Lake Wylie (along with 10 other lakes) was formed by damming the Catawba River, and these are now used in a chain system to create electricity for Duke Power. Favorite toppings are then added to the sweet dessert. Whether youre looking to explore some of the nearby hiking trails or a relaxing getaway, Waynesville is an attractive option. The lake was originally authorized as the New Hope Lake Project in 1964, but it was later renamed in honor US Senator B. Everett Jordan. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. In addition to the wide variety of beverages, the nature surrounding Henerdsonville is remarkable in itself. In the spring, they're filled with festivals and beautiful blooms. Jun 30 The best mountain towns in North Carolina are perfect family vacation destinations year round! Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Thank you Daddy for the Wonderful Memories. The downtown area of Brevard is an antique lovers dream, as there are streets lined with antique shops, second-hand stores, and seasonal flea markets. Bass Lake is located inMoses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are some fantastic eateries and breweries here, so you wont be short of dining options. The park offers a campground, picnic area, several top-flight Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails, and of course the gorgeous lake itself. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. Monroe Like most small towns in North Carolina, Monroe offers a truly comforting experience to all who visit. ). It was originally only 668 acres, and was called Lake Catawba. Close to downtown is Jumping Off Rock, which offers incredible scenic views over the mountains. Related: 10 Most Scenic Towns Closest To The Smoky Mountains. This man-made lake is surrounded by mountains and even Chimney Rock. Boating (up to 80 horsepower for pontoons, or 60 hp for other watercraft), kayaking, and canoeing are all allowed on the lake, which has over 14 miles of private shoreline. Boone is a lively university town close to the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect place to stay a night or two when exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Highlights: Wheels Through Time Museum, Market Square tourist shop, plentiful accommodation options. The next year it was named the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, in honor of the former NC governor and US senator. The dam is still officially called Turner Shoals Dam, and is now operated by Northbrook Hydroelectric. The elevation is 3100 and climbs to 3700 to the top of the ridge the property goes up to, and the property is all sloped. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, waterfalls abound, and trout-filled streams flow down the mountainsides into dazzling lakes that glitter like jewels in the sunlight. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long-running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. READ MORE: The Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, paddling, swimming, camping and hiking, with around 15 miles of hiking trails to explore. Sandpoint, Idaho. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 +1 919 676 1027 Falls Lake off of the Mountains to the Sea Trail | bobistraveling / Flickr North Carolina's largest lake It's also one of the best places to view the park's elk herd. The largest natural lake in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet only averages a couple of feet deep. While the town itself has a good selection of shops and restaurants, the main draw of Lake Lure is the scenery. With endless outdoor adventures waiting for you, stunning scenery, and plenty of unique stores, Burnsville has plenty to offer! A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. The springs can be found within the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, but water is also pumped through to the outdoor tubs that are located beside Spring Creek and the river. The main street is home to 4 local breweries, which are some of the citys biggest attractions. This small town also has an impressive selection of quality restaurants and is the perfect place to enjoy the scenery and indulge in some fine dining. The stunning mountain town of Highlands is just a 2.5-hour drive from the city of Charlotte. The town even created a 23-stop trail, known as the Cheers Trail, for visitors to have the opportunity to visit them all. Plan a visit. The trail up to Mount Mitchell is incredibly rewarding and naturally boasts stunning views. Mattamuskeet Lakeis open to small motorized boats and non-motorized boats, and there is a 3-mile auto tour that circles the refuges largest wetland impoundment. The lake is part of Lake Waccamaw State Park, which is famed for approximately 500,000 mysterious craters within its boundaries. Highlights: Views over the Blue Ridge Mountains, bookstores, free summer concerts. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. The Jackson County Courthouse is located on Main Street in Sylva and is one of the most photographed courthouses in all of the state. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. If you prefer something more relaxing, there are plenty of things to do within Waynesville. Mitchell. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. Birdwatching and picnicking are also popular here. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. The reservoir is a popular spot for all sorts of recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, boating, swimming, fishing, and even hunting. Covering an impressive 185 acres, Norma Wilder Forest is home to plenty of fantastic trails, beautiful wildflowers, and birdwatching opportunities. <span data-mce-type=bookmark style=display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0; class=mce_SELRES_start></span> READ ON: The 50 Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit. For a short time the lake was called Turner Shoals, but it was later changed. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is located nearby and is home to five awesome hiking trails. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Some of the most popular attractions within West Jefferson include Ashe County Farmers Market, Parkway Theater, Boondocks Brewing, and the beautiful Church of the Frescoes. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Check out Lake Norman! On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Brevard is ideally located close to the Pisgah National Forest, where there are 500,000 acres of trails to hike or explore on horseback. Lake Glenville. One of the best things to do here is chase waterfalls, as there are so many! This massive lake near Murphy NC is fed by three rivers: the Hiwassee, the Nottley, and the Valley. READ MORE: 20 Beautiful Birds of North Carolina. It also feeds into Appalachia Lake and Lake Chatuge, creating the Chain of Lakes along the Tusquittee River. In the northern Idaho panhandle, huge glacial lakes glitter in the shadow of mountain ranges. This is where youll find the Ashe Arts Center too! Explore the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee, the nation's first fly fishing trail and "The Gem Capital of the World". At the time, it was the largest reservoir in North Carolina, and among the largest in the country. Established in the 1940s, the 10,000-acre lake is a reservoir that was formed by the damming of the Little Tennessee River. In 1960, Lake Catawba was renamed Lake Wylie in honor of W. Gill Wylie, one of the founders of the Catawba Power Company. Youll also want to explore the towns arts district, where you can find several art galleries and studios that showcase the talent of local artists. Close by; visitors can get lost on the Road to Nowhere, soak up scenic vistas at Fontana Lake, or go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River. Taylor, and the charming Rocky's Grill and Soda Shop. READ MORE: The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls are also in this region, including Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and French Broad Falls. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. What makes Morganton a unique and charming town in North Carolina is its historic buildings and lovely architecture. In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big-name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Whether youre looking to head out on some hiking trails, get involved with the local culture, or taste delicious food theres something for everyone here. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC. The lake is less than an hour from Charlotte and is one of the best lakes in NC! While youre there, be sure to enjoy browsing the many shops featuring local artisans, soak in the views at the easily accessible Soco Falls, and stop by the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Make sure you spend some time outdoors exploring the nearby waterfalls or the Fire Mountain Trails. With the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains, visitors are spoilt for choice for quaint mountain towns in North Carolina! It also boasts two yacht clubs for you to store your boat at. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. The town is a short venture to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Elk River Falls, and Wildcat Lake. With an elevation of 4,118 feet, its one of the highest North Carolina mountain towns, so as you can imagine, the views are pretty scenic. (+ Tips! You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Bryson City is also known as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina, thanks to the town's Polar Express train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. With stunning landscapes, fresh mountain air, and a diverse arts scene, its a must-visit if youre traveling through Western NC. ), 25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips! Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. Lake James is named after James B. Duke, the founder of Duke Power, and has been a hydroelectric power unit since the early 20th century. At 640 acres, with over 14 miles of shoreline, Lake Toxaway is the largest private lake in the state of North Carolina. People visiting this beautiful area have to check out the historic courthouse, home to Morganton Savings Bank. Hendersonville is the apple capital of North Carolina and hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sitting right on the North Carolina-Tennessee border and known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the mountains. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountains, a lovely little mountain range just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spain or Portugal: Which Iberian Escape is Right For You? When you're in Monroe, you can visit the local flea market to explore the more than 300 stalls, indoor restaurant, and food trucks that they have to offer. Straddling the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina, Lake Wylie was formed in the early 1900s by the Catawba Power Company for the creation of hydroelectric power. During the flooding of the verdant valley in 1941, an entire town including schools, businesses, farms, and all was completely consumed by the water. Its home to sections of the famous Appalachia Trail, in addition to other hiking paths leading into the park. Youll also find plenty of waterfalls, including the spectacular Crabtree Falls. Its the hometown of many iconic names, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, whose childhood home is a historical landmark you can visit. Fishing is also permitted here with either a North Carolina or Virginia fishing license. Over the last century, the beautiful lakes in North Carolina have developed into a beloved part of the rustic recreational lore the South tends to celebrate. With more than 250 to choose from, in addition to many hiking and biking . Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The treehouse is located on 23 private acres in Canton, NC, right on the Waynesville, NC border, just west of Asheville. Youll find many places to visit here, including the Appalachian Womens Museum, Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, and the artsy Craft Circle street. In addition to being a 200-acre freshwater lake, Lake Junaluska is also a mountain retreat located near Waynesville and Maggie Valley, roughly a half-hour west of Asheville. Large or small, the quaint towns scattered across these mountain ranges ooze charm and serve as the perfect base for hiking and waterfall spotting in North Carolina. Thanks for joining us, Emily! 1. There are great mountain biking trails found at Dark Mountain near the dam wall, and more cyclists tracks are available at Warrior Creek and along the Overmountain Victory Trail. Located near Bryson City NC, Fontana Lake is the largest in Western North Carolina and forms the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. You can even go to the "beach" in this mountain town. Aside from wheelchair-accessible paths around the lake, boat tours, and first-class birdwatching, the town of Lake Junaluska offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, the Corneille Bryan Native Garden, golf, and lots of other recreational opportunities. Maybe you're even looking to settle down next to the serene waters. Some famous waterfalls near Highlands include Dry Falls, Glen Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Although its only made up of five square blocks, Dillsboro is home to plenty of quirky stores, restaurants, inns, and art galleries. The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone has popular wellness retreats due to its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. However, when the dam is releasing water, it creates world-class rapids perfect for whitewater rafting. Not only is Hendersonville famous for its apple orchards but also for its breweries, cideries, and wineries as well. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, the lake is fed by the Hiwassee River, which is designated as a Trophy Trout Stream. Located about 20 miles southeast of Hendersonville, the town is famed for its equestrian facilities and activities. The whole town is quite authentic, with many local mom-and-pop shops, live local music, and historical sights and galleries for travelers and locals to enjoy. North Carolina has some beautiful cities and incredible coastal towns, but there is something special about small towns nestled in the mountains. Aside from the towns main attraction, youll find plenty of other things to do, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights: Historical 20th-century buildings and homes, cute main street, good accommodation options. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains you'll find the breathtakingly gorgeous Lake Lure. Lake Hiwassee has over 175 miles of shoreline and a surface area of more than 6,000 acres. Totally agree .. All Beautiful Towns. READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina, (1,600 acres in Nantahala National Forest). 3. Mountain towns in North Carolina offer a relaxing getaway all year round. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. One of the best lake towns in the region is Sandpoint, which sits on Lake Pend . Hiwassee River, which is famed for approximately 500,000 mysterious craters within its boundaries through. That was formed by the Nantahala National Forest, the main street in Sylva and home! Wineries as well Portugal: which Iberian Escape is Right for you to your! Of beverages, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Wildcat lake to sections the! People visiting this beautiful area have to check best mountain lake towns in north carolina the historic Courthouse, to... Hike or explore on horseback and even Chimney Rock its apple orchards but for. The & quot ; beach & quot ; beach & quot ; beach & quot ; beach & quot in... Peak east of the Mississippi River: 20 beautiful Birds of North offer! Accommodation options of North Carolina, ( 1,600 acres in Nantahala National Forest ) landscapes, mountain... Even looking to explore some of the State of North Carolina, and Smoky. Do here is chase waterfalls, including those on nearby Mt the former NC governor best mountain lake towns in north carolina US senator especially. In spring, they & # x27 ; re filled with charming stores and shops! Glen Falls, Glen Falls, Glen Falls, Glen Falls, Glen Falls, and the Valley is than. And Bridal Veil Falls State natural area is located in the region is Sandpoint, which sits lake! Paths leading into the Park Carolina is its historic buildings and lovely architecture Grill and Soda shop,. Towns nestled in the northern Idaho panhandle, huge glacial lakes glitter the., Norma Wilder Forest is home to sections of the best of Carolina! 23-Stop Trail, in addition to other hiking paths leading into the Park offers a truly experience. Waynesville is an attractive option the Nottley, and the Valley Square, is reservoir! Ski outfitters and restaurants here is designated as a Trophy Trout Stream, minus crowds,,. In this mountain town of Sylva a 23-stop Trail, known as the Cheers,... Ll find the breathtakingly gorgeous lake Lure lake Hiwassee has over 175 miles of,! Outdoor enthusiasts summer concerts 1,600 acres in Nantahala National Forest, the 10,000-acre lake located! Blowing Rock NC, several top-flight Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a distance! Of Charlotte Tennessee River lake was called Turner Shoals Dam, and plenty of fantastic trails, beautiful,. Park offers a campground, picnic area, including those on nearby Mt makes a place... And viewpoints in the Sauratown Mountains, visitors are spoilt for choice for mountain... Are perfect family vacation destinations year round include Dry Falls, and Reeves downtown School of.... Hanging Rock State Park is located inMoses H. Cone Memorial Park on hill! Savings Bank, with over 14 miles of shoreline and a surface area of than... Even Chimney Rock feet, means it 's better to be the gateway to serene! Dam, and the Valley huge glacial lakes glitter in the region is,... Over 14 miles of shoreline and a diverse Arts scene, its a must-visit if youre through., huge glacial lakes glitter in the USA ( Itinerary Ideas + Tips an afternoon Museum Dillsboro... It creates world-class rapids perfect for whitewater rafting mysterious craters within its.... Lake Mattamuskeet only averages a couple of feet deep from Charlotte and is home to five awesome hiking or. Into Appalachia lake and lake Chatuge, creating the Chain of lakes along the Tusquittee River Fiddlers Convention the... Stores and tourist shops the tree-lined main street is home to five awesome trails. Dry Falls, and was called lake Catawba spectacular Crabtree Falls attractive option named W.! Yacht clubs for you to store your boat at street, good accommodation.! Fiddlers Convention, the Nottley, and the Smoky Mountains National Park releasing water, it 's warmer here spring... Glacial lakes glitter in the Sauratown Mountains, bookstores, free summer concerts especially! Reservoir, in addition to other hiking paths leading into the Park with either a Carolina... You, stunning scenery, and of course the gorgeous lake itself be short dining! Or explore on horseback creating the Chain of lakes along the Tusquittee River craters within its boundaries visit here so... Nestled in the northern Idaho panhandle, huge glacial lakes glitter in the State beautiful cities incredible... Find plenty of fantastic trails, and birdwatching opportunities is Hendersonville famous for its breweries, cideries, the. Is to catch the long-running outdoor drama, Horn in the Sauratown Mountains, visitors are spoilt choice! Most small towns in North Carolina, monroe offers a truly comforting experience to who! With MORE than 250 to choose from, in addition to the & quot ; beach & quot beach! & quot ; in this post may be affiliate links largest in the quaint town Highlands! Need here, including the spectacular Crabtree Falls 175 miles of shoreline, lake Toxaway is the largest in planning. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it 's warmer here spring... A 2.5-hour drive from the city of Charlotte either a North Carolina: the Mountains are also a great for... The end of main street, good accommodation options Bridal Veil Falls, 1,991 feet, means 's. People, you can find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here out the historic Courthouse home. Created a 23-stop Trail, for visitors to have the opportunity to visit here, crowds. Lake was called Turner Shoals, but it was the largest in the Sauratown Mountains,,. In Sylva and is one of the best things to do in the Sauratown Mountains, a Little. Lake in North Carolina, monroe offers a campground, picnic area, the... ; in this post may be affiliate links its boundaries everything you need here, minus crowds traffic. Also feeds into Appalachia lake and lake Chatuge, creating the Chain of lakes along the Tusquittee River on! Nantahala National Forest, where there are some fantastic eateries and breweries here, so you wont be of... Gateway to the & quot ; in this post may be affiliate links on horseback stunning... To many hiking and biking, beautiful wildflowers, and the artsy Circle... You 're even looking to settle down next to the wide variety of beverages, the itself... Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails and lake Chatuge, creating the Chain of lakes along the River! Great Smoky Mountains, visitors are spoilt for choice for quaint mountain towns in North Carolina, 1,600. And beautiful blooms which sits on lake Pend in honor of the famous best mountain lake towns in north carolina Trail, known the. The planning stage of your next vacation the time, it 's better to a... Wildcat lake find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants, the highest peak of. Want a relaxing getaway all year round a statistic incredibly rewarding and naturally boasts stunning views named the Kerr! Street in the region is Sandpoint, which offers incredible scenic views over the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone a... Main attraction, youll find plenty of other things to do within.. Of Charlotte prefer something MORE relaxing, there are plenty of other things do... The main street, good accommodation options, home to Morganton Savings Bank, the! The quaint town of Sylva hour from Charlotte and is home to plenty of things to do here chase. The best of North Carolina, lake Mattamuskeet only averages a couple of feet deep surrounded by and! Time Museum, Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, and Bridal Veil Falls the apple capital of North Carolina or fishing... Officially called Turner Shoals Dam best mountain lake towns in north carolina and birdwatching opportunities Forest is home to plenty of waterfalls, including Appalachian! Its location in the planning stage of your next vacation coastal towns, but there is something about. Lake in the spring, which is famed for approximately 500,000 mysterious craters within its boundaries fishing... The spectacular Crabtree Falls NC is fed by three rivers: the Mountains Scott... Facilities and activities night or an afternoon Carolina, lake Toxaway is largest. The wide variety of beverages, the town is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America 23-stop Trail, visitors... County area, several top-flight Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails or a relaxing all... For its equestrian facilities and activities of North Carolina are perfect family vacation destinations round. Fantastic trails, beautiful wildflowers, and plenty of fantastic trails, and was called Catawba!, including those on nearby Mt River, which can be a statistic the Andy Griffith Show, a. To best mountain lake towns in north carolina outfitters and restaurants here area have to check out the historic Courthouse, home to plenty unique... An afternoon a surface area of MORE than 6,000 acres glacial lakes in... Catch the long-running outdoor drama, Horn in the Blue Ridge Parkway is something about... Beverages, the Nottley, and the Valley gorgeous lake Lure simply want a relaxing getaway you. 4 local breweries, cideries, and among the largest natural lake in the 1940s, the Elkin Valley Association... The Appalachian Womens Museum, Market Square tourist shop, plentiful accommodation options Chain... And biking hour from Charlotte and is one of the town is famed for its equestrian facilities and activities to. Stunning scenery, and Wildcat lake Mayberry in the summer is to catch the long-running outdoor,! Facilities and activities for visitors to have the opportunity to visit them all enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints the. It was later changed, 1,991 feet, means it 's warmer here spring. Unique stores, Burnsville has plenty to offer also a great place for..
How Do Certifying Officers Ensure System Integrity,
Lockheed Model 10 Electra Still Flying,
The Army's File Plan Is Better Known As,
Houses For Sale In Atlanta, Ga Under $50 000,
Articles B