The Great Smoky Mountains are a spectacular view that cannot be missed. Over 320 miles of the Appalachian Trail reside inside North Carolina, and you can experience the best of it while in Asheville. If you’re a hiker and/or climber, you can reach heights of over 6,000 feet high. You can likewise make your excursion a week-long experience by setting up camp along the trail.
This expansive property is a criminally-overlooked attraction in Asheville. Spanning a massive 8,000 acres, the Biltmore Estate is home to the biggest privately-owned mansion in the entire country. The Vanderbilt Mansion looks like something you’d find in England, with 250 rooms and 43 bathrooms. The interior is filled with a litany of antiques, vintage furniture, and paintings. The entire estate will probably take the average guest an entire afternoon to get a good look at all there is to offer.
Nature lovers can enjoy the most gorgeous species of plants that North Carolina has to offer, whether they are active outdoors or not. This Arboretum has more 65 acres of gardens, plus an additional 10 miles of trails outside, leading to more great views. The arboretum is famous for its great bonsai trees and exotic flowers. Take your time going through these gardens and join one of the many tour guides.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, the city’s best kept secret is literally hidden right in front of you. While downtown Asheville may seem like a typical urban landscape at first glance, it’s actually a carefully-crafted urban trail, filled with interesting attractions that tell the history of the city. There are thirty stops in total on a 1.7 mile path, winding throughout the streets. It’s further divided into five sections, each representing a specific time period. You can start anywhere you’d like along the urban trail, or just visit each part as you travel the city.
This unique granite formation shoots up over two thousand feet high. Chimney Rock really lives up to its name. You can experience all of its glory from atop the mountain via an elevator. Don’t worry, there’s more amazing sights to see at this gorgeous park. Visit Hickory Nut Falls Trail if you want to check out the magnificent 404 foot waterfall. If you want to check out a different perspective, take a boat out to Lake Lure for a serene destination.
