The North Carolina Mountains
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The North Carolina Mountains - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Black Mountain College
Educational InstitutionOriginally housed in rented quarters at nearby Blue Ridge Assembly, southeast of the town of Black Mountain, Black Mountain College moved across...
Originally housed in rented quarters at nearby Blue Ridge Assembly, southeast of the town of Black Mountain, Black Mountain College moved across the valley to its own campus at Lake Eden in 1941. Today the site is Camp Rockmont, a privately owned summer camp for boys. The school's buildings originally were designed by the Bauhaus architects Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer, but the college turned to an American architect, Lawrence Kocher, and several intriguing buildings resulted, including one known as "The Ship," which still stands. BMC attracted maverick spirits in art, music, and literature, including Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Josef and Anni Albers, Buckminster Fuller, M. C. Richards, Merce Cunningham, John Cage, Kenneth Noland, Ben Shahn, Arthur Penn, Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, and others. Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center is in downtown Asheville at 120 College Street and holds occasional events at Lake Eden.
375 Lake Eden Rd., Black Mountain, North Carolina, 28711, USA828-686–3885-Camp Rockmont -
2. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Farm/RanchConnemara Farm is where the famed poet and biographer Carl Sandburg moved with his wife, Lillian, in 1945; he lived there until his death in...
Connemara Farm is where the famed poet and biographer Carl Sandburg moved with his wife, Lillian, in 1945; he lived there until his death in 1967. Guided tours of their 1830s house—beautifully reconstructed in 2017—are given by National Park Service rangers. Sandburg's papers still are scattered on his desk as if he had just stepped away for a moment, and there are 11,000 of his books on shelves. Kids enjoy cavorting around the 264-acre farm, which still maintains descendants of the Sandburg family goats. There are also miles of trails.
81 Carl Sandburg La., Flat Rock, North Carolina, 28731, USA828-693–4178Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, tours $5 -
3. Flat Rock Playhouse
Arts/Performance VenueThis theater, the official state theater of North Carolina, is known for its high-quality productions, with sophisticated sets and professional...
This theater, the official state theater of North Carolina, is known for its high-quality productions, with sophisticated sets and professional actors. The productions are mostly well-known Broadway musicals and other classics. In a converted barn, Flat Rock holds summer and fall college apprentice programs and classes for aspiring actors. The drama season, with about a dozen productions, runs from March to December.
2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, North Carolina, 28731, USA828-693–0731Sight Details
Rate Includes: Prices vary, Closed Jan. and Feb., Prices vary but usually range from $15 to $55, Closed Jan.–mid-Feb. -
4. Grandfather Mountain
MountainSoaring to almost 6,000 feet, Grandfather Mountain is famous for its Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot-long footbridge that sways over a...
Soaring to almost 6,000 feet, Grandfather Mountain is famous for its Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot-long footbridge that sways over a 1,000-foot drop into the Linville Valley. There are 12 miles of hiking trails and some 100 picnic tables. Part of the area is a state park, and part is private land with a small admission fee.
Blue Ridge Parkway and U.S. 221, Linville, North Carolina, 28646, USA828-733–4337-private attractionSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Mt. Mitchell State Park
Park (National/State/Provincial)This park—established in 1915 as North Carolina's first state park—includes the 6,684-foot Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain peak east of the...
This park—established in 1915 as North Carolina's first state park—includes the 6,684-foot Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain peak east of the Rockies. The summit was named after Elisha Mitchell, a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, who died from a fall while trying to prove the mountain's true height. At the 1,946-acre park you can climb an observation tower and also get food (May–October) at a restaurant. You can drive to a parking area about 100 feet from the summit and hike the short distance to the summit. Clouds obscure the views here for at least parts of 8 days out of 10. The park may close in winter due to ice and snow so call ahead if you plan to visit that time of year.
2388 NC 128, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714, USA828-675–4611-state parkSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
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6. Mt. Pisgah
MountainThe 5,721-foot Mt. Pisgah is one of the most easily recognized peaks around Asheville due to the television tower installed here in the 1950s...
The 5,721-foot Mt. Pisgah is one of the most easily recognized peaks around Asheville due to the television tower installed here in the 1950s. It has walking trails, a picnic area, and an amphitheater where nature programs are offered most evenings from June through October. There is an inn, a restaurant, and a small grocery a short distance away. Nearby Graveyard Fields is popular for blueberry picking in midsummer.
Blue Ridge Parkway MM 408.6, Waynesville, North Carolina, 28712, USA828-271–4779-Parkway headquartersSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Museum/GalleryCovering 12,000 years of history, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian is one of the country's best Native American museums. Computer-generated...
Covering 12,000 years of history, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian is one of the country's best Native American museums. Computer-generated images, video projections, and sound effects help bring to life events in the history of the Cherokee. For example, you'll see children stop to play a butter-bean game while adults shiver along the snowy Trail of Tears. The museum has an art gallery, a gift shop, and an outdoor living exhibit of Cherokee life in the 15th century.
589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, North Carolina, 28719, USA828-497–3481Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12 -
8. Nantahala River
Body Of Water/WaterfallThe most popular river in western North Carolina for rafting and kayaking is the Nantahala, which races through the scenic Nantahala Gorge,...
The most popular river in western North Carolina for rafting and kayaking is the Nantahala, which races through the scenic Nantahala Gorge, a 1,600-foot-deep gorge that begins about 13 miles west of Bryson City on U.S. Route 19. Class III and Class IV rapids (Class V are the most dangerous) make for a thrilling ride. A number of outfitters run river trips or rent equipment. At several points along the river you can park your car and watch rafters run the rapids—on a summer day you'll see hundreds of rafts and kayaks going by.
Bryson City, North Carolina, 28713, USA828-524–6441-Nantahala Ranger District, National Forest Service -
9. Sliding Rock
Body Of Water/WaterfallThis natural rock waterslide, fueled by 11,000 gallons of mountain water every minute, deposits you into a clear, cold pool. Wear old jeans...
This natural rock waterslide, fueled by 11,000 gallons of mountain water every minute, deposits you into a clear, cold pool. Wear old jeans and tennis shoes and bring a towel. Lifeguards are on duty daily 10 to 6 from Memorial Day to Labor Day (and usually on the weekends in September and October). On warm summer days the parking area is often very crowded. No picnicking is allowed, but there are grounds nearby.
U.S. 276, Brevard, North Carolina, 28768, USA828-877–3350-National Forest ServiceSight Details
Rate Includes: $4 -
10. Black Mountain Cider + Mead
Winery/Brewery/DistilleryMost of the apples for the cider at this mill come from Hendersonville, and it's the only type of alcohol in the area that can proudly say it...
Most of the apples for the cider at this mill come from Hendersonville, and it's the only type of alcohol in the area that can proudly say it's made from all local produce. Mead, a historic recipe for wine fermented from fruit and honey, is also interesting to try. Sample all flavors of both while here, an altogether pleasant and family-friendly stop in Black Mountain.
104 Eastside Dr., No. 307, Black Mountain, North Carolina, 28711, USA828-419–0089Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. -
11. Cold Mountain
ViewpointThe vivid best-selling novel by Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain, and its movie adaptation have made a destination out of the real Cold Mountain...
The vivid best-selling novel by Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain, and its movie adaptation have made a destination out of the real Cold Mountain. About 15 miles from Waynesville in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area of Pisgah National Forest, the 6,030-foot rise had long stood in relative anonymity. But with the success of Frazier's book, people want to see the region that Inman and Ada, the book's Civil War–era protagonists, called home. For a view of the splendid mass, stop at any of a number of overlooks off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Try the Cold Mountain Overlook, just past mile marker 411.9, or the Wagon Road Gap parking area, at mile marker 412.2. You can climb the mountain, but be prepared—the hike to the summit is strenuous.
Cold Mountain Overlook, BRP, MM 411.9, Waynesville, North Carolina, 28785, USA828-298–0398-parkway information line -
12. Cradle of Forestry in America
Historic District/SiteThe home of the first forestry school in the United States is on 6,500 acres in the Pisgah National Forest. Started in 1898 by Carl Schenck...
The home of the first forestry school in the United States is on 6,500 acres in the Pisgah National Forest. Started in 1898 by Carl Schenck, who came here to work for the Biltmore Estate, the school trained some 300 foresters. Today you can visit the school's original log buildings, a restored 1915 steam locomotive, 3 miles of interpretive trails, and a visitor center with many hands-on exhibits. It sits on a scenic byway that connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt. Pisgah.
11250 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, 28768, USA828-877–3130Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6, Closed mid-Nov.–early Apr. -
13. Craggy Gardens
TrailAt an elevation of 6,000 feet, Craggy Gardens has some of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most colorful displays of rhododendrons, usually blooming...
At an elevation of 6,000 feet, Craggy Gardens has some of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most colorful displays of rhododendrons, usually blooming in June. You can also hike trails and picnic here. Craggy Pinnacle trail offers stunning 360-degree views.
Blue Ridge Parkway, MM 364, , North Carolina, 28711, USA828-298–0398-Parkway information lineSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
14. Cullasaja Gorge
Scenic DriveWest of Highlands via U.S. Route 64 toward Franklin, the Cullasaja Gorge (cul-lah-SAY-jah) is a 7½-mile gorge passing the Cullasaja River, Lake...
West of Highlands via U.S. Route 64 toward Franklin, the Cullasaja Gorge (cul-lah-SAY-jah) is a 7½-mile gorge passing the Cullasaja River, Lake Sequoyah, and several waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, Quarry Falls, and the 200-foot Cullasaja Falls. The gorge and falls are in the Nantahala National Forest. Rocks around waterfalls are slippery, and it is dangerous to try to cross the top of the falls.
U.S. 64, Highlands, North Carolina, 28741, USA828-524–6441-Nantahala Ranger Station, Nantahala National ForestSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
15. Daniel Boone Native Gardens
GardenOn 6 acres adjacent to the Horn in the West amphitheater, Daniel Boone Native Gardens highlights local plants and trees in a setting of quiet...
On 6 acres adjacent to the Horn in the West amphitheater, Daniel Boone Native Gardens highlights local plants and trees in a setting of quiet beauty. The wrought-iron gate to the gardens was a gift of Daniel Boone VI, a direct descendant of the pioneer. Dogs, except service animals, aren't allowed in the gardens.
651 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, North Carolina, 28607, USA828-264–6390Sight Details
Rate Includes: $2, Closed Nov.–Apr. -
16. DuPont State Forest
Park (National/State/Provincial)Between Hendersonville and Brevard you'll find this 10,400-acre state forest with four waterfalls, five lakes, and 80 miles of dirt roads to...
Between Hendersonville and Brevard you'll find this 10,400-acre state forest with four waterfalls, five lakes, and 80 miles of dirt roads to explore. It's ideal for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. Fishing and hunting are permitted in season.
U.S. 64 and Little River Rd., Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, 28718, USA828-877–6527Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
17. Folk Art Center
East Metro | Arts/Performance VenueAs the headquarters of the prestigious Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center regularly hosts exceptional quilt, woodworking, pottery...
As the headquarters of the prestigious Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center regularly hosts exceptional quilt, woodworking, pottery, and other crafts shows and demonstrations.
382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina, 28805, USA828-298–7928 -
18. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Transportation Site (Airport, Bus, Ferry, Train)Bryson City's historic train station is the departure point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Diesel or steam locomotives take you on...
Bryson City's historic train station is the departure point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Diesel or steam locomotives take you on a 32-mile journey along the Tuckasegee River or a 44-mile trip passing through the Nantahala Gorge. Trips are offered year-round, but with very limited schedules January to March. Open-sided cars or standard coaches are ideal for picture taking as the mountain scenery glides by. Your ticket gives you free admission to the nearby Smoky Mountain Trains Museum.
45 Mitchell St., Bryson City, North Carolina, 28713, USA800-872–4681-toll-free reservations lineSight Details
Rate Includes: From $56 -
19. Highlands Botanical Garden and Biological Station
GardenIn the center of Highlands, the Highlands Botanical Garden, run by Western Carolina University, is a 30-acre biological reserve of native plants...
In the center of Highlands, the Highlands Botanical Garden, run by Western Carolina University, is a 30-acre biological reserve of native plants. There's also a small nature center, open seasonally.
Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, North Carolina, 28741, USA828-526–2602Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
20. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
ForestOne of the last remaining sections of old-growth forests in Appalachia, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, part of the 17,000-acre Joyce Kilmer–Slickrock...
One of the last remaining sections of old-growth forests in Appalachia, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, part of the 17,000-acre Joyce Kilmer–Slickrock Wilderness, has incredible 400-year-old yellow poplars that measure as large as 20 feet in circumference, along with huge hemlocks, oaks, and sycamores. If you haven't seen a true virgin forest, you can only imagine what America must have looked like in the early days of settlement. A 2-mile trail, moderately strenuous, takes you through wildflower- and moss-carpeted areas. During June, the parking lot is an excellent spot to see the light shows of the synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus), which blink off and on in unison.
5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd., Robbinsville, North Carolina, 28771, USA828-479–6431-Cheoah Ranger District, U.S. National ForestSight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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