Mountain Song Chalet @Beech

The Blue Ridge Parkway is part of the National Park Service and is known as America's Favorite Scenic Drive. The 469-mile ribbon of road weaves around the peaks of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains connecting Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina). With the use of the milepost system (the numbers increase as you drive south), you can easily find points of interest along the way. Here are our top picks for things to do along a 60-mile North Carolina section of the Parkway from north to south. Grandfather Mountain exit at Mileposts 305 is the closest one to Mountain Song Chalet. Milepost 294, Moses Cone Park: Explore the historic estate with a Mansion, Craft Center and thousands of acres to explore near Blowing Rock. Milepost 297, Julian Price Park: Walk around, canoe Price Lake, hike, picnic or camp.  Milepost 302.8, Rough Ridge: 1/3-mile hike to wonderful views on a boardwalk atop a rocky ridge along Tanawha Trail. Milepost 304....

Fred’s General Mercantile is an old-fashioned general store with a full service deli, and seasonally, a ski shop, wild bird shop and Christmas shop. The main store consists of groceries, hardware and clothing. It is known for its great supply of nick-nacks and gift items to take home with you after a trek up the mountain. In summer months, we LOVE their tasty peaches picked from nearby local farms. Fred’s Backside Deli serves delicious sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, beverages and homemade desserts like brownies, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. The deli offers a beautiful garden patio where you can appreciate the gorgeous blue ridge mountains. In addition, Fred’s has been renting the finest ski equipment, accessories and warm weather gear. Fred's is 2 miles away from Mountain Song Chalet. We really appreciate all the convenience that Fred's has offered when we spend our vacation time up there. Hope you can find what you need in this lovely place as well! Address: 501 ...

Linville Falls is an absolute must see waterfall. Plan on a half or full day there if you want to see the waterfalls from all the different overlooks that are offered and really enjoy the area to its fullest. The trails include four overlooks to the waterfalls, where wild flowers and foliage around along the way. The steep-walled Gorge is known as the "Great Canyon of the Southern Appalachians". The hike begins at a visitor center located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near MP 316. The trail crosses a bridge over the Linville River, following a wide gravel road and rolling elevation through a vibrant green forest. Tall trees tower over the rolling landscape of grasses, rhododendron, and fern. The Falls Trail distance is 1.6 miles round trip and easy. The Gorge Trail distance is 1.4 miles round trip and strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail is 1 mile round trip and moderate.  Slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous. Please stay safe.

Beech Mountain. Most people thinking skiing nine times out of 10. However, there’s a hidden gem of hiking and mountain biking trails over the rainbow -- The Emerald Outback Trail Park. Located near the summit of Beech Mountain, it is a multi-use trail system created by the Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department. The Emerald Outback stands out as one of the highest trail parks east of the Rockies, with elevations up to 5,400 feet above sea level. The trail system consists of seven trails covering about eight miles of terrain. Five of the seven trails are rated as moderate to advanced in degree of difficulty, while two trails are rated as easy. USA Cycling has twice hosted its Collegiate Mountain Biking National Championships in the Emerald Outback. The trail system is punctuated by overlooks that offer long-range views of the North Carolina High Country - another unique feature of this unique place. Take North Pinnacle Ridge Road up to Oz Road, and get to the trail head area. Pa...

The Blowing Rock (open year round, weather permitting) is NC’s first travel attraction and the town’s namesake. The view is incomparable, and the near-constant winds inspired a Native legend about the site.  An impressive observation deck offers nearly 365-degree views, while a pretty loop trail is a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. The rock itself is a perfect place to take a bucket-list photo! GPS: 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 We feel that no attractions tour of the High Country is complete without a visit to downtown Blowing Rock! The quaint village-like atmosphere is uncommon nowadays and there is plenty to enjoy. Stroll along the welcoming streets to see unique shops and galleries, and take a break in the large Memorial Park right on Main Street. Have lunch at one of many eateries downtown before you head back home! One of our favorite local stores Cabin Fever carries a lot of interesting cabin décor and rustic lodge furnishings where we always pick one or two t...

  Grandfather Mountain, a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge, is located near Beech Mountain, the longtime attraction with many things to do and see. A short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 221 South is the park entrance where guests purchase tickets and drive up the crooked drive (due to Covid-19, guests book their visits in advance through their online reservation system) to the ridgetop with a gift shop and the Swinging Bridge. Several lofty alpine hiking trails begin from this parking area. Just down the mountain a bit are environmental habitats and nature museum where you can find black bears, river otters, cougars, eagles and elk. Viewing areas give you an up-close perspective of the animals. There are also more than 100 picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park. Bring your own picnic, or purchases sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken tenders, salads and more to go from Mildred's Grill restaurant at the museum....

The Buckeye Recreation Center overlooks a very pretty reservoir called Buckeye Lake. It is worthy to drive down "the backside of Beech" to do a little extra hiking on the trails when you're on Beech Mountain. They also have a great outdoor playground for the kids which definitely can keep them entertained for a while. Back in October of 2020, we walked the Falls Trail and it was an adventure. The trail is moderately strenuous because of tree roots and rocks to step down and up, but it is beautiful and fun. A must stop for a great leisurely day! Address: 1330 Pine Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain, NC 28604 Phone: (828) 387-3003