10 Best Mountain Towns in North Carolina

A group doing yoga on a rooftop overlooking mountains — Photo:
Visit NC

It only takes one trip to Western North Carolina to grasp the magnitude of its appeal. Home to several subranges of the Appalachian Mountains, most notably the Smokies, this region of the Tar Heel State brims with natural beauty all year round. A combination of spectacular peaks, bubbling creeks, vividly colored wildflowers, and acres of towering pine, oak, poplar, and maple trees, the mountainous landscape has an almost spiritual quality, one that people have been drawn to for thousands of years. This powerful allure eventually led to the creation of various mountain towns — from Highlands in the south up to Brevard, Waynesville, and Banner Elk.

“North Carolina’s westernmost mountain towns are where mountains and Main Streets meet,” Steven Reinhold, the adventure team leader at Cataloochee Ranch, tells Travel + Leisure. “[They] embody an environment where folks can escape their day, even for just a moment, to watch the trees sway in the breeze all within view of the Great Smokies.” For Paige Tillung, hotel manager at Half-Mile Farm, there’s also “the beauty of four very distinct seasons,” as well as the convenience of location. Most of the state’s mountain towns are within driving distance of a major airport — either Asheville Regional Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, or Piedmont Triad International Airport outside Greensboro.

If the only thing stopping you from planning a trip is deciding where to go, this expert-curated list should help. Read on to discover the best mountain towns in North Carolina.

01 of 10

Brevard

“Brevard is located in the heart of the ‘land of waterfalls’ and [it’s] mountain biking’s East Coast mecca,” says Reinhold. “Trailheads are interwoven around town, giving visitors quick access to the Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Gorges State Park.” While your trip should have plenty of outdoor adventure, make sure to leave time to explore Brevard’s art scene. If you’re in town in the summer, try to time your visit with an open-air show at Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at Brevard Music Center; otherwise, a stroll through the downtown art galleries and artisan boutiques is a must in any season.

02 of 10

Highlands

Named T+L’s Best Small Mountain Town in 2023, Highlands has all of the necessary characteristics and features for a picture-perfect getaway. It has “the charm of a small mountain town with all the luxury needed for a great vacation,” says Tillung; plus, she adds, there are “some of the best trails in the world,” and “the food and culture are the best you can find in the South.” Start your trip by checking into any one of the top-rated hotels in town: Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Half-Mile Farm, Highlander Mountain House, Skyline Lodge, or the recently opened Outpost Inn. Then, spend a couple of hours along Main Street, making sure to stop in Mountain Fresh Grocery for a quick breakfast or lunch. Other can’t-miss points of interest include the area’s many waterfalls and The Bascom, which hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and various classes and workshops.

03 of 10

Cashiers

Just 10 minutes down the road from Highlands sits Cashiers, a mountain town best known for stunning scenery; golfing, fly fishing, hiking, and antique shopping opportunities; and High Hampton, a much-loved luxury resort that underwent a modern redesign in 2021. Those staying at the resort may be tempted to stay on property the entire time — the Adirondack chairs and lawn beds are rather comfortable — but they’d be remiss to not explore other aspects of the tiny town. Family-owned and operated Cashiers Farmers Market, for instance, is an excellent choice for a barbecue lunch, and you’re bound to purchase something special at Vivianne Metzger Antiques, The Village Hound, or Zoller Hardware Gift & Gadget Mercantile.

04 of 10

Waynesville

According to Reinhold, Waynesville is the “crown jewel of mountain towns,” thanks, in part, to the destination’s prime location by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To get your heart racing, he recommends “an unforgettable adventure” (think forest bathing or overnight backpacking) with The Appalachian Adventure Company. If you prefer to stay closer to town, browse the art galleries and antique stores along Main Street, and follow that up with a beer at Boojum Brewing Company or a coffee from Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters. Come nightfall, there’s nowhere more luxurious to get some shuteye than The Swag, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the South.

05 of 10

Boone

There’s a lot more to Boone than Appalachian State University, although cheering on the Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium is certainly a must-do activity in this college town. Families with younger travelers will embark on hours of entertainment at the famous Tweetsie Railroad, with its themed train rides and live shows, and Daniel Boone Park, where the Hickory Ridge History Museum showcases what mountain life was like in the late 1700s and early 1800s. In the summer months, cool off by floating down the New River with Wahoo’s Adventures, or find a swimming hole along Crab Orchard Falls Trail. For accommodations in Boone, you have a few choices — ranging from hotels to vacation rentals — but you can’t go wrong with Rhode’s Motor Lodge, a boutique property that opened in the fall of 2023.

06 of 10

Sylva

Like many North Carolina mountain towns, Sylva (population: 2,623) is known for its breweries, art galleries, culinary hotspots, and proximity to hiking trails. “My favorite hike in the area is Pinnacle Park, which is home to North Carolina’s only certified forest therapy trail,” says Reinhold. Here, you’ll grab a brochure at the trailhead, then enjoy a relaxing, self-guided walk in nature. With a newfound appreciation of your surroundings, make your way to Main Street, which he says “has a seemingly infinite selection of dining options, notably Ilda, Meatballs Pizzeria, and recent James Beard [nominee] Dalaya Thai.”

07 of 10

Hot Springs

“I believe Hot Springs might just be the hippest town in Appalachia,” says Reinhold. “The Appalachian Trail passes right through the town — utilizing one of the sidewalks on Main Street — and its throngs of thru-hikers have left their mark on this tiny town.” To prepare for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, or llama trekking in the area, or to pick up any gear you may have forgotten, pop into Bluff Mountain Outfitters. After a long day outside, refuel with pizza at Vinyl Pies, baked goods from Artisun, or a taco and beer from Grey Eagle Taqueria and Big Pillow Brewery. As the name suggests, Hot Springs is also known for its geothermal waters; visitors can head to either Broadwing Farm or Hot Springs Resort & Spa for a rejuvenating soak during their travels.

08 of 10

Bryson City

The title of “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains” goes to Bryson City, North Carolina. While small — only about 1,500 residents call it home — this is a town that goes above and beyond when it comes to mountain charm. To start planning your trip to Bryson City, book a room at the Fryemont Inn or The Everett Hotel, then begin to plot out your ideal itinerary. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and then spend a day on the water, whether you’re white-water rafting on the Nantahala River or taking a paddleboard out on Fontana Lake.

09 of 10

Banner Elk

When visiting Banner Elk, Tillung says you’ll find “small mountain town life [paired] with big luxury dreams and ideas,” as well as a “growing food scene, great golf courses,” and several places to “reconnect with nature.” In the winter, Banner Elk is particularly popular, as it’s located between two large ski resorts: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Year round, travelers can ride the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, cozy up at The Lodge at River Run, or walk along the town’s Greenway Trail System. Dining options include Artisanal, Stonewalls Restaurant, and the Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge — although be sure to check each restaurant’s website for seasonal closures.

10 of 10

Little Switzerland

There are few North Carolina mountain towns as unique as Little Switzerland, a seasonally open, Swiss-inspired destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll need to plan your trip in the warmer months, anytime from mid-April through early October, to get the full Little Switzerland experience, which includes a stay at the historic Switzerland Inn, a visit to the North Carolina Mining Museum, a stop into Little Switzerland Books and Beans, and a night of live music and dancing at Geneva Hall. Just be sure to leave a moment, whether it’s closer to sunrise or sunset, to take in the spectacular views granted by the town’s elevation of nearly 3,500 feet.

10 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in North Carolina, According to Local Experts