Visiting Acony Bell Tiny Home Community?
Here are the Top Outdoor Excursions in Western North Carolina
Acony Bell Tiny Home Community is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering an abundance of outdoor adventures just steps from the gates of the village. Looking to explore the best of Western North Carolina during your tiny house vacation? From scenic mountain vistas to roaring waterfalls, here is our guide to the top outdoor activities around “The Bell”:
Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Did you know? There are over 80 miles of trails in DuPont State Forest, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes that lead you to some spectacular waterfalls including High Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
If you’re looking for great mountain biking trails, DuPont has become a hotspot for mountain biking enthusiasts due to its well-maintained trails, some of which are designed specifically for mountain biking.
Depending on your ability level and how much time you have, this place is worth a visit.
Get there: Take US 276 south to Cedar Mountain and turn left on Cascade Lake Road. Continue on Cascade Lake road for 2.5 miles, then turn right on Staton Road/DuPont Road. Continue on Staton Road/DuPont Road for 1.5 miles until you reach the High Falls access area.
Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls
Calling all waterfall enthusiasts! Pisgah National Forest is home to the Davidson River and boasts some of the most picturesque streams in the Southeastern U.S. including the widely popular and easy to access, Lookout Falls which plunges 60 feet into the deep pool below. Plus, there’s no hiking involved, just park and take in the gorgeous views.
One of our favorite family-friendly hikes that is just a few miles from the community is Moore Cove Falls. A short hike for all ages and skill levels, the round trip hike is just 1.5 miles, with minimal elevation gain and a gentle path to and from the falls, this is an ideal hike for young children. Our favorite part? You can walk behind Moore Cove Falls, which provides a cool and refreshing experience during warmer months.
For those looking to get wet on a natural slip & slide, there’s Sliding Rock where you and your family can ride down the smooth rock face into a refreshing pool of mountain water.
Get there: The trailhead to Moore Cove Falls is located off of US Highway 276, approximately 6.5 miles north of the intersection with US Highway 64 in Brevard.
Gorges State Park
A little ways from the community (but worth the drive) is Gorges State Park. The park’s most famous waterfall, Rainbow Falls, boasts a cascading waterfall of 150 feet, creating a spectacular and memorable scene. Accessible via a challenging hike is the scenic Turtleback Falls and Stairway falls, both providing some remote swimming spots and beautiful streams along the way.
Bonus: there are so many trails to discover in this hidden gem. Check out this map to plan your visit.
Catawba Falls
Depending on where you’re coming to the community from, a great stop on the way up the mountain when heading I40-West is Catawba Falls just outside of Old Fort, NC. The recently renovated trail leads to some of the most spectacular streams in Western North Carolina.
Do note that while this trail is family-friendly, keep in mind that the final climb is 580 steps up, so stay safe, especially after rain.
Waterfall Safety
Keep in mind that waterfalls are beautiful but dangerous, and you should stay on marked trails for you and your families safety. Hiking in and around waterfalls poses risks for slipping hazards and it’s crucial to pay attention to your surroundings and planning ahead.
Seeking Mountain Vistas
Graveyard Fields
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a short drive from our community and has must-see places along the way. The most popular spot? Graveyard Fields. Located at Milepost 418.8, Graveyard Fields is known for its unique, rugged landscape of open meadows, wildflowers, and waterfalls. There are a variety of hikes that lead to waterfalls, mountain ridges, and wide open fields.
Pro Tip: it’s popular, be sure to head there early in the morning and on weekdays for the best chance of some alone time on the trail.
Devils Courthouse
A short but steep trail, Devil’s Courthouse is a prominent rock formation visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 422.4. This hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including views of all 5 states that touch NC! It’s a great hike to pair with another outdoor adventure, as it’s a quick roundtrip.
Black Balsam Knob
Also off the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Black Balsam Knob Parking Area at Milepost 420.2. This loop hike offers expansive views and open grassy balds for taking a lunch break. The moderate 5-mile loop combines the summit of Black Balsam Knob with Tennent Mountain, offering viewers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Frying Pan Mountain Fire Tower
Starting at Milepost 409.6, this short but gorgeous hike leads to an old fire lookout tower atop Fryingpan Mountain. Take this hike for panoramic views of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest and Mount Pisgah but if you’re scared of heights beware, Frying Pan Tower is tall.
This is just a small list of our favorite adventure hubs around Acony Bell Tiny Home Community, and we’re always discovering new gems. What are your favorite places to hike? Let us know in the comments.
