What is your favorite place in Western North Carolina? What are some good sites to see? The Smokey Mountains sound pretty, so does Grandfather Mt. and Chimney Rock. Biltmore sounds nice to. Is the Fontana Dam worth visiting? What are some of your favorite waterfalls in Western North Carolina? Been to the Outer Banks in the eastern part of NC which is pretty, but have not really been the western part of the state. So, I am trying to get ideas for a Western NC trip next summer.

There are many many things to do in the mountains. Waterfalls are beautiful, many scenic drives all over the place, GSM Railroad, whitewater rafting, hiking, watching wildlife, there are too many things to list! I'm sure you would enjoy a mountain vacation. Some of the best waterfalls I've seen are near the Franklin area. Have been to Fontana Dam, beautiful scenery all around the dam. Have been to Asheville, but haven't done Biltmore. We have been going to the mountains several times a year for over four years now and still haven't seen and done everything. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Hi Asdaven,

Depends a little on what time you go. In June, Roan Mountain on the TN/NC border has open bald areas at the top where huges pink rhododendran and golden azalea bushes bloom, Nantahala River for a fun raft ride, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forrest (one of largest old growth preserves in eastern US), Skyline Drive of the Shanandoah. We enjoy the Biltmore House, very pretty setting and worth the trip if you like touring historic homes.

SusanEva

It would probably be more August.

The Blue Ridge Parway from near Blowing Rock all the way to its end is an outstanding drive. There are good sights to visit all along the route.

I like to stay overnight at Mt. Pisgah Inn. It is close to Brevard and the route down there passes sliding rock.

All of the other sights named above are worth the visit.

I would add Linville Falls and Gorge, which are off the Blue Ridge Parkway as well.

Is driving up to the top of Mt. Michael worth doing?

asdaven, what are you interested in doing besides driving from one place to another and seeing these palces?

mount mitchell?? I don't know of a Mount Michael. All of the places that you've mentioned are nice - are you going to stay in different areas or are you trying to find one area and drive?

I like Blowing Rock...what a beautiful area!

Don't forget Chimney Rock and the Lake Lure area.

Mt. Mitchell is cool -- plus it's the highest point in the Eastern US, so if you like visiting "-est" places, you gotta go!

I am not sure of my plans. Maybe a week in Gatlinburg,TN and a couple of nights in Asheville,NC. Maybe a night somewhere in Virginia after that. Want to spend a good amount of time in the smokies.

If you stay a couple of nights in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge(home of Dolly Wood), then cross the Smoky Mt. Park from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, where there is a nice museum of the Cherokee Indians, a wonderful outside drama, Unto These Hills, and a live Indian village with demonstrations, dances,etc. The Smoky Park from Gatlinburg to Cherokee has some wonderful hikes, The Chimneys and Alum Cave hikes are beautiful. From Cherokee, you can easily visit Franklin, Highlands, and Cashiers, N.C. where there are lots of beautiful waterfalls,especially between Franklin and Highlands. See especially Dry Falls, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall. Asheville is about 60-70 miles away, and it is well worth a visit to see the Biltmore House and the Grove Park Inn, a wonderful place to stay, overlooking the city of Asheville. You can take the Blue Ridge Parkway , near Waynesville, N.C. to Asheville, N.C. and this is a beautiful drive. I live in western North Carolina and will be glad to help you, if you have questions. Stokie

Hi as,

You might want to look into Tryon, NC.

See http://www.nc-mountains.org/

Isn't there also a waterfall in GSMNP that you can walk behind? What is the weather like in August? Is it sunny with afternoon thunderstorms coming or is it rainy all the time? Can you get good picture this time of year?

Weather in western NC is just fantastic in August. That's their high season because it is nice and cool. One time when we were there it got into the high 50s at night and it was in the 70s in the day time.

Cashiers is second only to heaven. It is very pleasant and has wonderful views of Cold Mountain. It looks just like the cover of the book.