Vacation in Western North Carolina

Enjoy all Western North Carolina has to offer vacationers. Why vacation in Western North Carolina? Here are some of the many things you will find waiting you and your family in Western Carolina.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the North Carolina/Tennessee broder is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. Once the home of the great Cherokee tribe, the park attracts over nine million visitors every year. Adorned with well over 800 miles of trails, waterfalls, and wildlife, the park is the jewel of the South. Named for it's mystical views over cloud covered mountains which stretch from horizon to horizon.

Skirting the edge of the Smoky Mountains is the beautiful town of Cherokee, North Carolina. With over 11,000 years of history and culture. This town is straddling by mountain air and steeped in rich culture. A major vacation destination for anyone visiting the Smokies, Cherokee offers a year-round calendar of Native oriented activities, shops and events. Home to Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the Fall Cherokee Indian Fair.

Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest lies just south of Cherokee in Western North Carolina. "Land of the Noon-day Sun", Nantahala is the ultimate Southern National Forest. Deep uncharted woods await you with peaks and valleys to astonish the eye and work the camera. Nantahala offers some breathtaking views for hikers traveling the Appalachian Trail. Hosting the Nantahala Outdoor Center and the Gorge. Whitewater enthusiasts come from all over the world to get slippery. Fontana Lake, located 35 miles Southwest of Bryson City, is the highest dam in the East providing a wide variety of water recreation.

Maggie Valley, NC

Maggie Valley, just south of the Smokies is a quiet little mountain town. Hosting a year's full of activities for all seasons, Maggie Valley caters to Skiers in the Winter and shoppers in the Summer. Maggie Valley depends heavily on tourism and it shows in their hospitality and warm friendly atmosphere.

Waynesville, NC

Traveling westward into North Carolina lies the small town of Waynesville, North Carolina. A unique shopping and dining town which caters to tourists throughout the Southeast. This town charms return visitors year-after-year and has a reputation for being the welcome mat from the West for North Carolina. Visit historic Main Street in Waynesville for a great lunch or dinner and some shopping in locally owned shops and restaurants. Plenty of charming lodging opportunities await the overnight visitor. Waynesville has an active community featuring parades and celebrations throughout the entire year.

Asheville, NC

Continuing west through North Carolina is the biggest little city you can find in the South, Asheville, North Carolina is a chili bowl of mountain culture and flare. Home to the Biltmore Estate, the nation's largest residence, and the Grove Park Inn. Asheville hosts the yearly free Bele chere festival and caters to a wide variety of people and interests.

Hot Springs, NC

How about this, you are sitting next to the beautiful French Broad River watching the stars as water jets from a natural hot spring tickle your toes and warm your soul. Hot Springs, NC is the ultimate vacation destination. Hosting the Appalachian Trail and more fish than you can shake a stick at, Hot Springs is a vacation mecca. Mountain cabins and camping possibilities to blow the mind and sooth the soul. Hot Springs is 45 minutes north of Asheville and well worth the scenic drive to get to and hangout for a week or two.

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