Cradle of Forestry

In the early 20th century, the Appalachian forest was subjected to devastating large-scale commercial exploitation for the first time. At the same time, pioneering conservationists were devising reforms for forest management.  In 1889, George Vanderbilt hired a young...
Cornhusk Crafts

Cornhusk Crafts

A Corn husk Family from Allenstand, part of the John Parris Collection Appalachian people, of Cherokee, European, and African origin, all share a long history of making useful and decorative items from the outer leaves of ears of corn, known as cornhusks, or corn...

Linn Cove Viaduct

Photo by Hugh Morton, Courtesy Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation The last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be constructed was the Linn Cove Viaduct that crosses Grandfather Mountain near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. While the rest of the Parkway was...
Mountain Heritage Award Winners

Mountain Heritage Award Winners

[slideshow_deploy id=’5857′] Western Carolina University created the Mountain Heritage Award in 1976.  According to then Chancellor, H.F. Robinson, the award recognizes “outstanding contributions to the preservation or interpretation of the history and...

Linville Falls Trails

Linville Falls is home to many beautiful, scenic trails. All offer a good hike and most also reward you with a spectacular view. Here are a list of trails in the Linville area.   1. Dugger's creek trail 0.3 miles one direction from Vistors’...