Mount Mitchell State Park - North Carolina

Address:2388 State Hwy. 128
Burnsville, North Carolina

North Carolina's first State Park, Mt. Mitchell was originally created to preserve the fir trees around the mountain's peak from loggers. The 1,855-acre park contains 18 different peaks at an elevation of over 6300 feet, including Mt. Mitchell, which is the highest in the East. There are eight miles of strenuous trails for hiking, and the end of the observation tower trail offers spectacular views of over 85 miles away, into the Blue Ridge. The Park has a gift shop and restaurant as well as an exhibit hall and education center where environmental programs are held. With all of this, plus family camping and plenty of perfect places to picnic in the forests Mt. Mitchell is a North Carolina treasure.

Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with marina, boat launch and beach nearby. A multi-use trail -hiking, cross-country skiing - winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds. Boat Launch Site not suitable for any type of sailboat. The park also offers organized activities including tours through the Taughannock Gorge and summer concerts along the lakefront.