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Now that we stay completely in Raleigh, we’re always on the look out for locations to discover in our personal Tar Heel state.
We often take highway journeys with our children and our favourite locations to go to are within the North Carolina mountains.
We’re big followers of the good outside, and love mountain climbing, exploring waterfalls, kayaking down rivers – something that will get us out into nature.
In North Carolina, we’re not in need of these locations. The North Carolina Mountains are made up of two mountain ranges, The Nice Smoky Mountains and The Blue Ridge Mountains.
Each ranges have a vastly totally different panorama and affords totally different experiences, so we’ve determined to checklist our favourite locations to go to within the North Carolina mountains so you possibly can resolve which out of doors vacation spot is greatest for you!
We’re going to deal with our favourite locations to go to in Western North Carolina mountains, damaged up into three areas, Asheville & The Foothills, Smokey Mountains & Cherokee and Excessive Nation.
Greatest Locations To Go to in North Carolina Mountains
1. Asheville and The Foothills
Located in North Carolina’s southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has turn out to be the most effective locations to go to in North Carolina for many who love mountain retreats.
We first visited means again in 2004 and beloved the artsy, music, foodie, and mountain climbing scene and have visited briefly on a number of events since then, and the town has boomed in each means!
The town oozes character and quirky attraction and is well-known for artwork galleries, glorious breweries, fabulous eating places, thriving stay music scene, mountain climbing trails, therapeutic resorts, the French Broad River, and America’s largest residence, Biltmore Home.
While thriving, the historic downtown stays superbly preserved, and the awe-inspiring surroundings of the NC mountains is close by with a large range of outside journey for an lively and wholesome getaway.
Prompt actions:
Extra useful Asheville guides:
2. Biltmore Property
Biltmore Home is just 15-minutes drive from downtown Asheville, however as America’s largest residence and one of many prime issues to see in North Carolina, I assumed it deserved its personal part.
This 250 room mansion sits on an 8,000 acre property nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains. George Vanderbilt was the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the transport and railroad tycoon who turned $100 into $100 million.
He constructed this French Renaissance chateau over a six-year interval and accomplished it in 1895.
At this time, the Biltmore Property is a registered Nationwide Historic Landmark and essentially the most visited vacationer points of interest in North Carolina welcoming over a million guests a 12 months!
Be ready to spend a number of hours at Biltmore Property.
Prompt actions:
3. Black Mountain
Black Mountain has been ranked because the “Prettiest Small City in America on a Tripadvisor ballot.
The city is called for the previous prepare cease on the Black Mountain Depot and is positioned on the southern finish of the Black Mountain vary of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Recognized for its spectacular mountain views, Southern hospitality and small-town satisfaction that runs deep, it’s handy to downtown Asheville (half-hour), Blue Ridge Parkway (quarter-hour), and Chimney Rock State Park (35 minutes).
It’s residence to superb musicians and artisans, and the encircling NC mountains supply mountain climbing and biking trails, tenting, trout fishing, lakes, and waterfalls.
Prompt actions:
4. The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway travels 252 miles by the North Carolina mountains with ample exits for weekend getaways from Asheville to Boone.
So should you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Western North Carolina that contain highway journeys, The Blue Ridge Parkway is called “America’s favourite scenic drive”.
All up, this 469 mile parkway weaves its means by the mountains in Western North Carolina and into Virginia with loads of exits for sightseeing, and weekend getaways between Asheville and Boone.
There are mileposts (MP) alongside the way in which as useful reference factors.
Get lively and cease alongside the way in which for some hikes, or simply take a soothing drive and absorb lovely mountain surroundings that modifications all year long, and spot wildlife.
place to base your self for exploring this vary is Brevard, which is a small city that’s roughly within the center.
Prompt milepost stops ranging from Cherokee and heading north east in direction of Boone:
5. Pisgah Nationwide Forest
Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah Nationwide Forest is residence to mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, whitewater rivers, scenic drives, an unlimited array of wildlife, and a whole bunch of miles of trails.
This forest is taken into account one of many USA’s greatest for out of doors recreation, and in contrast to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah is contained inside Western North Carolina and affords guests quite a lot of alternatives for out of doors recreation.
The forest is damaged into three principal Ranger Districts:
- Pisgah Ranger District – on both facet of the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville
- The Appalachian Ranger District – space northwest of Asheville alongside the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and the world northeast of Asheville that features Mount Mitchell.
- The Grandfather Ranger District – the land farther north and east, comparable to Linville Gorge.
Prompt actions and issues to see:
- Blue Ridge Parkway, which travels by massive elements of Pisgah Nationwide Forest to the north and south of Asheville.
- Mount Pisgah – Asheville’s most iconic peak.
- Higher Whitewater Falls – at 411 ft, it’s the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and extremely accessible.
- Rainbow Falls – a lovely 150-ft ribbon of whitewater contemplate to be essentially the most hanging in western North Carolina.
- Trying Glass Falls – 75 foot waterfall and one of the vital photographed falls within the South.
- Trying Glass Rock – hike to the highest for superb 360-degree views.
- Black Balsam Hike on Artwork Loeb Path
- Sliding Rock Pure Water Slide – really feel the frenzy of sliding down a 60-foot all-natural water slide.
- Catawba Falls – a sequence of cascades which are 100 ft tall.
- Hike Craggy Gardens – an area’s favourite spot.
- Picnics – there are quite a few picnic areas all through..
- Mountain biking – Ingles Discipline Hole path, Wolf Department path, Turkey Pen Hole path, Farlow Hole path, Squirrel Hole path, and Pilot Mountain path.
6. Sizzling Springs
Sizzling Springs was voted the Greatest Small Mountain City from Georgia to West Virginia by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoor Journal and has been a resort vacation spot for nearly 200 years.
Nestled within the French Broad River Valley and surrounded by 3,500-foot tall mountains that are a part of the Pisgah Nationwide Forest, it’s famend for its therapeutic sizzling mineral springs, scenic mountain setting, and abundance of pure assets.
Positioned simply 40-minutes north of Asheville on the junction of the Appalachian Path and the French Broad River, Sizzling Springs is the one North Carolina city the place the Appalachian Path runs straight down the principle avenue.
So should you’re seeking to rise up shut and private with the Appalachian Mountains, contemplate Sizzling Springs.
Prompt actions:
7. Chimney Rock State Park
Some of the standard locations to go in North Carolina mountains is Chimney Rock State Park.
Chimney Rock is a 315-foot excessive massive granite outcropping positioned on a summit above the village of Chimney Rock and inside Chimney Rock State Park.
One of many highlights is climbing the 499 steps to the highest of Chimney Rock for magnificent 75 mile views of the North Carolina mountains and Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge – considered one of our favourite views in NC.
Film buffs take be aware, Chimney Rock was made well-known by the film, Final of the Mohicans starring Daniel Day Lewis. The epic struggle scene from the movie was right here at Hickory Nut Falls.
Drive time from Asheville is simply 40-minutes making it considered one of our prime issues to do close to Asheville.
Prompt actions:
- Outcroppings Path – climb to the highest of Chimney Rock while visiting the Grotto, Opera Field, Subway and Pulpit Rock.
- Hickory Nut Falls path
- Animal Discovery Den
- Exclamation Level Path
- Eat, drink & store in Chimney Rock Village
8. Lake Lure
Lake Lure is legendary for its starring position within the 1987 traditional movie “Soiled Dancing” – you possibly can guide the very same rooms the place Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray slept on the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa.
To get right here it’s simply 45-minutes from Asheville and slightly below 4 hours from Raleigh, and solely 5 minutes drive to Chimney Rock State Park.
This lake is considered one of our favourite locations to go to in North Carolina, if not the USA, and considered one of our favourite issues to do in North Carolina is go paddle boarding right here.
The lake is surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs with attractive views of the mountains in North Carolina.
4 distinct seasons supply an abundance of alternatives to create a singular expertise on every go to.
Prompt actions:
9. Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
The Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, or the Smokies because it’s affectionately identified, which straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most well-liked of issues to do in NC mountains.
Yep, do you know it’s essentially the most visited of Nationwide Parks within the USA? Yep, it will get extra annual guests than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone mixed.
One cause is it’s a preferred vacation spot that it’s inside a day’s drive of two thirds of the US inhabitants.
However, the North Carolina facet is usually a bit quieter and a extra relaxed expertise, and away from the closely condensed areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee.
So if you go to North Carolina, don’t miss Smoky Mountains NP. (it made our checklist of prime spring break locations for households)
Well-known for its magical smoky haze, the park accommodates a number of the highest peaks in japanese North America, and is internationally acknowledged for its mountains, waterfalls, biodiversity, spruce-fir forests and wildflowers.
Prompt actions:
- Climb Clingmans Dome, the best level within the North Carolina mountains
- Cades Cove Loop Highway (drive and cycle).
- Hike to Charlies Bunion.
- Do a guided horseback experience.
- Hike the paths to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, and Rainbow waterfalls.
- Spot black bears – open areas like Cataloochee and Cades Cove supply the perfect alternatives.
- Drive the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Path.
- Sundown at Morton Overlook.
- Hike to Newfound Hole for unimaginable views
- Kayak or paddle board on Fontana Lake.
- Go to within the Fall for unimaginable leaf peeping.
10. Cherokee
Cherokee is a city on the reservation residence of the Japanese Band of the Cherokee Nation, within the very mountainous space of western North Carolina about 1 hours drive west of Asheville.
This space has been a part of the homeland of the Cherokee folks for hundreds of years, and immediately’s members are direct descendants of those that averted the Cherokees’ compelled removing to Oklahoma within the 1830’s the “Path of Tears.”
Greatest-known for the North Carolina half of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, Cherokee can be the southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
On supply is cultural experiences, out of doors actions, and the wealthy historical past of the Nice Smoky Mountains.
Prompt actions:
11. Bryson Metropolis
One hour west of Asheville and three hours north of Atlanta brings you to Bryson Metropolis, one other laid-back mountain city in Western NC and gateway a to Smoky Mountains NP.
Nestled within the Western North Carolina mountains area surrounded by streams, waterfalls, and lakes, its location affords a variety of outside actions from mountain climbing, biking, horse driving, swimming, tubing, rafting, fishing and tenting.
For nature lovers, it may very well be your good small city getaway, plus there’s distinctive outlets, galleries, and eating places.
Prompt actions:
- Pop into the Bryson Metropolis Guests Middle
- Discover downtown – native bookstores, arts and crafts galleries, two breweries and quite a lot of eating places.
- The Highway to Nowhere – scenic mountain freeway that takes you 6 miles into Smoky Mountains NP and ends on the mouth of a tunnel.
- Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad – operates scenic rail excursions by tunnels, throughout rivers and lakes, mountain valleys and right into a deep river gorge.
- Go Tubing – there’s two nice tubing runs close to Bryson Metropolis: Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River.
- White Water Rafting – go to the Nantahala Outside Middle for white water rafting adventures on the Nantahala River (nice for newcomers) and Tuckasegee River are standard for rafting.
- Deep Creek’s trio of waterfalls – Juney Whank, Tom Department and Indian Creek Falls.
- Drive the Franklin/Highlands waterfall loop.
- Ziplining – benefit from the scenic great thing about Western North Carolina from above.
- Trout or Fly fishing – Swain County hosts one of the vital various fishing habitats on this planet, together with native brook trout and bass.
- Discover Nice Smoky Mountains NP – you might be 25 minutes from the Oconaluftee Customer
12. Mount Mitchell
At 6,684 ft in elevation, the summit of Mount Mitchell is the best peak east of the Mississippi.
Positioned in Mount Mitchell State Park within the Black Mountain vary of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, about 19 miles northeast of Asheville.
You may drive many of the approach to the highest, then there’s a 1/4-mile paved path to the statement deck on the summit, and on a transparent day you might be rewarded with unimaginable 360 diploma, 85 mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are a number of hikes close to the summit plus difficult treks resulting in adjoining wilderness areas.
A museum affords perception into the mountain’s pure, cultural and historic faces.
13. Linville Falls & Linville Gorge
Linville Falls are among the many largest falls within the area and the most well-liked waterfall within the Blue Ridge Mountains due to its quick access from the Blue Ridge Parkway – close to milepost 316.4 and slightly below 2 hours from Asheville.
Positioned inside the Linville Gorge Wilderness Space, it is a three-tiered waterfall plunging 90 ft. into the 12-mile lengthy Linville Gorge, identified by the Cherokee as “the river of many cliffs,”
There are two principal mountain climbing trails that result in 4 overlooks of Linville Falls, and each start on the Linville Falls Customer Middle, 1.5 miles from the Parkway, previous the Linville Falls Campground.
Prompt actions:
- The Falls Path – 1.6 miles spherical journey and straightforward.
- The Plunge Basin Path – 1 mile spherical journey and reasonable.
- The Gorge Path – 1.4 miles spherical journey and strenuous.
14. Boone
Boone is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go in North Carolina within the mountains, and is called the “Coronary heart of the Excessive Nation.”
The city is called after explorer Daniel Boone, who lived close by through the mid-1700’s earlier than blazing the well-known path into Kentucky.
It’s the most effective small cities in North Carolina, and the good factor is it’s an all-four-seasons vacation spot and is simply 2 hours drive from Charlotte and Asheville, and three hours from Raleigh.
The world is standard for out of doors actions, acclaimed resorts and spas, eating, procuring and a vibrant artwork, historical past and cultural scene.
For the adventurous, on supply are alternatives for mountain climbing and biking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing zip-lining, fishing, and snowboarding – The Boone space boasts essentially the most concentrated cluster of ski slopes in your entire area.
We visited Boone for Thanksgiving in 2021 and it was implausible.
Prompt actions:
- Mast Basic Retailer – opened in 1883 and on The Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and famous as the most effective remaining examples of an previous nation basic retailer.
- Boone’s nice paved greenway path follows the pastoral South Fork of the New River.
- Rocky Mountain Knob Bike Park – 5 trails and 4 abilities areas, plus three shelters, an journey playground, and picnic areas.
- Sip on a craft brew at Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boonshine Brewing, or Misplaced Province Brewing Firm.
- Hike the Cascades Path – 5 miles east of Boone, 0.8 mile loop to a waterfall, good for all ranges.
- Foggy Mountain Gem Mine – pan for gems similar to miners from the previous days.
- Grandfather Mountain (see part under)
- Blowing Rock (see part under)
- Tweetsie Railroad (see Blowing Rock part)
- Hickory Ridge Dwelling Historical past Museum – genuine, historic cabins with employees interpreters in interval clothes offering a glimpse into the previous.
- Horn within the West – drama that brings to life the story of Daniel Boone and pioneer days.
- Browse artwork galleries, vintage shops, and specialty outlets in downtown.
15. Banner Elk
Banner Elk is without doubt one of the standard mountain getaways in North Carolina close to Boone. It’s tourism motto is Escape. Unwind.
That is the one city in North Carolina inside 5 miles of two ski resorts, the Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski areas, and it’s a spot that blends small city rest with amenities of a bigger metropolis.
Banner Elk can be known as the “Culinary Sizzling Spot of the Excessive Nation” for its culinary scene.
Well-known Western North Carolina points of interest like Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock are additionally a brief drive away.
Prompt actions:
16. Grandfather Mountain
Only a 15-minute drive from Banner Elk brings you to the doorway of one of the vital standard North Carolina points of interest, Grandfather Mountain.
It’s residence to the well-known “Mile Excessive Swinging Bridge,” America’s highest suspension footbridge. It’s a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans an 80-foot chasm at multiple mile in elevation at an altitude of 5,280 ft.
There’s additionally a Nature Museum, Wildlife Habitat that includes bears, cougars, otters and extra.
Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails various in issue from a delicate stroll within the woods to a rigorous trek throughout rugged peaks.
And within the backcountry of Grandfather Mountain State Park, on supply are more difficult hikes by forests normally present in Canadian climates.
17. Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is positioned close to the halfway level of the 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway and carries the title: “Crown of the Blue Ridge”.
Right here you’ll discover North Carolina’s oldest attraction, The Blowing Rock, a geological formation has been attracting guests since 1933 and affords sweeping views of peaks, forests and the Johns River Gorge.
As well as, the Blowing Rock space is residence to many museums, wineries, farms, performing arts venues, standard festivals, and a spot the place you possibly can take pleasure in a spa therapy and dine at award-winning eating places.
Prompt actions:
18. Sugar Mountain
Love snowboarding and winter actions?
Sugar Mountain is usually identified for the Sugar Mountain Resort, North Carolina’s largest ski space providing 21 trails and 9 lifts.
However Sugar Mountain can be a village within the NC mountains and a spot to go to in all 4 seasons for actions comparable to mountain climbing, mountain biking, {golfing}, tennis and close by whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Prompt actions:
19. Stone Mountain State Park
Stone Mountain State Park’s magnificent 600-foot granite dome is the focus of this lovely state park close to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This park is positioned about 1 hours drive east of Boone and about 2.5 hours north east of Asheville.
There are greater than 18 miles of trails for mountain climbing and horseback driving, plus climbing, fishing, picnicking, spectacular waterfalls and tenting.
Prompt actions:
- Stone Mountain Loop Path – 4.6 miles that results in most of the park’s most fascinating options. Rated strenuous.
- Mountaineering on the towering 600-foot granite face (allow required).
- Hutchinson Homestead – a restored mid-19th century mountain farm. Open weekends, Could by October.
- Fishing – there’s 20 miles of park streams which are designated trout waters.
- Tenting – tent, trailer and RV tenting year-round. Reservations inspired.
Last Ideas
We’ve explored so most of the greatest cities and points of interest in Western North Carolina since we first moved to Raleigh in 2004.
In case you are like us and love mountain climbing, scenic drives, craft beer, farmers markets, nationwide parks, kayaking, lakes, tenting, biking, horse driving, festivals, forests, arts, and historical past, then I feel you’ll love the North Carolina mountains too!
I hope this information gave you inspiration and supplied helpful info and tricks to plan your future North Carolina holidays to the mountains.
There are such a lot of cool cities within the North Carolina mountains. Have you ever visited any? Tell us what you suppose within the feedback!
