Three Peaks area

Vikki
Three Peaks area

Hikes, Waterfalls, and Parks

Toms creek is an easy, accessible hike to a picturesque waterfall. It is only 20 minutes drive. If you want to extend the hike, you can go to the top of the falls to a secluded pool.
28 locals recommend
Toms Creek Falls Trail
1250 Huskins Branch Rd
28 locals recommend
Toms creek is an easy, accessible hike to a picturesque waterfall. It is only 20 minutes drive. If you want to extend the hike, you can go to the top of the falls to a secluded pool.
A mid-length, moderately strenuous hike that leads to an impressive falls. Make sure you wear good shoes as this trail is rocky and can also be slippery. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway
155 locals recommend
Crabtree Falls
39000 Blue Ridge Pkwy
155 locals recommend
A mid-length, moderately strenuous hike that leads to an impressive falls. Make sure you wear good shoes as this trail is rocky and can also be slippery. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway
The most grand waterfall in the area. Don’t miss this one! Definitely recommend continuing to the 2nd overlook for a view of Linville Gorge!
49 locals recommend
Linville Falls - Trail and Waterfall
49 locals recommend
The most grand waterfall in the area. Don’t miss this one! Definitely recommend continuing to the 2nd overlook for a view of Linville Gorge!
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” The Linville Gorge wilderness is home to many exciting hikes centered around the Linville river and its waterfalls. Don’t miss Wiseman’s View for an amazing view of the gorge. Some hikes include Babel Tower and Pine Gap trail. This area is accessible via a dirt road, 4WD not required, but low-clearance vehicles not recommended.
85 locals recommend
Linville Gorge Wilderness
85 locals recommend
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” The Linville Gorge wilderness is home to many exciting hikes centered around the Linville river and its waterfalls. Don’t miss Wiseman’s View for an amazing view of the gorge. Some hikes include Babel Tower and Pine Gap trail. This area is accessible via a dirt road, 4WD not required, but low-clearance vehicles not recommended.
Lots of different length hikes to choose from in a gorgeous high-elevation area. Because of the high elevation, it can be chilly and is often foggy - jackets recommended year round. 40 minutes drive.
14 locals recommend
Roan Mountain
14 locals recommend
Lots of different length hikes to choose from in a gorgeous high-elevation area. Because of the high elevation, it can be chilly and is often foggy - jackets recommended year round. 40 minutes drive.
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi! You can take the trail to the observation deck for a 360 degree panoramic view! Numerous trails for all levels of hikers, and bird watchers have recorded over 91 species in the park! 1 hr drive time. **park and/or road closures are not uncommon in winter. Check before you go!
414 locals recommend
Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 NC-128
414 locals recommend
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi! You can take the trail to the observation deck for a 360 degree panoramic view! Numerous trails for all levels of hikers, and bird watchers have recorded over 91 species in the park! 1 hr drive time. **park and/or road closures are not uncommon in winter. Check before you go!
Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, offers rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. Grandfather is a nationally recognized nature preserve and home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. 1hr drive time. This area is privately owned and charges an entrance fee.
716 locals recommend
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Hwy
716 locals recommend
Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, offers rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. Grandfather is a nationally recognized nature preserve and home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. 1hr drive time. This area is privately owned and charges an entrance fee.
Easy, accessible trail with beautiful views and well-known photo spot. Can be crowded at times. 1hr drive
105 locals recommend
Rough Ridge Lookout - Grandfather Mountain, NC.
3218 Blue Ridge Pkwy
105 locals recommend
Easy, accessible trail with beautiful views and well-known photo spot. Can be crowded at times. 1hr drive
Short hike to a great (primitive) picnic spot with awesome views. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway.
31 locals recommend
Beacon Heights Overlook Trail
Beacon Heights Trail
31 locals recommend
Short hike to a great (primitive) picnic spot with awesome views. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway.
Self-guided loop trail with interesting and varied terrain plus sweeping views. 50 min drive time. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway
Flat Rock Self-guiding Loop Trail
3744 Blue Ridge Pkwy
Self-guided loop trail with interesting and varied terrain plus sweeping views. 50 min drive time. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway
Beautiful, moderately-difficult hike to the top of a waterfall. You can go across the river leading to the falls, up the river, or you can look down at the falls. 40 minutes drive. Located off scenic Hwy 181
19 locals recommend
Upper Creek Falls
6118 Wind Song Ln
19 locals recommend
Beautiful, moderately-difficult hike to the top of a waterfall. You can go across the river leading to the falls, up the river, or you can look down at the falls. 40 minutes drive. Located off scenic Hwy 181
The easy walk to roaring Fork falls features interesting abandoned mine buildings. Roaring Fork Falls Trail is also short and flat most of the way.  only 30 minutes drive!
45 locals recommend
Roaring Fork Falls Trailhead
208 Busick Work Center Rd
45 locals recommend
The easy walk to roaring Fork falls features interesting abandoned mine buildings. Roaring Fork Falls Trail is also short and flat most of the way.  only 30 minutes drive!
Carver's Gap is a high elevation trailhead in the Roan Mountain area where you can access several different trails within a few miles of the parking lot, including hiking on the Appalachian Trail. 40 min drive
27 locals recommend
Carver's Gap
27 locals recommend
Carver's Gap is a high elevation trailhead in the Roan Mountain area where you can access several different trails within a few miles of the parking lot, including hiking on the Appalachian Trail. 40 min drive
Has several different length hiking trails to choose from. The hiking trails are open year-round even though the buildings are closed in winter.
68 locals recommend
The Orchard at Altapass
3 Orchard Rd
68 locals recommend
Has several different length hiking trails to choose from. The hiking trails are open year-round even though the buildings are closed in winter.
Short mostly-paved trail on Roan Mountain. $3 per vehicle entrance fee.
Rhododendron Gardens
State Road 1348
Short mostly-paved trail on Roan Mountain. $3 per vehicle entrance fee.
Located within the Linville Gorge Wilderness area. Definitely stop by Wiseman’s View before or after this hike!
Babel Tower Trail
Old N C Highway 105
Located within the Linville Gorge Wilderness area. Definitely stop by Wiseman’s View before or after this hike!
Duggers Creek Falls
Linville Falls Road
*Closed January 2-April 1* Hike to the summit of Table Rock and enjoy amazing views. The trail is moderate difficulty. It is mostly rocky and can be slick in spots, so you might want to take trekking poles. Allow 1-2 hours to complete the hike depending on how long you want to spend at the top. 1 hour drive, and about half of that is on a mountain dirt road. 4WD not needed, but low clearance vehicles not recommended. Can be crowded at certain times of year.
13 locals recommend
Table Rock Summit Trail
Old Table Rock Road
13 locals recommend
*Closed January 2-April 1* Hike to the summit of Table Rock and enjoy amazing views. The trail is moderate difficulty. It is mostly rocky and can be slick in spots, so you might want to take trekking poles. Allow 1-2 hours to complete the hike depending on how long you want to spend at the top. 1 hour drive, and about half of that is on a mountain dirt road. 4WD not needed, but low clearance vehicles not recommended. Can be crowded at certain times of year.
Great place to swim in the summer.
41 locals recommend
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area
6000 NC-80
41 locals recommend
Great place to swim in the summer.
93 locals recommend
Lake James State Park
7321 NC-126
93 locals recommend
66 locals recommend
Bass Lake Trail
1 Bass Lake Dr
66 locals recommend
Located in the Table Rock area of Linville Gorge Wilderness. It’s about a 45-minute drive, and the trail head is along a mountain dirt road. 4WD not needed, but low clearance vehicles not recommended. Parking area can get full at certain times of year.
46 locals recommend
Hawksbill Mountain Trail Head
46 locals recommend
Located in the Table Rock area of Linville Gorge Wilderness. It’s about a 45-minute drive, and the trail head is along a mountain dirt road. 4WD not needed, but low clearance vehicles not recommended. Parking area can get full at certain times of year.
224 locals recommend
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
364 Blue Ridge Pkwy
224 locals recommend
On Blue Ridge Parkway
70 locals recommend
Julian Price Memorial Park
297 Blue Ridge Pkwy
70 locals recommend
On Blue Ridge Parkway
9 locals recommend
Flat Top Lookout Tower
The Flat Top Road
9 locals recommend
37 locals recommend
Catawba Falls Trailhead
3074 Catawba River Rd
37 locals recommend
9 locals recommend
Setrock Creek Falls
9 locals recommend
53 locals recommend
Otter Falls Trail
825 Skyland Dr
53 locals recommend
32 locals recommend
Douglas Falls
32 locals recommend
Bull Gap Trailhead - Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
667 Ox Creek Rd
28 locals recommend
Very strenuous! Please plan accordingly.
Lost Cove Trail
Very strenuous! Please plan accordingly.
Leisurely flat stroll around a beautiful urban lake. Since it is a bird sanctuary, dogs not allowed. In Asheville, 1 hour drive
41 locals recommend
Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary
1056 Merrimon Avenue
41 locals recommend
Leisurely flat stroll around a beautiful urban lake. Since it is a bird sanctuary, dogs not allowed. In Asheville, 1 hour drive
Local park in Spruce Pine has a footbridge over the Toe River, a playscape, and a splash pad (in summer). Spruce Pine has been designated as a Mountain Heritage Trout City, and trout fishing is available from the banks of the river.
9 locals recommend
Riverside Park
Spring Street
9 locals recommend
Local park in Spruce Pine has a footbridge over the Toe River, a playscape, and a splash pad (in summer). Spruce Pine has been designated as a Mountain Heritage Trout City, and trout fishing is available from the banks of the river.
49 locals recommend
Emerald Outback
328 N Pinnacle Ridge Rd
49 locals recommend
39 locals recommend
Boone Fork Trail
Boone Fork Trail
39 locals recommend
333 locals recommend
Chimney Rock State Park
431 Main St
333 locals recommend
Bailey Mountain Preserve - Smith Farm
889 Forest Street
9 locals recommend
Colbert Ridge Trail Head
Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
126 NC-126
31 locals recommend
Pinnacle Trailhead and Parking

Food & Drinks

This is my favorite local restaurant. Located in downtown Spruce Pine on Oak Street (lower street). Open M-F 12:30pm-8pm and Saturday 2pm-8pm. Closed Sundays.
Bangkok Station Thai and Sushi Bar
This is my favorite local restaurant. Located in downtown Spruce Pine on Oak Street (lower street). Open M-F 12:30pm-8pm and Saturday 2pm-8pm. Closed Sundays.
Another favorite local restaurant in downtown Spruce Pine. I like the poke nachos. Open W-Th 11:30am-8pm, F-Sa 11:30am-9pm, Sundays 11am-3pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Closed Nov 20-28 and Dec 24-Jan 9
live oak gastropub
Another favorite local restaurant in downtown Spruce Pine. I like the poke nachos. Open W-Th 11:30am-8pm, F-Sa 11:30am-9pm, Sundays 11am-3pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Closed Nov 20-28 and Dec 24-Jan 9
Cute coffee/espresso and breakfast/brunch spot in downtown Spruce Pine. Closed Sundays.
31 locals recommend
Fox and the Fig
615 Oak Ave
31 locals recommend
Cute coffee/espresso and breakfast/brunch spot in downtown Spruce Pine. Closed Sundays.
In downtown Spruce Pine Open Tues-Fri 7am-5pm and Sat 7am-4pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. I love their peanut butter milkshakes.
48 locals recommend
DT's Blue Ridge Java
169 Locust St
48 locals recommend
In downtown Spruce Pine Open Tues-Fri 7am-5pm and Sat 7am-4pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. I love their peanut butter milkshakes.
Located on scenic Hwy 226A in Little Switzerland.
35 locals recommend
Switzerland Cafe and General Store
9440 NC-226A
35 locals recommend
Located on scenic Hwy 226A in Little Switzerland.
Local hangout in Burnsville, upstairs from Homeplace Brewery. Good pizza and salads, and I’m obsessed with their ice cream sandwiches. Has a dog-friendly patio.
15 locals recommend
Hog Hollow Wood Fired Pizza, Inc.
321 W Main St
15 locals recommend
Local hangout in Burnsville, upstairs from Homeplace Brewery. Good pizza and salads, and I’m obsessed with their ice cream sandwiches. Has a dog-friendly patio.
Local hangout in Burnsville. Has a beautiful dog-friendly, kid-friendly patio space. Often hosts live music and other events (check their calendar online). If you want food with your drinks, you can grab Hog Hollow from upstairs or Pacifico from next door. They also host food trucks on Mondays.
106 locals recommend
Homeplace Beer Company
321 W Main St
106 locals recommend
Local hangout in Burnsville. Has a beautiful dog-friendly, kid-friendly patio space. Often hosts live music and other events (check their calendar online). If you want food with your drinks, you can grab Hog Hollow from upstairs or Pacifico from next door. They also host food trucks on Mondays.
Pacifico Seafood&Grill
Popular local Mexican restaurant with a self-serve salsa bar
Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
Popular local Mexican restaurant with a self-serve salsa bar
Local hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a self-serve salsa bar. I like the caldo de pollo (chicken soup). Open M-Th 11am-9pm, Fridays 11am-9:30pm, Saturdays 11:30am-9pm, Sundays noon-8pm
25 locals recommend
El Ranchero Restaurant
202 Locust St
25 locals recommend
Local hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a self-serve salsa bar. I like the caldo de pollo (chicken soup). Open M-Th 11am-9pm, Fridays 11am-9:30pm, Saturdays 11:30am-9pm, Sundays noon-8pm
In downtown Burnsville. Recently opened as part of the restoration of the historic NuWray hotel. Great place for weekend brunch. Also serves lunch and dinner, plus sells a big selection of fine wines and cigars
Carriage House Sundries
In downtown Burnsville. Recently opened as part of the restoration of the historic NuWray hotel. Great place for weekend brunch. Also serves lunch and dinner, plus sells a big selection of fine wines and cigars
Located at The Orchard at Altapass. Serves sandwiches and hot dogs. Ice cream also served inside the gift shop. In June open Saturdays and Sundays 11-4. In July open Friday-Sunday 11-4. In August-October open Wednesday-Sunday 11-4
The Apple Core Grill
Located at The Orchard at Altapass. Serves sandwiches and hot dogs. Ice cream also served inside the gift shop. In June open Saturdays and Sundays 11-4. In July open Friday-Sunday 11-4. In August-October open Wednesday-Sunday 11-4
Popular restaurant in Bakersville. Can get crowded during peak times, and you may have to wait for a table
14 locals recommend
Mountain Holler Steak & Seafood
1284 North Carolina 226
14 locals recommend
Popular restaurant in Bakersville. Can get crowded during peak times, and you may have to wait for a table
21 locals recommend
City Drive-In
670 Oak Ave
21 locals recommend
Babe's Pizza and Treats Spruce Pine store
In downtown Spruce Pine, pub food. Sports bar atmosphere
35 locals recommend
Hef's Restaurant
89 Locust St
35 locals recommend
In downtown Spruce Pine, pub food. Sports bar atmosphere
In downtown Spruce Pine
Bierdock Brewery
In downtown Spruce Pine
The Dispensary and Upper Club
269 Oak Ave
In Spruce Pine
In Spruce Pine. Country-style breakfasts, hamburgers, etc. has a drive-thru
Country Cafe
12175 NC-226
In Spruce Pine. Country-style breakfasts, hamburgers, etc. has a drive-thru
Seafood in Spruce Pine
Anchor's Away Cafe' Inc.
Seafood in Spruce Pine
Local Grocery store in Spruce Pine - about a 10 minute drive. (There is also a Walmart in Spruce Pine that sells groceries and is also about a 10 minute drive.)
38 locals recommend
Ingles Markets
125 Greenwood Rd
38 locals recommend
Local Grocery store in Spruce Pine - about a 10 minute drive. (There is also a Walmart in Spruce Pine that sells groceries and is also about a 10 minute drive.)
In Bakersville, open W-F noon-5 and Saturdays 10-4. Sells locally grown products and take-home meals with local ingredients.
Just Local Market
35 N Mitchell Ave
In Bakersville, open W-F noon-5 and Saturdays 10-4. Sells locally grown products and take-home meals with local ingredients.
Fine dining at a castle by reservation only
Smithmore Castle
Fine dining at a castle by reservation only
In Bakersville. Stop in for coffee and sandwiches on your way to the Roan Mountain area or while visiting the artist shops in Bakersville’s cute downtown.
Southern Ridge Cafe INC
31 N Mitchell Ave
In Bakersville. Stop in for coffee and sandwiches on your way to the Roan Mountain area or while visiting the artist shops in Bakersville’s cute downtown.
In Burnsville
91 locals recommend
Appalachian Java
8 W Main St
91 locals recommend
In Burnsville
In Burnsville
88 locals recommend
Snap Dragon
107 Town Square
88 locals recommend
In Burnsville
72 locals recommend
Pig & Grits
620 W Main St
72 locals recommend
Located at Birdfoot in Burnsville. Open Tues-Fri 4-9pm, Sat 2-9pm, and Sun 2-7pm, closed Mondays.
Spoke Food Truck
Located at Birdfoot in Burnsville. Open Tues-Fri 4-9pm, Sat 2-9pm, and Sun 2-7pm, closed Mondays.
Open noon-5pm daily
184 locals recommend
Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls Hwy
184 locals recommend
Open noon-5pm daily
In downtown Burnsville
72 locals recommend
Garden Deli
107 Town Square
72 locals recommend
In downtown Burnsville
In Burnsville. Classic Americana food. Diner/sports bar type of aesthetic
23 locals recommend
Bubba's Good Eats
394 E Main St
23 locals recommend
In Burnsville. Classic Americana food. Diner/sports bar type of aesthetic
At Mount Mitchell golf course
Hawtree's Pub and Grill
11484 NC-80
At Mount Mitchell golf course
Local hangout in Burnsville
Birdfoot
Local hangout in Burnsville
Mead, wine, cider, and more. Open Thursdays 3-7, Fridays and Saturdays noon-7. Located in downtown Marion
11 locals recommend
Keeper’s Cut Meadery
175 W Henderson St
11 locals recommend
Mead, wine, cider, and more. Open Thursdays 3-7, Fridays and Saturdays noon-7. Located in downtown Marion
26 locals recommend
South Creek Winery
2240 S Creek Rd
26 locals recommend
In Linville
37 locals recommend
Old Hampton Store & Barbeque
77 Ruffin St
37 locals recommend
In Linville
In Marion (down steep and scenic mountain road Hwy 226 - the steepest stretch of highway in NC)
36 locals recommend
Mica Town Brewing
25 Brown Dr
36 locals recommend
In Marion (down steep and scenic mountain road Hwy 226 - the steepest stretch of highway in NC)
In Bakersville
7 locals recommend
Mammies Kitchen
624 S North Carolina 226
7 locals recommend
In Bakersville
In Newland. Open Fridays 4-9, Saturdays and Sundays noon-6, and Mondays 4-7. Often hosts live music, and Mondays are open mic nights. The name refers to the red squirrels indigenous to the Smokies that are referred to locally as “boomers.”
The Mountain Boomer
In Newland. Open Fridays 4-9, Saturdays and Sundays noon-6, and Mondays 4-7. Often hosts live music, and Mondays are open mic nights. The name refers to the red squirrels indigenous to the Smokies that are referred to locally as “boomers.”
In Spruce Pine
CJ's BBQ
In Spruce Pine
Coffee and baked goods in Burnsville, known for their cinnamon rolls
12 locals recommend
Maples
621 Micaville Loop
12 locals recommend
Coffee and baked goods in Burnsville, known for their cinnamon rolls
In Spruce Pine
Blue Ridge Tacos
In Spruce Pine
Drive-thru ice cream shop in Burnsville. Closed Mondays. Open Tuesdays 12-7, Wednesdays 12-6, Th, Fri, Sat 12-7, Sundays 1-5
Stephanie’s Ice Cream
1560 East US Hwy 19E
Drive-thru ice cream shop in Burnsville. Closed Mondays. Open Tuesdays 12-7, Wednesdays 12-6, Th, Fri, Sat 12-7, Sundays 1-5
Pelican's Snoballs of Spruce Pine
12807 NC-226
Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm
6751 NC-126
58 locals recommend
Candy and ice cream in Little Switzerland. Closed in winter.
The Swiss Shoppe
Candy and ice cream in Little Switzerland. Closed in winter.
Hillman Beer Old Fort
17 locals recommend
Countryside BBQ LLC
2070 Rutherford Rd
17 locals recommend
The Tin Trout

Attractions & Sightseeing

On Blue Ridge Parkway
Bear Den Overlook
On Blue Ridge Parkway
On Blue Ridge Parkway
Three Knobs Overlook
On Blue Ridge Parkway
Amazing overlook spot. Located in Linville Gorge Wilderness off a dirt road that is rough in spots. 2WD is probably OK in most weather, but low clearance vehicles not recommended and of course road conditions can change so use your best judgement. If you feel confident in your vehicle it’s definitely worth making the drive and there are several trailheads nearby if you also want to hike in the Linville Gorge area.
39 locals recommend
Wiseman's View Scenic Overlook
39 locals recommend
Amazing overlook spot. Located in Linville Gorge Wilderness off a dirt road that is rough in spots. 2WD is probably OK in most weather, but low clearance vehicles not recommended and of course road conditions can change so use your best judgement. If you feel confident in your vehicle it’s definitely worth making the drive and there are several trailheads nearby if you also want to hike in the Linville Gorge area.
Located on scenic drive Hwy 181
Brown Mountain Overlook
Located on scenic drive Hwy 181
Historic apple orchard on Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots to see and do here, depending on the season: hiking trails, tours, live music, shopping, and pick-your-own apples
68 locals recommend
The Orchard at Altapass
3 Orchard Rd
68 locals recommend
Historic apple orchard on Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots to see and do here, depending on the season: hiking trails, tours, live music, shopping, and pick-your-own apples
317 locals recommend
Linville Caverns, Inc.
19929 U.S. 221
317 locals recommend
62 locals recommend
Emerald Village
331 McKinney Mine Rd
62 locals recommend
Rio Dòce Gem Mine
14622 NC-226
Gem mountain gemstone mine is a Fun and nearby attraction where are you can choose different sizes of buckets to dig through, you can choose to buy a rock from the gift shop, or you can go on the Blacklight tour, which is only available at certain times of the year.
47 locals recommend
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine
13780 North Carolina 226
47 locals recommend
Gem mountain gemstone mine is a Fun and nearby attraction where are you can choose different sizes of buckets to dig through, you can choose to buy a rock from the gift shop, or you can go on the Blacklight tour, which is only available at certain times of the year.
North Carolina Mining Museum
331 McKinney Mine Rd
Free Parks Service exhibit and visitor info. Closed in winter.
21 locals recommend
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Blue Ridge Parkway
21 locals recommend
Free Parks Service exhibit and visitor info. Closed in winter.
Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory (formerly called the EnergyXchange)
66 Energy Exchange Dr
10 locals recommend
Cute and shady mini golf course in Spruce Pine. Closed in winter.
Vic’s Place
67 Meadow View Rd
Cute and shady mini golf course in Spruce Pine. Closed in winter.
Penland Gallery and Visitors Center
3135 Conley Ridge Rd
9 locals recommend
Yancey History Association
11 Academy St
138 locals recommend
Moses Cone Manor
138 locals recommend
1485 locals recommend
Biltmore
1 Lodge St
1485 locals recommend
High-end shopping area outside of Biltmore Estate. I like to stop at The Well-Bred bakery when I’m in the area and pick up some delicious treats
225 locals recommend
Biltmore Village
225 locals recommend
High-end shopping area outside of Biltmore Estate. I like to stop at The Well-Bred bakery when I’m in the area and pick up some delicious treats
One of the most famously photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
82 locals recommend
Linn Cove Viaduct
3218 Blue Ridge Pkwy
82 locals recommend
One of the most famously photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Walk across America’s highest suspension footbridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain.
25 locals recommend
Mile High Swinging Bridge
2050 Blowing Rock Hwy
25 locals recommend
Walk across America’s highest suspension footbridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain.
Picturesque park in Newland
10 locals recommend
Waterfalls park
Newland Highway
10 locals recommend
Picturesque park in Newland
Blowing Rock Trail Rides
*winter only* closest place to drive to snow. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to scenic Hwy 181
43 locals recommend
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
9472 NC-181
43 locals recommend
*winter only* closest place to drive to snow. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to scenic Hwy 181
*winter only*
21 locals recommend
Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park
10725 US-23
21 locals recommend
*winter only*
Open year-round: In summer enjoy scenic lift rides, mountain biking (with rental bikes), disc golf, special sunset dinners, live music, and more!
367 locals recommend
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
1007 S Beech Mountain Pkwy
367 locals recommend
Open year-round: In summer enjoy scenic lift rides, mountain biking (with rental bikes), disc golf, special sunset dinners, live music, and more!
also has an outdoor ice skating rink in addition to the snow skiing.
295 locals recommend
Sugar Mountain Resort, Inc
1009 Sugar Mountain Dr
295 locals recommend
also has an outdoor ice skating rink in addition to the snow skiing.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
2058 Skyland Dr
238 locals recommend
152 locals recommend
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
578 Valley View Cir
152 locals recommend
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Fun scenic alpine coaster
206 locals recommend
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
3265 Tynecastle Hwy
206 locals recommend
Fun scenic alpine coaster
Worth the drive to enjoy a soak in a private mineral bath. Reservations required.
182 locals recommend
Hot Springs Resort And Spa
315 Bridge St
182 locals recommend
Worth the drive to enjoy a soak in a private mineral bath. Reservations required.
79 locals recommend
Mystery Hill
129 Mystery Hill Ln
79 locals recommend
In Spruce Pine
21 locals recommend
Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club
2360 Swiss Pine Lake Dr
21 locals recommend
In Spruce Pine
37 locals recommend
Mt Mitchell Golf Club
11484 NC-80
37 locals recommend
Now called NC Outdoor Adventures. Offers various guided tours such as rock-climbing, kayaking, tubing, rappelling, guided hikes, etc
19 locals recommend
Thrifty Adventures
1173 Whitson Branch Road
19 locals recommend
Now called NC Outdoor Adventures. Offers various guided tours such as rock-climbing, kayaking, tubing, rappelling, guided hikes, etc
Mineral City Yoga
9 locals recommend
McGalliard Falls Park
Church Street Northwest
9 locals recommend
*Summer only*
Mountain Paradise
16823 US-221
*Summer only*
On Blue Ridge Parkway
13 locals recommend
Price Lake Boat Rentals
3636 Blue Ridge Pkwy
13 locals recommend
On Blue Ridge Parkway
Saturdays, May-October
Lake James Sunset Cruises
Saturdays, May-October
Local park with playground and swimming pool. In Spruce Pine
Brad Ragan Park
293 Laurel Creek Ct
Local park with playground and swimming pool. In Spruce Pine
16 locals recommend
Wilson Creek Visitor Center
7805 Brown Mountain Beach Rd
16 locals recommend
Table Rock Mountain Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway
Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing
2637 NC-226
30 locals recommend

shopping

In downtown Spruce Pine
Treasures in the Pines
In downtown Spruce Pine
In downtown Spruce Pine
Poppy's Wildcraft
209 Locust Street
In downtown Spruce Pine
Toe River Arts Council Gallery
269 Oak Ave
18 locals recommend
20 locals recommend
Toe River Arts
102 W Main St
20 locals recommend
Little Switzerland Books & Beans
28749 9426 NC-226A
21 locals recommend
Local independent bookstore in Burnsville
Plott Hound Books
Local independent bookstore in Burnsville
In downtown Spruce Pine
Rocks & Things
114 Oak Ave
In downtown Spruce Pine
The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)
382 Blue Ridge Pkwy
255 locals recommend
In Burnsville
8 locals recommend
The Colorful Gypsy
5 Town Square
8 locals recommend
In Burnsville
Appalachian Handicraft
Now called Burnette’s. Great selection of outdoor gear and more!
Keen Outdoors LLC
279 Oak Ave
Now called Burnette’s. Great selection of outdoor gear and more!
Hearth Glass & Gallery
9 locals recommend
Toe River Crafts
6274 NC-80
9 locals recommend
Mud Puppy Pottery
Mountain Time On Main Street
105 W Main St
20 locals recommend
Something Special Gift Shop
12 W Main St
20 locals recommend
Toy store in Burnsville
14 locals recommend
Monkey Business Toy Shop
12 W Main St
14 locals recommend
Toy store in Burnsville
McWhirter Pottery
139 Red Clay Rd
Burnsville Candle Company
7 locals recommend
YummiYarns
17 W Main St
7 locals recommend
Southern Drifters Outfitters
101 Town Square
9 locals recommend
Southern Highland Craft Guild, Moses Cone Manor
Blue Ridge Parkway
10 locals recommend
In Tandem Gallery
20 N Mitchell Ave
Mica - Fine Contemporary Craft
37 N Mitchell Ave
11 locals recommend
Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile
23 Crimson Laurel Way
In Bakersville
Magnolia & Wren Ltd Boutique
127 W Main St
9 locals recommend
In downtown Spruce Pine
Lakeview Mercantile and Gardens
In downtown Spruce Pine
20 locals recommend
Something Special Gift Shop
12 W Main St
20 locals recommend

City advice

Don't miss

Waterfalls

Tom’s Creek Falls is the closest waterfall. It’s about a 20 minute drive down steep and scenic highway 226. It’s a fairly short and easy hike suitable for taking kids and they can play at the base of the falls. Crabtree Falls is the next closest. It’s a longer hike and definitely more strenuous, but suitable for a day hike and fine for older kids and fit adults/elders. You might want to take the trekking poles that we provide with you on this hike. Linville Falls is the next closest waterfall and the biggest. You cannot get in the water here at all though.