Blue Ridge Mountain Host
The 2010 Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina Visitor Guide, published by the 10-county tourism coalition Blue Ridge Mountain Host based in Asheville, NC, celebrates the historical and cultural highlights along the Blue Ridge Parkway during its 75th anniversary year, including the Appalachian Trail in Madison County.
The passing of the Blue Ridge Parkway and The Appalachian Trail through the Blue Ridge Mountain Host Region provide two different types of access to this area’s attractions. The Parkway makes it easy for motorists to explore all that this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains has to offer. For the adventurist, there is The Appalachian Trail.
The “A.T.,” as it is called by hikers, is the national scenic trail, part of the same national park system that includes Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains, that runs from Maine to Georgia. Its official name is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Unlike those other world-renowned parks, The Appalachian Trail is not a concentrated preserve. As the longest, skinniest part of America's national park system, the A.T. stretches over 14 different states and passes through more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests. Hundreds of roads cross it. In some parts, the Trail’s Appalachian “corridor”
In the Blue Ridge Mountain Host region in North Carolina, The Appalachian Trail passes from one end of Madison County to the other with many access points, giving day hikers the opportunity to walk short segments of the trail. Appalachian Trail hikers and locals are familiar with the way the A.T. passes through the picturesque town of Hot Springs, home of Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Hikers can access the A.T. here and hike north or south for as far as they’d like – then return to Hot Springs to unwind under the stars with a soothing mineral bath.
In addition to hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Hot Springs area offers other ways for visitors to enjoy the area. In and around Hot Springs are outfitters for whitewater rafting adventures on the French Broad River. And after a day of outdoor activity, visitors can turn in at one of the many camping sites, cabins, cottages, or bed and breakfast style inns that the area has to offer. The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina visitor guidebook lists many of these properties.
Individual copies of the 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Host Visitor Guide are available for visitors by calling 1-800-807-3391. For print and online advertising opportunities or to request cases of the guide (120 per case) contact Blue Ridge Mountain Host at 828-285-9907. The Blue Ridge Mountain Host Visitor Guide may also be requested or downloaded from the organization’
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
