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The mountains of North Carolina have many hidden gems for travelers.  The Great Smoky Mountains run along the western border of North Carolina, and serve as a great place for fishing, kayaking, ziplining and hiking.  Asheville is the heart of the mountains and home to the famous Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America that sits on an 8,000 acre estate along the French Broad River.  Tourists and locals love spending a day taking in a tour of the home, surrounding gardens, and winery.

Head further east to Boone and find a charming college town with a wide variety of activities for all ages.  Tweetsie Railroad is a popular Wild West themed park that includes a three-mile ride on a historic steam locomotive.  Boone also caters to winter sports enthusiasts and has many resorts around Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Hawksnest Resort, which is the largest snow tubing park in the East.  When these ski slopes aren’t covered in snow, you can find many other off-season attractions like ziplining. 

The Appalachian Trail runs through the mountains of NC and hosts many thru hikers heading north and south.  Among other nature trail and parks are Mount Mitchell State Park (highest peak east of the Mississippi River).  Grandfather Mountain is home to the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge for anyone who dares to cross it.  Chimney Rock State Park is a popular photo worthy destination.  Or if hiking is not your forte, take a scenic mountain train ride from Bryson City on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.  You can even learn some Cherokee Indian history and try your luck at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in the small town of Cherokee.  The mountains of North Carolina never disappoint with its scenery and offers plenty of destinations for all ages to enjoy.