Posted on: September 19, 2009 by Whisper Mountain
The on-line version of A Field Guide to Whisper Mountain is now available as a soft cover bound edition and is available to interested parties at Whisper Mountain. The guide offers technical information and fascinating facts about the flora and fauna found at Whisper. From butterflies and birds to trees and flowers, the gently illustrated guide truly reflects the depth of natural diversity found on Whisper Mountains 270 verdant wooded acres. When you visit our community, please feel free to stop by the lodge and request your personal copy. This pocket sized field guide was created to introduce visitors to our pristine property in lieu of producing wasteful advertising collateral. We hope that you will add it to your library or give it to a friend.
Posted on: September 8, 2009 by Whisper Mountain
Labor Day weekend at Whisper Mountain found the air ringing with the laughter of our new residents Bob and Wanda Wertzberger’s grandchildren. They spent time hiking the trails along Whisper Creek, exploring the community lodge and even spending a night at the tent camp. With pristine weather that showed off views to Mount Mitchell to the east and Mount Pisgah to the southeast, the days were perfect for picking apples in the orchard, hiking and the streamside trails and rocking on the decks.
Penny and Ken Hawks, the winners of Whisper Creek Cabin, the 2009 Southern Living Choose Your Home Giveaway, were also in residence for the week with their extended family from North Carolina. The Hawks are from the New Orleans, and very generously prepared a jambalaya feast at Sky Valley Lodge for their friends and the Whisper Mountain team. The spicy meal was perfect for the cool evening spent watching the sunset over the mountains and enjoying the beautiful cool evening weather.
We enjoyed a perfect Friday night with a fireside meal on the outside terrace at the lodge. With a full moon over the mountain, firelight bouncing off the stone, and candles spreading their warm glow, we were tempted to spend the night right there on the terrace! Honestly it was one of the most relaxing and beautiful evenings that we have spent in a long time. We hope that all of our residents find the time to make these kind of memories on the mountain.
– Troy and Charlie Ball, Whisper Mountain
Posted on: June 17, 2008 by Whisper Mountain
It’s that time of year when its a pleasure to be in the great outdoors. Spring summer and fall is an explosion of natural wonders in Marshall and Hot Springs North Carolina. Adventure travelers can go by land to discover nature’s display along rocky precipices, and bald mountains. Or adventure seekers can take an exciting rafting or kayaking trip down the French Broad River. During years of plentiful rain, The French Broad River has some challenging Class three and four rapids. Certain sections of the French Broad River in Asheville and Marshall should be approached with caution by the beginning kayaker.
Kayaking Basics First
For the beginner, it might be best to learn some kayaking basics before shooting the rapids. For the well-seasoned kayaker, The French Broad River offers some of the most thrilling white water in the Western North Carolina area. From Marshall, Take 251 South and look alongside the right side of the road on the way to Asheville. There are multiple river parks with parking and picnic benches where a kayaker can gently put in and spend the day paddling.
There are also some excellent Whitewater Rafting companies in Marshall and Hot Springs, and quite a few to choose from. All of the Whitewater Rafting companies offer safe, fun rafting down the French Broad River. The rafting companies in the Marshall and Hot Springs area provide guides for rafting and float trips. These trips are typically four hours, eight hours, or overnight.
Rafting companies have different packages that appeal to a wide group of rafters. This includes people who just want to relax and enjoy “float” trip down the French Broad River. The Blue Ridge Rafting Company in Hot Springs offers a Float Trip on the calmer part of the French Broad.
Raft and Kayak Rentals
French Broad Rafting Expeditions also provides rentals. Rentals differ from raft trips and float trips because they are unguided. Without the guide, a person or group may rent a raft or duckie, which resembles a kayak, for a less expensive rate. For example, a half-day float trip will cost $45, while a duckie rental is only $25 for the same amount of time. All transportation and equipment is provided and rafters put in near relatively calm locations on the French Broad River, for maximum enjoyment.
Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad River
For those looking for a River Adventure designed for a group, Huck Finn Rafting Adventures, located in downtown Hot Springs, might be the place to try. They will design a custom Trip for a group, and make it a memorable trip down the river for all. The other rafting companies in the Hot Springs and Marshall area are Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and USA Raft. Both have locations on Highway 25/70, just south of Hot Springs, and very close to some of the best rafting on the French Broad River.
Tips for Rafting Near Marshall and Hot Springs
Some tips for whitewater rafting on the French Broad River include: wear sandals or shoes that can get wet, bring some water along for the trip, avoid bringing electronic devices (cell phones, ipods, cameras) that will be destroyed by water, pack a warm set of clothes and towel for the end of the trip.
Some of the most scenic sections of the French Broad River in Marshall and Hot Springs are best experienced on float trips and whitewater rafting trips downriver. Plan a day on the French Broad River with family and friends and experience the North Carolina outdoors in all of its splendor.
