Cabin Fever?
If you get the urge to venture out, there's plenty to do not too far from Deerwood Park. Below are just a few activities you might enjoy, most based on local reviews. Be sure to share interesting places you visit so this section can be updated with homeowner suggestions.
New River State Park
The New River winds through some of the best mountain scenery NC has to offer. New River State Park is base camp for exploration of this river at two spots—Wagoner Road access and US 221 access. Both offer walk-in camping and paddling access. A visitor center with an exhibit hall complements interpretive programs on the river’s history and ecology. Excursions can be arranged with private outfitters or careful planning if visitors bring their own kayaks or canoes. Picnic shelters, as well as a community building, can be rented for family or group gatherings. Elk Shoals access includes a free swim/beach area.
336-982-2587
new.river@ncparks.gov
Stone Mountain State Park
The massive granite dome of Stone Mountain serves as an awesome backdrop to nearly every type of outdoor activity--camping, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding and more. There are more than 18 miles of trails, matched by more than 20 miles of designated trout waters.
3042 Frank ParkwayRoaring Gap, NC 28668336-957-8185stone.mountain@ncparks.gov
Thistle Meadow Winery
Thistle Meadow offers tastings that include wines made from grapes grown around the world. The winery creates a wide variety of red, white, and blush/sweet wines. Their award-winning wines were recently ranked third among NC wineries by the South Eastern Winery Review.
The winery is now open for the 2021 season.102 Thistle MeadowLaurel Springs, NC, NC 28644
thistlemeadowwinery.com
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and horse camping areas are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
829 Grayson Highlands LaneMouth of Wilson, VA 24363276-579-7092 (Park office)800-933-7275 (Reservations)
Virginia Creeper Trail
A destination for visitors from across the US and a cherished asset for locals, the Virginia Creeper Trail (VCT) is best known as a biking trail, but is also a multi-use trail with opportunities to bike, walk, run, fish, horseback ride, people watch, cross country ski and geocache.The 34-mile Creeper Trail meanders mostly downhill, through and over spectacular scenery--open farmlands, dense forests, Christmas tree farms, rushing streams and creeks. On your way, you will glide across nearly 50 wooden trestles and travel through small, charming towns and old railroad depots. VCT Welcome Center300 Green Spring Rd.Abingdon, VA 24210
vacreepertrail.org
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Hold on! The coaster, which opened in 2015, can reach speeds of 27 mph. Riders are in full control of the sled and can go as fast or slow as they wish.
3265 Tynecastle HighwayBanner Elk, NC 28604828-898-7866info@wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com
Mt. Jefferson State Park
Rising abruptly to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, Mt. Jefferson is a national natural landmark with a rich history. Five hiking trails allow exploration of rare geology and plant communities in Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area, including a child-friendly TRACK trail and a strenuous scramble along the mountain’s ridgeline. Overlooks offer vistas into neighboring states. Picnic grounds with shelter combine scenic views with cool summer temperatures.
Park Office:1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Rd.
West Jefferson, NC 28694
336-246-9653mount.jefferson@ncparks.gov
Riverside Canoe
A family owned full-service canoe livery located on the banks of the South Fork of the New River in Crumpler, NC. Riverside Canoe offers canoeing, kayaking, and tubing along the 26-mile section of the New River in northeastern Ashe County. Self-guided paddling trips range from 5 miles to 11 miles, or overnight. Lessons are available for those who have not paddled before.
2966 Garvey Bridge Rd. Crumpler, NC 28617(336) 982-9439
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain towers an amazing 5,946 feet above northwest NC. Guests pay an admission fee to drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy activities such as wildlife exhibits and the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Accessible only on foot, visitors to Grandfather Mountain State Park can hike several miles of rugged alpine trails through high-elevation terrain unlike any other in the Southeast.
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
800-468-7325
grandfather.com
Piney Creek
Art Gallery
Looking for something special for your cabin, or a unique gift for a friend? Then be sure to stop by the Piney Creek Art Gallery, located within the development at 63 Old Barn Rd. This quaint gallery showcases many of homeownerJessy Trujillo's stunning oil-on-canvas paintings.
Burnthill Stables
Giddy up and go for fun. Just a little over 15 miles from DWP, Burnthill Stables offers guided trail rides for all skill levels, through miles of scenic mountain trails and back roads.
$25.00 per hour, per horse.1102 Burnt Hill Rd.
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
336-982-2008
burnthillstables@gmail.com
burnthillstables.com