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
What to do and see in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina Mountains: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in North Carolina Mountains, United States including Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum, Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, Waterrock Knob, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, Whitewater Falls, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, Mount Mitchell State Park, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.
Restaurants in North Carolina Mountains
1. Pisgah National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 662 reviews
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Reviewed By tomtI3003XC - Concord, United States
Pisgah Forest has some beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, and unspoiled forest that can’t be beat! Whether you are site seeing , hiking , trout fishing, camping or Mountain biking there are more than enough in the huge National Forest ???? The Looking Glass Waterfall is a prime example of just some of the sights to see, with very easy access to view it’s beauty right off the side of the main road coming into the forest from North Brevard NC. And just a little south of Pisgah is my favorite MTB getaway DuPont State Forest, so you can enjoy both with minimal driving.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,921 reviews
This 469-mile scenic drive links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while protecting the cultural and natural features of the Blue Ridge.
Reviewed By cynthiap259 - New Britain, United States
Where do I start? What an awesome drive from Skyline Drive all the way to the Smoky Mountains ... through the magnificent BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY! It was in my bucket list and it sure delivered. The blue mountain ridges and colorful fall colors...seen in every overlook, just amazing! We stopped at Mabry Mill, the Blue Ridge Music Center, multiple overlooks, stopped and hiked the Natural Bridge trail and Graveyard Fields trail and saw a whole herd of elks in the Oconaluftee area! Ate real southern food and experienced their hospitality especially at Clyde’s in Waynesville. Didn’t get to explore Asheville and Biltmore Estate due to time constraint but will be coming back for it hopefully soon to see the rhododendrons blooming!
3. Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,397 reviews
Reviewed By wvsjr - Bessemer, United States
My wife and I love the show what’s in the barn so we decided to visit this museum of old motorcycles it is very interesting and a lot of history and old bikes to see it was awesome
4. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 779 reviews
Covered outdoor and Indoor gem mining all season. #1 gem mine in the Carolinas on TripAdvisor. No reservations needed. Come pet and feed our goats and see our chickens. We double all competitor’s coupons and we’ll even buy you a coke! At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, in Hendersonville, NC, you become a prospector from the 1800's and mine for real gem stones that you can keep! Gems that are found daily include Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds, Quartz crystals, Citrine, Amethyst, Garnets, Adventurine, Sodalite, Opal, Fluorite, Aquamarine Crystal geodes and many more! We have covered outdoor and climate controlled indoor mining for your comfort! Find something really special and have it cut into a pendant for a necklace right here! Sometimes while you watch! You can even bring a picnic and relax at one of our picnic tables by the creek! Our Rock Shop is the best around and no one can beat our prices! See 400 million year old fossils.
Reviewed By konacoast24k - Cocoa, United States
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville is a great place for a family to visit. Whether you are an amateur rockhound like my husband and I, or just out for a unique adventure, this is a fun experience! They have indoor and covered outdoor sluice runs to hunt for your gemstone treasures, and even a spot where you can walk down and see what there is to find in a small creek bed (you would be surprised at what is under that sand!!). The rock shop is full of interesting gem and mineral specimens, and you can even visit the many goats that live at the site! The weather was not cooperating when we visited which cut our time short (I would have enjoyed lingering at the creek a while longer-so relaxing!). If you are looking for something different and fun to do, visit Elijah Mountain Gem Mine - you won't be disappointed!
5. Waterrock Knob
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By GoVols79 - Chattanooga, United States
Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsams mountain range in western North Carolina. At mile marker 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway there is a great stop with a National Park Service Visitor Center that is open seasonally. It features a large parking lot with great views all around, restrooms and hiking trails. We enjoy hiking so we took the trail to the top but the view isn’t any better from what you see in the parking lot. It is paved for the first half and then turns to a dirt trail. The trail isn’t overly technical but I wouldn’t wear flip flops. It is also pretty steep; especially the paved part. The summit of the trail is 6,273 feet above elevation and is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The visitor center is small but has a station for stamping a NPS passport, maps, an assortment of gifts and food and drink. There are also displays about the area and wildlife. We picked up Junior Ranger packets for the kids to complete. Waterrock Knob is a great stop on the Parkway and was one of the highlights of our trip.
6. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 489 reviews
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned operation located in the heart of Henderson County's apple country. Nestled on 10 acres of a land grant from England are panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that the family has enjoyed for generation, and now would like to share with you. The 14 varieties of wine-grape vines grown on the vineyards at elevations of 2,300 and 3,000 feet, along with the cool nights, develop some the best wine-producing grapes in the country. Meticulously growing our fruit allows us to incorporate the unique character of our vineyards into each bottle. Come to a place where you not only enjoy beautiful views with a glass of unforgettable wine, but become part of our family too!
Reviewed By 58DavidAthens - Athens, United States
We enjoyed the wine flight very much. Nice setting on a patio overlooking a small vineyard. Servers were very friendly and helpful. We purchased six bottles to take home.
7. 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.
8. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Home of poet Carl Sandburg and his family. Located on 264-acres in Western North Carolina. The site includes 5-miles of hiking trails, a dairy goat farm and offers daily tours of the Sandburg Home.
Reviewed By Dree59 - Roswell, United States
Spent a few hours here on a pleasant, autumn day. The grounds are well kept, and the paths are easy walks. The goat farm area is interesting with wonderful volunteers who have a lot of fascinating information. Nearby, there is a vegetable garden planted and maintained by volunteers. Unfortunately, the plantings are not identified. By the restrooms, there are interesting informative plaques. We brought lunch and ate at one of the picnic tables near the lake, which was surrounded by trees with changing color leaves. There is no admission fee, but be sure to put a few dollars in the donation box. There is a fee for the house tour, but we did not do it.
9. Mount Mitchell State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
The highest mountain in the Black Mountain Range.
Reviewed By V2904KMrobinm - Hendersonville, United States
The drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is full of long range views; at every turn you are impressed . When you reach the park entrance, you have 2 more miles to the summit. The Mt. Mitchell restaurant is along this road about half way. There is no charge to enter the park. Once at the top there are ample areas for picnicking, hiking trails, small museum, gift shop and some snacks for purchase. It is much cooler than Asheville. It is worth the trip for sure
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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