Those of you who follow our BRMTG Facebook page know we’ve been keeping active tabs on the recovery efforts of the myriad Blue Ridge Mountain towns that were negatively impacted by Hurricane Helene.
It has only been a few weeks since the devastating storm wreaked havoc in the region, with historic flooding and landslides impacting dozens of our favorite North Carolina towns.
Thankfully there has been a rush of great news lately, including countless donations to recovery efforts, the reopening of 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, the reopening of the Nantahala National Forest, and washed-out roads being repaired at a breakneck pace.
But what we’re hearing from our friends all around Western NC is that there’s another urgent threat to their livelihoods: It’s peak tourist season, their restaurants, shops, and other attractions have reopened, but there are virtually no visitors coming!
We understand why people are nervous about the prospect of visiting a disaster zone, and how the initial messages of “STAY AWAY” may have led people to travel elsewhere.
But now there are dozens of tourist towns in NC that are actively welcoming visitors, and the vast majority of roads to reach them are open (visit DriveNC.gov for current updates on road closures in the state).
So here we present our guide to ALL of the incorporated NC mountain towns that are officially open to visitors (meaning we’ve confirmed with local officials that they’re ready), which desperately need your patronage to keep their businesses alive.
We urge you to share this post with anyone who may be interested in visiting North Carolina, and to check back for further updates as more NC mountain towns reopen for the holidays.
These beloved destinations need our support now, more than ever!
READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit
NC Mountain Towns Visitors Guide
- Ashe County – West Jefferson, Jefferson, Lansing
- Alleghany County – Sparta
- Avery County- Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain
- Buncombe County – Asheville, Black Mountain, Weaverville
- Burke County – Morganton
- Cherokee County – Murphy, Andrews
- Clay County – Hayesville
- Haywood County – Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde
- Henderson County – Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Saluda
- Graham County – Robbinsville, Fontana Dam
- Jackson County – Cashiers, Cherokee/Qualla Boundary, Sylva, Dillsboro, Cullowhee
- Macon County – Franklin, Highlands
- McDowell County- Marion
- Surry County – Mount Airy, Elkin
- Swain County – Bryson City
- Transylvania County – Brevard, Rosman
- Watauga County – Blowing Rock, Boone
- Wilkes County – Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro
Ashe County
West Jefferson, Jefferson & Lansing
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, West Jefferson NC has earned a place amount the most quaint towns in North Carolina for more than a century now.
It started as a railroad town in 1909, but over the last few decades its main industry has shifted from lumber to an art scene steeped in Blue Ridge Mountainculture and a revitalized, pedestrian-friendly downtown.
There are lots of community-focused attractions and events—including farmers markets, corn mazes, concerts, and gallery crawls— to keep the atmosphere lively.
The Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is nearby, as is New River State Park. Neighboring towns such as Jefferson and Lansing are also currently open and welcoming visitors!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains
Alleghany County
Sparta
Offering a real step into small town North Carolina, Sparta is nestled in the NC High Country, just 5 miles south of the Virginia border.
Though tiny, the town has great places to eat, a good live music scene, easy access to parks (Stone Mountain, New River, Mount Jefferson, and Elk Knob), and close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There’s even a Main Street coffee house, and a killer used bookstore.
Local Spartans tend to enjoy their outdoor festivals, particularly when they involve live music, a bit of dancing, and something tasty to eat.
READ MORE: The Top 20 Fall Festivals in the North Carolina Mountains
Avery County
Beech Mountain & Sugar Mountain
Reopening to visitors just in time for the Christmas holidays, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain are just 10 miles apart, and both rank among the best places for snow skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sitting at 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain offers golf, hiking, and mountain biking in Summer, and The Land of Oz (a quirky Wizard of Oz theme park) in Autumn. But come Winter, it’s all about the snow!
There are 17 ski trails at the resort (including “The Park” for practicing your skills on different terrains), a 7,000-sq foot outdoor ice skating rink, and a free snow tubing hill for kids. It’s also a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas!
Sugar Mountain feels more like a large village than a true town, but it’s the largest ski resort in NC and offers up beautiful mountain views, gurgling streams, and lots of things to do all year round.
Sugar Mountain Resort has 8 ski lifts servicing 21 slopes and 125 acres of skiing terrain, and averages about 70 inches of snow each year. With an early bump from snow machines around Thanksgiving, their ski season generally extends into March.
Asheville & Black Mountain
The largest town in Western NC (population 95,000), Asheville took major damage from Hurricane Helene. But with the exception of the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, it is now open to visitors again!
Asheville is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway HQ, tons of top-notch restaurants, world-class craft breweries, and fantastic attractions like the Biltmore Estate, Grove Park Inn, and NC Arboretum.
Outdoor adventure is a big priority for the Asheville crowd, including mountain biking in Pisgah Forest and great hiking trails and waterfalls in every direction.
There are so many great things to do in Asheville, we’ve visited dozens of times and never get bored. But if you’re in the mood for a day trip, the neighboring town of Black Mountain is also now open to visitors.
READ MORE: 10 Fun Things to Do During Fall in Asheville NC
Weaverville
Buncombe County towns like Black Mountain and Swannanoa saw some of the worst devastation from Helene. But Weaverville was largely spared from the destruction.
Located 8 miles north of Asheville, Weaverville has been a welcoming community for over a century, acting as a resort destination away from the hustle and bustle of the neighboring metropolis.
Though the fine hotels of the 1930s have long since been shut, B&Bs are commonplace here, and hospitality continues to thrive in Weaverville.
The town also boasts a great arts and music scene, gorgeous municipal parks, and a weekly tailgate market held in town from April through October.
READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit
Burke County
Morganton
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (about 22 miles east of Marion), Morganton NC is one of the truly quaint small cities in North Carolina.
Morganton’s population is pushing 20,000 these days, but the place has the classic Downtown main street set-up we love in our mountain towns.
Catawba Falls and Lake James are nearby, as are numerous breweries and wineries.
Morganton is a good place to shop for antiques, and it’s big enough to have all the amenities you’d expect from a full-blown suburb.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Fairs in North Carolina to Visit
Cherokee County
Murphy & Andrews
Established in 1839, Murphy NC ranks among the most historic small mountain towns in NC, and many of its buildings have been restored to their original splendor.
Located near the state’s southern border (just 20-25 miles from popular Georgia mountain towns such as Blairsville and Blue Ridge), Murphy is the Cherokee County seat, but has less than 2,000 residents.
Despite its small size, there are lots of good eateries and shops to explore in the historic downtown area, and Hiwassee Lake offers great fishing, mountain biking, hiking, camping and so forth.
Tiny Andrews NC is 16 miles northeast of Murphy, offering a tranquil vibe, rich Native American history, and historic buildings like the Franklin Pierce Cover House, First Baptist Church, and Walker’s Inn.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit
Clay County
Hayesville
Located near the northern shores of Lake Chatuge (just 10 miles north of Hiawassee GA), Hayesville NC is a tiny mountain town with a population of less than 500 people.
With the Hiwassee River cutting through the town, the South Appalachian Mississippian culture built an earthen platform mound here around 1,000 CE/AD. Cherokee people later built a town known as Quanassee on top of the mound, and had several hundred inhabitants living there by 1550.
The Spikebuck Town Mound & Village Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and today the town has more Cherokee landmarks than any town we’ve visited outside the Qualla Boundary.
In addition to its charming downtown area, noteworthy attractions in Hayesville include the Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area, Clay County Historical & Arts Museum, and nearby John C. Campbell Folk School.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Hayesville NC
Haywood County
Maggie Valley
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley is one of the best small mountain towns in NC for those who don’t mind when things get a bit tourist-y.
While the mountain town of 1,200 residents has plenty of personality and quirkiness, much of that is now pinned on a welcome sign for tourists.
Naturally, Maggie Valley has embraced its convenient location (to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and plenty more), added attractions, and invited everyone to enjoy.
Check out Dale’s Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum, live music/dancing at Stompin’ Ground, the Cataloochee Ski Area, and guided tours with Scenic Tours & Rentals.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains
Waynesville, Canton & Clyde
I have a soft spot in my heart for Waynesville because I’m related to founder Colonel Robert Love. So we were thankful that, other than the Frog Level Historic District, much of the town was spared Helene’s wrath.
The town is rich with culture and history, including the Folkmoot Friendship Center, Haywood Arts Regional Theater (a.k.a. HART), Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts/Shelton House, and a public art trail.
It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including Waynesville Greenway Park, Lake Junaluska, the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, and the Shining Rock Wilderness.
If you get tired of exploring all the cool Waynesville restaurants, museums, and shops, the neighboring towns of Canton and Clyde offer a more down-home small town vibe and an array of outdoor attractions.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County
Henderson County
Hendersonville, Flat Rock & Saluda
One of our favorite NC mountain towns, Hendersonville is located 22 miles south of Asheville and boasts a beautiful, walkable downtown area packed with excellent restaurants and worldly shops.
Downtown Hendo is also stuffed with attractions, including the Henderson County Heritage Museum, the Appalachian Pinball Museum, and the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab.
But the town also has a more rural agricultural side, which is home to an array of awesome apple orchards, pumpkin farms, wineries, and the Historic Johnson Farm.
When we visit Hendersonville, we usually spend a day in Flat Rock, with boasts a historic district (on the National Register), the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, and the historic Flat Rock Playhouse.
We’ve never been t0 the tiny town of Saluda, which is near the NC/SC state line, but we’ve heard good things!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC
Graham County
Robbinsville & Fontana Dam
Robbinsville is small, somewhat sleepy (which we love), and isolated near the TN border, where it’s surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and bordered by Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There’s an impressive assortment of Robbinsville NC attractions, including Lake Santeetlah, the Tail of the Dragon, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, the Cheoah Dam (a.k.a. The Fugitive dam), and more.
And while there aren’t a ton of hotels in Robbinsville to choose from, the Historic Tapoco Lodge (which is located right on the Cheoah River) is a perfect place for romantic getaways.
Staying there puts you close to the neighboring town of Fontana Dam, which centers around the Lake Fontana Dam & Visitors Center and the Fontana Village Resort & Marina, which make for an EXCELLENT day trip!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things To Do in Robbinsville NC & Graham County
Jackson County
Cashiers
Located on a high plateau, Cashiers is a small resort town bordered by the Panthertown Valley section of Nantahala National Forest, which offers a slew of lovely mountain streams, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
The town itself centers around the gorgeous Village Green, and offers a small lake, some great restaurants and breweries, boutiques, and vacation rentals.
Our favorite nearby attractions include Lake Glenville (which is lined with waterfalls and multi-million dollar homes), Upper Whitewater Falls, Gorges State Park, and Whiteside Mountain.
There’s also the unincorporated community of Sapphire, home to Sapphire Valley, one of the best NC ski resorts for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Cashiers NC
Cherokee/Qualla Boundary
Located right outside the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town of Cherokee NC is part of the Qualla Boundary, the federally recognized territory of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The area offers amazing sites devoted to Cherokee history and culture, including The Museum of the Cherokee People, Qualla Arts & Crafts, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama.
There are also natural attractions such as Mingo Falls, the Oconaluftee River, Oconaluftee Island Park, and lots of Elk hanging out near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum.
If you’re looking to visit for a weekend getaway, Cherokee also has Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and a full fleet of other hotels, resorts, cabins and campgrounds to stay in.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary
Dillsboro
A tiny tourist town from way back, Dillsboro was a stop for the early trains that ran through Western NC.
Residents today have done their best to keep it authentic and, in doing so, kept the storefronts and shops historic and rustic, as well as filled with local artisans. There are also plenty of good eateries to enjoy.
Dillsboro hosts several festivals throughout the year, including spring and fall arts festivals and a killer Christmas luminary display.
The town is also less than an hour’s drive away from the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
Sylva
Picturesque Sylva NC is a colorful, eclectic college town that we fell in love with due to its stellar location (less than 20 minutes from Bryson City, Cherokee & Waynesville) and exceptional natural beauty.
In addition to being the seat of Jackson County, the town is replete with fantastic restaurants, artsy and antique shops, a brewery, and a stunning historic courthouse building high on a hill overlooking downtown.
As with many of the small towns in Western NC, there are plenty of outdoor attractions nearby, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes.
We also enjoyed the neighboring town of Cullowhee, which is home to Western Carolina University, the Mountain Heritage Center, and ancient petroglyphs at Judacullah Rock.
Macon County
Franklin
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin NC is known as the “Gem Capital of the World.” The Cowee Valley lures thousands of annual visitors interested in trying their hand at gem mining.
With a population of just over 4,100, Franklin is considered a great place to live because of its mild climate, relatively low cost of living, rural location, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Some of the most popular natural attractions in Franklin NC include the Appalachian Trail, the Nantahala National Forest, and the array of stunning waterfalls along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
But there are also great attractions right in town, such as the Little Tennessee River Greenway, Nikwasi Indian Mound, Scottish Tartans Museum & Heritage Center, and an array of Franklin restaurants.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Franklin NC & Macon County
Highlands
Located just a few hours north of Atlanta, the posh tourist town of Highlands NC feels like a world away.
Highlands is famed for its cool summers (due to its 4,100-ft elevation) and great golf courses. But because it’s located in the Nantahala National Forest, the town is no slouch for natural wonders either.
You’ll find several stunning waterfalls (Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls) nearby, and plenty of great hiking trails and fishing spots as well.
For culturally-minded travelers, there are also 4 performing arts theaters in town!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Western North Carolina Waterfalls for Hiking
McDowell County
Marion
Founded in 1844 and named after Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General Francis Marion (known as “Swamp Fox” for his guerrilla warfare tactics), Marion NC was the second NC mountain town we ever visited.
The town is probably best known for Lake James State Park, which is a few miles north of town and has served as a backdrop for films like The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunt for Red October.
Marion’s Main Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with historic sites such as the former home of Sgt. Daniel Kanipe (one of two survivors of the Battle of Little Bighorn), the Joseph McDowell House (built in 1787 by the county’s namesake), and The Carson House (which served as the original McDowell County Courthouse).
Recognized as “North Carolina Small Town of the Year” in 2018, Downtown Marion has seen resurgence in the years since we visited, with lots of new shops, restaurants, and taprooms opening along Main Street.
READ MORE: The Top 15 NC State Parks in the North Carolina Mountains
Surry County
Mount Airy
Mount Airy is most famous for native son Andy Griffith. It was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD.
Some 60 years later, backwoods “Mayberry NC” (which has grown to 10,000+ residents) has become the cosmopolitan hub of Surry County NC, with a diverse array of nostalgic attractions.
Historic Downtown Mount Airy offers plenty of late 1800s/early 1900s architecture, great antique stores, and restaurants for every appetite, from sushi to pork chop sandwiches.
There’s also locally made wine, the actual Floyd’s Barber Shop, the Andy Griffith Museum, and a cool collection of al fresco art scattered about town.
Elkin
Located between Stone Mountain State Park and Pilot Mountain State Park, about 35 miles south of the Virginia border the town of Elkin NC is a wonderful spot.
The picturesque countryside around Elkin is dotted with dozens of vineyards and wineries, golf courses, and off-the-beaten-path fishing holes.
Historic Downtown Elkin has quaint, old-timey architecture with a good choice of restaurants (Angry Troll Brewing, Southern on Main, The Reeves), antique shops, and a Folk Art Center.
There’s also a fantastic town park and recreation center—Elkin Municipal Park—that has a pool, tennis courts, hiking, biking trails, and several historic sites.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC & the Yadkin Valley
Swain County
Bryson City
Surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Fontana, and the Nantahala National Forest, Bryson City NC is a small town with all the outdoor attractions and activities you could possibly want.
From major attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Nantahala Outdoor Center to Deep Creek, the Road to Nowhere, and the Tuckasegee River, there’s something for everyone here.
Downtown Bryson City is one of the most charming mountain towns we’ve visited, with adorable shops, sensational restaurants, several museums, and the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium.
There’s also a whole host of spectacular waterfalls, important historic sites, great fly-fishing for trout, and a fantastic array of hiking trails nearby.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County
Transylvania County
Brevard & Rosman
Known as “the Land of Waterfalls” for its many dazzling cascades, the town of Brevard NC boasts a temperate climate, dozens of critically acclaimed restaurants, great museums, and a rich cultural scene,
Compared to many of the other mountain towns in Western NC, Brevard has a hip, youthful vibe, thanks to the proximity of the Brevard College campus.
As a result, the town boasts a mixture of natural and cultural attractions, including great breweries & cideries, Bracken Preserve, Brevard Music Center, the Cradle of Forestry in America, and Lake Toxaway.
It’s also surrounded by natural beauty, including DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, Pisgah National Forest, and numerous rivers for fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Rosman is a VERY small town (pop: 700) just west of Brevard, on the eastern boundary of Pisgah National Forest, with the French Broad River running right through it.
READ MORE: The Top 15 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)
Watauga County
Blowing Rock
This popular town was named after The Blowing Rock attraction, an iconic geological formation that provides sensational views of the many surrounding summits, forest, and the Johns River Gorge.
Downtown Blowing Rock is home to an extensive assortment of other attractions, including great restaurants, several fine museums, a gorgeous city park, Mystery Hill, and much more.
And with the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few minutes away, Blowing Rock makes a great base for exploring the area, with nearby highlights like Julian Price Memorial Park, Moses Cone Memorial Park, and Rough Ridge.
It’s home to one of our favorite NC mountain resorts, Chetola, plus lots of hotels and rental cabins.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
Boone
Reimagining what we think of as the classic mountain town, Boone NC (pop. 18,000+) is widely recognized as one of the best small cities in North Carolina.
Best known as home to Appalachian State University, Boone has all the hip youthfulness of a college town, including concert halls, breweries, trendy restaurants, and entertainment venues.
In addition to the urban amenities of Downtown Boone, there’s also easy access to nearby hiking trails, waterfalls, and campgrounds.
When the holiday season comes around, Boone Christmas Tree Farms are some of the best places to get a real tree in North Carolina, and there’s a fun holiday celebration at the family-friendly Tweetsie Railroad attraction.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Boone NC
Wilkes County
Wilkesboro & North Wilkesboro
Located between Boone and Winston Salem, Wilkes County was once known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” and was a leading producer of homemade liquor during the Prohibition era.
So it’s no surprise Wilkes was among the birthplaces of stock-car racing, and the North Wilkesboro Speedway was the first NASCAR track. It was reopened (for the first time since 1996) after an $18 million renovation in 2022.
Wilkesboro is the county seat, but North Wilkesboro has a larger slice of the 65,000+ population, and the Yadkin River runs right through the center of the county.
Major attractions in the area include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, Stone Mountain State Park, the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, and an array of distilleries and wineries. –by Bret Love & Jonathon Engels; lead image of Downtown Asheville NC courtesy of Thomas Mabry