Men and women have made their homes in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains since the first push westward, but nature endures. In late spring, green creeps up the peaks as trees leaf out. In summer, wildflowers make a carpet of colorful blooms. Fall brings vivid reds, yellows, and oranges to give every mountainside a flamelike hue. Wildlife still flourishes, streams are clear, and forests of birch, poplar, beech, hickory, and oak are undisturbed. This is one of those rare places where civilization has been smart enough to protect the natural environment as well as enjoy it.
The largest city in the High Country is handsome Asheville, home of author Thomas Wolfe (Look Homeward, Angel) and long a residence of the wealthy and famous. In recent years, neighboring Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock have become important ski centers in the South, especially since the introduction of snowmaking equipment. The best skiing in the area includes Ski Beech, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Hawksnest Golf & Ski Resort, and Sugar Mountain.
