Top Town/Park Pairs: Population less than 10,000

Population Less Than 10,000: Top 2 From each State

(Blue Ridge Country magazine covers the mountain regions of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia.)

North Carolina

1. Blowing Rock and Banner Elk / Grandfather Mountain State Park

Walk the well-maintained, accessible Flat Top Carriage Trail to see meadows, woodlands and 360° views from a High Country fire tower. Or choose a leisurely horse and carriage ride at Moses H. Cone Park. Then on to Banner Elk for a dip in Wildcat Lake and a visit to Apple Hill, a working llama and alpaca farm. For a winter visit to these two towns, ski at one (or both) of the South’s largest resorts – Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.

At Grandfather Mountain State Park, take a deep breath and journey across the country’s highest suspension footbridge (accessible for all visitors)—one mile above sea level. Discover the 2,600 acres of undeveloped backcountry on 11 trails challenging hikers to “scramble along cliffs and up ladders.” Or, take a more relaxed interpretive ranger-led hike. Spend time at the new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery conservation campus and Nature Museum.

2. Black Mountain / Chimney Rock State Park

Stroll through the downtown area of the “prettiest small town in America,” strategically dotted with rocking chairs to rest along the way. Independent shops, restaurants and craft breweries, cideries and distilleries are plentiful in this location known for its history in “the arts.” Galleries, exhibits by local artists and musical performances round out a visit. Stop by the 1920s fire station museum for a history tour; and stay overnight in a Victorian Inn.

At Chimney Rock State Park, before venturing amongst the dramatic rock features, stop by the Animal Discovery Den to learn natural history of the area via the resident ambassadors. Take the kids and grandkids on the Great Woodland Adventure—12 animal station sculptures to educate and entertain. Visitors of all ages and skills can scale the Climbing Tower (with professionals assisting) for a view of Hickory Nut Gorge as a reward. Whenever you visit, put the Four Seasons Trail (moderate to strenuous) at the top of your list.

Virginia

1. Abingdon / Hungry Mother State Park

Put on your walking shoes for a self-guided tour of the 20-square-block Historic District. From the tree-lined sidewalks, see business and residential architecture dating back to 1799. Browse farmers’ markets in season and art galleries year-round. Then catch a show at the Barter Theater where patrons could pay the admission price in produce back in the 1930s. Contact the visitor center for historical info and legends about Thomas Jefferson, Daniel Boone and “The Martha.”

At Hungry Mother State Park, travel a few miles from Interstate 81 to reach this 3,334-acre park, which is one of the six original in the Virginia State Park System. Built via the CCC program, it was dedicated in 1936 and still contains historic cabins from the time. Participate in the many activities including swimming, fishing (large muskies in residence), night hikes, campfires, naturalist programs and storytelling. Be sure to ask the ranger how this park (supposedly) got its name!

2. Lexington / Natural Bridge State Park

Entertain your inner sleuth and treasure hunter on the Gems of Rockbridge Geocaching Trail across 10 locations of natural and cultural interest. Feast on local produce and products at working farms, orchards, wineries and farm-to-table restaurants along the Fields of Gold Farm Trail. Go on a haunted tour at Oak Grove  Cemetery and other eerie locations. Take a horse and carriage ride through historic downtown.

At 1,500-acre Natural Bridge State Park, learn the traditional ways of cooking, gardening, crafts and living at the Monacan Indian Village. The “bridge” itself is a 215-foot gorge carved by Cedar Creek and was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The Lace Falls 30-foot cascade and stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains await. Stop by the visitor center, gift shop and consignment center for creations by local artisans.

Tennessee

1. Gatlinburg / Seven Islands State Birding Park

Get a bird’s-eye view of this hamlet in the Smokies from the iconic 407-foot Space Needle. Then take a ride over the treetops up the mountain in the chair lift. Spend the day at Anakeesta to ride the Chondola, stroll the Treetop walk over scenic bridges, visit the botanical gardens to see 3,000 plants and sculptures, and enjoy the trails and waterfalls. Saddle up for a horseback ride at several nearby stables.

At Seven Islands State Birding Park, make a picnic lunch and escape to this 416-acre refuge for a relaxing day on the French Broad River. In addition to meadows of wildflowers, you’ll find small ponds teaming with life and shaded woodlands with nesting birds. Make it a “must see” destination if you’re a birder or just enjoy a symphony of nature sounds.

2. Pigeon Forge / Seven Islands State Birding Park

Entertain your outdoor adventurer at the many parks and activities in this town at the foot of the Smokies and home to Dollywood. Watch competitions or try your hand at the lumberjack park; ride a nine-minute-long roller coaster day or night; fly like a bird at several zipline locations; join a rafting tour on the river; or take a guided jeep tour of the surrounding mountains.

Seven Islands State Birding Park is a short drive away from the crowds, and offers relaxtion in a small refuge that is open dawn to dusk. Birds, butterflies, small mammals and seasonal wildflowers make this the perfect quiet getaway spot. Check the barns for the chance to spot an owl of the same name; and, with a bit of good timing, the herons will be nesting in their rookery!

Georgia

1. Dahlonega / Amicalola Falls State Park

Explore 28 miles of the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in this county. Bring your angler skills for world-class trout fishing at several local creeks. Visit the Red Oak Lavender Farm and their shop for a unique floral experience. Support the compassionate work at Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, home to over 100 rescued animals, with a visit and donation of fresh fruits and canned vegetables.

Amicalola Falls State Park is a great destination on your list for waterfalls—specifically, a 729-foot cascade that is the third highest east of the Mississippi. Walk several forested trails; and (for the immersive adventure) stay at the eco-friendly Len Foote Inn, accessible only by hike. Sign-up for survivalist camp; take an archery class; or join a GPS scavenger hunt. Meet-and-Greet some of the park’s Ambassador Animals at the Lodge and Visitor’s Center.

2. Blue Ridge / Fort Mountain State Park

Take a bike ride (electric ones also available) around the 3,290-acre aquamarine-watered Lake Blue Ridge. At the nearby Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, learn about the one million rainbow trout raised here each year; camp; fish Rock Creek; or take a fly-fishing class. See the National Forest and Toccoa River by train in all seasons on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. For fans of the unexplained, the Expedition Big Foot museum is a must see.

At Fort Mountain State Park, combine one of the area’s mysteries from history with a hike near the summit at this destination. A zigzagging, 855-foot stone wall (built 500 to 1,500 years ago) is surrounded by myth and legend (and inspired the name for this park). Camp, bike, hike, swim and visit the CCC Stone Fire Tower at this 4,058-acre park known for hardwood forests, blueberry thickets and views from multiple overlook points.

South Carolina

1. Walhalla / Oconee State Park

Have a tour of two historic buildings from the late 18th Century—a military blockhouse and trading post home set on 210 acres along Oconee Creek at this state site. Then explore the grounds and 60-foot waterfall in the forest. Bring a flashlight for a look inside 1,700 feet of an abandoned (and incomplete) railroad tunnel from the 19th Century—there are bats, of course.

At Oconee State Park, six short-distance nature trails offer loop and out-and-back paths through a 165-acre park with two mountain lakes. Access the Foothills Trail, a wilderness hike on the geologically significant Blue Ridge Escarpment—tectonic and water-created landforms where mountains meet rolling hills. Nineteen CCC-built cabins are available as well as 139 campsites and an old-fashioned swimming hole.

2. Pickens / Devils Fork State Park

Discover the courage and tenacity of freed slaves as they built the Liberia Community anchored by the Soapstone Baptist Church. Visit the cemetery and speak with locals for a glimpse into the past. Tour Table Rock Tea Company, a “Real American Tea™ Farm,” to learn about and taste artisan black, green and oolong tea grown onsite. Spend time at the county museum and stroll through interpretive trails in the adjacent Joe and Maggie Rampey Native Plant Gardens.

At Devils Fork State Park, bring your gear to fish for trophy trout and smallmouth bass at the 7,565-acre reservoir. With unusually clear waters and visibility from 15 to 50 feet, join a scuba guide and explore well-known dive spots. The park is relatively undeveloped and often “crowd-free” for hikes, wildlife viewing and wildflower walks. Also, float by waterfalls only visible by boat.

Kentucky

1. Williamsburg / Cumberland Falls Resort State Park

Plan a day on the Cumberland River in a kayak, raft or behind a fishing pole from many access points in town. Enjoy a walkable downtown, and drive through historic neighborhoods to see the incredible architecture of restored 18th and 19th Century homes. Ride an old railroad track into the Appalachian Mountains with a stop at the former Barthell Coal Camp via the Big South Fork Scenic Railway nearby.

At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, come see why this 125-foot-wide cascade falling 60’ is called Niagara of South; and return at night for a “moonbow” seen nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere. Stay at the DuPont Lodge built of hemlock beams and knotty pine paneling, and tour the Blair Museum during your stay. Try your luck at the new gem mining attraction, and take a guided trail ride on horseback. For birders, get those binoculars ready.

2. Prestonsburg / Jenny Wiley State Park

Learn the history of the 1817 Federal-style home and its owner who was a “carpenter, surveyor, ferryman, innkeeper, justice of the peace, gold miner and politician” throughout his life. This destination, the Samuel May House, is a living history museum. Step into the tragic, brother-against-brother Civil War events at the Middle Creek National Battlefield. For an interesting photograph, go to the 1928 rainbow arch West Prestonburg Bridge over the Big Sandy River.

At Jenny Wiley State Park, thanks to successful reintroduction, we now have the opportunity to join elk watching tours in their native habitat. Stop by the nature center to hear about the park’s namesake and her place in history. Reserve a seat at the outdoor theater; pack a picnic; boat, fish and swim at the 1,100-acre Dewey Lake; and stay at the May Lodge, cottages or campground.

West Virginia

1. Fayetteville / Hawks Nest State Park

Walk the Historic District of this small town filled with charm and hospitality, antiques and crafts, theatre and live music, art and artists, and award-winning eateries. Perched on the rim of the New River Gorge National Park, world-class rock climbing and hiking abound. For a breathtaking stroll, join a Bridge Walk tour on the 24”-wide catwalk (yes, inches!) spanning the 3,030-foot gorge span 850 feet in the air.

At 276-acre Hawks Nest State Park, find a peaceful lake and some of the most popular and exciting whitewater in the country. Walk through the nature museum and ride the aerial tram (seasonal) for the best views. For an unusual roadside attraction, see what all the talk is about at The Mystery Hole two miles east of the park.

2. Lewisburg / Moncove Lake State Park

Stop in this hamlet of 4,000 folks and you’ll quickly see why it’s “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Boutiques, antiques, museums, theatre and charm coalesce to create a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Walk historic downtown for a glimpse at dozens of renovated 18th and 19th Century homes, businesses and churches. Look under the surface in the Lost World Caverns—leisurely and self-guided or for mud, water and tight squeezes, take the wild cave tour.

Put Moncove Lake State Park on the birding destination list. As one of the “funnels” on the Atlantic Flyway, migrating birds pass through here by the hundreds. (Insider tip: autumn for Broad-winged Hawks!) This small 250-acre park with 88-acre lake is tucked into the hills beside a 500-acre wildlife management area. For a quiet getaway, visit for the day or set up at the campground.

The story above first appeared in our July/August 2021 issue. For more like it subscribe today or log in with your active BRC+ Membership. Thank you for your support!