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7 Best Mountain Towns To Visit Near Raleigh, NC
Are you considering a visit to a mountain vacation near Raleigh, NC? Here are the seven best mountain towns you need to visit near Raleigh, NC.
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is almost at the center of the state. One of the best parts of North Carolina is the stunning beaches to the east and breathtaking mountains to the west. It is an easy drive from Raleigh to either of these natural wonders.
While the Triangle offers an exceptional quality of life, sometimes the call of the mountains becomes irresistible. Whether you're considering a weekend getaway, a vacation property investment, or even a mountain retirement plan, North Carolina's western region offers some of the most charming mountain towns in the Southeast.
Each town has something special to offer, and all have the most beautiful mountain views. With a combination of spectacular mountain peaks, vivid wildflowers, acres of trees, calming creeks, and much more, there is no place like the mountains in North Carolina.
No matter if you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, the mountain towns in NC have more to offer than the outdoors. Many have restaurants, golf courses, breweries, historical monuments, shops, and cafes. It doesn't matter what time of year you plan a trip to this side of the state; you will have a magical time.
North Carolina's Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains are known for attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail. You will not want to miss out on any fantastic attractions and views here in North Carolina, especially since they are so close to your home in Raleigh.
Keep reading to learn all about the best mountain towns near Raleigh, NC.
1. Boone
Distance from Raleigh: 190 miles (approximately 3 hours, 15 minutes)
Elevation: 3,333 feet
Boone is one of the most well-known mountain towns in North Carolina. Known as the home to Appalachian State University, Boone is much more than a college town. However, there is nothing like cheering on the Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium, which is surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Named after legendary explorer Daniel Boone, this vibrant town serves as the cultural and economic hub of the High Country. The steady stream of university parents, faculty, and alums creates a strong rental market.
In addition, Boone is home to many fantastic attractions for the whole family. These include Tweetsie Railroad, a themed train ride and live shows, Danial Boone Park, and the Hickory Ridge History Museum.
If you are planning a trip for the summer months, you can enjoy a hike through Grandfather Mountain or Mount Mitchel. Then, you can cool off in the New River or find a swimming hold along the Crab Orchard Falls Trail. The options are endless in Boone.
While planning where you will stay, several hotels and vacation rentals are available in the area. The prices and options will vary depending on whether you want to stay deeper in the mountains or near downtown.
Median home prices range from $375,000 to $450,000, though luxury properties with views can exceed $1 million.
2. Blowing Rock
Distance from Raleigh: 195 miles (approximately 3 hours, 20 minutes)
Elevation: 3,566 feet
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is one of the better-known mountain towns in North Carolina. The downtown area is known for its abundant shopping, award-winning restaurants, and hiking options. The streets have upscale boutiques, antique stores, galleries, and gift shops. This is the perfect way to spend the day in Blowing Rock.
Several fascinating museums are nearby, including the Edgewood Cottage and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. These are extremely fun to explore and learn more about the deep history.
During the warmer months, most visitors venture to Blowing Rock Memorial Park for fun-filled events, including Art in the Park, live concerts, Winterfest ice sculpting, and a farmers market.
One of the best parts of Blowing Rock is the mild climate. The town's higher elevation provides cooler summer temperatures than much of the state, with averages 10-15 degrees lower than Raleigh.
Median home prices currently range from $500,000-$700,000, with many properties exceeding $1 million.
3. Banner Elk
Distance from Raleigh: 210 miles (approximately 3 hours, 45 minutes)
Elevation: 3,740 feet
Banner Elk is the place to visit if you want a small mountain life paired with big luxury dreams and ideas. With the growing food scene, renowned golf courses, and easy access to nature, it is not a surprise that Banner Elk is one of the best mountain towns in NC.
Banner Elk is extremely popular in winter. It is best known for its location between two large ski resorts: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Banner Elk is a good place to start if you are a ski enthusiast or interested in starting.
While winter brings skiers and snowboarders, summer transforms the ski slopes into mountain biking trails and hiking destinations. The town is also home to Lees-McRae College, adding a touch of youthful energy to this otherwise serene mountain setting.
Year-round, visitors can ridge the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, cozy up at The Lodge at River Run, travel along the Greenway Trail System, or eat at the delicious Stonewalls Restaurant.
Along with being known as a ski resort town, Banner Elk is known as the "Culinary Hot Spot of the High Country." Cuisine ranges from five-star dining to casual and cozy cafes.
The microclimate here is ideal for Christmas tree farms, and many local farmers will let you tag your tree in summer for cutting in December.
Median home prices range from $400,000 to $500,000, with substantial variation based on proximity to ski resorts.
4. Asheville
Distance from Raleigh: 250 miles (approximately 4 hours)
Elevation: 2,134 feet
Known for its vibrant art scene and home to the famous Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC, is one of the most visited mountain towns in North Carolina. The people of Asheville are extremely friendly and welcoming, no matter your age.
Asheville is a must-visit whether you are drawn to the outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or historic architecture. In addition to Biltmore, Asheville is home to The North Carolina Arboretum, the University of North Carolina Asheville, and Pisgah National Forest.
Asheville is different from many other mountain towns as it is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. This adorable town is the beer capital of the East, with more breweries per capita than any other in the United States.
Most visitors drive straight to The Omni Grove Park Inn, a renowned oasis with world-class accommodations, multimillion-dollar spa facilities, seven bars and restaurants, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Asheville, and a self-guided audio history tour. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and must-see in town.
With plenty of things to do, Asheville is a popular vacation and retirement destination in North Carolina. Though neighborhoods vary substantially, Median home prices range from $425,000-$550,000.
5. Little Switzerland
Distance from Raleigh: 210 miles (approximately 3 hours, 45 minutes)
Elevation: 3,500 feet
Little Switzerland might be the most unique town in North Carolina. The seasonally open, Swiss-inspired destination creates the perfect mountain getaway in the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Due to the deep valleys and distant ranges resembling the Swiss Alps' foothills, this adorable town was created to transport you into a different world. This tiny community (population under 100) offers a peaceful escape with Swiss-inspired architecture, sweeping vistas, and direct access to the Parkway.
Visit anytime between mid-April and early October to get the whole experience. You can stay at the historic Switzerland Inn, visit the North Carolina Mining Museum and the Little Switzerland Books and Beans, enjoy live music and dancing at Geneva Hall, or explore the area.
Little Switzerland is exceptionally close to both Boone and Asheville, North Carolina. This means you can experience all of the wonders of Little Switzerland while having easy access to city amenities.
The few available properties typically range from $350,000-$600,000, depending on views and acreage.
6. Cashiers
Distance from Raleigh: 300 miles (approximately 5 hours)
Elevation: 3,484 feet
Located on a high plateau in southwestern North Carolina, Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers by locals) offers a refined mountain experience with exclusive golf communities, pristine lakes, and stunning waterfalls.
Sitting on top of the Nantahala National Forest at 3,500 ft., this lush area has abundant spots for outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by mountain peaks of more than 5,000 ft. and has many rivers and waterfalls to explore.
According to the World Population Review, cashiers is a small town with a population of only 901. This means you should visit this town if you are looking for peace. However, during the peak season, the population increases dramatically.
Throughout the year, visitors and residents can try their hand at tennis, fly-fishing, hiking, cycling, and golf as Cashiers is home to some of the best golf courses in the state.
Median home prices range from $500,000 to $800,000, with luxury properties in golf communities often exceeding $2 million.
7. Brevard
Distance from Raleigh: 275 miles (approximately 4.5 hours)
Elevation: 2,230 feet
Last but not least, Brevard has been nicknamed "The Land of Waterfalls" due to the more than 250 waterfalls in the area. During the fall and later summer, you can explore the waterfalls; on hotter days, you can tube down Brevard River to cool down.
The town is the gateway to Pisgah National Forest, offering endless outdoor recreation. Few towns are as charming as Brevard, a popular music, arts, and culture spot. In combination with the stunning landscapes, nothing beats a visit to Brevard.
Home to less than 8,000 people, Brevard offers serene views and a quiet atmosphere. However, unlike most places, Brevard becomes busy in the warmer months when the region's summer camps are filled and the Brevard Music Center starts.
During your stay, look for the white squirrels, which have become the town's mascot. At the popular downtown gift shops, you'll see them emblazoned on hats and T-shirts.
Median home prices range from $350,000 to $450,000, with luxury properties commanding premium prices on larger tracts.
Methodology
We used information and data from several different sources and our data to determine everything you need to know about the best mountain towns to visit near Raleigh, NC. Most data was sourced from The World Population Review and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
FAQ: Best Mountain Towns Near Raleigh, NC
Here are some commonly asked questions about the best mountain towns near Raleigh, NC.
What mountain town is close to Raleigh?
Asheville is the closest mountain town to Raleigh. The views in Asheville are breathtaking, and the adorable downtown is the perfect place to visit any time of year. The quaint town has several other attractions, including the amazing Biltmore Estate.
How far are the mountains from Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh is approximately 396 miles from the Appalachian Mountains. The best way to the mountains from Raleigh is by car, which takes slightly over three hours.
Which city in NC has the best mountain views?
Brevard, Cashiers, Boone, and Highlands are some of the best cities in NC for mountain views. Each town has something special, including renowned golf courses, breweries, wineries, restaurants, shops, and much more.
What is the tallest mountain near Raleigh, NC?
Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain near Raleigh, at 6,684 ft in elevation. You will see some of the most beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
What mountain towns are affordable in North Carolina?
Hickory and Asheville are some of the most affordable mountain towns in North Carolina. Both are known for their incredible views and history.
Best Mountain Towns To Visit Near Raleigh, NC - The Bottom Line
Whether you are planning a quick vacation or scoping the area to buy a vacation home, the mountain towns near Raleigh just can't be beat. From the snow-capped mountains to the adorable cities, there is no place like it.
Depending on how you enjoy your time, you should research each mountain town to find the best fit. Each one will offer something different, from the best hiking trails to the best views and attractions. Consider how you will spend your time, or try everything and pack as much fun as possible into your time here in the mountains.
The best part of planning this trip is that there is no wrong or right answer. We guarantee you'll have a fantastic trip no matter which town you visit. Be careful because you may fall in love with the mountain town and decide to retire or move to it.
Before buying a home near Raleigh, North Carolina, contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, who are eager to help you find the perfect home. Buying a home can be overwhelming, but a real estate agent can walk you through the process.
