Wilson Creek: A Mountain Retreat

No matter if you are an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fanatic or just hoping for a day of fun you should consider a trip to Wilson Creek. Sports, family activities and events abound in the area. If you have been searching for that perfect mountain retreat close to home, look no further!

Wilson Creek is a 23.3-mile river that snakes its way from Calloway Peak in Avery County down into Caldwell County where it joins the Johns River. On August 18, 2000, Wilson Creek became a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - a designation that ensures the river will be protected for future generations. After the federal designation, Caldwell County launched plans for a visitor's center. The center opened in October 2002. Since its opening, the visitor's center has emerged as a hotbed of activity.

The visitor's center is a source of great pride for the Friends of Wilson Creek. During its brief existence, the group has strived to protect, promote, and preserve the Wilson Creek watershed, according to Deborah Ashley, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce president/CEO and board member of the Friends of Wilson Creek. So far, Wilson Creek has focused on providing family fun and sports. Ashley said her organization schedules family-friendly activities at the center every weekend from May 1 to August 31. Activities range from hosting live music at the center to discovery hikes along the trails led by a geologist.

Are you a sports enthusiast? The sports opportunities in the area are only limited by your imagination. Whether you are interested in fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, tubing, swimming, horseback riding, hunting, birding, backpacking, camping or just sitting back and relaxing at waters edge, you won't be disappointed by a trip to the Wilson Creek area.

Seeking some heart-pounding sports? The area's Class 5 rapids give any kayaker the ultimate rush. Then there are the rugged hiking trails - you'll want to be sure to bring your hiking boots. One of the trails, Huntfish Falls, descends fairly quickly to Lost Cove Creek and a very scenic 20-foot waterfall. Nothing will get your blood pumping like the uphill return hike that takes you from 1,800 to 2,400 feet in less than a mile. If you are a mountain biker, you will be happy to know that a few of the hiking trails are also bike accessible.

Wilson Creek also offers opportunities for those in search of less-demanding activities. The calm water areas are perfect for tubing, swimming, trout fishing or just basking in the glow of a sunny North Carolina day. The wooded areas are ideal for hunting, but make sure you know and always follow the rules. Horseback riders and wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the serenity of the wooded areas. During a visit to Wilson Creek, it is not uncommon to see deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, rabbits and a plethora of wild birds and hawks.

Visitors to the Wilson Creek area love its undisturbed beauty. Sports enthusiasts love the adrenaline-pumping activities. Nature enthusiasts are in awe of the breathtaking beauty. With the nurture of the Friends of Wilson Creek and its designation as a Wild and Scenic River, everyone can enjoy this majestic mountain retreat for years to come!
To learn more, contact:
Deborah Ashley
828-726-0616
deborah@caldwellcochamber.org
Friends of Wilson Creek
www.friendsofwilsoncreek.org
Wilson Creek Visitors' Center Hours
April 1 - May 31; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
June 1 - August 31; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
September 1 - November 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

by Leslie W. Cothren