Distances are from Willis Observatory. So many wonderful activities to do near Willis Observatory.

FALLS/HIKING

Crabtree Falls – 12.6 miles

 https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/crabtree-falls.htm

Grassy Creek Falls – 14 miles

 https://www.wncwaterfalls.info/waterfall/15/Roaring_Fork_Falls

Linville Falls – 17.8 miles

 https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm

 Toms Creek Falls - 18.3 miles

 https://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/grandfather-ranger-district/toms-creek-falls

HIKING

 https://www.hikewnc.info/

 Chestoa View Trail (View of Table Rock) – 17.6 miles

http://www.blueridgehikingtrails.com/wp/hiking-blue-ridge-mountains-national-parks/hiking-trails-blue-ridge-parkway-nc/chestoa-view-trail-blue-ridge-parkway-milepost-320/

 Roan Mountain (Carvers Gap) 20.2 miles

 https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/roan-mountain/

Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald (taking in 3 balds – Round Bald, Jane Bald, Grassy Ridge Bald)

 https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7036365/carvers-gap-to-grassy-ridge-bald

 Green Knob Lookout Tower/Overlook Trail – 29.8 miles

 https://www.hikewnc.info/trails/black-mountains-toe-river/green-knob

Grandfather Mt. State Park - 31.4 miles

https://www.ncparks.gov/grandfather-mountain-state-park/home

 Mt. Mitchell State Park – 34.8 miles

 https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park/home

TUBING

Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing – 8.3 miles

 https://loafersgloryrafting.com/

 GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN – 28 miles

 https://grandfather.com/

LINVILLE CAVERNS - 21.3 miles

 https://www.linvillecaverns.com/home.html

FISHING

So many places to fish, and so close to the observatory. Both Bakersville and Spruce Pine and Bakersville offer anglers the best in mountain fishing. Click this link to plain for your fishing adventure.

https://craftyouradventure.com/page/on-the-water/fishing/

GEMS

Gem Mountain – 8.8 miles

 https://www.gemmountain.com/

Museum of North Carolina Minerals – 10.3 miles

 https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/museum-of-north-carolina-minerals-mp-331.htm

 MINIATURE GOLF

 Vic’s Place (Miniatue Golf) – 9.5 miles

 http://www.vicsminigolf.com/

 ART

 There are too many artists and galleries to list

 Penland School of Craft (Internationally acclaimed) – 4.5 miles

 https://penland.org/

 Toe River Artists

 https://www.toeriverarts.org/

 Folk Art Center – 58.7 miles

 https://www.southernhighlandguild.org/folkartcenter/

BILTMORE HOUSE – 55 miles

 https://www.biltmore.com/

 ASHEVILLE - 53.9 miles

 BOONE - 43.6 miles