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.
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 7/27/2022] 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
The 15 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County
When my wife and I explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s typically with two main goals in mind. The first objective is to create in-depth
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 20 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms in Boone, Asheville, & Beyond
[Updated December 5, 2021] Whether you’re continuing a lifelong Christmas tradition or getting your first ever live tree, picking out a tree from one of
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 20+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Biltmore, Bryson City & Beyond!
[Updated 12/4/2021] There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season in a magical place, and many of Western North Carolina’s small towns offer something special
The 10 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
It’s a bittersweet time when you’re watching the vivid fall colors of the NC High Country begin to fade. Sad because it signals that autumn
The 11 Best Places for Snow Tubing in the North Carolina Mountains
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
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 30 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
[Updated November 6, 2021] For a medium-sized Blue Ridge mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things
The 10 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains
One of our favorite ways to take a deep dive into the beauty of nature is to enjoy the myriad campgrounds in the North Carolina
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 Best Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known as “the Fraser Fir Capital of the World.” So the NC High Country region around Boone, Blowing Rock, and
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.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Boone NC
The North Carolina High Country (which includes popular towns like Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, and Boone) is home to an abundance of delicious eateries. Home
Fall in North Carolina: 20 Great Places to See Fall Colors in Western NC
[Updated September 18, 2021] Fall in the North Carolina mountains is particularly special because the autumn leaves are around for an extended amount of time.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Weaverville NC
We started this website in large part because we wanted to explore the small towns of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the search for
The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC
[Updated September 3, 2021] For far too long, Hendersonville NC seemed like the Jan Brady to Asheville’s Marcia, never quite garnering all the accolades and
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Boone NC
Located in the North Carolina High Country, Boone is a scenic college town with a surplus of art galleries, shopping, restaurants, hiking trails, Christmas Tree Farms,
The Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC
The history of the Blue Ridge Mountains is riddled with Appalachian folklore, including the Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC. They range from various
The Top 25 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC
[Updated Aug 6, 2021] It’s not hard to imagine why so many people love to retreat into the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch 550 miles from
The 15 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore
[Updated August 3, 2021] The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Boone NC is best-known for its Christmas tree farms and outdoor recreation opportunities, offering everything
Things to Do at the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area (Near Linville Falls NC)
Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are renowned for their rugged beauty, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area ranks among the most dynamic places to
The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville, NC
The Western North Carolina mountains have practically everything you could possibly want if you’re looking for a back-to-nature getaway. Home to the five tallest mountains
Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Banner Elk NC
For me, the monolithic majesty of Grandfather Mountain preceded itself. On a few occasions in the past, my wife Emma and I visited friends who
The 15 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit
[Updated March 18, 2022] As anyone who has ever visited will tell you, Western North Carolina is truly a haven for nature lovers. The region
How to Get to Otter Falls Near Banner Elk NC
[Updated August 12, 2021] A relatively new tourist attraction in the Western North Carolina mountains, Otter Falls isn’t anywhere near the biggest of the waterfalls
Things to Do at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Near Blowing Rock NC
The short stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs from just east of Boone NC to just west of Blowing Rock is particularly packed with
How to Get to Hooker Falls NC (in DuPont State Forest)
[Updated August 12, 2021] If you’re looking for challenging North Carolina waterfalls to hike, Hooker Falls is probably not for you. Located between Brevard and
Review of Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast in Asheville NC (Montford Area)
[Updated July 29, 2021] You don’t have to look very hard to find great bed and breakfasts in Asheville NC. In fact, the Montford Area
The Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest (Near Brevard NC)
The Cradle of Forestry in America was originally known as the Biltmore Forest School. It was founded in 1898 by Carl A. Schenck, a German
Things to Do in Elk Knob State Park Near Boone NC
There is no shortage of stunning state parks in the North Carolina mountains. We’ve been fortunate to visit a good number of them, staring up
Top 15 NC State Parks in the North Carolina Mountains
[Updated April 5, 2021] When we first moved to NC in 2017, I was beside myself envisioning the many cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas to
15 Highlights of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Western North Carolina
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (a.k.a. the MST) stretches from North Carolina’s western border with Tennessee all the way east to the Atlantic Ocean. This epic NC
The Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and “Horn in the West” in Boone NC
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association was formed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Watauga County and the surrounding areas in the North Carolina
The Best Things to Do in DuPont State Forest, NC
The DuPont State Recreation Forest, more commonly known as DuPont State Forest or just DuPont Forest, offers 12,000+ acres of blow-your-mind beautiful wilderness in the
The 20 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails in North Carolina
If you enjoy getting deep into the forest, exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, and looking up as gorgeous waterfalls cascade down, then Pisgah National Forest is
The 15 Best Western North Carolina Mountains For Hiking
North Carolina is home to the five highest mountains east of the Mississippi: Mt. Mitchell, Clingman’s Dome, Mt. Guyot, Richland Balsam, and Potato Knob. In