Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. .inside-article{ Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Black Mountain. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. 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. 5. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. "version": "7.4.0", Thanks for commenting. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. padding-left: 10px !important; If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. North Conway, New Hampshire. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. height: 100%; Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. In summer, you may see people fishing. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. min-width: 310px; It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. 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! Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. 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. 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. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Its truly a unique experience. North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. } This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. } The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. } 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. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Great place to visit! You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. } The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Located in western North Carolina on what is known as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands has been called "the Aspen of the East.". Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Just outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the small town of Cherokee, headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. 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. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. 7. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. .wp-block-button a { This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Median age: 44.7. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. } ); All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. 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. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;}