The Ultimate Guide To Asheville
and the Western North Carolina Mountains
Asheville
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Links to Websites
of
Western North Carolina, the
region of North Carolina that includes the Appalachian Mountains, is
blessed with towering verdant mountains, lovely gentle valleys,
flower-filled coves, virgin stands of untouched forest, crystal
clear lakes and streams, and vibrant cities and towns. The mountains
are generally separated into four distinct zones or regions. The
Western Mountains, extending from Andrews and Murphy in the far
western corner to Waynesville, the Central Mountains from
Waynesville through Asheville to the Burnsville area, the Northern
Mountains from Burnsville to Sparta, and the Foothills, extending
along the full length of the mountains from Columbus to North
Wilkesboro.
Tourism is the major industry in Western North
Carolina, with millions of visitors each year flocking to the
mountains for outdoor recreation. The area includes the
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, the Nantahala National Forest,
the
Pisgah National Forest
and numerous State Forests. Most of Western North Carolina is
wilderness and offers an abundance of recreational opportunities
from mountain climbing to whitewater rafting. Other major natural
attractions include the
Appalachian Scenic National
Trail and the
Blue Ridge Parkway,
both of which pass right through the mountains.
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