A Guide to Things to Do in Western North Carolina

Jump Off Rock: Drive for the View, Stay for a Picnic & Hike in Hendersonville, NC

Brevard, NC

If you’re interested in basking in nature while breaking out the binoculars to search for Blue Ghost fireflies or observe white squirrels, then Brevard North Carolina is the place to go. Check out our handy guide to spend a beautiful Day in Brevard, NC, with recommendations for dining, shopping, and more!

Your Kids will Love Tubing at the Davidson River in Brevard, NC

Ride an Indoor Helicopter at the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard, NC

Bryson City, NC

Home to the Smoky Mountain Railroad, this historic town offers train rides and rich history to explore while dining, shopping, or hanging out in a yurt! This small town even has one of the most memorable winter events a child could ask for, the Polar Express!

Tube All Day for Less Than $30 for a Family of Four on Deep Creek

Gaze at the Stars While Staying at This Yurt Village in Bryson City, NC

Cherokee, NC

In tune with the natural world, Cherokee is rich in Native American history and culture that can be experienced firsthand. Situated just west of Maggie Valley, the natural beauty carved by the Oconaluftee River makes Cherokee a top WNC destination. Plan a Day (or More) in Cherokee with this handy article, including places to eat, stay, and visit as you immerse yourself in the Cherokee and Oconalufee culture.

This Emerald Lagoon In North Carolina Looks Like A Fairy Tale, and You’ll Never Want To Leave

Your Kids Can See Elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee

Cashiers, NC and Sapphire Valley

Full of natural splendor, the Cashiers area of Western North Carolina offers breathtaking views, hiking, swimming, and waterfalls. It is the Land of the Waterfalls for a reason! We have everything you need to know to have an epic adventure in our Ultimate Guide to Sapphire Valley and Cashiers, North Carolina.

A Mountain in NC Makes a Giant Bear Shadow For Only 2 Weeks in the Fall

Lake Glenville is a Hidden Gem in Western NC

Asheville, NC

Asheville is one of the most popular destinations in Western North Carolina, and for good reason! A day trip can instantly turn into a weekend getaway due to the vast amount of fun activities to explore. Asheville is both family-friendly and romantic, just in case you are looking for a weekend away from the kids. Our Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Asheville has everything from holiday festivities to day trip and date night ideas!

Pan for Real Gold at Lucky Strike in Western North Carolina

Day Trips! Plan a Day Trip Adventure in Western North Carolina

The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville, NC

Float Leisurely Down the French Broad River with Zen Tubing

Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Biltmore with Kids

High Country Region

This mountainous region located just north of Asheville is home to Grandfather Mountain and towns such as Boone and Blowing Rock. The region offers otherwordly landscapes, mountainous adventures, and more. If you are an adventurous spirit, the High Country is the perfect place for you!

Walk a Swinging Bridge a Mile High at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina

Relax in a hammock, pan for gold, and make s’mores at Gold River in NC

Seasonal Things to do In WNC

Winter

Visit the NC Arboretum Holiday Lights from November through December
Be amazed by the beauty of Christmas at Biltmore
Be tempted by prize worthy Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn at Christmas
Ride on the Craggy Mountain Jingle Bell Trolley
Search for the spirit of Christmas on the Polar Express 
Glide down the mountain at Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing
Go snow sledding at one of these places in WNC

Summer

Take a ride down the French Broad River with Zen Tubing
Get lost in the botanical gardens at Biltmore Estates Gardens

Fall

Be amazed by the colors of fall foliage throughout WNC
Get lost in the Elida Corn Maze
Pick pumpkins right off the vine at Nix’s Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville
Check out the Shadow of the Bear in mid-October every year
Grab a bushel of apples and some cider doughnuts at one of these WNC orchards
Fall tubing at Black Bear tubing

Educational Adventures in WNC

Learn and visit with native species at the WNC Nature Center
Pan for gold at Lucky Strike in Marion
Enjoy these Home Schooling Ski Deals
Visit a bonsai garden at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville
Learn about free verse poet Carl Sandburg at his WNC home in Flat Rock
Be amazed by historic planes at the Western North Carolina Air Museum in Hendersonville
Explore one of the largest estates in the US at Biltmore Estate in Asheville
Excite your senses at KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum in Rutherfordton
Play while learning at the Hands on! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville
Learn about chocolate production while tasting at French Broad Chocolate Factory in Asheville 
Play pinball while learning its history at this Vintage Pinball Museum in Hendersonville
Help keep WNC waterfalls clean while learning about nature with Waterfall Keepers

WNC Off-Season Offers Budget-Friendly Family Adventures

A Mountain in NC Makes a Giant Bear Shadow For Only 2 Weeks in the Fall

Lake Glenville is a Hidden Gem in Western NC

Take a Boat Ride on the Highest Lake East of the Mississippi River in Jackson County, NC

Pick Your Pumpkin Off the Vine at Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC

Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC

Walk a Swinging Bridge a Mile High at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina

Pan for Real Gold at Lucky Strike in Western North Carolina

Water Slides, Splash Pad, and Swimming at Lake Lure

Spend a Day (or More) in Cherokee, NC

Day Trip to The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC

10+ Free Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC

Tryon International Equestrian Center Saturday Night Lights: The FREE Event You Should Not Miss

Find Fairies in This Fairy Garden Trail FREE in Hendersonville, NC

Walk Across This Flowering Bridge Straight Out of a Fairy Tale in Lake Lure, NC

SUMMER FUN: Kids Ride Free on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City, NC

Ride an Indoor Helicopter at the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard, NC

Stunning Views at Chimney Rock is Just Perk of Visiting this Park in Lake Lure, NC

See Model Trains for FREE at Apple Valley Model RR Club in Hendersonville, NC

Team ECCO: Don’t Miss This Pint-Sized Powerhouse Aquarium in Hendersonville, NC

These Amazing Fireflies Look Like Little Blue Fairies and Only Appear 3 Weeks Each Year

Huge Catawba Science Center is a fun day trip from Greenville, SC

Find the Perfect Escape at this Luxurious Mountain Cabin Rental in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Brevard, NC

What is your favorite place to visit in WNC?

About the Author

Erin is a Greenville, South Carolina native who loves taking her two young daughters on adventures around the Upstate. Erin enjoys gardening, hiking, and dabbling in DIY projects. Her favorite things to do with her husband and kids include sensory activities, swimming, playing with their dogs, and exploring the local state and national parks.

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