If you have dreams of endless mountain ridges rolling into the distance, of waterfalls in shaded coves and the wind rustling high in green hemlock branches, then a visit to North Carolina in the springtime should be in your vacation plans. The beautiful southern Appalachians offer fantastic cycling, hiking and a variety of other outdoor adventures, served up with the southern hospitality you’d expect. Come ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, check out Beech Mountain, Linville Falls and Lake Lure during a week-long adventure set against a backdrop of lush forests and mountain lakes. Leave the details to Trek Travel as you unravel the mysteries of these peaceful, ancient mountains.
Trip Wow’s
- Ride the famed Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Appalachians
- Hike the Boone Fork Trail along mountain streams, through forests filled with rhododendron and shaggy hemlocks trees
- Delight in inventive meals that highlight the strong local foods movement in the region
- Relax on the shores of Lake Lure and watch the sun set behind Rumbling Bald Mountain
- Challenge yourself with fantastic riding on both mountain roads and in the rolling valleys between
Days 1 – 3 | Blowing Rock
Stay at Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock
Visit Linville Falls and ride the Blue Ridge Parkway past endless vistas of the Southern Appalachians | Check out the small college town of Banner Elk | Schedule a spa treatment at the Chetola Resort | Tackle the famous climb up Beech Mountain, the climb that sparked Lance Armstrong’s comeback | Dine and Shop on the Main Street of Blowing Rock | Hike the Boone Fork Trail with its rushing waters and dense forests
Days 4 – 6 | Lake Lure
Stay at The Lodge on Lake Lure
Descend from the High Country along the Parkway and ride through rolling farmland en route to Lake Lure | Relax lakeside or go for a swim at our fantastic accommodations | Visit Chimney Rock Park or hire a climbing, fly fishing, or horseback riding guide to take you on a local adventure of a different sort | Sample beers and wines from local microbreweries and wineries
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock | Blowing Rock, NC
The Chetola Resort is located on 87 acres near the shops and restaurants of Blowing Rock’s Main Street. Spacious rooms overlook Chetola Lake, where paddleboats and canoes are available for a cruise. The Resort also has an on-site spa with five treatment rooms and an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and fitness center. Perhaps best of all, the Resort adjoins the 3600-acre Moses Cone Park, which offers 25 miles of hiking trails accessible directly from the property.
The Lodge on Lake Lure | Lake Lure, NC
This beautiful lodge is designed to impress its guests at every turn. From luxurious rooms to the lake-level deck, stunning views of Rumbling Bald Mountain, delightful breakfasts and impeccable customer service, the Lodge on Lake Lure offers the perfect blend of Southern Hospitality and Old World style.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 social hours, 3 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Madone™ 5.2 carbon road bike, or Trek Madone™ 5.2 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.7 FX™ hybrid bike
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Madone purchase at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
Late spring in the mountains is always beautiful, but the weather is quite unpredictable. Guests should expect cool nights (possible lows in the 40s) and daytime highs potentially warming into the 70s or 80s. Rain is also possible; guests should come prepared with wet-weather cycling clothes (jacket, arm/leg warmers, etc) and be prepared to dress in layers. With cool nighttime lows expected, a jacket/sweater is appropriate for the evening walks into downtown or an after dinner drink by the lake. Check current weather forecast for details.
What are the daily rides like?
| Rider Type | 3 |
Average Daily Mileage | 31 |
| Terrain | hilly |
Average Daily Elevation | 2,400 |
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. North Carolina is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option—you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is quite hilly, although some roads run through valleys and offer respites from climbing. Climbs on the Blue Ridge Parkway tend to be fairly gradual but lengthy, while the roads around Lake Lure offer shorter but steeper climbs. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip—please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information.
Some non-riding options on this trip are:
- Plentiful hiking opportunities, especially in the area around Blowing Rock
- Opportunities for spa visits in both Blowing Rock and Lake Lure
- Hire a rock climbing guide for an excursion at Rumbling Bald Mountain
- Visit Chimney Rock Park in the Hickory Nut Gorge
- Horseback riding near Lake Lure
- Water-based activities on Lake Lure
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW's were from their North Carolina vacations, here is what they said…
This trip offers a chance to see some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the southeast. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Beech Mountain, Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Lake Lure and Rumbling Bald Mountain...our guests get to see it all! —Rebecca, Trip Designer
