5 day itinerary for Western North Carolina

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 5 days in Western North Carolina that includes rock hounding, gem mining, and hiking:

Day 1: Arrival and Gem Mining

• Arrive in the morning and check into your accommodation.
• Head to one of the many gem mines in the area, such as Elijah Mountain Gem Mine or Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine. Spend the day sifting through dirt and finding gems to take home as souvenirs.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, such as The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant or Medina's Village Bistro.

Day 2: Hiking and Rock Hounding

• Start the day with a hike in Chimney Rock State Park. The park offers several trails of varying difficulty levels, including the popular Hickory Nut Falls Trail.
• After the hike, head to the nearby Rumbling Bald Resort for some rock hounding. The resort has a large boulder field where you can search for unique rocks and minerals.
• End the day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub at your accommodation.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Hiking

• Drive to DuPont State Recreational Forest, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Hike to Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls for stunning views.
• After the hike, visit the Pisgah Forest Gem Mine to try your hand at gem mining again.
• Enjoy dinner at the Pisgah Inn, which offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Day 4: More Hiking and Rock Hounding

• Head to Linville Gorge Wilderness Area for a challenging hike to Linville Falls. The trail offers stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding gorge.
• After the hike, visit the Emerald Village to explore old mines and search for gems and minerals.
• End the day with a delicious meal at the Knife & Fork restaurant in Spruce Pine.

Day 5: Departure

• Before leaving, visit the Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County to learn more about rocks and minerals.
• If time allows, take a short hike to Catawba Falls before departing for home.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Western North Carolina!