Aug 9 2012: Asheville, Bear Creek Campground, Chimney Rock and Blue Ridge Parkway

...stars and stripes

Lake Lure

..purple mountains majesty...

On this ninth day of August Asheville weather began in the mid 80s and clear skies. By the end of our day the skies were overcast with scattered showers. And during the day we walked through the clouds at over 5000 feet above sea level. Mid-morning we headed south on NC 74 for about a half hour drive to Chimney Rock near Lake Lure. The drive was interesting; we went on several switchbacks and through some hollers and even a town named Bat Cave.

 We arrived at the secluded town of Chimney Rock and went directly to the Park. We took the elevator to the top of the mountain, where there is a snack area and gift shop, with very reasonable prices.

Chimney Rock

Hickory Nut Grove Trail

 Chimney Rock is a monolith, and is a mere 535 million years old (and doesn't look a day over 534 million years!). We had a view of about 50 miles; on a clearer day it is said that one can see 75 mile range. We began our 315 foot downward climb (rock and stairs) back to the elevator and considered the mile trail to the waterfall. We voted for air conditioning in the car, temps pushing 90 and humidity pushing 300!

Chrysler Prowlers

 In the parking area were about 30 Chrysler Prowlers, which is a retro-hot rod type car, and a group that we had also seen at Biltmore.  We began our return to camp driving westward toward the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and aiming for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hickory Nut Gorge

We drove along 276 into the mountains where we passed several waterfalls that seemed to be popular places to swim at their bases.

Looking Glass Waterfall

 One in particular was Looking Glass waterfall that reflected the clear water falling against the granite boulders.

GPS elevation on Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway Overlook

We got onto the Parkway  near mile marker 417 and continued our drive north along the Pisgah Ridge. Temperatures dropped to 66, and stopping at several overlooks (until the rains came) we found ourselves above the clouds and at elevations above five thousand feet. Needless to say, our descent back down to our campsite caused quite the ear-popping!