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Adventure beckons you
Looking forward to stepping out of your comfort zone to experience the best that nature has to offer? We have all the answers! With two state parks and two national parks in our backyard, the opportunities for outdoor activities are endless. You can mountain bike in the morning, rock climb mid-day, kayak down the French Broad River in the afternoon, and take a zip-line ride at sunset. Don’t forget to take in a waterfall (we have over 200). We’ve done our best to provide you with a comprehensive list of all the great trails and activities available. Take a deep breath and dive in.
Spring has Sprung!
What a fantastic week we have ahead of us! Temperatures in the 80s for the first week of May – time for you to come PLAY. People are still flocking to Dupont State Forest to find the filming locations of the Hunger Games. Find directions in our waterfalls section. What are you going to do today?
You have probably heard the saying, 'a face only a mother could love.' Well, in the case of the Hellbender Salamander, the largest salamander in North America, you have to wonder even about the mother. Let's be honest - to find a creature as ugly as the Hellbender you probably have to look under a microscope at a bedbug. For those who love the French Broad River however, the Hellbender, (otherwise known as the devil dog, mud devil, or my personal favorite, snot otter) is one of the most beautiful creatures around these parts. 
