Biltmore and the Last of the Mohicans

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Flew in a little early for a conference in Washington, DC, rented a car and decided to have a little weekend getaway before my meeting started. Drove down to Asheville, NC. Beautiful drive along the way. I had read and heard so much about the Biltmore. It is truly one of America's few castles.

Started out the day touring the Biltmore. We were not allowed to take pictures inside but you can see online if interested just how beautiful the interior is. Plus, they did an episode of A&E's "America's Castles" on it. It is staggeringly massive with extensive grounds and property. They also have a huge garden and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the "back balcony" as I'd call it. Room and room inside is beautiful and unique. Was finished in the late 1800s for the Vanderbilt family. Hard to believe people actually lived there given its size. It's billed as America's largest home at 4 acres just for the house and contains 250 rooms! Some of the property was renovated in later years to also include an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley for the celebrity guests. It's apparently still owned by the Vanderbilt family. You can also tour the Gardens and winery which are also both worthwhile. I was on a schedule so not able to spend as much time as I wished at the property. Hopefully I'll go back someday and get some more photos and see the property in more depth.

After touring the Biltmore, I tried to squeeze in one more activity for the day and headed 30 miles south of Asheville to Chimney Rock Park. The movie the "Last of the Mohicans" was shot here. I rewatched the movie when I got back and it's very clear in the scenes! You will definitely not need to do your stairmaster workout after this trek. Lots and lots of stairs and be sure to wear practical shoes because there are sheer drops, huge roots to walk through and slippery spots where the water escapes. The day was a little overcast so the sky wasn't the clearest for picture taking. Extremely beautiful place to visit and I was so glad I took the time. The hike to all the major points took a bit of time and there are so many photo opportunities making rest stops worthwhile. There are two hiking paths, one not as strenuous as the other. It's worthwhile to do the strenuous if you feel up to it because you pretty much see it all and get the best views from above.

In my opinion, the Park is dominated by two major features: Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock can be viewed from the parking lot. You can take an elevator up from the old cave (which allows you to talk out onto Chimney Rock) but then after that, it's all stairs and climbing. Chimney Rock, and the area above it, has dazzling views of the gorge below. The brochure states that you can see for 75 miles. Chimney Rock is positioned 2,280 feet up. Hickory Nut Falls is the waterfall located in the park. It has a 404 foot drop. When I was there in late June, the waterfall was flowing pretty good. It isn't a strong waterfall but so pretty with all the greens all around. There are several marked points of interest along the way as well and some of the rocks are named. For those interested in exploring, here's a map of the park: http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/park/interestpoints/trailmappg1only.pdf

I took a whole roll of film of the Biltmore gardens and for the second time in my travelling life, I lost a roll of film which contained those pictures. (After realizing this when I was far, far away from the Biltmore and after also losing a roll on a trip to Seattle taken atop the Space Needle, I decided it was time to purchase a digital camera.) Unbelievable. Can you say regret?

(Yes, I know that this is being posted way past when I went on this trip but I journaled it so am going back to add!)

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Photos

The Chimney
315 feet tall with a 75 mile view of all around it. Has an elevation of 2,280 feet. Wish the wind would have been blowing to catch the flag.

Hickory Nut Falls
404 foot drop.

The Chimney
View from the parking lot.

Chimney Rock Park
Watch your step 'cause it's a long way down! Walking over the water which becomes Hickory Nut Falls.