Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina
Witness the beauty first hand on your next vacation!

Hike Down Into Linville Gorge, North Carolina’s Grandest Canyon

October 24th, 2009

By Stephen N Foster

The Linville River flows thunderously from the top of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, and its sweep and drop have formed over hundreds of years a canyon in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Park, which is part of the Pisgah National Forrest. Thus: Linville Gorge, one of the most compelling geological formations in the country and certainly on the east coast.

The Linville River, at the bottom of the gorge, flows between Lake James and Grandfather Mountain. The entire area is both stunningly beautiful and not for the unpracticed hiker. The trek down into the Gorge is challenging because you must always hike in a way such that you do not lose control and slip; and of course the hike back out is difficult because of the elevation and pitch of the ascent.

Trails into the Gorge start on both the Lake James and Grandfather Mountain sides. The western rim Cabin Trail drops almost 1000 feet in 3/4 of a mile. The Linville Gorge Trail is the major connecting trail. It parallels the river on the west side for about 12 miles.

Seven trails descend from the access road (seek out a map before you head out) to the Linville Gorge Trail. Trails also lead from Forest Road 210 to Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountains, two of the most mountains in North Carolina.

Camping is permitted in the Gorge, but it’s important to have orienteering equipment and a map. Each year a large number of people get lost in the Gorge and need to be rescued. The trails down into the Gorge are not always clearly marked, so it is important to be especially aware of where on the hike you are at all times.

It is equally important to have some base line of fitness before undertaking the hike. Ascending from the Linville River at the bottom of the Gorge is difficult and challenging and at times feels like you are walking nearly vertically.

Check in with the Ranger before you hike or camp. Obtain a permit if you need one, and take a camera because you’ll have multiple photo opportunities: the variety of animal and plant life is awe-inspiring

Access the Gorge from US 221, NC HWYs 181 and 183, and the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 314.

Stephen Foster is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Ramble: http://www.northcarolinaramble.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_N_Foster

Cheap Hotels in Durham, NC

October 24th, 2009

By David Urmann

Durham is one of the cities in the United States of America in the State of North Carolina. This is Durham County’s county seat, and also the core of four counties present in Durham.

Durham, North Carolina is sprinkled with many hotels that offer great services and cheap rates. Here are some of the hotels in Durham:

Wyndham Raleigh Durham Research Training Park is at the heart of the Research Triangle Park. Their amenities include newly renovated accommodations, restaurant and lounge of very colorful themes, and a fitness room complete with whatever equipment you might want.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites is another Hotel present in Durham. They are good for both business and pleasure trip. The main attraction of this hotel is the Prime Outlets Mall at Morrisville, Duke University, North Carolina State University and Chapel Hill’s University of North Carolina.

Comfort Inn University is located at the center of Duke University and the University of Chapel Hill. These two universities are five miles away from the Hotel. Each morning, there is Complimentary Continental Breakfasts. Aside from business services, the hotel also provides recreational activities that include outdoor seasonal pool and a fitness room on site.

It has a total number of one hundred eighteen guestrooms. Other amenities provided are the wake up call, gifts shops or newsstand, fitness equipment, and business services. Pets are allowed for a certain fee.

The main attractions of Comfort Inn are the Duke University, Unc Chapel Hill, Moorehead Planetarium, Duke University Golf Course, Museum Of Art in Duke University, Dean Smith Center, South Point Mall Streets, Like And Science Museum, and Jordan Lake.

Wingate is just four miles away from the International Airport of Raleigh Durham. It is also eight miles away from the State University of North Carolina. It has a complimentary shuttle services for their guests. Spa and fitness room are present on site.

Each room is served a complimentary breakfast. Anywhere you are in the hotel, you can always have the internet connection. Guestrooms have microwave ovens and mini fridges for visitor’s use.

Other hotel amenities are complimentary airport transportation, small groups meeting room, laundry facilities, and express check-out.

As for the area attractions of Wingate, these include Southpoint Streets, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, State University of North Carolina, Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina University, Crabtree Valley Mall, Cameron Village, Brightleaf Square Shopping District, Duke University, Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, and Triangle Town Center.

Comfort Suites RTP/RDU is just a few miles away from Raleigh Entertainment Area and Raleigh Durham International Airport. The main feature of the hotel is the hot complimentary breakfast, spa tub, outdoor pool and an airport transportation that is complementary.

Other hotel amenities are the banquet facilities, fireplace the in lobby, on site spa services, gift shop or newsstand, health club, and a business center.

The main attractions are the Crabtree Lake Park, Parkwood Theatre, Art Museum in North Carolina Central University, Raleigh Entertainment Arena, Museum Of Life And Science, and Downtown Raleigh.

There are many more cheap hotels in Durham North Carolina. They offer great vacation at a very affordable price. There is also the Homewood Suites, Springhill Suites, Quality Inn and Suites, Red Roof Inn at the Chapel Hill and many more.

Enjoy your stay at these cheap Durham Hotels and explore Durham without worrying about exceeding your budget. You can be sure that you will enjoy your stay in Durham. Do not also forget to visit their area attractions because this can make your trip so worthy.

For more information on Raleigh Durham Airport Hotels and Durham Cruises, please visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann