Clear mountain lakes, blue sky, green meadows and a light breeze – escape the suffocating heat of the city and enjoy the refreshing summer climate in the Smoky Mountains. Hike through the unspoiled nature of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and numerous hiking trails through the Nantahala National Forest, go swimming or a boat ride on pristine Lake Santeetlah, or perhaps just sit back in a comfy lounge chair to take in a beautiful sunset.
In between the hiking, swimming and relaxing, there should be some time set aside for a little dragon slaying. The 318 curves in 11 miles on Highway 129 is well known to motorcyclists and sports car drivers as the “The Dragon”, and offers a special challenge. In addition to the well-known “Dragon”, many other roads in the area such as the scenic Cherohala Skyway offer enthusiasts a great ride with plenty of breathtaking views.
The summer would be a waste if every day was spent in traffic jams or working compulsively in an office, so do yourself a favor and take a few days off to cool down and enjoy Western North Carolina’s cool wonders.