It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. Thank you, Lori! Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. } Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation.
Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! .generate-back-to-top:visited { Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. .right-sidebar .content-area { Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. padding-right: 10px !important; Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. }, false ); Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Ayden wasn't even in the top 40 cheapest places to live in North Carolina last year, so this jump up to the #2 spot is quite impressive. Banner Elk. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. I would never live anywhere else again. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. But it's far from the only one. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. 6. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. 14. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. text-decoration: none There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. North Conway, New Hampshire. padding-left: 10px; .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Overall SnackAbility. 2 Marion at No. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. $( document.body ).append( '
' ); 2. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. 9. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ padding-left: 10px !important; Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. 5 Pinehurst at No. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. Taylor. Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach as it is more affordable than the Outer Banks, which is the state's most popular coastal vacation spot. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. 3 Brevard at No. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. Thanks for commenting. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air.