From the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway to the charming mountain towns, there are so many unique experiences in North Carolina that will leave you wanting more!
But for real, there’s something for everyone.
This state offers a diverse range of tourist attractions that cater to all interests, whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation.
In this post, I’ve focused on the North Carolina mountains and the Western region. Due to the wide variety of things to do in North Carolina as a whole, focusing on this one area allowed us the best chance to provide you with this comprehensive guide.
To help you search for an activity or attraction, I’ve organized all tourist attractions alphabetically.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Unique Experiences in Western North Carolina
You may be wondering what a “unique experience” is….
It really depends on YOU!
I’ve gathered together a list of some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Western Region of North Carolina.
I’ll continue to add or update these experiences as we feel led and as others comment recommendations (hence, comment below!)
Biltmore Estate
Located in Asheville, NC, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned house in the United States!
The estate offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age, with its grandeur and elegance. Consider booking a tour around Christmastime when the Biltmore is elaborately and beautifully decorated. Candlelight Christmas tours are also popular.
Fun fact? The Biltmore Estate is a popular film location, appearing in various movies and TV shows. (i.e. Forrest Gump, Hannibal, Last of the Mohicans…)
Lodging near the Biltmore Estate
Blue Ridge Parkway
Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a scenic road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic drive with beautiful views and numerous overlooks. The parkway is especially popular during the fall when the leaves change colors.
Fun fact? The Blue Ridge Parkway is managed by the National Park Service and stretches for 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Located in Flat Rock, NC, The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is a tribute to the poet and author Carl Sandburg. This site preserves and celebrates Sandburg’s former residence and offers you a glimpse into his life and literary legacy.
The Sandburg Home is filled with original furnishings and memorabilia, providing a unique look into the life of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and his family. The surrounding estate features beautifully maintained gardens, a goat dairy, and hiking trails.
Fun Fact? This site was designated a National Historic Site in honor of Sandburg’s significant contributions to American literature, particularly his works on Abraham Lincoln and the American experience.
Cherokee Indian Reservation
The Cherokee Indian Reservation in western North Carolina is a sovereign land owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, rich in cultural heritage.
This is a great place to visit if you want to explore Cherokee culture, history, and traditions through museums and cultural centers. The Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living history museum, offers insights into Cherokee daily life.
Fun Fact? The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is a major casino in the Southeast that contributes to the tribe’s economic development and community programs.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is located near Lake Lure in western North Carolina. The park is highlighted by its iconic rock formation, Chimney Rock, which offers stunning panoramic views.
Hiking to the top of Chimney Rock is a popular activity. The park provides a variety of trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels, making it a beloved spot for both seasoned adventurers and families seeking a scenic outing.
Fun fact? The park has an elevator that ascends through the mountain, providing a unique and accessible way to reach the summit.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee It is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and the third highest peak east of the Mississippi. (Mt Mitchell is the highest!)
This is a popular spot for watching sunrises and sunsets, as well as taking in beautiful panoramic views. The dome also provides access to several hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail.
Fun Fact? Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains and the third-highest peak east of the Mississippi River, standing at an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters).
Dupont State Forest
Dupont State Forest is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Some popular waterfalls that you should include on your bucket list are the famous Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These cascades provide excellent opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and photography.
- Triple Falls (1-mile round trip)
- Hooker Falls (0.5-mile round trip)
- Bridal Veil Falls (4.4-miles round trip)
- High Falls (1.2-miles round trip)
- Wintergreen Falls (3-mile round trip)
Fun fact? This forest has served as a filming location for popular movies and television series, including “The Hunger Games” and “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center is a cultural and artistic destination. It serves as a hub for the promotion and appreciation of traditional and contemporary Appalachian and American craft.
The Folk Art Center offers a diverse range of handmade crafts and art, including woodwork, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, all crafted by skilled artisans from the region. The center also hosts rotating exhibitions, demonstrations, and workshops.
Fun Fact? The Folk Art Center is operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Appalachian and American crafts.
Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is an area located along the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina. It’s famous for its beautiful landscape.
The area offers hiking trails, including the popular Graveyard Fields Loop Trail. You can explore its beautiful scenery, including wildflower-covered fields, waterfalls, and forests.
Fun Fact? The name “Graveyard Fields” originated from the abundant tree stumps and debris that once resembled gravestones in the area, a result of logging and wildfires in the early 20th century.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans from North Carolina to Tennessee. It covers over 520,000 acres and is known for its gorgeous views and biodiversity.
The park features a network of hiking trails for all skill levels and is a hotspot for wildlife photographers. A ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is another great way to enjoy nature.
Fun Fact? The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts over 19,000 documented species, making it a top destination for its diverse ecosystem.
Linville Gorge and Falls
Linville Gorge and Falls, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a natural wonder located in the western part of North Carolina. This area is known for its deep canyon and stunning waterfalls.
Some of the favored activities around the Linville Gorge and Falls include exploring the rugged terrain, hiking, and photographing wildlife. Linville Falls, in particular, is a striking attraction, with various overlooks providing different vantage points to view the falls and the surrounding wilderness.
Fun Fact? Linville Gorge is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, such as the Peregrine Falcon. This makes it a popular destination for birdwatchers and outdoor lovers.
Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is situated in western North Carolina near the town of Marion. The caverns are a series of underground limestone caves known for their geological formations.
Guided tours of Linville Caverns are offered throughout the year. The guided tours provide insights into the cavern’s history and the geological processes that shaped it. You’ll get an inside look at the stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique mineral formations.
Fun fact? Linville Caverns is one of the few caves in the United States where you can witness actively growing stalactites and other formations!
Mile High Swinging Bridge
The Mile High Swinging Bridge is situated on Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The suspension bridge stands 5,305 feet (over a mile) above sea level. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Linville Valley. The bridge offers a unique sensation as it sways slightly with the mountain winds.
Fun Fact? The Mile High Swinging Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States!
Mountain Towns
Visiting the cute North Carolina mountain towns is one of my favorite things! These towns offer a unique blend of natural beauty, mountain charm, and outdoor activities.
Some of the popular mountain towns worth a visit are:
- Asheville: Asheville is known for its artsy culture, craft breweries, and the historic Biltmore Estate.
- Boone: Boone is home to Appalachian State University and offers a lively college-town atmosphere.
- Blowing Rock: This charming town is known for its scenic beauty, specialty shops, and the Blowing Rock, a cliff with strong winds.
- Hendersonville: Hendersonville is famous for its apple orchards, downtown shops, and the annual North Carolina Apple Festival.
- Banner Elk: Banner Elk offers access to Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain for skiing and other winter sports.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park is home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The park is named after Mount Mitchell, which stands at an elevation of 6,684 feet (2,037 meters).
Mount Mitchell State Park is popular for its spectacular panoramic views and hiking opportunities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, with some leading to the summit of Mount Mitchell.
- Mount Mitchell Trail (5.6-mile one way)
- Black Mountain Crest Trail (11.3-mile one way)
- Old Mitchell Trail (2-mile one way)
- Commissary Trail (2-mile one way)
- Camp Alice Trail (0.5-mile one way)
- Balsam Nature Loop (0.7-mile loop)
- Campground Trail (0.4-mile one way)
- Mountains-to-Sea State Trail in the Black Mountains (22.9-mile one way)
Fun fact? Mount Mitchell was named after Elisha Mitchell, a professor at the University of North Carolina, who measured its height in the 19th century. He tragically died while conducting further measurements.
Grab our guide to visiting Mount Mitchell!
North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is a botanical garden and educational institution located in Asheville, NC.
In addition to the beautiful gardens, the NC Arboretum also offers hiking and biking trails that wind through the scenic Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
Fun Fact? The Arboretum is affiliated with the University of North Carolina system and plays a crucial role in conservation, research, and public education.
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest is a vast and diverse forested area known for its lush woodlands, waterfalls, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The forest spans more than 500,000 acres!
Pisgah National Forest offers excellent opportunities for camping, mountain biking, fishing, and picnicking. The forest is also known for its stunning waterfalls, with destinations like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock being popular tourist destinations.
- Catawba Falls (2.7-miles round trip)
- Cathey’s Creek Falls (0.25-mile round trip)
- Cedar Rock Falls (1.8-miles round trip)
- Cove Creed Falls (2-miles round trip)
- Daniel Ridge Falls (4-mile loop)
- Elk River Falls (0.25-miles round trip)
- Grogan Creek Falls (5.5-miles round trip)
- Looking Glass Falls (at roadside)
- Moore Cove Falls (1.4-miles round trip)
- South Harper Creek Falls (2.8-miles round trip)
- **Sliding Rock Falls: Natural Water Slide!
- Twin Falls (4-miles round trip)
- Upper Creek Falls (1.6-mile loop)
Fun fact? Pisgah National Forest was one of the first national forests in the eastern United States and played a significant role in the development of modern forestry practices.
Roan Mountain
Roan Mountain is located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a picturesque area known for its stunning mountain views, biodiversity, and outdoor adventures.
The Appalachian Trail traverses this region, making it a popular destination for hikers. It is also a great place to see the bloom of rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring and early summer.
Fun Fact? Roan Mountain is a protected area with a wide range of ecosystems, from spruce-fir forests to open grassy balds.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a famous long-distance hiking trail. The trail stretches over 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is one of the most iconic and challenging trails in the United States.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a bucket list item for many who love the outdoors. The trail offers diverse landscapes, from mountain terrain to forests, and provides opportunities for solitude and connection with nature. There are more than 250 backcountry shelters (“lean-tos”) located along the Appalachian Trail so that hikers will have a place to rest and stay dry (first come, first serve).
So it’s recommended to map out your journey ahead of time.
Fun Fact? The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states. It’s managed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which ensures its preservation and maintenance.
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Maryland
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- New York
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is an amusement park located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It is well-known for its Wild West theme and historic train rides.
The park features a vintage steam locomotive that takes you on a scenic ride through the North Carolina mountains. The train ride includes staged train robberies and other Wild West entertainment. There are also various amusement park rides, a petting zoo, and live entertainment.
Fun Fact? The park’s historic steam locomotive, No. 12, is one of the original locomotives from the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad. It ran in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a popular family-friendly attraction located in Asheville, North Carolina. This educational facility is dedicated to showcasing the diverse wildlife and plant species native to the Southern Appalachian region.
The center offers interactive exhibits, wildlife demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about conservation and the local ecosystem. You can explore its extensive collection of animals, including black bears, red wolves, river otters, and a variety of reptiles and birds.
Fun Fact? The Western North Carolina Nature Center plays an essential role in preserving and rehabilitating native species.
Wheels Through Time Museum
The Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, is a unique transportation museum dedicated to showcasing vintage American motorcycles and automobiles.
The museum has an extensive collection of over 300 rare and antique motorcycles and a variety of classic automobiles. The exhibits span the early 20th century to the mid-20th century.
Fun Fact? The museum is home to a variety of fully restored and operational machines, some of which are extremely rare and one-of-a-kind!
White Water Rafting
Growing up, it was a family tradition to visit Bryson City, NC for the fourth of July and to enjoy a fun time rafting the Nantahala River. If you’ve never been rafting before, the Nantahala River is a great place to start!
Check out the Nantahala Outdoor Center and all that they offer!
For bigger rapids and that adrenaline rush, you may want to look somewhere else…
- Nantahala River: The Nantahala River is a popular choice for both beginners and intermediate rafters. It offers a combination of Class I and II rapids.
- French Broad River: The French Broad River is near Asheville, NC. The river’s sections offer everything from gentle rapids to Class III and IV rapids.
- Chattooga River: Head south to the Chattooga River, located on the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. It’s known for its challenging rapids, offering Class IV and V rapids.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is an exciting outdoor amusement attraction located in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, you’ll love the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk, NC. Unlike traditional roller coasters, alpine coasters allow you to control your own speed, providing a customizable adventure for all ages. The coaster operates year-round, offering a unique perspective of the mountains during all seasons.
Fun Fact? Alpine coasters have gained popularity as an environmentally friendly attraction. They utilize gravity for propulsion and have a minimal impact on the natural surroundings.
Read about things to do around Beech Mountain
Wineries
Visiting the North Carolina wineries is both fun and relaxing. Whether or not you drink wine, the wineries are beautiful with breathtaking views. Some even have a dining service where you can enjoy a nice meal overlooking the mountains!
- Banner Elk Winery & Villa (Banner Elk, NC): This winery offers a scenic vineyard, wine tastings, and luxurious accommodations in the Villa.
- Biltmore Winery (Asheville, NC): This winery is part of the largest privately-owned house in the United States and offers tours and tastings.
- Burntshirt Vineyards (Hendersonville, NC): This winery features a beautiful vineyard, a winery facility, and a tasting room.
- Grandfather Vineyard & Winery (Banner Elk, NC): Situated on the Watauga River near Banner Elk, this winery provides a peaceful atmosphere for tastings and events.
- JOLO Winery and Vineyards with Restaurant (Pilot Mountain, NC): This winery offers wine tastings, tours, and events amidst the picturesque mountain landscape. There is even an award-winning restaurant on-site.
- Linville Falls Winery (Newland, NC): Close to Linville Falls, this winery offers a scenic setting for tastings and live music events, along with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Raffaldini Vineyards (Ronda, NC): This winery offers you the opportunity to experience Italian-style wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.
- Silver Fork Winery (Morganton, NC): This winery is known for its beautiful views of the South Mountains and wine tastings featuring varieties from its vineyard.
WNC Farmers Market
The WNC Farmers Market is a marketplace where local farmers, artisans, and vendors come together to sell fresh produce, crafts, and other locally-made goods.
WNC Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other agricultural products from the region. The market also offers specialty food items, homemade crafts, and even artisanal goods like pottery and artwork.
Fun Fact? The WNC Farmers Market is a year-round attraction, allowing you to experience the changing seasons and the evolving agricultural products available throughout the year.
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Do you have any favorite “unique experiences” in the NC mountains that didn’t make the list? Any you disagree with and wouldn’t include? Any you would add to the list?
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