Waterfalls and swinging bridges, farm-to-table dinners and mountaintop sunsets, powder days and porch mornings. Here's our insider guide to the North Carolina High Country — filter it for exactly the trip you're taking.
Ski and snow-tube in winter, chase waterfalls in spring, tube the river in summer, and stand inside the fall colors every October.
While the flatlands swelter, the High Country stays cool and green — one of the few true mountain escapes on the East Coast.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, and the Linn Cove Viaduct are all a short, scenic drive from your stay.
Walkable downtowns, galleries and general stores, craft breweries and wineries, and a surprising depth of fine dining.
Traveling as a couple, wrangling the whole family, chasing adventure, or bringing the dog? Filter the list for you.
Cross America's highest suspension footbridge over an 80-foot chasm, visit the wildlife habitats, and take in views that stretch for a hundred miles. Leashed dogs welcome on the trails.
A short, rocky climb opens onto boardwalks with jaw-dropping views of Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct — one of the best sunset spots in the mountains.
The tallest falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The easy Erwin's View trail delivers several overlooks of the two-tiered cascade; go further for the strenuous Plunge Basin route.
Steps from Main Street, this rugged trail drops into a gorge past three waterfalls — a real hike that starts and ends within walking distance of dinner and a pint.
More than 25 miles of gentle carriage trails wind through a historic estate. Walk to Flat Top fire tower for 360° views, or just stroll the meadows with the dog.
An easy one-mile loop at E.B. Jeffress Park leads to a 35-foot cascade, with picnic tables, parking, and restrooms right at the trailhead — perfect with little ones.
Meadows, a waterfall, and swimming holes along Boone Fork, plus canoe and kayak rentals on 47-acre Price Lake. An easy lakeside loop suits every pace.
Climb one of North Carolina's highest peaks (5,520 ft) on a well-built summit trail with sweeping views. Free admission, open year-round, quieter than the marquee spots.
Flowing singletrack and progressive features just outside Boone — the go-to for mountain bikers, with trails for first-timers up to seasoned riders.
Float the Watauga on a lazy summer afternoon or hit livelier water with a guide. Some outfitters even rent dog tubes so the whole family joins in.
North Carolina's oldest travel attraction (since 1933) — a dramatic cliff overlook with a legend to match and the famous updraft where "snow falls upside down." Leashed dogs welcome.
Ride an authentic Wild-West steam train through a family theme park of rides, shows, and a petting zoo. The Halloween and Christmas events are a High Country tradition.
A gravity-defying fun house of optical illusions, hands-on science, a Native American artifact museum — plus gem mining where kids sluice for their own treasures.
A multi-level aerial ropes course and zipline tours beside Tweetsie — a heart-pumping half-day for older kids, teens, and adults who like a challenge.
Arguably America's prettiest drive, with the Linn Cove Viaduct curving around Grandfather Mountain and an overlook worth stopping at every mile. Stunning in fall.
A creaky-floored 1880s general store with candy by the pound, mountain goods, and porch rockers. Leashed dogs are welcome inside this quintessential stop.
A destination restaurant between Boone and Blowing Rock famed for inventive Southern cooking and wild game — the special-occasion dinner of the High Country.
Sip local vintages on a riverside patio at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome in the tasting room and outdoors.
Two beloved local breweries with big patios, rotating taps, food trucks, and live music — both famously dog-friendly and easygoing.
Family-style Southern feasts served all-you-care-to-eat since the 1950s — fried chicken, country ham, and biscuits until you can't. A rite of passage with kids.
Stroll a picture-perfect Main Street of boutiques, galleries, and ice cream, with a park and lake just behind it. Water bowls on the sidewalks — dogs love it here.
Part coffee shop, part dog park — grab a latte while your pup runs off-leash. A local favorite for travelers exploring with a four-legged companion.
The closest resort to Boone and Blowing Rock, with the area's best ski school and terrain park — the friendliest place to learn, and great for kids.
The largest resort in the region, with skiing, snow tubing, and an outdoor ice rink for a classic couples' evening. Leashed dogs welcome for off-season hikes and snowshoeing.
Eastern America's highest town means the best natural snow — plus an Alpine village of dining and après-ski, and a scenic chairlift when the slopes are green.
Ski, snowboard, and snow-tube at App, Sugar, and Beech. Skate Sugar Mountain's rink, then warm up fireside in your cabin's hot tub.
Waterfalls run their fullest and wildflowers return. Hike Elk Knob, chase the Cascades, and enjoy the quiet before summer.
Cool 70s while everywhere else bakes. Tube the river, swim the falls, catch a downtown concert, and sip on a winery patio.
Peak color explodes across the ridgelines in October. Drive the Parkway, ride the chairlifts, and toast the season at Oktoberfest.
Every home in our collection puts these mountains right outside your door — with the comfort, care, and hot tub waiting when you get back.
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