The mountains are calling. It's time to get off the couch and lace up your boots. Hike the Appalachian Trail. Slip down a rock water slide. Buy your first fly rod and dry fly. Devour an award-winning pulled pork sandwich.
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Smoky Mountains and Cherokee
Asheville and the Foothills
High Country
local perspectives
"we love the simplicity of life here. The access to nature and locally grown food in such a peaceful place. I can’t imagine living anywhere else."
"In terms of adventure, there’s so much to do here because the landscape is so steep, and there’s so much rock and water."
"Most people don’t have these rivers and peaks in their everyday life, so I feel lucky... When you’re out there, all your worries go away."
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WNC
rediscover the unforgettable
Lake Fontana
Fire Mountain
Ashe County Cheese Company
Chai Pani
River's End
Dry Falls
Starlight Campground
The Gorge Zipline
Happy Valley Filling Station
Bare Dark Sky Observatory
Shelton Vineyards
The Everett Hotel and Bistro
Doughton Park
Grandfather Mountain
Tim Bell
co-Owner of Green river adventures
megan brown
founder of waynesville soda jerks
dustin douglas
Owner of dusty trails outfitters
City Name
Asheville
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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Tucked into the lush Little River Valley, the 12,500-acre Dupont State Recreational Forest is a water-lover’s dream, protecting mountains and hollows packed with rivers, small lakes and countless waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most unique, as the Little River flows over a large, sloping sheet of granite into a deep pool below. Hooker Falls is ideal for swimmers, with a massive pool sitting below a 12-foot tall curtain waterfall. If you’re looking for a picturesque pond, the 100-acre Lake Julia is flanked by a thick, hardwood canopy. Spend an afternoon bouncing from one cold pool to the next via DuPont’s 80 miles of trail and dirt roads. Read More
Go Waterfall Hopping in DuPont State Recreational Forest
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The fastest zipline in the region has 11 different lines spanning more than a mile through the steep, lush Green River Gorge. In addition to the ziplines, the treetop adventure features three big rappels and one long skybridge. You’ll drop 1,100 vertical feet as you soar through the canopy within an old growth forest.
Soar Through the Trees at the Gorge Zipline
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The French Broad River runs for 218 miles from its headwaters above Rosman, North Carolina, to Knoxville, Tennessee. The French Broad River Trail has a collection of access points and campsites along its corridor. Head to Headwaters Outfitters to explore a pastoral stretch of the French Broad near its headwaters, or tube a mellow section through Asheville with Zen Tubing. If you’re looking for more excitement, Blue Heron Whitewater can lead you on Section 9 of the French Broad into Hot Springs, which is packed with Class III and IV rapids.
Paddle the French Broad River Trail
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Pisgah National Forest protects more than 500,000 acres of mountains throughout the Asheville and Foothills region, encompassing 6,000-foot peaks, high elevation balds, and thunderous waterfalls. Blue Ridge Hiking Company leads day trips and overnights throughout the protected mountains, including sections of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, as well as the Mountains to Sea Trail, which crosses over some of the tallest mountains in the east before heading towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Hike Pisgah National Forest
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Launching from Foothills Regional Airport, Thermal Valley Hang Gliding specializes in tandem discovery flights where guests take their first flight in the capable hands of a certified instructor. After being towed into the air and released, the instructor will teach you how to fly the glider yourself, passing along skills that will allow you to judge speed, turn and soar. Throughout the process, you’ll enjoy views of the South Mountains, Catawba River, and distinct peaks like Grandfather and Table Rock.
Get a Bird’s Eye View with Thermal Valley Hang Gliding
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Pisgah National Forest is packed with world class singletrack that draws mountain bikers from all over the world. Kitsuma, between Black Mountain and Old Fort, is one of the forest’s signature trails, offering a steep switchback-laden climb before unraveling in three miles of technical downhill. You can combine Kitsuma with a closed section of Old US 70 for the perfect 10-mile loop for experienced bikers.
Mountain Bike Kitsuma Trail, Pisgah National Forest
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Off-road enthusiasts can head straight to Brown Mountain OHV System, in Pisgah National Forest’s Grandfather District, where 34 miles of designated trail offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a scenic cruise in your jeep or a rock-crawling adventure on an ATV. Certain trails are open to full-sized 4WD vehicles, while others are designated for trail bike and ATV use only, and the one-way system keeps vehicles moving without incident.
Ride Brown Mountain OHV System
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Located in a former quarry, this expansive county park is centered around a sheer cliff face that has attracted rock climbers for more than 50 years. The US Army Reservists even used the cliff for training in the 1970s. It’s a particularly good crag for beginners as many routes are in the easy 5.5-5.7 grade. But there are also five miles of hiking trails that traverse the top of the cliff and climb to the peak of Rocky Face Mountain.
Explore Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area
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The 189-acre Bakers Mountain Park makes the most of the area’s foothill terrain, protecting the highest peak in the county, 1780-foot Bakers Mountain. Almost six miles of trail wind through the park, which features a canopy of mature chestnut oak, while an observation tower at the top of the mountain provides a long-range view of the surrounding hills.
Hike Bakers Mountain Park
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It’s hard to find a prettier setting than Baker Farm and Winery, where rolling hills are divided by the winding Buffalo Creek. Over the years, this family owned farm has supported a dairy business, whiskey making, a general store, and now, a vineyard and wine production facility. You can spend the afternoon exploring the grounds and sampling wines, from their Chardonnay to Chambourcin, all of which are produced from estate-grown grapes.
Relax at Baker Farm and Winery
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Tucked into the lush Little River Valley, the 12,500-acre Dupont State Recreational Forest is a water-lover’s dream, protecting mountains and hollows packed with rivers, small lakes and countless waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most unique, as the Little River flows over a large, sloping sheet of granite into a deep pool below. Hooker Falls is ideal for swimmers, with a massive pool sitting below a 12-foot tall curtain waterfall. If you’re looking for a picturesque pond, the 100-acre Lake Julia is flanked by a thick, hardwood canopy. Spend an afternoon bouncing from one cold pool to the next via DuPont’s 80 miles of trail and dirt roads.
Go Waterfall Hopping in DuPont State Recreational Forest
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The Tryon International Equestrian Center is the region’s premier site for horse-lovers, hosting a full slate of equestrian competitions. But it’s also a great place to explore your own cowboy/cowgirl dreams, as the center offers adventurous trail ride experiences throughout the resort’s 1,600-acre property. You’ll have the chance to gallop through streams and open meadows, while getting a saddle-earned view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Onsite restaurants and lodging options make this a one-stop adventure for horse-loving visitors.
Embrace Your Inner Cowboy/Girl at the Tryon International Equestrian Center
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Located in downtown Mars Hill, Mars Landing features work from an array of local artists working in a variety of mediums, from pottery to jewelry to abstract paintings. The building also hosts working studios, so visitors have the chance to glimpse the artists in the process of creating.
Mars Landing Gallery, Mars Hill
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Gravelo is more than a bike shop; it’s the hub of gravel and road biking culture in Asheville, with a full espresso bar and regular group rides for cyclists of all abilities.
Gravelo Workshop, Asheville
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Washburn’s is the oldest family run business in North Carolina going back five generations to 1831. It still has the multi-purpose general store aesthetic, selling everything from Lodge Cast Iron skillets to hard candy and books.
Washburn’s General Store, Bostic
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Jackson County is the official Trout Capital of North Carolina, boasting 4,600 miles of trout streams and more than 92,000 trout stocked annually — the most of any county in the state. The county also holds the state record for the largest rainbow trout ever caught. The WNC Fly Fishing Trail strings together 15 of the best fishing spots in the area, from narrow headwaters creeks like Scott Creek near Balsam, to Trophy waters like the Raven Fork, where trout up to 30 inches can be targeted.
WNC Fly Fishing Trail
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The Nantahala River has carved a deep gorge through the heart of the Smoky Mountains region. An eight-mile section of that river has become one of the most popular white water runs in the country, offering fun but challenging Class II and III whitewater with more than 20 named rapids. The culmination of the adventure is the final class III ledge called Nantahala Falls just before the takeout. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been guiding trips down the river since the ‘70s and still sets the standard for quality adventure in the area.
Raft the Nantahala River
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Built in the heart of the Qualla Boundary, Fire Mountain offers an 11-mile system of multi-use trails that are optimized for mountain bikers. The system is full of smooth, fast berms as well as technical rock gardens and the occasional tabletop for those that want to test their relationship with gravity. Kessel Run, a fast, twisting descent down the mountain, is the system’s signature ride. All trails are marked with difficulty designations, just like at a ski resort, so you can safely ride within your skill set.
Bike Fire Mountain Trails
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Sometimes, the prettiest view is right next to the road. Dry Falls is a roadside waterfall near the resort town of Highlands off Highway 64 where the Cullasaja River drops over the face of a 75-foot cliff. A trail has been built that travels behind the falls, allowing you to walk behind the curtain of water without getting wet.
Pose at Dry Falls
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The 29-mile long Fontana Lake helps form the southwestern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering 240-miles of forested shoreline that is largely undeveloped. You can walk across Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rockies, for a unique view of the lake on one side, while a number of access points along the eastern shore offer access for boaters and anglers. Put in at the Tsali Recreation Area, in the Nantahala National Forest, and you can paddle to islands and look for rope swings dangling above the water.
Standup Paddle Fontana Lake
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Lake Chatuge offers 130 miles of shoreline, most of which is protected by national forest. The Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area occupies a peninsula that stretches into the cold mountain lake offering a bevy of adventure opportunities, from mountain biking to fishing. There’s also a campground with 92 sites, many of which have views of the lake. If you want to get in the water, a designated swimming area has a sandy beach, but fishing is the thing here. Launch a boat or cast from the fishing pier to target striped bass, crappie and sunfish.
Fish and Camp on Lake Chatuge
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There is no better way to relax during the summer than floating in a tube down a mountain stream. The Pigeon River can get hectic during its journey from Western North Carolina through Eastern Tennessee, and has some iconic rapids that rafters love, but the stretch leading into Canton is a mellow cruise perfect for tubers. Cold Mountain Tubing, in downtown Canton, rents tubes and can put you on a mellow float that will last from one to three hours depending on the water level.
Tube the Pigeon River
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This rugged state park features 13 miles of trail, the highlight of which is the Grandfather Trail, which traces the crest of Grandfather Mountain up and over its highest peaks for 2.4 miles. The adventure is suited for experienced hikers, as you’ll gain almost 2,000 feet in the 4.8-mile out and back, using cables and wooden ladders to ascend steep rock faces. The terrain is quintessential “High Country,” as the trail moves through dense stands of spruce and fir forest, open meadows and craggy peaks, while the views from MacRae Peak and Calloway Peak take in the majority of the surrounding mountains.
Hike Grandfather Trail, Grandfather Mountain
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The High Country is known for its skiing, with several resorts running lifts throughout winter, but come summer mountain biking takes over, especially at Beech Mountain where the 5,505-foot summit is transformed into a fat-tire paradise. Beech operates one of the best downhill bike parks in the south, with 10 downhill trails all served by a chairlift, so no uphill slog is required. There’s something for all riders, with green trails that feature smooth, flowy transitions and expert black trails packed with big jumps and drops. The park is open Thursday through Sunday throughout summer.
Mountain Bike Beech Mountain
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Not every adventure has to be an adrenaline rush. The Yadkin River, which flows for 215 miles, is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina, with multiple put-ins scattered throughout the High Country accessing the mellow, slow-moving water. Target the mild stretch near Wilkesboro, and Foothills Outdoor Adventures can get you set up with a canoe, tube, or stand-up paddle board to float the river. They even have large River Tubs (yes, “tub,” not “tube”) which can fit up to six people for a unique group experience.
Tube the Yadkin River
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While the vast majority of the Southern Appalachians are shrouded in thick canopies of hardwood or evergreen forests, Roan Mountain, near the Tennessee border, features a series of grassy peaks offering 360-degree views and a high elevation hiking experience that’s more common in the Western U.S. Starting at Carvers Gap, take a five-mile out and back hike across Round Bald, Jane Bald, and GrassyRidge Bald along the Appalachian Trail for endless views across rolling meadows, all of which stand above a mile in elevation. The best view is from Grassy Ridge Bald, which offers an expansive mountaintop meadow standing at 6,189 feet high, making for a perfect picnic spot.
Hike the Roan Highlands
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The High Country has some of the darkest skies in North Carolina thanks to its relative lack of light pollution, and the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, at Mayland Community College in Burnsville, capitalizes on the darkness above. The observatory has the largest public telescope in the southeast and hosts community viewing parties where visitors can peer at the stars through the custom-built Newtonian telescope. With the guidance of expert astronomers, guests spend two hours learning about the night sky and seeing the moon and planets of our solar system like never before.
See the Stars at Bare Dark Sky Observatory
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Linville Caverns is the only cave system in the state that offers public tours, giving you a chance to see inside the belly of Humpback Mountain. The cave system was first discovered in the mid-1800s and opened to the public in 1937. Today, guided tours descend into the subterranean world every 10 minutes ($14 per adult), where it is always a cool 52 degrees. The family-friendly adventure requires no specialty equipment as you move from small passages into large underground cathedrals with 23-foot-tall ceilings. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the caverns as well as the geology of the stalactite-rich environment.
Go Underground in Linville Caverns
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Scientists estimate the New River is the oldest in North America. It’s also one of the most beautiful as it flows 320 miles north, beginning in Watauga County and flowing into Virginia and West Virginia. A choice, 26-mile section of the New in the High Country was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, offering visitors a chance to paddle through farms and pristine forests on mild, family-friendly water with the occasional class II rapid. Dusty Trails Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals for a variety of trip lengths, from two miles to 12 miles.
Canoe the New River
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The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles between North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Doughton Park is one of the highlights along that journey, as the 7,000-acre recreation area boasts 30 miles of trail traversing a historic homestead packed with meadows, log cabins, trout streams and steep mountains. See the best of the park by hiking the Basin Creek Trail, which meanders for 3.3 miles past streams and waterfalls to the Caudill Cabin, a century-old structure that managed to survive the devastating flood of 1916.
Explore Doughton Park
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This local brewery, in the heart of downtown Boone, features handmade pizzas that hinge on locally sourced ingredients.
Lost Province Brewing
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The first brewery to open in Allegheny County, Laconia Ale Works is located at the end of Sparta’s Main Street, offering a variety of styles of beer made in their seven-barrel brewhouse.
Laconia Ale Works
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Ashe County Cheese has been producing cheese since 1930. Today, you can watch cheese being made in person at the viewing room before grabbing something tasty to take home. But plan on eating a meal from the company’s food truck, where every dish revolves around tasty cheese.
Ashe County Cheese Company
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One of the most well-regarded resorts in Western North Carolina, Chetola is an experience like no other, with deluxe rooms overlooking Lake Chetola, a world-renowned spa, onsite fly fishing guides, and even a sporting reserve with archery and sporting clay courses.
Chetola Resort
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The country-style Mast Farm Inn features seven farmhouse rooms, four historic cottages, and six modern cabins, not to mention an onsite restaurant and bar that’s worth the trip all on its own.
Mast Farm Inn
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This road-side motor lodge has been given a complete Mid-Century modern overhaul, complete with a picture-perfect open-sided fireplace in the center of the lobby.
Rhodes Motor Lodge
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Make the most of the lush forest at this treehouse resort, where a half-dozen elevated lodges offer the luxury of a high-end hotel set amongst the canopy.
River’s Edge Treehouse Resort
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Anchoring Bryson City’s historic district, the Everett is a boutique hotel with 10 suites above a restaurant and bar that occupies a bank originally built in 1908. Be sure you spend some time at the guest-only rooftop terrace, complete with a fireplace and mountain views.
The Everett Hotel and Bistro
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This five-star resort has a variety of accommodations, from single rooms to multi-bedroom cottages, as well as one of the most well-regarded spas in the Southeast. And it all sits on the edge of downtown Highlands within walking distance of the town’s boutique shops.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
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Traditional Italian cuisine gets a touch of Southern hospitality at Ilda, an upscale dinner destination in downtown Sylva that serves delicious dishes like fettuccine with local mushrooms, and crawfish sausage.
Ilda
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Perched on the edge of the Nantahala River at the main takeout, River’s End is a casual restaurant with views of the rapids and down-home favorites that hit just right after a big adventure.
River’s End
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Located at the marina on the small, but beautiful Nantahala Lake, Lake’s End has an expansive selection of burgers and pizzas, all served with a water view. If you’re staying on the lake, you can even paddle or drive your boat to the restaurant.
Lakes End Cafe and Grill
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A well-curated outfitter on Franklin’s Main Street, Outdoor 76 is staffed by local adventurers who are eager to help visitors explore the surrounding mountains. Come for the expert shoe fitting offered by Outdoor 76’s knowledgeable staff, stay for a beer at the small bar out back.
Outdoor 76
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You can find Waynesville Soda Jerks’ handcrafted sodas all over the region, which makes it easy to enjoy one of their signature flavors, like Lavender Lemon, after hitting a swimming hole or hike. But you can also visit their production facility and gift shop, which carries a collection of local products, from potato chips to pickles.
Waynesville Soda Jerks
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Located in downtown Bryson City, this shop has all of the outdoor gear you need for making the most of the Smoky Mountains just out the door, as well as beer on tap and a rotating array of food trucks parked out front.
Bryson City Outdoors
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Perched on a picturesque stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Switzerland Inn offers a collection of lodge rooms, cottages and suites that allow you to make the most of the expansive grounds, which is packed with amenities like a swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, pickleball courts and a spa.
Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland
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This collection of primitive tent camping sites and deluxe glamping tents on 40 acres is just 10 minutes from South Mountain State Park. In addition to the accommodations, there’s a geodesic dome planetarium for viewing the night sky, and wildlife feeding locations scattered throughout the property to increase viewing opportunities.
Starlight Hills Campground, Bostic
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Part hotel, part preservation project in downtown Marshall, the Old Marshall Jail features six rooms in a fully restored 118-year-old jail, each featuring handcrafted local art and modern amenities. The first floor of the hotel hosts Zadie’s Market, a restaurant with an eclectic mix of sandwiches and entrees with outdoor seating next to the French Broad River.
Old Marshall Jail, Marshall
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Oskar Blues was one of the first large western-based breweries to find a second home in the mountains of North Carolina, and their spot in Brevard offers a massive outdoor patio, signature beers, and their very own burger-centric food truck, all of which is centrally located to some of the area’s best trails.
Oskar Blues Brewery, Brevard
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The brainchild of celebrated chef Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani serves classic Indian street food staples with a slight southern accent in a gorgeous space made for social media posts.
Chai Pani, Asheville
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Is there any combination better than beer and pizza? Happy Valley Filling Station serves up award winning brews alongside neapolitan style sourdough pizza cooked in a live-fire pizza oven.
Happy Valley Filling Station, Lenoir
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Mast General Store is a staple of Western North Carolina, with locations scattered across the region and beyond that sell candy, home goods and outdoor gear. But the original store, in Valle Crucis, is like a living museum. Much like when it opened after the Civil War, today’s original Mast General Store still sells hardware, candy, and goods for local adventures. It even still serves as the town’s post office.
The Original Mast General Store
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The High Country is more than just mountains; Surry County is the state’s certified wine region, with a climate and soil conditions similar to the best wine-growing regions of Europe. Shelton Vineyards gives visitors a chance to stroll through acres of grape vines, seeing a range of varieties from Chardonnay to Merlot first hand. The winery’s gravity-flow production facility reduces the amount of contaminants in each bottle, and their barrel rooms contain French, American and Hungarian oak barrels, allowing the winemakers to produce a diverse portfolio of wines.
Shelton Vineyards
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Footsloggers has been a staple to the High Country’s outdoor community since 1971, and the store, which has multiple locations, still offers the essential gear you need to enjoy the surrounding mountains, whether that’s a cooler to keep your lunch cold or grippy-soled hiking shoes to help you navigate the craggy peaks.
Footsloggers
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Designed to disappear into the surrounding landscape, this “invisible cabin” sleeps five to six and features tasteful, upscale amenities. But you’ll have to get lucky or have a flexible travel schedule if you want to stay in this ultra-modern cabin cloaked in a reflective facade — it books quickly, sometimes years in advance.
Mirror Hotel
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Boone
Bryson City
Boone
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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Join the movement of adventurers exploring North Carolina. Learn how to travel with care, minimize your impact, and help preserve the beautiful pathways that enhance your adventure with Outdoor NC.
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