Visit one of these locations in the Tar Heel State to up the ante on your next vacation.
Look no further than one of these tranquil locations in the North Carolina mountains for a retreat at a higher elevation and to get away from the big metropolis. These cities, parks, and attractions are ideal destinations for solitary travels, romantic getaways, and family vacations because they offer a wealth of outdoor activity activities, breathtaking scenery, and expansive areas.
There are also luxurious lodgings, world-class restaurants, and historical and cultural sites if you want a more relaxed getaway. And if you enjoy craft beer, you’ll be pleased to learn that North Carolina has the most breweries and brewpubs in the American South—more than 370.
Check out the top destinations in the North Carolina mountains if you’re seeking an exciting trip, a tranquil escape, or a combination of the two.
Asheville
Due to its hipster, bohemian feel and ideal position in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is one of the state’s most well-liked tourist destinations. One of the biggest draws is the historic Biltmore Estate, but there is also a thriving arts, craft beer, and food scene for tourists to explore.
You may take a self-guided “scavenger hunt” along the Urban Trail to discover more about Asheville’s fascinating past, and downtown is conveniently walkable. The 1.7-mile route has 30 memorial stops that you may find with the use of an interactive software that you can download on your smartphone. While the tour may be completed in as little as an hour, you should take a pause in between visits to explore the unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving food with a global influence. Perhaps you could visit a few breweries and try a couple cold brews.
Speaking of beer, Asheville boasts more breweries per resident than any other city in the United States. Since being awarded the first Beer City in the United States in 2009, the community has gained notoriety as one of the best beer communities in the nation. For “beercations” devoted to all things craft beer, people travel to Asheville. Asheville also has other yearly beer festivals throughout the year, such as the Asheville Oktoberfest, the Burning Can Fest in August, and the New Year’s Eve Keg Drop in Biltmore Park to bring in the new year.
In addition, there are a variety of outdoor adventure activities available to Asheville visitors, including hiking, biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fly-fishing, and whitewater rafting. And this alpine hamlet is home to one of the most innovative and intriguing food scenes. You can get anything from fine Italian, Spanish, Indian, and Mexican meals to cuisine that emphasizes the use of locally obtained and foraged foods as well as artisan ingredients. Don’t forget about the Southern-inspired restaurants, too, which serve delicious barbecue, house-made charcuterie, fried chicken, pimento cheese, and biscuits with red-eye gravy.
Plan to book a stay at the Kimpton Hotel Arras for lodging. This upmarket building is located on Pack Square in the heart of the city, close to a wide variety of eateries, cafes, breweries, galleries, and boutiques. Pets are permitted on the property.
Athens’ Biltmore Estate
In order to fully see Biltmore Estate’s 8,000 acres of property and grounds, you need extend your trip if you’re visiting Asheville and want to see the estate while you’re there. The historic Biltmore House, once owned by George and Edith Vanderbilt, is referred to as “America’s Largest Home.” There are many lodging alternatives on the property, including the laid-back Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate or the opulent Inn on Biltmore Estate, if you want to be close to all the activities. You can reserve one of the four recently renovated historic Cottages on the Biltmore Estate for greater seclusion. Even in the cottages, you may personalize your stay by hiring a private chef and a concierge.
Seasonal activities, unique art collections, and changing exhibitions are always available at Biltmore. With the house all decorated for the holidays, Christmas is especially joyous. The Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas at Biltmore in 1895 is commemorated by special Candlelit Christmas Evenings as well. There are numerous tour choices available to explore the home and grounds as well as take part in activities on the estate.
Book the small-group (limit 12 visitors) Biltmore House Backstairs Tour for an alternative perspective on life with the Vanderbilts at Biltmore. This outing explores portions of the house that are rarely visited and provides insight into the lives of the estate workers. Reviews from visitors to Biltmore state that the destination is a must-see while in Asheville due to its architecture, grounds, and insight into the splendor of the gilded age.
Horseback riding or horse-drawn carriage trips around the grounds are some of the additional unique on-site activities. You can also enjoy fly-fishing with a guide recommended by Orvis, take a river float excursion on the French Broad River, or explore the estate with an off-road Land Rover Experience. And if that’s not enough outdoor recreation for you, you may also try your hand at falconry, archery, sporting clays, or even the ancient sport. If you’re staying at Biltmore for a few days to unwind, you can schedule a spa treatment or take part in health activities like morning yoga or a thoughtful walk.
Additionally, you can sample Biltmore wines at free tastings offered by the on-site winery. While The Dining Room at the Inn offers a more formal experience in true Vanderbilt style, the large variety of restaurants at the Biltmore provide everything from pub fare and informal dining.
Bryce Canyon Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, also referred to as “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive,” is a meandering 469-mile route that connects the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia‘s Shenandoah National Park, and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 252 scenic miles to explore in Western North Carolina along the parkway, which has four main entrances in the Asheville region. You have the option of taking the route by automobile or trekking on some of the top U.S. trails. You can even join a bike tour with a local outfitter or set yourself on an exciting bike ride.
There are numerous possibilities for easy, short paths as well as longer, more difficult trips if you decide to go trekking. And regardless of the track that best suits your trekking abilities, you might be rewarded with breathtaking mountain panoramas and even impressive waterfalls along the way.
After driving, walking, or biking around the area, don’t forget to stop at two of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most popular destinations. At milepost 364.4, Craggy Gardens is located at an elevation of 5,640 feet. The National Park Service visitor center is located at this stop, along with additional amenities including a gift shop and restrooms. The tallest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River is Mount Mitchell, which has a top elevation of 6,684 feet, and is located at the 355.4-mile marker. The parkway, according to visitors, is one of the most picturesque drives in the nation, boasting spectacular waterfalls, breathtaking overlook vistas, and incredible sunsets.
National Park of the Great Smoky Mountains
The United States’ most popular national park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park, which spans 520,000 acres (or 800 square miles) and is situated in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, is home to a variety of species and features thundering waterfalls. The term “Great Smoky Mountains” comes from the beautiful blue mist that covers the park’s peaks and valleys. The primary western entrance to the park, located at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, is around 55 miles from Asheville if you’re staying there. An assortment of old log buildings can be found at the visitor center. It’s also one of the best spots to see the elk herd in the park. Visit the neighboring Mingus Mill, a grist mill built in 1886, while you’re there.
Another excellent location for observing elk is Cataloochee Valley. There is also a historic church, a farm, and a one-room schoolhouse that were constructed by the early settlers who were homesteaders. Three well-known hiking trails are available for hikers: Midnight Hole, Mouse Creeks Falls, and the more difficult Mount Cammerer at Big Creek. For even more adventure, head to the viewpoint at Newfound Gap for lovely vistas or stop at the observation tower on Clingmans Dome, the highest summit in the Smokies at 6,643 feet above sea level. The park is praised by visitors for its beauty throughout the year, but particularly in the fall. The fact that there are trails for hikers of all skill levels is also mentioned.
Highlands
Highlands is a community in the Nantahala National Forest located at an elevation of 4,118 feet upon a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains and along the Eastern Continental Divide. There are many hiking routes, beautiful waterfalls, and fly-fishing opportunities in the 107 miles of rivers and streams that are teeming with rainbow, brown, and wild brook trout in the quaint mountain hamlet in North Carolina. The nearby Highlands Aerial Park offers scenic UTV trips as well as thrilling aerial activities like zip line and ropes courses.
Visitors can also find a thriving cultural arts community in Highlands, where The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts hosts exhibits, art classes, and events. With the yearly Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, operatic Bel Canto Recitals, summer outdoor concerts, and live theater productions, music and theater play a significant role in the town as well.
In the center of town, the Relais & Châteaux Old Edwards Inn and Spa offers opulent lodging. The hotel brings visitors close to the luxury stores, galleries, eateries, and Satulah Mountain Brewing Co., the first legal brewery in Macon County, North Carolina, since Prohibition. Book a reviving or calming spa treatment at the hotel’s on-site European-inspired spa after a day of adventuring outside or shopping.
Linville, Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is a part of the Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve and is located in the northwest of the state at a height of 5,946 feet. The age of the mountain in North Carolina is thought to be around 300 million years old, while some rock formations may be as old as 1.2 billion years. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. manages a part of the park as a tourist destination, with the money raised going toward mountain preservation. The state owns the remaining undeveloped land as Grandfather Mountain State Park.
The panoramic view from the 228-foot-long Mile High Swinging Bridge, one of the tallest suspension footbridges in the United States at a height of 5,305 feet, is a highlight of a trip to the mountain. There are various paths to explore at the mountain, or adventurers can take the quick stroll down the Bridge Trail that passes beneath the bridge. You can tour the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which has interactive exhibits and instructive activities, while you are there.
Grandfather Mountain and its attractions demand tickets, and prior visitors strongly advise buying tickets online in advance. The park also allocates entry time slots. The majority of the daily programs and activities, the Wilson Center, the Nature Museum, and the wildlife habitats can all be reached by car once you enter the park. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is within walking distance of parking. If you intend to spend the entire day at the park, pack a picnic lunch or stop by Mildred’s Grill for some light fare.
Grandfather Mountain is picturesque, although visitors report that it can be windy, particularly when walking on the suspension bridge. Check out The Lodge at River Run in Banner Elk for local lodging.
Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock has been a favorite mountain destination in North Carolina since 1933 and is known as the state’s first tourist attraction. The old rock, which was formed during the Blue Ridge Mountain’s development, is actually a craggy cliff at 4,000 feet above sea level with a view of the 3,000-foot-deep Johns River Gorge. Additionally, Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and Mount Mitchell can all be seen from the precarious ledge, as well as Mount Mitchell and Hawksbill Mountain to the west.
Snow falls upside down at The Blowing Rock throughout the winter, which is a strange event. This phenomena, which gave the rock its name, is brought on by a flume created by the gorge’s granite walls. Light objects dropped into the abyss can be recovered thanks to the strong northwest winds generated by the flume.
A nature trail and a picnic spot are part of a self-guided path that circles The Blowing Rock for half a mile. Leashed pets are welcome at the attraction, which is also roughly 70% accessible to those with mobility issues. Visitors remark that the views from above make the trip worthwhile, and they especially value the welcoming staff. Visit Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House Restaurant after your excursion for a craft beer and a locally produced Carolina bison burger. Make arrangements at Blowing Rock’s small-scale Relais & Châteaux Westglow Resort & Spa if you intend to stay longer and see more of the region.
Bryson City’s Nantahala Outdoor Center
More than a million people visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center every year for a variety of excursions and activities on land and in rivers. Established in 1972 as a modest motel and petrol station beside the Nantahala River, NOC has grown to become one of the country’s biggest destinations for outdoor activity. Olympic competitors travel there to train and hone their skills. At NOC, there are practically too many heart-pounding options to select from, with many of them also available in nearby communities in North Carolina and neighboring states like Tennessee and Georgia.
Guided Nantahala River rafting, mountaintop zip line trips, a zip line adventure park, and other thrilling activities are popular in Bryson City. A day’s worth of excursions are also available with an adventure pass, which you can buy. Serious outdoor adventurers may also be interested in the facility’s courses, which range from wilderness survival training to paddling instruction classes. Reviewers of the facility rave about the experience and point out that since “you only live once,” you should seize the opportunity to partake in these daring pursuits.
City of Bryson
Plan to extend your stay by one or two days to explore Bryson City if you’re going to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for its adventurous activities. This laid-back hamlet, which is located along the Tuckasegee River, has a lot to offer for its tiny size, including craft galleries, bookstores, fly-fishing shops, a history museum, an aquarium, numerous restaurants, and more.
You might even want to schedule a trip on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad while you’re here. One expedition leaves from Bryson City and travels 32 miles in four hours through stunning landscape to the community of Dillsboro, where you can pause to visit another North Carolina brewery. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the railway crash from Harrison Ford’s 1993 action flick “The Fugitive,” which was filmed on location.
The Everett Hotel is a superb option for lodging. The Bryson City Bank was the name of the building when it was initially constructed in 1905. After a long day, guests may unwind on the property’s rooftop terrace, which has a fireplace and panoramic views of the city and mountains. And for evening, check out the quaint café downstairs, which serves beef that is raised nearby and fresh trout from the Carolina Mountains.
Asheville’s Pisgah National Forest
More than 500,000 acres of old-growth trees can be found in the Pisgah National Forest, including almost 100,000 acres that were previously owned by George W. Vanderbilt. The first national forest east of the Mississippi River was established in 1914 when Edith Vanderbilt, her husband’s widow, sold the property to the federal government. The earliest forestry school in the United States is located in Pisgah. The historic Cradle of Forestry in America site is located in the park and offers guided tours, living history interpreters, an ancient logging train, historic structures, and the Forest Discovery Center.
The 15-mile Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a well-traveled route for guests to Pisgah National Forest (U.S. Highway 276). The Cradle of Forestry Historic Site, Sliding Rock Natural Water Slide, Glass Falls, and Moore Cove Falls are all along this path. The highest peaks in the eastern United States are found in Pisgah, so if you’re an experienced hiker, you should schedule a trip there.
The North Carolina Arboretum, which has acres of paths and maintained gardens with lovely plants and flowers, is another popular destination. Black Balsam Knob, Graveyard Fields, and Lake Powhatan Recreation Area—all located in the heart of Bent Creek Experimental Forest—are popular destinations for hikers and mountain bikers. And only 10 miles south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can get up-close views of Mount Pisgah if you’re staying there. The region is said to be gorgeous, with many trails, waterfalls, and camping options. Bring a picnic lunch with you on your trip so you can take a break from driving or trekking and unwind while taking in the scenery.
Resort at Sugar Mountain: Sugar Mountain
The mountains of North Carolina offer opportunities for outdoor winter experiences if you enjoy alpine sports. The state’s top-rated ski resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, is about 110 miles northwest of Charlotte International Airport and close to the mountain towns of Boone and Blowing Rock. It is the biggest ski area in North Carolina and has the state’s highest vertical drop. In comparison to other ski slopes in the state, it is renowned for offering a good range of terrain and more difficult lines. It is advisable to verify the snow conditions before you travel because snow is not as reliable in North Carolina as it is in other regions of the United States. Travelers’ opinions vary, with some saying the facilities need updating and others complaining that there are long lineups and it can get busy.
The 700-foot-long tubing trip down the mountain, a few laps around the ice rink, or a guided snowshoe excursion through the resort’s winter wonderland are all great options for days when you don’t feel like skiing. Throughout the year, the resort also holds unique events, such as New Year’s Eve celebrations that feature an alpine torch march and pyrotechnics to bring in the new year at midnight. Check out the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster for additional mountain fun. The roller coaster, which combines a toboggan and a roller coaster, is the first of its type in the mountains of North Carolina and travels in 360-degree loops at up to 27 mph.