The quaint little town of Mt. Airy, NC and the surrounding areas are packed with delights for nature lovers. BBOnline guides you to the best. Here are seven suggested activities:
Cycling on The Emily B. Taylor Greenway
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
This popular paved trail travels along a creek and a state route from Worth Street to West Lebanon Street. It's perfect for winter biking, because the snow doesn't stay long on a paved trail. It's a healthy, exciting way to spend your day before retiring for the night to your Mount Airy Bed and Breakfast.
Canoeing and Kayaking on the Ararat River Greenway in Mt. Airy, NC
North Carolina 27030
This is also a busy greenway, attracting the locals looking for some healthy exercise. There's a paved trail good for biking and walking, or you can go tubing, kayaking, boating or canoeing down the beautifully restored Ararat River. There's a skate park and plenty of open green spaces for playing ball.
The Riverside Park in Mt. Airy, NC is another venue for canoeing, with a canoe launch. It also has a walkable, bikeable greenway.
Ziplines Canopy Tour
1085 Nickell Farm Road
Westfield, North Carolina 27053
www.carolinaziplines.com
A 20-minute drive will take you to Westfield and the Ziplines Canopy Tour, where you can soar through the trees and above them on the adventure of a lifetime. While the adrenaline courses through your veins, you'll discover what makes birds sing. Children 13 years and older can also enjoy these exhilarating tours.
Rock Climbing at Hanging Rock State Park
2015 Hanging Rock Park Road
Danbury, North Carolina 27016
(336) 593-8480
www.northcarolinaoutdoors.com
This park with its stunning scenery and dramatic barren rock faces is located 20 miles from Mt. Airy, NC and is named after its unusual quartzite outcrop. The park is great for rock climbing and rappelling, as well as swimming, floating and hiking.
Both expert and novice rock climbers can look forward to scaling the 400-foot series of cliffs at Cook's Wall and Moore's Wall. The former offers breathtaking views.
Mountain Biking at Westwood Park
1250 Galax Trail
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
This wooded area has nature trails as well as challenging mountain biking trails. The four-mile mountain trail features log and creek crossings, steep climbs and descents. There's also a section for beginners. Guided rides are held here from April to October.
Hiking at Hanging Rock State Park
2015 Hanging Rock Park Road
Danbury, North Carolina 27016
(336) 593-8480
www.ncparks.gov
This 7,040-acre park is well known for its more than 18 miles of excellent and well maintained hiking trails. Expect to see panoramic views, caves, ridges, beautiful waterfalls and 300 species of plants, including the rare Pink Ladies Slipper.
Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive
North Carolina
www.trails.com
Mt. Airy, NC is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes this parkway very accessible (just 20 miles away). The parkway, world famous for its spectacular beauty, runs from Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It's best known as America's favorite scenic drive, so get behind the wheel and head out from your cozy Mount Airy Inn.