Tucked in North Carolina’s westernmost corner, you’ll find the storied Great Smoky Mountains. Discover their richness and beauty in the ancestral home of the Cherokee, or let Bryson City or Waynesville serve as home base as you explore trout streams and lush, protected forests.

Look & Feel

Highlights

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Tail of the Dragon
  • Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
  • Fontana Dam
  • Rafting, Cycling & Fly Fishing
  • Gem Mining

Weather

Winter 51°
Spring 69°
Summer 84°
Fall 71°

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

Interstate 40
U.S. Route 74
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
I-40 West Welcome Center

Things To Do

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parks, beaches and fun for 4-legged visitors

beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

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heaven is real @bearlakereserve ⛅️✨

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Elevate Your Game: Golf in the Mountains

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Attractions & Activities in this region

11/21/2024 - 12/25/2024

Holidays in Highlands

Highlands
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Places to Stay in this region

11/29/2024

Mountain Artisans Hard Candy Christmas

Cullowhee
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Bernadette Peters’ Guide to Solo Adventures in Sylva and Western NC

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Firsts That Last

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Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Great Mountain Adventures

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Brasstown
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Events in this region

7 Bucket-List Phenomena

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4-Season Experiences in Franklin & Nantahala

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“Water is the most perfect traveller because when it travels it becomes the path itself!” - - #belikewater #keepmoving #moveevolveinspire #waterfallwednesday #ncwaterfalls #wncmountains #itsamazingoutthere #amidstbature #explorenc #visitnc #highshoalsfalls #blueridge #waterfallsofinstagram #nature #longexposure #bepresentinthemoment

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A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

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Enjoy Mountain Adventures in Cashiers, Dillsboro and Sylva

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location markerAndrews Brewing Company
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location markerAndrews Brewing Company
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When you like your beer with a view... Andrews is a great small town in western NC and its brewery is one of my favorite places to stop when I am kayaking nearby. Kid-friendly too. #simplyawesometrips #smalltownusa #westernnc #andrewsbrewingcompany #visitnc #craftbeer

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3 Spa Getaways to Help Shake the Winter Blues

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Carolina Bound Adventures

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Bryson City

Tips for Staying Safe Hiking, Camping & Visiting Waterfalls

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Pack Your Sandals, Sneakers or Boots: Find Hikes for All Levels

Trips That Transform
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9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

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Spent a beautiful Saturday hiking in the mountains in the greatsmokynps. On the way out of the park we passed our first eastern elk for the year. #drivehikerepeat #freshairclub #visitmysmokies #theblueridgers #visitnc #goneoutdoors #blueridgemoments #beanoutsider #nationalparkgeek #wandermore #stayandwonder #staywild #instanature #instawildlife #usinterior #wildernessculture #nikonz7 #nikonglobal #smokymountains #scenicnc #friendsofthesmokies #national_park_photography #np10k #getoutsideandplay #naturenc #gsmnp #splendid_animals #wildplanet

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4 Off-the-Slopes Activities at Ski Resorts

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The Sports Page Sandwich Shoppe

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Highlands
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Kayaking this morning on Lake Nantahala ☀️ there were only a handful of people out on boats. It felt like our own little private spot.• • • • • • #nantahalalake #kayaking #summerfavorites #traveltogether #lakedays

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