Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } } ); Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Read More About Our Journey! .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. } There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. 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. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. 1. 2. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. 3 Brevard at No. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Overall SnackAbility. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. 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. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Loved Black Mountain! We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. 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. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. .site-header .header-image { For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. 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. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Walk Score: 36/100. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. Median age: 44.7. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. } This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? } Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. 4 Roxboro at No. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. My husband & I love West Jefferson. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Hampstead NC. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. } Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. .generate-back-to-top:visited { The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville.