North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. .inside-article{ Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. padding-left: 10px; You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. "source": "woocommerce",
Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. }, false );
3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. padding-right: 10px !important; Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. 4 Roxboro at No. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. 2. text-decoration: underline Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website
The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. Thank you, Lori! Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. 5 Pinehurst at No. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. I would never live anywhere else again. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? } Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake.
What Are the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family in America Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina.
Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. } Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. .archive .content-area a { Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air.
The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts.
19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. 14. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. 2. Sylva is a picturesque small town with a population of around 2500, and it's one of the best places to live in North Carolina. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. As many of the stately properties in this mountain area also enjoy stunning waterfront views, its the best of both worlds to be surrounded by the natural beauty. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere.
Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com 7. Skiing in North Carolina: With elevations that exceed 5,000 feet and extensive snowmaking equipment, the mountains of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for skiing. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw.
Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 2 Marion at No. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Hampstead NC. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. text-decoration: none Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction.
21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel So many great mountain towns to choose from! IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Black Mountain. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Awesome to hear, Rebecca!
11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more!
17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023)