Top Attractions in Western North Carolina

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail spans over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. If you love hiking, you can find access points in North Carolina in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo courtesy of www.cnyhiking.com.

Grandfather Mountain

Trek across the mile-high swinging bridge and bask in the beautiful views. You can choose your own path on 11 mountain trails that vary in difficulty from easy to challenging. Photo courtesy of www.blueridgeparway.org.

Sliding Rock

Beat the heat the way Western North Carolina residents know best: by sliding down a gently sloping yet fast-moving waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. It's the best kind of thrill. Photo courtesy of RomanticAsheville.com.

Ski Resorts

North Carolina's mountain ski resorts are popular winter destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. You can learn more about the resorts on our winter activities page. Photo courtesy of Cataloochee Ski Area.

WNC Pottery Festival

Local arts are just as important to the Western North Carolina lifestyle as the outdoors, and the WNC Pottery Festival is a popular event that draws thousands of visitors annually.

Folkmoot USA

Folkmoot USA is an international celebration of folk music, held every year since 1984 in Waynesville. It lasts for two weeks and features groups from over 100 countries.

Mountain Heritage Day

Held at Western Carolina University, Mountain Heritage Day is an exciting celebration of the local arts, music, food, and mountain lifestyle, with activities for visitors of all ages.

Cherokee Reservation

The community of Cherokee is centered around the rich history and traditions of the Cherokee tribe. Learn more about this community on our Cherokee attractions page. Photo courtesy of Keith Hall Photography.

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate in Asheville was the home of the Vanderbilt family in the early 20th century. Today it is a popular attraction with an inn, winery, equestrian center, and tours. Photo courtesy of Biltmore.

Blue Ridge Parkway

In the fall, you can see the leaves on the trees in all of their color and brilliance, and the meandering drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains makes for beautiful pictures. Photo courtesy of www.virtualblueridge.com

Clingman's Dome

Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at an elevation of 6,643 feet. You can see for miles in all directions from the 54-foot observation tower. Photo courtesy of SmokyMountains.com

Whitewater Falls

The Western North Carolina mountains has beautiful postcard-worthy scenery, and Whitewater Falls is a gem. The waterfall cascades 411 feet and is framed by towering trees. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

Dogwood Crafters

Located in Dillsboro, Dogwood Crafters is a collective of local artists who sell mountain gifts, including corn shuck dolls. It has been a local favorite since it formed in 1976. Photo courtesy of Dogwood Crafters.

City Lights Bookstore and Cafe

City Lights Bookstore is a small indi bookstore whose goal is to share the literature of the region with the world, and the world of books with our community. Be sure to go downstairs for a bite to eat and some delicious coffee. Stay, hang out and enjoy live music, local art, free wi-fi and a comfy environment. Photo courtesy of City Lights Cafe.

Tuckasegee Trading Company

Located in Cullowhee, the Tuckasegee Trading Company is your local feed & seed store, where they know by name and treat you like family!