Enjoy cool temps and even cooler places

All counties in Western North Carolina are once again open and welcoming visitors. Support these cities and communities with a refreshing summertime visit to one of our cool mountain towns.

Explore What's Open
An aerial image of Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure golf course

Golfing at its peak

Teeing off in the North Carolina mountains means crisp breezes, scenic elevations and lush fairways that make every round feel refreshing.

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Prime fly fishing spots

Whether you’re going for the coveted “Tuckasegee Slam” or casting out for a trophy catch, your reel ambitions are well met on the Western NC Fly Fishing Trail.

Explore the Trail

Let responsible outdoor stewardship lead the way

As you explore, embrace the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles. These practices will help our diverse ecosystem heal and flourish anew.

Plan Ahead & Be Prepared

Showcase your summer vibe

Share your views using our #visitnc hashtag for your chance to be featured.

instagram icon @lakejunaluska

How beautiful! Blooming along the lakeshore near the Harrell Center are these vibrant, gorgeous purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). _ _ _ _ _ #lakejunaluska #romanticasheville #haywoodcounty #haynow #lakelife #visitncsmokies #visitnc

instagram icon @slopesidesugar

It’s a great day! What are your plans for the 4th of July weekend? 🇺🇸 🎇 ⛰

instagram icon @_traveling_trio

You steal my heart every time, North Carolina ☀️ Until next time… visitnc greatsmokynps nationalparkservice nationalparksgram nationalparkwonders #womenwhoexplore #womenwhodrone #nationalparks #visitnorthcarolina #travelnorthcarolina #explorenorthcarolina #blueridgeparkway #greatsmokeymountains #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark

instagram icon @chetolaresort

We are extremely EXCITED to announce that we have been nominated for USA TODAY 10Best Fly Fishing Lodge! 🎣 BUT we need your help to be voted THE best! On a fly fishing trip with Chetola Resort, fly fish in mountain streams, cast on the private lake, or explore nearby rivers and streams. With trip options for private or public waters, half- or full-day trips, complete with gear and pro instruction at our Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge, and located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Chetola Resort is the perfect fly fishing destination. 🚨🏆TO VOTE: Visit https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/39348/! You can vote everyday, once each day until June 3rd! We are so honored for this recognition, our amazing fly fishing guides, staff, & customers who helped make this happen! #chetolaresort #usatoday #flyfishinglodge #flyfishingtravel #northcarolina #visitnc #blowingrock #828

instagram icon @eifelkreutz

Some of the prettiest water in the Blue Ridge, way out in Cherokee country - #northcarolina #blueridgemountains #blueridgemoments #visitnc #ncoutdoors #blueridgeoutdoors #appalachia #appalachiantrail #greatsmokymountains #appalachian_explorers #fontanalake #ashevillenc #brysoncity #southernliving #djimavicair #dronephotography #visitasheville #theblueridgers

instagram icon @carolinemillerphoto

Drove over 2 hours after work to capture the rhododendron in bloom at Roan Highlands… only to come back with only one photo that I like (but don’t love). And there isn’t one rhododendron in it. 😅 Maybe next time. #blueridgemountains #blueridgemoments #appalachiantrail #blueridgeoutdoors #discovercarolinas #visitnc #celebratingnc #romanticasheville #shotoncanon #canonphotography #teamcanon #nationalforests #northcarolinamountains #ncmountains #hikenc #yourshotphotographer #828isgreat #northcarolina #northcarolinaoutdoors canonusa

instagram icon @caroline_miller_photo

Driving myself crazy at work while missing these views 🥺 #hike #hiker #blueridge #blueridgemountains #blueridgemoments #blueridgeoutdoors #optoutside #exploremore #linvillegorge #mountains #ncmountains #landscape #landscapephotography #photography #ncphotographer #canonphotography #shotoncanon #canoneosr #yourshotphotographer #spring #northcarolina #visitnc #booneview #appalachia #appalachianmountains #appalachian #appalachian_explorers #nc #carolina #viewsofthesouth canonusa

instagram icon @bhuskins

Unwinding down the river 🎣 #wnc #kayak #jacksonkayak #coosahd

instagram icon @mtn.goals

Today’s #mtngoal was with friends! We visited Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest! Highly recommend this trio as it’s only a little over 1.5 miles total to visit all three spots! Also, the Hub thepisgahtavern and boldrockmillsriver are both nearby! What a great day trip with friends! #mtngoals #lookingglassfalls #moorecovefalls #slidingrock #northcarolina #sundayfunday

instagram icon @trailstotap

🌙 Golden hour moon shining over Looking Glass Rock • Pisgah National Forest . . . #pisgah #pisgahnationalforest #moonlight #moonphotography #skyphotography #landscapephotography #panorama #goldenhour #visitnc #northcarolina #northcarolinamountains #mountainstosea #blueridgemountains #blueridgeparkway #shiningrockwilderness #asheville #nationalforest #smokies #getoutside #exploremore #photooftheday #naturephotography #naturelovers #photographersofinstagram #hikersofinstagram #craftbeer #beerlovers #explorenc #trailphotography #outdoorlovers

instagram icon @beth.lauren.b

Visited the WNC Sculpture park today ❤️ it was a last minute decision but I’m glad we went! #wncsculpture#lenoir#nc#visitnc#ncart#nature#ncnature#mountains#sculpturepark

Statewide Travel Information

The Visit North Carolina Call Center provides updated statewide travel information from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Call 1-800-VISITNC (800-847-4862). Travel counselors at North Carolina’s official Welcome Centers also provide live assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Recent travel updates are also available online as a part of the Western North Carolina Travel Advisory.

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