Visiting the North Carolina Mountains
Check out our extensive guides to the best things to do in the North Carolina Mountains, including an overview of the best outdoor activities, restaurants, roadside attractions and accommodations in Western NC.
The 25+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Bryson City & Beyond!
[Updated November 19, 2022] There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season in a magical place, and many small mountain towns offer special NC Christmas
20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
During the Christmas holidays, there are countless things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, which stretches from the state of Georgia all the
The 10 Best Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms 2022
[Updated on November 4, 2022] The Blue Ridge Mountains are known as “the Fraser Fir Capital of the World” and Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms
15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas
15 Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas, including Biltmore Christmas, National Gingerbread Competition, Lights at NC Arboretum & more.
The 6 Best North Carolina Ski Resorts to Visit
The Best North Carolina Ski Resorts including some of the fun Ski Packages & Amenities you’ll find while skiing in N.C.
The 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit
A guide to the 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit, with camping options both inside and just outside the national park.
The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
[Updated on November 15, 2022] It’s a bittersweet time when you’re watching the vivid fall colors of the NC High Country begin to fade. Sad
The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in NC (2022)
For us, making the most of Christmas in North Carolina includes spending time at home with family and friends, as well as getting to celebrate
The 12 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina
The state of North Carolina is renowned for an incredible array of popular attractions. There are majestic Appalachian mountains, countless waterfalls, the Biltmore Estate (the largest private
The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County
In the two years since we launched this site, we’ve visited more than 30 Blue Ridge Mountain towns in the search for our future mountain
The 25 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms Near Asheville, Boone & Beyond
[Updated October 10, 2022] Whether you’re continuing a lifelong Christmas tradition or getting your first ever real tree, picking out a tree from one of
The 11 Best Places for Snow Tubing in North Carolina (2022-2023)
Though the tourist season may have its peaks and valleys, the North Carolina mountains are truly a nature-lover’s playground 365 days a year. Spring brings an abundance
20 Awesome Things to Do for Winter in North Carolina
Summer in North Carolina is simply glorious, with lots of lakes, swimming holes, river tubing, and waterfalls to explore. And the spectacular beauty of fall
The 20 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County
[Updated September 25, 2022] When my wife and I explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s typically with two main goals in mind. The first objective
The Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking & More
Did you know that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the USA? Or that Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county
The 15 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains
Tips for the best campgrounds in the North Carolina mountains, with info on campground facilities as wells as nearby trails & attractions.
The Best Places for Snow Skiing in North Carolina
[Updated 9/16/22] The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains may not have the jaw-dropping 13,000- to 14,000-foot peaks you’ll find in the Rockies of Colorado or Utah,
The 10 Best Campgrounds in/near Bryson City NC
From a visitor’s standpoint, Bryson City is the ideal of what Western NC small towns can be: It’s walkable, wild, and packed with a mixture of wonder
Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC
[Updated September 7, 2022] Fall in North Carolina is particularly special because the autumn leaves are around for an extended amount of time. The vibrant fall
The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the boundary of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 500,000 acres and is the most visited of all the
The Top 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC
[Updated Sept 3, 2022] It’s not difficult to understand why so many people love taking getaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch 550 miles from North
The 15 Best Cabins in Cherokee NC for Rent
Cherokee, North Carolina is a town that’s immensely rich in culture and history, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s no wonder
Review of Mountain Springs Cabins in Asheville NC
Asheville NC is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns to visit, and it shouldn’t be difficult to understand why. It’s a truly a
The 10 Most Haunted Places in North Carolina
North Carolina’s state history is deep and sometimes sordid, with lots of interplay between cultures, humans and nature, and even some inexplicable phenomena. From the
The 33 Best Western North Carolina Waterfalls for Hiking
[Updated August 20, 2022] Spend any time in the Blue Ridge Mountains you’ll quickly realize that Westen North Carolina waterfalls are a big thing here.
Exploring The 17 Best Asheville NC Breweries
[Updated August 20, 2022] For people visiting the North Carolina mountains (or for those simply seeking out great beer), the number of quality breweries in
The 10 Best North Carolina Haunted Houses (2022)
Exploring local hiking trails and waterfalls amid the chilly temperatures of fall in North Carolina is one way to give yourself goosebumps and make the hair on
The 10 Best Bryson City Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Compared to burgeoning mountain towns like Asheville NC and Roanoke VA, Bryson City is a fairly small town encompassing just 2.3 square miles, with a
The 15 Best Fairs in North Carolina to Visit (2022)
Fall in North Carolina is a wonderful time, particularly in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the leaves put on amazing shows and the cooler weather
The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
[Updated August 8, 2022] For a medium-sized North Carolina mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things
What is Bluegrass? The History & Evolution of Appalachian Music
The Appalachian Mountains encompass a massive portion of the United States. They span 420 counties in 13 states, with foothills as far south as Alabama
The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina
The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina including a list of outfitters, locations, rapid classes, tours, & fees.
Review of Aloft in the Smokies: Downtown Bryson City NC Cabins
When we started the Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide in 2019, we had two major goals in mind. The first was to explore the countless Blue
Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Rivers to Paddle
Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Western North Carolina Rivers to Paddle, includes the best kayak launch spots and local outfitters.
The 25 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains (2022)
[Updated 9/13/2022] When autumn rolls around there are tons of fun activities and annual traditions to look forward to. But you could argue that none
Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit
Asheville is beloved for its progressive vibe, anchored in a love of culture and arts, an array of lip-smacking restaurants, and surrounded by some of
The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends
When we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky enough to get a chance to experience the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians. The mountains
10 Best Cherokee NC Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Choosing the best restaurants in Cherokee NC is an interesting challenge. Most major tourist towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains– such as Asheville NC, Blue
Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards (2022)
[Updated 7/17/2022] Most people know Western North Carolina for its beautiful Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, beloved NC state parks, charming Blue Ridge mountain towns,
Autumn at Land of Oz: A Wizard of Oz Theme Park Near Banner Elk NC (2022)
Every year in September, visitors to the NC High Country have a rare opportunity to explore the child-like dreamland of a Wizard of Oz theme park.
25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)
[Updated July 11, 2022] Located just a couple of hours north of downtown Asheville, the town of Boone NC is the county seat for Watauga
The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC
Bryson City is a charming little mountain town that’s packed full of outdoor adventure. To the north, you’ll find Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with ever-popular
The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit
An important aspect of North Carolina’s state history, NC moonshine is filled with legends, folklore, and lots of liquor. In short, NC distilleries are something
Hiking the Deep Creek Trail to 3 Waterfalls in Bryson City NC
Spanning more than half a million acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Averaging over 14 million visitors
15 Best NC Swimming Holes For Summer
There is nothing quite like getting to the end of a 90º+ day of working outside to remind you to appreciate the many high-quality NC
The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA
A guide to the 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway hotels, cabin rentals, and B&Bs in NC & VA, spanning nearly the entire length of the BRP.
The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals in 2022
The state of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains are all well-known for their considerable musical influence. The music that took
The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
[Updated June 14, 2022] Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Blowing Rock NC is widely regarded as one of the most charming
The 20 Best Places for Horseback Riding In/Near Asheville NC
Whether you have your own horses or are new to riding horses, these are the top places for horseback riding in (and near) Asheville NC.
Exploring Julian Price Campground & Memorial Park in Blowing Rock NC
Much of the press on the Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates it as a wonderfully preserved 469-mile scenic route. But much of what makes the world-renowned road
The 10 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC
Located about halfway between Bryson City and Asheville, Maggie Valley NC is a small mountain town with something of a split personality. The town has historically
50 Fascinating Facts About Cherokee Culture & History
[Updated 5/27/2022] Before Europeans settlers began spreading throughout the southeastern United States, the Cherokee were the dominant Native American tribe in the Blue Ridge Mountains for
40 Facts About the History of the Banjo (From Africa to Appalachia)
American folk music, and particularly traditional Appalachian music, would be incomplete without the signature twang of the banjo. Along with the accompaniment of the fiddle, the
The 10 Best Restaurants in Waynesville NC for Foodies
We’ve explored dozens of small towns in North Carolina over the last few years, from tiny burghs like Burnsville, Bryson City, and Little Switzerland to
The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in North Carolina Mountains
Adventure travel is a great way to experience nature, and Western North Carolina has more than its fair share of hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting,
Camping in Nantahala National Forest (Campgrounds & Backcountry)
Occupying a huge swath of North Carolina just south of Bryson City, the Nantahala National Forest encompasses over a half-million acres of wilderness, with elevations
The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County
Bryson City is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north, Fontana Lake to the west, Cherokee NC to the east, and the
The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary
Cherokee, North Carolina is not like any other town we’ve ever visited during our extensive explorations of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That’s partly because most
The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit
With a wealth of Asheville breweries earning the mountain town the nickname “beer city,” plus the wealth of breweries in Boone and around Hendersonville, Western North Carolina is known
The 50 Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit
Chasing waterfalls in North Carolina is serious business. Transylvania County (which rightfully bill itself as “the Land of Waterfalls”) alone has an estimated 250+ NC
Exploring Oconaluftee Indian Village & Visitor Center in Cherokee NC
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians strongly resisted the Indian Removal Act of 1830, even as many other Native American tribes were forced westward and out of
30 Fascinating Facts About the Appalachian Mountains for Trivia Buffs
The Appalachian Mountains run north to south in the eastern third of the United States, passing through every coastal state north of Florida and all
Camping & Hiking in Mt Mitchell State Park in Burnsville NC
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the town of Burnsville NC, Mount Mitchell looms large above the surrounding area. Rising to an
The 15 Best Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals (1 to 4+ Bedrooms)
Located just south of Boone, Blowing Rock is a tourism-driven North Carolina mountain town known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” The town was
The Ultimate Pisgah National Forest Camping Guide
Pisgah National Forest offers more than half a million acres of wilderness to explore, stretching from near the southernmost reaches of Western North Carolina to
The Best Restaurants in Burnsville NC For Foodies
Located at an elevation of 2,825 feet, with a total area of 1.598 square miles, Burnsville is a relatively small North Carolina mountain town surrounded
20 Beautiful Birds of North Carolina
There are over 400 species of birds in North Carolina, including native and migratory species. This makes the state a great place for enthusiastic birders
Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions
Stretching from Alabama and North Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later,
North Carolina Wildflowers Guide (& Where to See Them in Western NC)
[Updated March 18, 2022] Western North Carolina is truly stacked with natural beauty. From the misty hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the towering
The 52 Best Hikes in North Carolina for the 52 Hikes Challenge
For those looking to take on a unique physical challenge, dive into some mental clarity, and explore a beautiful state, we’ve assembled a great list
The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips
[Updated on March 9, 2022] The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is truly an American classic. It’s possible to traverse the entire 469-mile route on
The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina
The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina, from Boone and Burnsville to Asheville, Cherokee and beyond!
Visiting the Chetola Resort, Lodge & Spa in Blowing Rock NC
After driving the Blue Ridge Parkway stretch between Downtown Asheville and Boone NC 4 to 5 times in the last two years, it’s become clear that
The 10 Best Restaurants in Banner Elk NC for Foodies
Located 16 miles west of Boone and 18 miles from Blowing Rock, Banner Elk ranks high among the most beloved small towns in North Carolina‘s
3 Great Places for Ziplining in Boone NC (and Other Aerial Adventures)
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known to blow visitors away with its jaw-dropping panoramas. Nature abounds in the region, with countless hiking trails, thunderous waterfalls, mountain
The 20 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains
[Updated Feb 22, 2022] Home to the five tallest peaks east of the Mississippi, countless waterfalls, adventurous hiking trails, and bustling Blue Ridge mountain towns
The Best Hiking in Asheville NC Bucket List (Top 25 Hiking Trails)
[Updated 2/16/22] Between the vast Pisgah National Forest, rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, wondrous waterfalls, and countless meandering creeks and verdant meadows, there’s no shortage of
Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in North Carolina (ID Guide)
When it comes to snakes in North Carolina, some people have a deep, abiding fear that no amount of practical knowledge can subdue. In their
Visiting Linville Falls Campgrounds, RV Park & Cabins in Linville Falls NC
Located about 55 miles northeast of Asheville NC at milepost 316.4, Linville Falls is perhaps the most famous of the many waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Boone NC
Located about 85 miles northeast of Asheville, Boone NC is a popular mountain town that’s packed full of outdoor activities and attractions. From Blue Ridge
The 10 Best Restaurants in Blowing Rock NC for Foodies
Located just 10 miles south of Boone, the tiny mountain town of Blowing Rock (population 1,163) is one of the most tourist-friendly towns in the
The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit
Winnowing down a list of the best mountain towns in NC is a difficult task, and it’s much less rewarding than actually visiting said towns.
15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 334)
[Updated January 21, 2022] One of the things people don’t tell you about taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is how remarkably uncommercialized this
30 Fun Facts About North Carolina State History & Culture
North Carolina, nicknamed the “the Tar Heel State,” is filled with a rich history of colonial heritage, Appalachian culture, and noteworthy natural landmarks. Encompassing 53,819
The 20 Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants for Foodies
[Updated January 13, 2022] The first time we visited the city back in 2012, we were absolutely blown away by the Asheville food scene. For
The 7 Best Caves & Caverns in North Carolina
There are almost 900 caverns and caves in North Carolina, most of which are located in either the mountains of Western North Carolina or the
The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC
Asheville, North Carolina is a special place where the excitement of city life and the thrill of outdoor adventure collide to offer a Blue Ridge
The 30 Best Waterfalls Near Asheville NC
[Updated December 28, 2021] Asheville NC’s reputation as a forward-thinking, nature-loving town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains precedes it. Despite being only
The 15 Best Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls to Explore
The waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest rank among the best waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Some of their cascades plummet over 100 feet, pushing thousands
The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!)
[Updated 12/20/2021] Personally, I’d argue that the best Western NC small towns easily rank among the best small towns in America on the whole. Western
Festive Fun at Tweetsie Railroad Christmas in Blowing Rock NC
One of the most popular Western NC Christmas events, Tweetsie Railroad Christmas is a must-see for residents and holiday visitors who spend Christmas in Blowing
The Top 15 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)
[Updated December 6, 2021] In a region wrought with spectacular waterfalls, no place has as many as Transylvania County, North Carolina. Encompassing 381 square miles,
The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 229)
[Updated on 1/24/22] Just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rocky ridges smooth out into the rolling hills and lively mountain streams known as the
The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC
Located in the North Carolina High Country, less than 20 miles from Boone and Blowing Rock, Banner Elk is one of the most beautiful Blue
The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC
Located about 35 miles northeast of Asheville and 40 miles southwest of Banner Elk, the town of Burnsville NC has long lived in the shadow
The 10 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for Foodies
[Updated November 1, 2021] From Blue Ridge and Clayton GA to Asheville and Burnsville NC, nearly every great mountain town we’ve visited has had
The 7 Best Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina
Of the 2,000-plus miles of AT stretching up the East Coast, the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina has just under 100 miles of the world-famous
The 6 Best Boone NC Breweries & Brewpubs (with Map)
Boone NC is perhaps best known for its iconic Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and the easy access it offers to excellent campgrounds, hiking, snow tubing,
The 10 Best Campgrounds In Boone NC
In addition to being one of the best Western NC small towns to live in, Boone NC is also a haven for nature lovers and
The 10 Hiking Essentials Packing List for the Blue Ridge Mountains
From basic items like extra clothing, food, and water to survival gear, read on for our 10 hiking essentials packing list.