Surrounded by acres and acres of national parkland, this small town is within driving distance of Asheville and some of North Carolina’s best attractions. From unique museums, to scenic drives, to incredible nature, the hidden gems of Clyde are unlike any other.
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1. 1. Hike the waterfall trails in DuPont State Forest
Like waterfalls? What about hiking? Perfect! - DuPont State Forest is the place for you. About an hour and a half drive from Clyde, there are various trails that take you to see some gorgeous waterfalls, such as Triple Falls trail, High Falls trail, and more. Some trails are casual, while others are more daunting, but it’s sure to be a memorable experience for everyone; you’ll enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, trees, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please visit the DuPont State Forest website for information on safety (it is strongly warned that you don’t play or climb in or around the waterfalls), maps/trails, and activities.
DuPont State Forest
Address: 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
Price: No entrance fee
Opening Hours: 5:00am - 10:00pm daily.
Access: Hendersonville via Kanuga/Crab Creek Road, from Asheville/Brevard via US64 and Little River Road, or from Greenville/Brevard via Cedar Mountain and Cascade Lake Road.
Contact: +1 8288776527
Website: DuPont State Forest or North Carolina Forest Service
2. 2. Tour the Shook Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The “historic pride of Clyde,” is the Shook-Smathers house, which is now a museum that commemorates the two different time periods during which parts of the house were built, and the families that lived there. Once the home of the Shook family and “the preaching place of Francis Asbury, pioneer bishop of American Methodism,” this beautiful house has been restored to its former glory, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. If you like to see the way we lived centuries ago, then you’ll definitely want to tour this place. Some parts of the house have been remodeled with modern appliances and are available to rent for small events.
Shook Museum
Address: 178 Morgan Street, Clyde, NC, 28712
Opening Hours: Tours by appointment.
Contact: +1 8776202300, +1 8284214810, info@shookmuseum.org
Website: Shook Museum
3. 3. Visit the neighboring town of Canton
Only a 10-minute drive away, the small town of Canton has a multitude of things to do. Take a day trip and visit the Canton Area Historical Museum, hike to Skinny Dip Falls waterfall and swim in the swimming hole, or visit the Old Pressley Sapphire Mine to see the world’s largest blue star sapphires.
Canton Area Historical Museum
Address: 36 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716
Price: None.
Opening Hours: Monday - Tuesday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm and Friday - Saturday from 10:00am - 3:00pm (subject to change)
Contact: +1 8286463412
Website: Canton Area Historical Museum
4. 4. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most popular scenic drives in the country - “America’s favorite drive” - the Blue Ridge Parkway is the ultimate road trip road for your bucket list. With stunning, endless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, winding pavement, landmarks, and gorgeously colorful trees, you won’t want to miss it. Make a stop at the Julian Price Memorial Park, or Doughton Park to view some open meadows and wildlife. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway for more information about traveling the parkway, places to stop along the way, safety, and other questions.
Parkway Visitor Center
Address: Milepost 384
Price: Free admission.
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Contact: +1 8282985330
Website: Blue Ridge Parkway or Blue Ridge Parkway (National Park Service)
5. 5. Go horseback riding with Panther Creek Outfitters
I don’t know about you, but I love horseback riding; and if you’re in the Clyde area, there’s a place to do it. Panther Creek Outfitters is very proud of their American Paint horses, and just a little off the beaten path. They also offer full hunting and camping services, equipment, and meal provisions; contact them for more information.
Panther Creek Outfitters
Address: 63 Broken Wheel Rd, Clyde, NC 28721
Price: 25 USD for a 1-hour ride, 35 USD for a 1.5-hour ride, 50 USD for a 2-hour ride, 75 USD for a 3-hour ride
Contact: +1 8285937172
Website: Panther Creek Outfitters
6. 6. Go apple or pumpkin picking at a neighboring farm
In the nearby metropolis of Asheville is Eliada’s Fields Of Fun, a pumpkin-picking farm with a 12-acre (4.8 hectare) corn maze that contains 4 different trails for adults and kids, and other fun attractions; but, Eliada’s is only open in September and October, so check their site in the fall for their hours. Or, if you’re taking that day-trip to Canton, you could stop at Cogburn’s Orchard and go apple-picking, pumpkin-picking, or both!
Eliada's Fields Of Fun
Address: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville, NC 28801
Price: Adults (age 16+): 15 USD, Children (age 4-15): 10 USD, Children 3 and under: FREE
Opening Hours: September-October, Wednesday - Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 9:00am-8:00pm, Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Contact: +1 8282545356
Website: Eliada’s Fields Of Fun
7. 7. Check out the Smoky Mountains Train Museum
In the neighboring town of Bryson City (a 45-minute drive), you can board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (as mentioned in another of my articles). But if you’re not up for that, why not go to the museum? With scale models of the town and railroad, and information on all kinds of trains (not to mention the collection of 7,000 Lionel™ engines), you’ll feel like a kid again.
Smoky Mountains Train Museum
Address: 100 Greenlee Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
Price: Free with purchase of train ticket. See site for details.
Opening Hours: Hours vary; please see site for details.
Contact: +1 8669145200
Website: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A gem of a town
No matter what season you’re visiting in, Clyde has something to offer—scenic hikes, museums, pumpkin picking, and more. Whether you’re staying or passing through, Clyde is the perfect stop if you’re looking for some classic southern charm.
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