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 State Parks
Discover the best top things to do in North Carolina Mountains, United States including Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Stone Mountain State Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, Julian Price Park, South Mountains State Park, New River State Park, Gorges State Park, Lake James State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Holmes Educational State Forest.
Restaurants in North Carolina Mountains
1. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
North Carolina scenic state park offering hiking, birdwatching, wildlife, a wide variety of trees and rare plant life.
Reviewed By tracymW3537RP - Mt. Athos Peninsula, Greece
Well maintained park, with good signage. Clean Restrooms, picnic tables, scenic overlooks. Variety of activity levels.
2. Stone Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
This 15,000-acre North Carolina state park offers trout fishing, hiking, climbing and scenic waterfalls.
Reviewed By 4NCtravellers - Raleigh, United States
Beautiful park with well maintained trails, great views, and tons of flora and fauna. We hiked the full Stone Mountain Loop, and they are NOT exaggerating when they rate this trail "strenuous." Parts are very easy, but there are several parts with steep climbs and/or lots of stairs. If you're going to do the full loop, I recommend starting at the upper parking lot and doing the summit side of the loop first; this was you're coming DOWN the longer side. Save some energy though for the stairs you go UP at the end. Going this direction also means you're doing the sunnier side in the earlier part of the day, and the shadier side as it gets warmer out. That being said, there were families with small children, so it is possible for most people to make this hike, you may just need to rest more at intervals. If you're looking for an easier hiking experience, I recommend parking at the lower parking lot and just hiking the view side of the loop to the falls and back. Also note that the ONLY bathrooms at at the parking areas, so make sure to use the facilities before embarking on your hike. Bring plenty of water. We very happily noticed that mosquitoes, ticks, and flies were NOT a problem at this park.
3. 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
4. Julian Price Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By 836sarahm - Cleveland, United States
The hike around the lake is about 2.3 miles, or you can rent a canoe and go about the lake! It's beautiful no matter what time of year you go, very easy hike that goes by a beaver dam, tons of cool wildlife! It's also close to the craft/cultural center which has amazing local art for sale.
5. South Mountains State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, United States
Beautiful hike from Jacob’s Fork Parking up to Chestnut Knob (5 mile out and back). Loved the elevation gain! Wonderful scenery. Very muddy due to recent rain. Foggy this morning so no view from the top. Still, a beautiful hike. I added the high Shoals Falls loop (2.3 more miles) which also has wonderful terrain and an excellent waterfall! I hope to return soon! They also have fishing, camping, and some trails allow biking and horses. No cell service in much of the park, which was kind of nice.
6. New River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By susangL7893VL
We came to spend two nights at the New River State Park campground, and it was absolutely peaceful and pristine. The 221 Access campground was small yet met our needs with large sites and clean restrooms. We woke up to a chilly 26 degrees but with gorgeous views of the sunrise on the mountains. We had a great time shopping and dining in nearby West Jefferson, and took our dog on a 3 mile hike along the New River. Sunday morning we browsed in the well-staffed visitor center and we all wished we had more time there. You can easily get to town to stock up at Wal-Mart, enjoy local attractions such as Ashe County Cheese and then leave your cares behind at a calm and tranquil campground. Kids will enjoy the interactive activities in the Visitor Center on a rainy day. We can't wait to come back and kayak in warmer weather!
7. Gorges State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By wvlivingston - Brevard, United States
This is one of the most impressive visitor centers that I've seen in any state: impressive architecture with an emphasis on the environment, clean restrooms, plenty of parking, helpful staff. We only go here for the Rainbow Falls/Turtleback Falls Trail. The trail is well maintained, about 4 miles out and back if going to Turtleback. There's another fall further, but it's not that impressive if don't want to go further. The trail is a long descent and then a long ascent both ways -- not excessive, but need to be in pretty good shape. Rainbow Falls is always impressive. If you want to see the "rainbow" pick a sunny day, which are limited as Gorges State Park is a micro-rainforest and can get over 130 inches of rain a year. Do NOT climb on or near this falls -- numerous deaths have occurred here. Turtleback Falls is nice but not as impressive. Despite warnings, often in the summer there will be some climbing and sliding down Turtleback Falls -- not recommended during high water or for those who don't like cold water. Depending on the time of year, there's lots of wildflowers. April 23 we saw trillium, lilies, yellow magwarts, aster and other small flowers. If you want to avoid crowds, avoid weekends and start early. We never go on weekends. When we began hiking on a Friday morning at 9:45, we were the 3rd car in the lot. When we left at 12:15, there were 30 cars in the lot, and this was a cool day.
8. Lake James State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By damrph - Rutherfordton, United States
Great place to kayak or just enjoy the quiet. Has several hiking trails. Lake area is clean. During the week it is very quiet and you will practically have the place to yourself
9. Elk Knob State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By NCWFUcyclingVet - Huntersville, United States
The trail to the summit is very well maintained. It is labeled as moderately difficult but most visitors should be able to hike the trail. In good weather with good visibility, the views are stunning. Check the weather before you go!
10. Holmes Educational State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By luv2travel070801 - Venice, United States
What a great hiking area for families & children. The hike through the talking trees was such a great experience. My kids and I learned about the local trees and other interesting forest facts along the way. I would highly recommend!
