North Carolina Mountains

With over a million acres of protected (and relatively pristine) wilderness, Western North Carolina is home to many of our favorite hotspots for outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Just as the Blue Ridge is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are home to some fantastic sub-ranges, including the Smoky Mountains, Black Mountains, Craggy Mountains, the Great Balsams, and more.

The North Carolina mountains are home to many of the tallest peaks in the Eastern United States, with nearly 200 summits that tower at 5,000+ feet above sea level. Mount Mitchell, part of the Black Mountain range, is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. 

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is our favorite way to explore the region’s highlights, including Mt Mitchell, the Richland Balsam Overlook (6,053 ft), Grandfather Mountain, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness. 

You can also explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visit Clingmans Dome (the highest peak in the Smokies at 6,643 ft), Newfound Gap, Mingus Mill, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and see the vast Elk herd in Cataloochee Valley.

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region is home to two national forests (the 531,148-acre Nantahala National Forest and the 512,758-acre Pisgah National Forest), half a dozen state parks, and countless lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails, and historic sites. 

It’s also home to 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, 6 ski resorts, and some of the finest campgrounds in North Carolina. Most of which are close to Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, Brevard, Bryson City, Cherokee, and dozens of other amazing Blue Ridge mountain towns.

Read on our in-depth guides to the best things to do in the North Carolina Mountains, including overviews of all the best towns, restaurants, attractions, wineries, resorts, cabin rentals, and more!

Visiting the North Carolina Mountains