The region that is now Altapass was settled in the last third of the 18th century by restless and brave souls of Scot-Irish descent. The most colorful and prolific of these was Charlie McKinney, a man set upon making a life for himself, his 4 wives, and his 48 children in the Appalachian wilderness. His children intermarried with many families, including the Davenports, Biddixes, Halls, and Wisemans, to establish a community that has survived and thrived in this rugged paradise. Change has often come to the community in sudden bursts, including the arrival of the railroad a century ago, which gave the community its life, name, and most enduring institution, the Orchard at Altapass.

Cases argued and determined in the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

There has never been a better time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway! This updated edition of Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway is ideal for anyone who uses the Parkway as a portal to the Southern Appalachian experience. It includes the best trails in the national forests, state parks, and private preserves that line the 469-mile roadway—from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina—making it a single-volume solution for the serious explorer, whether on foot or by car. Look inside to find: Hikes suited to every ability, from 0.1-mile nature walks to 13-mile backpacks, with options for longer treks Accurate directions to both popular and less-traveled trails Up-to-date trail descriptions and detailed trail maps Difficulty ratings and elevation gain for each hike Mileage log for the entire Parkway and a guide to wildflowers Tips for zero-impact hiking, trail etiquette, and hiking with kids

Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure! The soulful twang of bluegrass, miles of untouched wilderness, and warm and welcoming locals: journey through the storied heart of Appalachia with Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains. What you'll find in Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains: Full coverage of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, from a weekend getaway to a week-long road trip Curated trip advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Hike past waterfalls to rocky bluffs overlooking the misty mountain range, or go for a refreshing dip in the river. Zip-line through wild forests, spot eagles, elk, and bear cubs, or try your hand at fly-fishing. Ride the coasters at Dollywood, gain insight into Native American history in Cherokee, and explore Asheville's wealth of live music and culinary creativity. Find the best spots for classic southern barbecue, sip a little moonshine, and listen to a bluegrass band as the sun sets and the fireflies come out for a sparkling evening show Suggestions for a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, including the best scenic stops organized by milepost Honest advice from Appalachia native and North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from charming B&Bs to secluded cabins and campgrounds Detailed hike descriptions with individual trail maps listing duration, elevation change, and effort Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and history With Moon's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice on experiencing the best of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: North Carolina High Country, Asheville, Southern Blue Ridge and Foothills, Cherokee and Maggie Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville and the Tennessee Foothills Focusing your time in the park? Try Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more southern city charm, try Moon Charleston & Savannah. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.

A guide to sights, activities, restaurants, and accommodations in different areas of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, with maps and photographs.