Western North Carolina

After selecting an action-packed summer camp for my boys in North Carolina, we decided to add on a few days during drop-off and pick-up to explore this beautiful area. First off, western North Carolina is worth an extended trip! With views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from just about everywhere, we checked out Waynesville, Asheville, Brevard, and Nebo (Lake James State Park). Think waterfalls, hiking trails, great food, wildlife galore, both modern and rustic lodging, rich history, and tons of state and national parkland. My sister recently stayed at the High Hampton Resort in Cashiers, which is next on my list to visit in this area.

Western North Carolina Lodging

The Swag, Waynesville, NC: All-inclusive, high-end lodging that shares a one-mile border with Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Ideal for couples and singles or anyone seeking private access to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This secluded resort offers access to a gorgeous 8-mile hike in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, beginning and ending on the Cataloochee Divide Trail. Not geared toward families with young children. We loved the food, views, and the amazing hiking.

High Hampton Resort, Cashiers, NC: Family-friendly (think generational trip), high-end lodging near Nantahala National Forest. Kids’ camps available. Known for luxury rooms and an abundance of activities. The nightly rate includes breakfast and dinner. The pickleball socials are not to be missed!

VRBO is the best lodging route for Lake James State Park. Make sure to stay in a house with lake and kayak/SUP access!

Skyline Lodge, Highlands, NC: Great for group trips. 40 rooms available.

Trout House Falls, Cedar Mountain, NC: Secluded, luxury waterfront cabins.

Pilot Cove, Brevard, NC: A mountain biker and hiker’s dream with Pisgah National Forest at your doorstep. Enjoy direct access to hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation activities, all within minutes from downtown Brevard. Transylvania County is the premier cycling destination in the Southeastern United States. Modern cabins with great views, washer/dryer, and small kitchens available to book. Stock your kitchen at Food Matters Market!

Logistics:

Logistics vary based on your destination, preferred airport, and whether or not you want a direct flight. The following airports are within a reasonable driving distance from the above-mentioned lodging:

• Ashville, NC

• Charlotte, NC

• Knoxville, TN

• Greenville, SC

• Charleston, SC

Parks:

There are endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing in western North Carolina—outfitters will vary by area. In no particular order, here are some of the parks we tried personally or heard mentioned multiple times by locals and the concierge service.

• Dupont State Forest: Located 40 miles south of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 10,400 acres of streams, waterfalls and trees. I can see why a large part of the Hunger Games’ first film was set here. If you rewatch the movie, you will see Dupont’s Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls as Katniss navigates and survives in the arena.

• Gorges State Park: Hike to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls.

• Biltmore Estate: Miles of hiking and biking trails in addition to self-guided tours of the expansive Biltmore mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt. The 8,000 acre estate also has horseback trail rides, a winery, sporting clay lessons, and off-road Land Rover experiences.

• Pisgah National Forest (Home of Sliding Rock): If you only have time to do one hike in this forest, you can’t beat the John Rock Loop Hike.
  • This well-marked trail near Brevard offers breathtaking views of Looking Glass Rock and the Pisgah Range Ridgeline to the northwest. It also passes by tranquil meadows near Picklesimer Fields, and through some beautiful displays of wildflowers in the spring. This 5-mile hike summits along the smooth granite face of John Rock.
  • This trail starts at the Fish Hatchery and is considered moderate to strenuous. On average, it takes 2 hrs and 30 minutes to complete, and the elevation gain is 1,082 ft.

• Nantahala National Forest: Home of Panthertown Valley, and also referred to as the Yosemite of the East. There are nearly 30 miles of backcountry trails designated by the Forest Service. Signage is minimal, so be prepared! 

Outfitters:

• NCLine Adventures: Don’t want to spend time planning and mapping a big hike? Check out NCLine adventures and let them do all the heavy lifting. This Asheville-based, locally-owned hiking company has the best guides in town. Custom, private, and group tours available.

• French Broad Outfitters: Great for exploring the French Broad River via canoes, whitewater, SUP, or a fishing excursion.
  • For all you beer enthusiasts, plan to end your excursion at the Hominy River bar, Asheville’s new gathering spot at the confluence of the French Broad River and Hominy Creek. Local musicians and food trucks available on weekends.

• Headwaters Outfitters: Known for their 8-mile Colors of Fall Guided Paddling Trip. Make sure you schedule your trip so that you encounter water flows that are appropriate for your group.

• Highland Excursions: Famous for both their staff and unique and private adventures in the temperate rainforests of Highlands and Cashiers, Highland Excursions is worth a visit. Tours include paddling, electric boat, electric bike, driving, and hiking tours.

• Davidson River Outfitters: This is the place to go in Brevard for all things fly fishing from guides to gear.

Local Gear/Equipment Resources:

• Diamond Brand: Handles several reliable lines of outdoor equipment and is located near Brevard.

• Highland Hiker: Retail locations on East Main St. in Highlands, NC, and at the Crossroads in Cashiers, NC.

• Headwaters Outfitters: Fantastic paddle and fly fishing shop.

• The Hub and Pisgah Tavern: This is the place to go for bike service and sales, bike rentals, gear and beer. Don’t miss this Brevard gem! The tavern is kid friendly and next door to the famous Dolly’s Ice Cream.