We've visited many North Carolina mountain towns over the years, and picking the very best to highlight for this guide was tough. This is especially true since we live directly in between two of them, Maggie Valley and Waynesville NC.
Within the historic North Carolina mountains, you'll find many gorgeous and quaint mountain towns and cities that offer unique history, infatuating charm, local culture, art, shopping, dining, hiking, and so much more.
Many of these towns are easily accessible from the combination of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Those that are a little further out are still accessible and just require a longer, but often very scenic drive, making the longer drive well worth it.
In this guide, we highlight our personal top picks for the very best North Carolina mountain towns. Coming up with this list was difficult, as there are so many wonderful small towns, and each has its own unique charm. Our decisions were based on overall charm, history, dining options, places to stay, and activities.
Let's get started!
Updated: 1/1/2025 - Updated with current Hurricane Helene impacts. Additional information added to some towns based on recent visits and Old Fort, NC was added to the list.
Hurricane Helene Flooding
Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in September 2024, causing significant damage to some cities, towns and areas of the mountains. As of the time of this update (January 2025), nearly all towns and areas have reopened and are accepting and welcoming visitors.
There are a few exceptions which are noted below. We have also noted affects to areas that are open, so you can know areas to avoid or road closures.
One of the best ways you can help our mountain community (yes, we're locals out of Waynesville, NC) is to visit! Helene really hurt fall tourism, and the revenue loss affected these communities. So PLEASE visit!
Our Picks for the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns
Picking the best mountain towns in NC was difficult enough, but rating them in order was an impossible task. Instead, we decided to just list our picks for the best north Carolina mountain towns in alphabetical order.
What makes these various towns great is very subjective for everyone, so we let you decide the best ones for you based on your individual needs.
Asheville

Photo by: Making Memories Photography
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: The River Arts District and Biltmore Village areas were the most severely affected areas of Asheville. These areas experienced significant flooding from the French Broad River. While these areas are beginning to recover some, they have a long road ahead of them. Portions of the River Arts Distract are open, while others remain closed. Much of the Biltmore Village shops and restaurants are still closed.
Arguably not a town, but a city, Asheville is the largest Blue Ridge Mountain city in North Carolina and the most visited.
We included Asheville in our list anyway, because it's a great small city that provides central access to many great things to do in Western North Carolina, and is also a central location for visiting many of the small towns included in our list.
Asheville NC is most well known for its unique culture and vibe and is full of art, music, bars, cultural events, and craft beer.
Downtown Asheville is full of great restaurants, bars, bus tours, exceptional street performers, and more. You'll find many hotels, shopping venues, and of course, Biltmore.
Banner Elk
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: Banner Elk was also significantly devastated by Hurricane Helene, experiencing significant water and power outages. The town has reopened and is welcoming visitors. Just be aware that some areas are still recovering and some businesses remain closed.
Located close to Boone NC, Banner Elk is a beautiful small town that is not only popular for its quiet small-town atmosphere but also for its quaint downtown and access to many great things to see and do in the area.
The town is also home to Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, a new Mountain Coaster in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For such a small mountain town, Banner Elk is full of some amazing restaurants, and has earned itself a reputation for being one of the top culinary destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both LP on Main and Stonewalls Restaurant are some of the best restaurants we've experienced in our Blue Ridge Mountain travels.
Banner Elk is popular because of being between two of the largest ski resorts in North Carolina, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort. Banner Elk is also a popular lodging location for those visiting the Autumn in Oz event at Land of Oz in Beech Mountain.
We love visiting Banner Elk for its beautiful scenery, vibrant downtown, amazing restaurants, and tons of outdoor activities. Banner Elk, NC is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns.
Beech Mountain
While we love these small North Carolina mountain towns, there are a few we're exceptionally partial to, and Beech Mountain NC is one of them.
Beech Mountain is most well known for being a major North Carolina Ski town, with Beech Mountain Ski Resort. However, Beech Mountain has so much more to offer.
Beech Mountain NC offers hiking trails, waterfalls, incredible mountain biking trails at the Ski Resort, and even a lake with fishing and kayaking. There are many great lodging options and restaurants as well. In fact, Beech Mountain has one of our favorite BBQ places, Holy Smokes BBQ.
We have visited many areas in the Blue Ridge Mountains with wildlife, but we've never seen so many deer as we have during our visits to Beech Mountain. You'll see deer everywhere!
One of our favorite attractions and events is Autumn in Oz at Land of Oz in Beech Mountain. We look forward to visiting each year!
Blowing Rock
Another of our favorite small North Carolina mountain towns is Blowing Rock NC which offers a wonderful downtown area full of shops and restaurants to explore. There is even a magnificent park in downtown that you can walk and explore.
Nearby is Boone NC for those looking for a bigger city feel and a university-style atmosphere.
Blowing Rock also features several popular attractions, including The Blowing Rock itself, Tweetsie Railroad, and Mystery Hill.
When visiting, we highly recommend the Meadowbrook Inn, The Speckled Trout restaurant, and a visit to Kilwins Chocolate.
Boone
While not necessarily a small mountain town, Boone NC, is still a wonderful North Carolina town to visit, that provides larger city amenities with a small-town flare.
Boone is home to one of North Carolina's largest universities, Appalachian State University, and as a result, has a young and vibrant vibe that you'll only find in a college town.
Boone's downtown area is wonderful and full of locally owned businesses, restaurants, and bars. For those that love the outdoors, Boone provides easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, many area hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing and mountain biking.
Area attractions include Tweetsie Railroad and Mystery Hill, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain and much more.
If you want a super nice and fun place to stay, be sure to consider the Blue Ridge Tourist Court motel, a refurbished 50s motel with modern amenities. We really enjoyed our stay there!
Bryson City
Bryson City is in Western North Carolina, south of Cherokee and is a great small mountain town that has a historic downtown, access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Deep Creek, tubing and rafting, and is the central location for the popular Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
The downtown area is full of locally owned shops and restaurants. The Tuckasegee River flows right through downtown Bryson City and provides a beautiful setting.
Not far from Bryson City are Fontana Lake, Fontana Dam, and the famous Road to Nowhere to visit as well. Harrah's Cherokee Casino is just a short drive north as well.
Burnsville
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: While downtown Burnsville was relatively untouched by the Hurricane, areas around downtown experienced significant damage and flooding. Many people in this area lost their homes and farms. Burnsville was one of the most severely impacted areas from the flooding. Downtown Burnsville, and many of the areas activities are re-opening, but many also remain closed. Including nearby Mount Mitchell State Park. Burnsville is welcoming visitors.
Burnsville, NC, in the heart of the North Carolina mountains, is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and outdoor activities in the country.
From rafting on Toe River to hiking and camping in Mount Mitchell State Park, there are countless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Shopping and dining options abound in Burnsville as well, with wonderful local restaurants and boutiques in the charming a historic downtown area. There is even a planetarium and observatory just a short distance away. Burnsville, NC, is full of fun things to see and do for everyone.
For those who love the arts, Burnsville has a thriving art community with many artists calling the area home. When visiting, you can explore the many art studios, meet the artists, and purchase their art.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, there is so much to explore and appreciate in this amazing mountain town.
Cherokee
Cherokee has been a favorite mountain town destination for years by many. In Cherokee, you can find shopping, shows, restaurants, and of course Harrah's Casino.
Cherokee also serves as the main east-side entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the starting point (Mile marker zero) for the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Oconoluftee Visitor Center, at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers visitors information, a museum, hiking/walking trails, and access to elk which frequent the fields around the visitor center. Nearby are Mingo Falls and Mingus Mill.
The major attraction in Cherokee these days is the huge Harrah's Casino facility, which includes the Casino, hotels, restaurants, bars, bowling, games, and more! People travel from all around the world to visit this modern entertainment facility.
While visiting, be sure to learn all about the history of the Cherokee Indians, and Cherokee itself, by attending the Unto These Hills outdoor drama and the Cherokee Museum.
Also, visit the park at the Oconaluftee River, it offers great wading and water play for families and a nice place to sit back and enjoy the sounds of the river and Cherokee itself.
Dillsboro
Dillsboro NC is a small mountain town between Waynesville NC and Sylva NC. Dillsboro is a beautiful and artistic town that is a prime destination for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which arrives from Bryson City NC.
The downtown area is full of various shops to explore and restaurant destinations, including the popular Haywood Smokehouse. Dillsboro is also home to one of the top North Carolina craft beers, Innovation Station.
For those looking for more excitement and adventure, Dillsboro is also a great destination for rafting, kayaking, or tubing down "the Tuck", or the Tuckasegee River. Two feature river adventure companies include Dillsboro River Company and Smoky Mountain River Adventures.
Dillsboro is also one of our picks for the top Christmas Towns in North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillsboro has an annual "Lights and Luminaries" event that brings old-time customs and celebrations to current times.
Hendersonville
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: Downtown Hendersonville came out of the hurricane with minor damage, but many surrounding areas had significant wind damage and flooding. Most businesses are back up and operational. Hendersonville is welcoming visitors, just be aware that clean-up activities are still in progress.
Hendersonville NC is located just south of Asheville NC and offers apple picking in the fall, museums, historical structures, many dining options, hiking trails, scenic views, shopping, and much more!
Hendersonville is known as “The City of Four Seasons” and is at an elevation of 2200 feet and is only about 15 miles from the South Carolina border.
Hendersonville is most well known for its numerous area apple orchards. There are a variety of orchards to visit in the Fall, that offer pick your own apples, hayrides, apple cannons, backed apple goods, cider, and many other activities for families.
Hendersonville also has a wonderful historic downtown area with unique locally owned shops and restaurants to enjoy and explore.
Nearby, you'll find Dupont State Park and the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas, both offering many outdoor activities including hiking, waterfalls, and mountain biking.
If you're looking for a wonderful place to stay, look no further than Echo Mountain Inn, our choice when visiting Hendersonville. This is a lovely historic Inn, owned by a lovely family and the Inn itself is cozy, comfortable and gorgeous.
Lake Lure
HURRICANE UPDATE: Lake Lure sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene and may take a long time to recover. Recovery efforts are underway - We'll keep you posted on when this amazing small mountain town re-opens.
One of our favorite mountain small towns to visit, and one that we have been visiting since before we were married, is Lake Lure, NC. The town of Lake Lure is a town around a gorgeous and famous mountain lake. People often vote for Lake Lure as one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Lake Lure is about 30 miles south of Asheville NC, in the Hickory Nut Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon on the East, because of the sheer rock faces and tall mountains that surround the lake and town.
White Lake Lure is a small, quiet, and relaxing mountain town that offers many small shops, restaurants, and lots of outdoor activities, including activities on the lake and at nearby Chimney Rock State Park.
Lake Lure offers a gorgeous beach with water slides, boating, waterskiing, hiking, waterfalls, site seeing, shopping, and even zip lining.
Lake Lure is one small mountain town that needs to be on your short list of small mountain towns to visit.
Maggie Valley
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: Most Maggie Valley sustained minimal damage from the hurricane. The area around Maggie Mountaineer Crafts was flooding, resulting in damage to the store and the owners home. Surrounding homes and businesses were also affected. Maggie Valley has mostly recovered and is open and welcoming visitors.
Maggie Valley, NC is one of the most popular mountain small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been for many years. Maggie Valley is central to many of the wonderful things to see and do outdoors in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
Maggie Valley is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pisgah National Forest. All of which provide beautiful scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, and more.
Maggie Valley also has plenty of local shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops. The Festival Grounds provides several events during the year, including craft shows, car shows, concerts, and motorcycle events.
If you love fishing, especially for Trout, Jonathan Creek, which runs through Maggie Valley provides some of the best Mountain Trout fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Outfitters for fishing and fly-fishing supplies are in town.
Nearby Waynesville NC offers additional things to do, restaurants, and shopping as well.
When visiting, we highly recommend Jonathan Creek Inn and Villas. We have stayed there many times over the years. It's right across from Joey's Pancake house and creek-side.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy North Carolina is the real-life Mayberry from the popular TV show "The Andy Griffith Show". Mayberry, from the show, is based on Mount Airy , which is also often referred to in various episodes.
Mount Airy is a beautiful and historic North Carolina mountain town. While visiting, you can enjoy many things "Mayberry" related, including visiting the “Andy & Opie” TV Land Statue, riding a vintage squad car tour through town, and visiting the Andy Griffith Playhouse. This is where Andy Griffith attended elementary school and where he performed in the 1930s and 1940s.
You can also visit many attractions, themed around Mayberry, including the Mayberry Jail, Wally's Service Station, Floyd’s Barber Shop, Wally’s Service Station, the Mayberry Courthouse, and Emmit’s Fix It Shop.
There are plenty of unique shops and great dining opportunities throughout the downtown area that are locally owned and operated, and not themed.
If you're a wine fan, you'll find several wonderful vineyards in the area as well.
Mount Pilot isn't too far away, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway is less than an hour's drive.
Old Fort
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: Old Fort was one town hit the hardest by Hurricane Helene. The town is open and welcoming visitors, but they are still actively recovering. Portions of the town and some businesses were destroyed. In our detailed Old Fort guide, you'll find the details on the flooding impacts.
Old Fort, NC, sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town charm. Often called the "Gateway to the Blue Ridge," this small town is known for its charm, local culture, and surrounding natural beauty.
When visiting you'll find lots of outdoor adventure including waterfalls, hiking trails, mountain biking and more. Old Fort is home to one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Catawba Falls.
The town is rich in history, with the iconic Arrowhead Monument symbolizing its connection to Native American heritage and the Mountain Gateway Museum, showcasing Appalachian traditions. The Museum is currently closed due to flooding, but the town is actively working to re-open it.
Old Fort’s downtown has seen a revival, now featuring craft breweries like Hillman Beer, local shops, and inviting eateries that give the town a fresh and creative vibe. One of our favorite spots is Seeker Coffee!
Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall, learning about the area’s past, or relaxing with a locally brewed beer, Old Fort offers a a lovely small town escape with lots to see and do just a short drive from Asheville, NC and right off of I-40.
We fell in love with Old Fort and the people who live there and we think you will as well!
Sylva
Located in Jackson County NC, southwest of Asheville, Sylva NC is a small but beautiful North Carolina mountain town. Sylva features an "All-American" main street in downtown, featuring shops, restaurants, and a picturesque and almost Norman Rockwell-like Courthouse.
Sylva features many wonderful restaurants, including Lucy in the Rye and Lulu's on Main. You'll also find several craft breweries.
They also featured sylva in the Oscar-nominated Three Billboards outside Ebbing. Sylva is near many hiking trails and waterfalls and is close to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Sylva also features Pinnacle Park, a 7-mile round-trip hike up to a 5,000-foot peak with incredible views.
Waynesville
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE: Waynesville suffered significant damage to particular areas, including the historic Frog Level district. Massive flooding destroyed many of the businesses there, and they have still not re-opened. The bridge in Frog Level is damaged and closed. Waynesville is welcoming visitors, just be aware that traffic may be impacted due to damage and ongoing repairs.
Last, but certainly not least, is our hometown of Waynesville NC. Waynesville is a historic town, featuring several attractions, access to local outdoor activities, and modern small-town conveniences.
The top attraction in Waynesville is the historic Norman Rockwell like downtown. Downtown Waynesville features many unique and locally owned shops and restaurants, along with a wonderful Mast General Store. New is Kilwin's Chocolate, which you may recognize as one of our favorites from Banner Elk NC.
Because of its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Waynesville is also known as the Gateway to the Smokies for North Carolina. Visitors can enjoy nearby hiking, waterfalls, fishing, and more.
Be sure to visit nearby Lake Junaluska and Maggie Valley during your visit as well.
Tips for visiting North Carolina Mountain Towns
We spend much of our time out exploring mountain towns in North Carolina and other areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are some tips we've picked up along the way, and as North Carolina mountain locals to help you out when visiting:
Hurricane Helene – Be aware that many of these towns, while mainly open, still have debris and damage from the high winds and flooding from Hurricane Helene. Be patient and compassionate when visiting. Many of the residents of these towns have been through a lot. Many have lost everything. Be kind, and help where you can.
Learn the local culture – North Carolina mountain towns have their own unique culture and traditions that make them special. Learn about what makes each town unique before you visit!
Dress for the weather – The North Carolina mountains can experience drastic changes in temperature throughout the year, so it's important to dress appropriately when visiting. Layers are always a good idea!
Bring your camera – The mountains are full of incredible views, so it's wise to take as many photos as you can. You won't want to miss out on capturing all the beauty that North Carolina mountain towns offer.
Discover local attractions – There are countless activities and attractions in the area, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Explore the area and find something that's fun for you and your family.
Enjoy the outdoors – The mountains are perfect for outdoor activities such as biking, horseback riding, and kayaking. Take advantage of all the natural beauty around you!
Support local businesses – There are lots of local restaurants, shops, and galleries in the area. Patronize these local establishments and show your support for the community.
Have a Plan B – The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it's always best to have a backup plan just in case your plans get derailed.
Stay safe – Always be aware of your surroundings when you are exploring the mountain trails and don't take any unnecessary risks. Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back.
Be respectful - Remember, you are a guest in the mountains. Respect the locals, local wildlife and environment.
Bonus Tip: Leave no trace – Be sure to pack out any trash and leave the outdoor spaces clean and pristine for others to enjoy. Don't forget to pick up after your pet!