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 Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in North Carolina Mountains, United States including Pisgah National Forest, Dry Falls, Waterrock Knob, Bass Lake, Whitewater Falls, The North Carolina Arboretum, Grandfather Mountain, Pearson's Falls Glen, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Sliding Rock.
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. Dry Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,566 reviews
Following paved walkways from the parking area, you can walk directly underneath the tumbling 75-foot waterfall.
Reviewed By dontchange - Tampa, United States
This is one of the best falls in the area and the walk to get to the falls is a short one that requires very little effort. This is a 65 ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest that flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry. You will get a nice mist from the falls when you stand behind them and the rocks do get wet so it can be slippery. They do have an overlook just steps away from the parking lot if you’re unable to manage steps that offers a pretty great view of the falls. The parking is limited and fills up pretty quickly. If the lot is full go to the Bridal Veil Falls up the road about a mile or so. The parking was $2 or $3 if I recall and they do have an outhouse type bathroom.
3. 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.
4. Bass Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By 15gregk - Southport, United States
A really beautiful walk around a historic lake without a lot of ups and downs. Fun but not strenuous.
5. 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.
6. The North Carolina Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,603 reviews
Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.
Reviewed By SeniorTravelTales - Oldsmar, United States
We have visited the Arboretum previously initially just ourselves, seniors, touring this magnificent arboretum and gardens and another time with our grandchildren to thrill at Winter Lights. Having our grandchildren visit again and since they love “LEGO’s” we were excited to visit the Lego Exhibit at the Arboretum. Specifically this is a very popular traveling exhibit that has 500,000 Legos. The exhibit is called Nature Connects: Art with LEGO bricks by Sean Kenney. Our grandchildren were so excited to stroll the gardens locating the 16 larger-than-life-size sculptures. Amazing how each sculpture is carefully placed in an appropriate location. This created excitement to find each sculpture and get a picture with each one. These Lego sculptures are just magnificent with design, color, depth and imagination. Additionally, the scale train was exciting for them to watch. They loved the “eyes” on each engine searching the tracks. A fun afternoon. There is much more to do at the Arboretum with hikes, creeks, and more. We plan to check into on our next visit
7. 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!
8. Pearson's Falls Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Named after its founder, Charles William Pearson, this 268-acre area of wilderness offers an abundant variety of flowers.
Reviewed By JD3073 - Greenville, United States
Clean, well-maintained, easy 1/4 mile hike to a beautiful waterfall. $5 each adult, $1 for 12 years and under - they do take credit cards. Restroom on site, picnic tables and benches throughtout. Stairs and uneven stone path. Not suitable for stroller or wheelchair.
9. 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.
10. Sliding Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Waterfall slide, sending 11,000 gallons of water down a huge rock each minute.
Reviewed By TheRobinsons57 - Pembroke Pines, United States
This place always delivers fun, and you must slide down the rocks aleast once in your life.. Was here three years ago. And nothing change except now there charge to use the restroom thsts a bummer.. .
