Top Things to do in North Carolina Mountains
Top Hotels in North Carolina Mountains
- 1. Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
- 2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 3. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road, NC
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC
- 8. Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
- 9. Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village
- 10. Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road
The 10 Best Things to do Adventurous in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina Mountains
Discover the best top things to do in North Carolina Mountains, United States including Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Max Patch, Wiseman's View, Old Cardinal Gem Mine, Devil's Courthouse, Skinny Dip Falls, Whitewater Falls, Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.
Restaurants in North Carolina Mountains
1. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
This area, which offers hiking, camping, birdwatching and wildlife, was named for William Linville who was killed here by Indians in the 1700s.
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, United States
Hiked from Wolf Pit Rd trailhead to Table Rock summit (8 miles/3,000+ foot climb) and then back down. The whole trip took over 8 hours, was very grueling, but provided magnificent views! Definitely has to be one of the most scenic hikes in NC!
2. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 755 reviews
This forest covers more than 10,000 acres from Hendersonville to Brevard, North Carolina.
Reviewed By EclecticBull - Durham, United States
Parking at Hooker Falls Access we were able to see 3 waterfalls in 2.5 hours of hiking. We started by walking up the Triple Falls trail, down the steps to the top of the second tier of Triple Halls (which was fantastic), then continuing on along the river via the High Falls trail to the base of High Falls (even more spectacular). We returned to the parking area via the same trail, and took the short Hooker Falls trail to a nice swimming hole. Fantastic morning with a huge payoff for 4.5 miles of hiking. Get there before 9 am if going on a weekend and you'll enjoy the beauty before the crowds descend (as well parking near the trial head).
3. Max Patch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 368 reviews
Reviewed By 122tinar
Max Patch is about a 40 minute drive from Hot Springs, half of that traveled on a gravel road. We did the loop hike and it was an easy hike with an awesome view at the top. Would love to see the sunrise or sunset. You can camp overnight at the top.
4. Wiseman's View
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Adventure_J22 - Jamestown, United States
Incomparable panoramic view! 4 mile dirt road to get there was 100% worth the bumpy drive! You will need a vehicle with decent ground clearance for some of the rough spots. Our AWD Honda CRV did great. It’s crazy to take that much dirt road and arrive at a decent size parking lot with a paved walking trail out to the viewing areas. Loved it! Pictures don’t do it justice, Some great little campsites along the way, too. Wonderful!
5. Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
We are a little rustic gem mine in Franklin NC , We welcome you to our gem mine. Thanks Darcel Charles, Morgan & Isaiah
Reviewed By epsharon - Muskego, United States
This place is off the beaten path but don’t let that deter you. Our kids had a blast and Morgan really went above and beyond to make the experience memorable. You have the choice of mining for gems or fossils and different size buckets at different price points. You can take your time and Morgan was able to help us identify our finds and took the time to separate the different gems into zip lock bags and label them for you. You won’t find that level of service from those tourist trap mines. It is family owned and operated. They even offer a service (done by owner) to cut the gem of choice and convert into a jewelry piece which they will mail to you or you can pick up later in week if staying in area. This was definitely a highlight so far of our vacation and that is after staying in the Gatlinburg area and doing a bunch of fun stuff already.
6. Devil's Courthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By cmoney2032 - Toledo, United States
We loved it and did it with a 3 and 4.5 year old. It’s really worth the short time for the great view. It was also good practice for the kids as it wasn’t far but had some different terrain elements. This short walk/hike is not for those with mobility issues or difficulty walking steep grades/loose rocks. It’s paved about halfway on what has to be the steepest pavement I’ve ever walked on. No big deal, but pavement does not equal take a stroller or wheelchair. Can’t be done. The second half the path is loose rocks and rock/dirt steps and some tight portions of path. Again, not a big deal but be aware. We saw all ages doing it but some elderly people were really struggling. It’s really not that far but straight up. The view from the top is great.
7. Skinny Dip Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By helensrobinson - Winston Salem, United States
I went two years ago with a few friends and it was amazing! There’s an area where families can sit on rocks and eat, a shallow spot for kids to safely swim, and a rock you can jump off of into the water. The rock jump is my favorite part. It’s about a 5 or 6 foot drop but the worst injury I’ve heard of that happened was when I barley scraped a toe. 10/10 would definitely go here again!
8. Whitewater Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
A favorite spot for hikers and picnickers, this scenic area features the Whitewater River dropping more than 400 feet in a series of cascading falls.
Reviewed By mhgolf - Decatur, United States
Simply amazing. The best $3 I have paid in quite awhile. This may be the best combination of an easy walk; on a paved walk way to a fabulous waterfall in the world. Just awesome. At the end of the walkway, take the 150 steps down to an even better view.
9. Grandfather Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,128 reviews
Grandfather Mountain’s pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse nature preserves. Be exhilarated by the altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars and otters in natural habitats. Dine in the restaurant or find a scenic picnic spot, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, go behind the scenes of the animal habitats, visit with knowledgeable naturalists, and stop for a treat at the fudge shop. Fill your day with family memories at place where wonders never cease.
Reviewed By speedsister - Fareham, United Kingdom
There is a $22.00 entry fee (per person) to enter Grandfather Mountain park but there is plenty to do when there so think this is good value for money. There are picnic areas, stunning vistas, hiking trails, wildlife habitats with multiple animals, and the Swinging Bridge so more than enough to keep you entertained for most of the day! We stopped first at the wildlife habitat and while I do have a problem with animals being kept in enclosures I understand the reasons for doing it and it was great to see bears and eagles in close proximity. The staff do talks at various points during the day and they were really friendly and informative so its worth timing your visit to make the most of each of the talks. At the top of the mountain is the amazing swinging bridge which is accessible for everyone as there are some steps but there is also a lift for the less able and the views from the bridge are fantastic. There are also numerous hiking trails (which we didn't have time to explore) but all in all this is a great value experience!
10. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,487 reviews
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is an international outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, attracting visitors from around the world. Highlights include:- 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure- 404-foot waterfall, one of the highest of its kind east of the Mississippi River- The Last of the Mohicans scenes were filmed here- ancient geologic formations- 198-foot tunnel & elevator inside the mountain- six scenic hiking trails- guided rock climbing & more The Park's modernized elevator offers a handicap-accessible 35-sec. ride to the iconic Chimney, an alternative to "nature's Ultimate Stairmaster," the Outcroppings trail. Chimney Rock has something for everyone from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail to the stunning Skyline trail to Exclamation Point. Recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic outdoor attractions, Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, NC
Reviewed By Anturio20 - Plantation, United States
Everything was grate. We was looking for place to spend the weekend and we got a beautiful cabin next to the river. We arrived and what a surprise when we find out about the park, with ample opportunities to learn and explore, along with hiking trails, climbing ... The Lake Lure Is amazing. Nice people and nice place! Very good restaurants and pet friendly. I just love it.
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