Silver Run Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is just four miles south of Cashiers in Jackson County. This 25-ft. waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool with a small beach area. So it's a popular swimming spot in the North Carolina mountains…
While winters are usually on the mild side in the city of Asheville, it's a different story at nearby ski resorts in western North Carolina. Since we have the highest mountains in the eastern United States, you will find plenty of snow, either…
Spring 2023 Update: Due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, Skinny Dip Falls is closed and poses a risk to visit.
Skinny Dip Falls is a refreshing swimming hole and soaking spot on a hot summer day with clear, cold water.…
Slick Rock Falls is a 35-foot waterfall in Pisgah National Forest that cascades across an overhanging cliff. It's most impressive after some good rains. During dry periods it reduces to a trickle. On a hot day, it's refreshing to stand underneath…
Asheville Museum of History opened in the fall of 2023 and tells stories of the mountains, a region with a rich and diverse—and sometimes misunderstood—past. The museum established by the Western North Carolina Historical Association, a group…
More than 850 miles of hiking trails traverse the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They range from easy to difficult and provide half-hour walks to week-long backpacking trips. Below are our favorites from the North Carolina side, nearest the…
Stay on Lake Lure for two nights with plenty of amenities, including a beach, boating, spa and pool. Included are golf rounds at both of their courses, range balls and breakfasts.
Just a half mile from I-40 in Old Fort is North Carolina's western-most branch of the North Carolina Museum of History. Learn about the cultural history of our mountains with both permanent and rotating exhibits at the Mountain Gateway Museum.…
Just a little north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Wildwater's Pigeon River Adventure Center, conveniently located near I-40, making it an easy 60-mile drive from downtown Asheville. You can enjoy a full day of outdoors exploration…
Soco Falls is a beautiful, double waterfall on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, located between the towns of Maggie Valley (5.5 miles) and Cherokee (10 miles). Enjoy it from a platform via a short walk from US Highway 19, just 1.5…
This jewel of a state park in the foothills is a great place to enjoy nature. It's located near Morganton in Burke County, about 70 miles east of Asheville (just 18 miles from I-40). The park includes elevations up to 3,000 ft., a waterfall…
This area a little south of downtown is undergoing a big transformation from a sleepy industrial and warehouse district to a vibrant home of restaurants, breweries, shops, and apartments. South Slope's district is roughly bounded by Asheland,…
Here are our top picks for Spring events and festivals in the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina - including Easter Weekend, Mother's Day Weekend, and Memorial Day Weekend. For events throughout the year, see our list of…
This small town of 2,000 residents has a quaint downtown area with some nice surprises for shopping and dining. Spruce Pine offers the uniqueness of having not one but two main streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Avenue).…
Go to Chimney Rock Park to see if Pumpkin the groundhog sees his shadow to predict an early spring or a long winter. Other activities for kids of all ages.
In the tiny community of Stecoah (near Robbinsville) is a surprising jewel offering amazing art, craft, and entertainment that you normally find in much larger towns. Located in a historic school building on the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway, Stecoah…
Summer brings so many great festivals and events to Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains, including our many small towns. Here are our favorites! Also, see special features for Memorial Day Weekend and July 4th Week. For events…
Stop by the Swannanoa Valley Museum in downtown Black Mountain (223 West State Street) to learn about the social, cultural and natural history of this area of mountains. Also see a rotating series of interesting exhibits or take one of their…