Hello everyone! We are planning to drive from Miami to North Carolina in mid-November (probably 2nd week in Nov).

This is our first trip to NC and would greatly appreciate your insights on the following:

1. Will we need to rent an SUV or will a 6 cylinder Lexus be able to take us everywhere we go? (Looking to visit, Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock, some waterfalls in Brevard and a few easy hiking trails in National Forests.)

2. Will we be stuck with a lot of bad weather in mid-November? If so, which month between December and May would be better? (Unfortunately, we are unable to travel between June and October.)

3. Any recommendations on easy hikes? DH, mom and I are in good shape, but my dad has some health issues. I'm certain a 1/2 mile easy hike would be ok. He could probably walk up to 1 1/2 miles if there were places to sit and rest along the way.

4. We're looking at cabin and/or home rentals in, Hendersonville, Brevard or South Asheville (as most of our activities are south of Asheville). Which of these cities and/or towns would be most scenic with a few good restaurants and shopping?

Thanks!

Why do you think you would need an SUV? Most of the US is plenty traversable in a "6 cylinder Lexus."

If you think the "north" in NC means snow and bad weather, not to worry. ;o)
You might enjoy Crabtree Meadows north of Asheville on the Parkway. Nice easy hike to the falls.
And nice places to go in the Pisgah south of Asheville in the Pisgah forest, and on through that forest to Brevard, if you want.

Hello Wliwl, some of the home/cabin rentals we've been researching state, "need 4 wheel drive vehicle." Didn't know if we'd be running into more rugged terrains frequently.

Thanks for the post!
;-)

Thanks for the post, Gretchen! I'll look into the Crabtree Meadows and take a closer look at Pisgah.

;-)

Well you might need 4 wheel drive to get into cabins that are deep in the woods - but not for normal touring purposes.

Are you intent in staying someplace like that? I'm sure there are lots of places you can rent that are more easily accessible - esp if one of the party can;t walk long distances.

We are definately looking to stay away from any lodging or travel that requires a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Glad to see everyones posts suggest we would have no problem with our family sedan!

;-)

The Pisgah national Forest is both above Asheville and below--2 parts. Wonderful place with lots to do.
In the part below Asheville is the Cradle of Foresty exhibit, LookingGlass Rock and Falls. This might be a hike your family could do but not your father. There is a fish hatchery which is a nice little hike a long a trout stream also.

Thanks, Gretchen!

DH and I will probably plan a a 1/2 day hike without my parents.

Any recommendations on a trail or good hiking book?

We've never been hiking and we'll probably also need to look into some gear. Nothing too expensive.

Thanks!

I wouldn't go into hiking gear mode if you don't have it. Most trails, and particularly those off of the Blue Ridge Parkway can be done in good cross trainers or such.

Google Transylvania County Waterfalls and you'll find several that are easily accessible from the main roads. Some you can see from the car, and some require a short walk. Others require longer hikes.

Unless a freak storm hits, November weather should be fine but chilly, especially in higher elevations. But the highest elevations may have snow or freezing rain. I wouldn't worry about that, however. If there is bad weather on the Blue Ridge Parkway it will close, and those roads are generally the highest.

I like Max Patch, which is on the Appalachian Trail north of Asheville. The last roads to reach it are gravel, but your Lexus should do fine on them. It's an easy walk to the top of the bald there for some incredible views. Google that too. You can drive to the forestry office in downtown Hot Springs and pick up their detailed map to Max Patch.

You're guys are the best! Thanks for all the info. I'll look into some cross-trainers, as I'd hate to waste money on something I'll only use once or twice.

I'm going to Google all your suggetions and perhaps from there start charting our itinerary.

I was really worried about the weather in November, as I read post on this board that said, "there is a reason all the tourists are gone in November."

As for the chilly weather... it would be a welcome change from the tropical weather we have in South Florida all year long.

;-)

Try this site. Ask the same question - you will get great replies http://www.griztrax.net/wildcountry/index.php

The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed due to road construction around the Craggy Gardens area requiring a lengthy detour to get back down to the parkway near the Folk Art Center near Ashville. Will be closed til sometime next year was told in June.
Along the parkway might check out trails near Moses Cone and Graveyard Fields. Linville Gorge is a beautiful area with several waterfalls. Could walk to top of Devils Courthouse for great view. Mt Mitchell state park just off the parkway is the highest point east of Mississippi River. If you want to see the devastation caused by the Hemlock Adelgid this is the place see it.

Might want to check out the original Mast Store in Valle Crucis. Not the same as the new stores in Boone or Asheville

Eek! I'll have to look into the Blue Ridge closure and your other suggestions.

Since we're driving from MIA to NC and back, I'd like to plan our itinerary where the furthest drive (within NC) would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours max.

Thanks for the link Slowmoving! I'm going to look around the site first and then post.

;-)

Glad Photodog saw this. He gives a lot of other good ideas. There is no shortage in the mountains. You might really enjoy Burnsville just north of Asheville. It is a charming little town, and this inn is very cute. I think it will still be open in November.
http://www.nuwrayinn.com/

The reason "all the tourists are gone in November" is because it is just after leaf changing season and before ski season, sort of a dead period in between.

Thanks for the link to the Inn, although I believe we'll be looking into renting a home instead. Thus far we're a party of 4, but that may change.

;-)