– Best small mountain towns to visit in nc

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Venture outside of town to explore the famed Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC , a mysterious occurrence that attracts lots of visitors every year. The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia.

The downtown is lined with trees and flowers , with plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from. Hiwassee Lake in the Nantahala National Forest is less than 10 miles outside of town. Nestled among several other enticing NC mountain towns, Sylva does a great job of vying for visitors to choose it when venturing beyond Asheville and into the far western reaches of the state. Sylva has been recognized for being clean, green, and distinctive.

It has four outstanding breweries within walking distance of each other, and Scott Creek runs right through town. In terms of getting close to Downtown Asheville , Weaverville NC is less than 10 miles away from the city, making it one of the closest on the map of towns in North Carolina. The tiny town of 3, residents has a personality all its own, but provides easy access to Asheville as well. West Jefferson dives deep into the local scene, with lots of artisan-produced cheeses, public art installations, and a celebration of Old-Time music and dance.

Cone Memorial Park just over 30 miles away. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

After visiting the Western North Carolina for the first time, Jonathon Engels and his wife Emma spent two years looking for a few acres of property there to establish a permaculture homestead. During that search, he explored the Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounding towns, and parks.

He has taught at both Blue Ridge Community College and Surry Community College, is a member of a long-established land conservation community near the town of Dobson, volunteers at the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, and continues to explore the Blue Ridge, a place he now lovingly calls home. This is one of the best things to do in Bryson City! The town and surrounding trails are incredibly dog friendly and you will want them to see the remarkable vistas!

The shops, galleries, and restaurants will keep you on your feet and eager to see what the next store front has to offer! If you want to stay, there is plenty of mountain lodging! If you are wondering where to visit in the North Carolina mountains, put Bryson City at the top of your list! The surrounding mountains have been mined for the last years and they have found emeralds and gems that glow in the dark. You can even visit a real jewel mine and live your Snow White dreams. Visiting Little Switzerland is like taking a quick trip to Europe, right in the middle of the United States!

The shops and restaurants have a distinctly Swiss feel and the surrounding mountains contribute to the picturesque scene. Whether you come for the day or stay for the week, Little Switzerland is something to experience!

This is one of the most unique small towns near Asheville! Sylva is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina because it is incredibly picturesque. With a population of less than , Sylva definitely qualifies as one of the small mountain towns in North Carolina! Their all- American main street is perfect for strolling and is packed with restaurants, breweries, galleries, bookstores, and many small business shops.

Sylva is also home to the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina remember how we said it was picturesque! A visit to Sylva is like a step back in time that you will want to take again and again. Nestled in the mountains, this is the perfect escape from the bigger cities in western North Carolina. Add Sylva to your list of where to visit in the North Carolina mountains! Many know Maggie Valley as one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina, so lets get into why!

The townspeople of Maggie Valley prioritize Southern hospitality above all else so you are sure to feel right at home! You can spend the day fishing, golfing, hiking, or riding a zipline! The night is time to indulge is wonderful restaurants, drinking, and dancing!

There are plenty of hotels and such to spend the night and then you can spend the morning exploring the unique shops and restaurants in their downtown. Beech Mountain is one of the best NC mountain towns because it is made for tourists! This four season resort town aims to provide quality recreation experiences for residents and visitors alike! The backdrop of many romantic getaways , Beech Mountain is a wonderful place to escape with someone you love! Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States, and offers the splendor a true mountain experience.

Whether you are there for ski season, chasing leaves, or fishing and tubing, this quaint town can take great care of you!

Self proclaimed friendliest town in the South, Tryon is one of the best NC mountain towns! The mild climate and small town shops make Tryon a wonderful place for strolling and taking everything in. Known for its glamping , you can definitely make a week out of your visit! Their rich equestrian history is the unexpected delight of Tryon and even houses an international equestrian center!

We recommend a visit to the old movie theatre in town , catch some live music, and enjoy a gallery! Tyron has so much to offer and that is why it is one of the best mountain communities in North Carolina! The village of Sugar Mountain is another four season resort town. Known for having the largest ski area in the state, Summer and Spring bring golf, tennis, lift rides, live music series and plenty of scenic vistas!

This really is a four season resort! Sugar Mountain is one of our favorite small mountain towns in North Carolina and we hope you check it out! Menu Skip to right header navigation Skip to main content Skip to secondary navigation Skip to primary sidebar. Weaverville Weaverville is one of the most interesting small towns near Asheville!

Hendersonville Hendersonville is one of the most popular mountain towns in western North Carolina! Thanks for joining us, Emily! Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a quaint mountain town that sits on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and is named after the nearby rock formation. The town supplies visitors with fantastic panoramic views overlooking the Johns River Gorge and miles of forested mountains.

The town of Blowing Rock is small, but despite its small size, the town holds a lot for visitors to discover and ranks among the top NC mountain towns to visit in other words, book early if you hope to visit during the peak fall foliage season!

Blowing Rock is best known for its natural Blowing Rock formation, which hangs 4, feet above sea level overlooking the gorge. The town is also home to many wellness retreats and resorts due to its gorgeous outdoor landscapes. There are various breweries and coffee houses, in addition to walkable streets of restaurants, shops, and museums.

Both the rural areas and downtown areas of Hendersonville offer activities for all types of travelers. Not only is Hendersonville famous for its apple orchards but also for its breweries, cideries, and wineries as well. The town even created a stop trail, known as the Cheers Trail, for visitors to have the opportunity to visit them all. In addition to the wide variety of beverages, the nature surrounding Henerdsonville is remarkable in itself. There are dozens of hiking trails and paths throughout the Blue Ridge area, like Pisgah National Forest.

For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. One of the best ways to experience the history of Boone and the heritage of Appalachia is by visiting the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. The museum is designed in a s-style setting, allowing visitors to travel back in time to the 18th century. Nearby is the Appalachian Ski Resort, so the town is a great place to visit for snowboarding or skiing enthusiasts. Boone is also home to quite a few quality breweries and is the capital of craft beer on the east coast.

In addition to a hopping downtown region, the surrounding areas host various hiking trails and scenic lookouts. It has a bustling and vibrant downtown region. Outside of the city, Deep Creek offers a multitude of hiking trails for all physical levels and abilities, so all travelers have the chance to experience the magic of the Smokies.

Lining the banks of Fontana Lake, the train ride takes travelers throughout the forest with majestic mountain views, changing with the season throughout the year. Highlands is also surrounded by one of the only temperate rainforests in North America, so there are many excellent hiking trails in the area. Aside from outdoor activities, there are plenty of things to do within the center of Highlands.

13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare.

Because they are close in proximity, they compliment each other so well. Again, the restaurants in Boone , much like Blowing Rock are phenomenal and you must check them out! There are so many waterfalls surrounding Boone and they are all worth seeing! Some are more of a challenging hike, but many are an easy walk along a paved path so you can find one that is perfect for you to check out.

Perhaps our favorite thing around Boone are the cozy cabins you can rent! Either solo, with your partner, family, or friends a cabin in the snow is always a good time! Boone is one of our favorite small mountain towns in North Carolina!

Brevard is known as the Land of Waterfalls and for us, it is one of the best mountain communities in North Carolina! Brevard is the perfect town if you enjoy the outdoors.

Although often a road trip stop , the town markets itself as having iconic experiences so lets dive into a couple! Head to the college campus and try to find a white squirrel! Then you can hike to Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. You can also check out Glass Falls and Glass Rock!

Next, go for a slide down Sliding Rock! Yes, you read that right — a rock you can slide down! Of course Brevard is a perfect place to see the beautiful autumnal colors!

It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Whether you are coming for the outdoor adventures or want to enjoy the indoors Bryson City should be one your list! In Bryson City you can take the Road To Nowhere, ride the scenic railroad, or go deep creek tubing with your friends!

This is one of the best things to do in Bryson City! The town and surrounding trails are incredibly dog friendly and you will want them to see the remarkable vistas! The shops, galleries, and restaurants will keep you on your feet and eager to see what the next store front has to offer! If you want to stay, there is plenty of mountain lodging! This combo makes it one of the best NC mountains towns to live in.

The Appalachian Trail goes by it, the French Broad River cradles it, and mineral hot springs heat it up. And yet somehow Hot Springs remains surprisingly small population: , with just a handful of restaurants and local craft and antique shops.

Located at the eastern edge of the North Carolina mountains map, moving into the Piedmont, Morganton makes it onto our list of the best NC mountain towns because of its stellar location and historic downtown area. Morganton sits along the Catawba River, and is technically in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But it has lots of nice cafes and a collection of breweries in town, with Union Street and Green Street forming a very walkable downtown area.

Venture outside of town to explore the famed Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC , a mysterious occurrence that attracts lots of visitors every year. The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia. The downtown is lined with trees and flowers , with plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from. Hiwassee Lake in the Nantahala National Forest is less than 10 miles outside of town.

Nestled among several other enticing NC mountain towns, Sylva does a great job of vying for visitors to choose it when venturing beyond Asheville and into the far western reaches of the state. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala River are all within a minute drive from the town, so outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant.

With its proximity to the Smoky Mountains, historic railroad, and scenic views — Dillsboro has to be one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina! However, one of the most popular attractions is the Unto These Hills outdoor production which documents the story of the Cherokee people. Every Friday and Saturday during the summer, Cherokee storytellers gather around a fire and tell traditional stories from their culture. Make sure you spend some time outdoors exploring the nearby waterfalls or the Fire Mountain Trails.

If you visit this majestic settlement during July and August, then make sure you visit Geneva Hall. Events are held every Friday and Saturday evening and include music, traditional dancing, and the iconic cake walk. The scenic Burnsville is home to the towering Mount Mitchell. With endless outdoor adventures waiting for you, stunning scenery, and plenty of unique stores, Burnsville has plenty to offer!

This mountain town is home to a natural hot spring, which is the only known spring of its type in North Carolina! People have been visiting the hot spring since the s due to the belief that it contains healing properties.

The Appalachian Trail runs through Hot Springs, so allow some time to hike along a portion of it. For those not interested in adventure activities, you can go horseback riding or visit the Artisan Gallery and Cafe. The scenic mountain town of Morganton is located along the Catawba River and has been inhabited since the early s, making it one of the most historic North Carolina mountain towns to visit!

With fewer than 3, residents, this 19th-century mountain town has a laid-back neighborhood feel. Along with Dillsboro, Sylva’s even smaller neighbor to the west, Sylva attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike in the Smokies and raft or tube down the Tuckasegee River.

Between excursions, there are breweries, antique stores, and mom-and-pop spots — quirky Lulu’s on Main has been a go-to for decades. This small town is approximately a minute drive from Durham and Chapel Hill, but it feels worlds away from its college-student-filled neighbors. The historic buildings along Hillsborough’s main street harbor a lively food and drink scene, including cozy trattoria Panciuto and an outpost of the ever-popular Weaver Street Market.

Drive out to Maple View Farm Ice Cream for old-fashioned milkshakes and rocking-chair views of the pretty countryside. With its dreamy coastal scenery, this little riverside destination shines for small-town charm and relaxing outdoor recreation. Kayak or paddleboard on the Pamlico River, post up on a pier to reel in fresh and saltwater fish, and meander down the Palmetto Boardwalk and the nature trails of Goose Creek State Park whose marshes and bogs were once preferred hiding spots for the pirate Blackbeard.

Then, poke around the historic waterfront and wind down with crab cakes, Southern fried shrimp, and other coastal Carolina specialties. At 4, feet above sea level, Highlands has long since the s served as a summertime escape for Carolina and Georgia residents escaping the intense heat and humidity. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families.

Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge.

One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. This famous performance, running each summer since , tells the story of Daniel Boone’s adventures in the local area. 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.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Boone. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square.

It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region.

Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. The town’s lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank.

If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery , where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you.

Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton.

15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit – Southern Trippers.15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit – Southern Trippers

 
Just off I and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive. Beautiful North Carolina Mountain Towns · Hendersonville · Blowing Rock · Banner Elk · Subscribe to Lost in the Carolinas! · Mt Airy · Hot Springs. Located between the popular skiing destinations of Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, the small town of Banner Elk is a destination all on its own. Although.