Stunning Towns in or near the Mountains of North Carolina

North Carolina is famed for its mountains located in the state’s northern region. Home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, these mountain ranges are big attractions that draw in countless tourists every year. This area is perfect for outdoor exploration, with beautiful hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and vantage points of surrounding areas that provide postcard-worthy views.

There are many stunning mountain towns and cities in North Carolina that are perfect bases to explore scenic surrounding areas. Let’s look at some of the most picturesque towns in North Carolina situated in or near the state’s great mountains.

Morganton is a mid-sized city home to just under 17,000 people. It is a tranquil town known for its exciting outdoor recreation. Morganton has picturesque settings that make it particularly popular for hiking, fishing, boating, and hunting. The South Mountains, for example, is a small mountain range near Morganton with waterfalls, forests, and winding trails.

Maggie Valley has a small population of less than 2,000, but it is a popular tourist destination due to its convenience to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of the country’s most scenic areas, with lush forests and high craggy peaks, perfect for year-round natural views. Maggie Valley is also near the Cataloochee Ski Area, so there’s still much to enjoy in the winter.

Black Mountain is a city perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a quiet community home to roughly 8,000 residents. Black Mountain’s setting in one of America’s most famous mountain ranges makes it ideal for nature lovers. People who visit have a wide selection of places to explore, including Lake Tomahawk Park and Point Lookout Trail. The town also has a pleasant downtown with appealing restaurants and shops.

Hendersonville is an appealing North Carolina mountain town near the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to 14,000. This small town includes excellent museums and intriguing history. Exploring the nearby scenery is made easy with some of the best viewpoints in the state, including Jump Off Rock’s sweeping Blue Ridge vistas.

For those that want to reside in a quiet mountain town immersed in nature, Highlands may be for you. This is a mountainous community that is home to around 1,000 people. This community is situated in the Appalachian Mountains within Nantahala Forest. It is one of the highest towns in the region, with an elevation of more than 4,000 feet.

Asheville is one of the most famous mountain towns in North Carolina. This big city is home to over 90,000 in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is famed for its thriving arts scene, architecture, and excellent dining options. It is a cultural hub in the mountains and has beautiful nearby parks and trails to enjoy.

Burnsville is a quiet mountain town with a population of 2,000. It is a peaceful community with a thriving main street in the Black Mountain range, right near Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Enjoying the crisp mountain air here while hiking on the nearby trails and through the town’s parks is an ideal way to spend a summer day.

Bryson City is another small mountain town that is popular year-round with tourists. Many people begin their exploration of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from town, with a cozy vibe and convenient location. Bryson City is also near the Tuckasegee River, a popular destination for rafting.

Brevard has become a popular community for those looking to retire or relocate to an area with a beautiful natural setting. This small town of around 8,000 is an outdoor recreation hub. The town is near Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains area. This is one of the best places in the state to hike and explore.

Banner Elk is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home to less than 2,000, this tranquil community is a popular ski destination, and has two significant resorts located within the town. The town is also surrounded by golf courses, nature trails, and museums that showcase the area’s history.