Despite the tower's absence, views are to be had in every direction, and they are spectacular.
You can travel along the ridge to the south if you're willing to scramble and climb over some very rough rocks. Keep in mind that there are sheer cliffs in almost all directions from the top and stay well back away from the edges. Also, obey any signs posted regarding closures for the Peregrine Falcons during the spring nesting season.  Table Rock Park is pet friendly but bring your pet on leash, there are drop offs and dangerous cliffs and you want to have fun without any accidents!  Guests staying at pet friendly Wilson Creek Cabins in the Wild and Scenic River Gorge below Grandfather Mountain have a getaway that is hard to duplicate.  Secluded properties in Natures beauty and terrific outdoor covered lounges by the creek for grilling and chilling after a fun day on the trails! list www.wilsoncreekcabins.com to see our cozy homes in the Gorge!  See the video below to experience the Grand Canyon of the East!:

​Linville Falls Hiking Trails
Two main hiking trails lead to views of Linville falls. Both begin at the Linville Falls Visitor Center and pass through remnants of a virgin hemlock forest mixed with other familiar tree species such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and birch. A colorful and varied display of wildflowers decorates the trails in spring. Red and golden leaves in fall beautifully contrast with the soothing green of hemlocks. The Linville Falls trails range in difficulty from moderate to strenuous.


Erwins View Trail 
A moderate 1.6 mile round-trip walk, offering hikers four overlooks, each revealing a different aspect of the Linville Falls area. 

The first overlook is 0.5 miles from the visitor center, and is a moderate walk with a slight loss of elevation. Here, the Linville River spills gently over the upper falls where it widens and pauses. Drifting into a narrow canyon, the water suddenly spirals out of sight and plunges 45 feet over the lower falls. 

The next overlook, Chimney View, 0.7 miles from the visitor center, is the first point on the trail where the lower falls can be seen. It offers an excellent change to photograph both the upper and lower falls. The overlook is named for the chimney-like rock outcroppings located to the right of the waterfall. The trail is strenuous in this area with considerable elevation gain. 

At Gorge View Overlook, hikers can see the Linville River cutting its way through the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. 

The Erwins View Trail ends at Erwins View Overlook, 0.8 mile from the visitor center. From this vantage point hikers can enjoy a panoramic view of the Linville Gorge and a distant view of the upper and lower falls. 

Linville Gorge Trail
The trails to Linville Gorge (1.4 miles round trip) and to Plunge Basin (1 mile round trip) also start at the visitor center. The trail to Linville Gorge forks 0.2 mile from the visitor center. The right fork takes hikers to Plunge Basin Overlook where they can view the lower falls and the Chimneys. The left fork winds down through rock cliffs to the bottom of the falls where the force of the water cascading over the falls creates a large pool. Both of these trails are strenuous. 

Swimming in the Linville River and climbing on the rocks is dangerous and not allowed.

Make your plans for a mountain excursion and enjoy our pet friendly accommodations at WilsonCreekCabins.com for a great relaxing getaway!

​HANG GLIDING...
allows you to see the world from the point of view of a free-flying bird.  Schedule your tandem hang gliding flight with us today at Thermal Valley Hang Gliding!

We are a family owned and operated business whose mission is to facilitate people to feel the exhilarating effects of free flying through our discovery tandem hang gliding flights. Start out with some ground school training and paperwork then we will help you in your harness.  After a final safety check, the tug pilot takes off and up you and your instructor go in the wild blue yonder!  When you reach your target altitude, the glider releases the tow line and begins free flight.  Ask your instructor to demostrate advanced maneuvers if you like wilder rides.  Thermal Valley's 1500 foot flight lasts 8 to 12 minutes and each 500 foot increase will add up to five minutes depending on the atmospheric conditions.  

We also offer solo instruction if you want to pursue advanced hang gliding training.  There are multiple mountain launch sites in and around Lenoir and Morganton.

If you are looking for great accommodations when visiting check out pet friendly cabin rentals in the Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek River Gorge at: www.wilsoncreekcabins.com 

Winter Safari weekend is set for weekend of Jan 25th - 27th in the Grandfather Mountain Ranger District - Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Gorge.  Bring your Rover, Jeep, 4 wheel drive vehicle and learn the techniques and skills to be a better driver in adverse conditions and have a fun weekend too.!  Marshall Grant the director/owner of Blue Ridge Expeditions puts on this annual event and it gets bigger every year for good reason, people like the good times and chance to experience the great outdoors with their vehicle in some amazing terrain and trails.  Class instruction then take it to the field..........fun fun fun.  Accommodations at www.wilsoncreekcabins.com are booked but check with Betsey's Country Store for other possible accommodations at 828-758-5051 

Book your weekend in the Gorge, check out Marshalls web site for details of this event and other training and classes they offer.  Here is the link to Blue Ridge Expeditions

FYI - Brown Mountain Off Road Vehicle Park is open until Jan 1, so get in your rides in Dec before closing for winter.  Crews are working in the Month of December at the park to make annual improvements so be careful in those areas and allow crews to make it better for us.

The leaves are off the tress so you can see for miles.......come up and see the improvements, we've still got great riding weather this month.

If you want to make a weekend of it.....our cabins offer terrific accommodations: www.wilsoncreekcabins.com  fairly close to the park, 9 miles door to entrance of the park, you will want to trailer there though.  Day passes are very inexpensive and can be purchased at the Collettsville General Store just down the road as your are coming in..

Our cabins are 3 bedroom homes with comforts of home, HDDTV, nice bedrooms and kitchens, covered outdoor lounge areas to grill and have a fire at night after a fun day on the trails.  pet friendly.

Come up for winter safari 4 wheeling fun weekend trip! 

Come create your mountain memories and get your escape weekend in the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Gorge for your pet friendly cabin rental near Blowing Rock!  Creekside Cozy Cabin is in the Grandfather Mountain Ranger district down the mountain from the summit.  Experience our cozy home with king sz bed and big kitchen and an Outdoor Lounge complete with fire pit and gas grill for chilling by the creek.

All Bedrooms have been updated and we have the outdoor lounge with a Broil King gas grill for a cooking up a Valentine meal fit for a king and Queen.  Either book it for your Valentine or bring another couple you have plenty of room and comfortable arrangements.

Creekside Cozy Cabin is managed by www.wilsoncreekcabins.com we have a couple vacation homes in the River Gorge and have been serving families since 2004.  check us out.