Western North Carolina Mountains North Carolina Travel Information
Interesting towns can be found around the curves of winding roads
through the mountains of Western North Carolina. Many are worth a
stop, some are worthy of a night’s stay. The tiny town of
Brevard is home to the Brevard Music Festival held each summer and
offering more than 50 concerts over seven weeks. Brevard Music Center
offers musical training in many music genres during the same period.
Drive or hike around the Brevard area to see dozens of waterfalls
including Whitewater Falls, highest in the eastern U.S. with a 441
foot drop. Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education here introduces the
state’s wildlife to visitors. Head north to visit Waynesville,
home to the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. Crafts are
important in the state’s tradition and in the economic life of remote
areas. The museum displays Civil War and Native American artifacts in
addition to quilts, pottery and weavings. The Haywood Arts Repertory
Theatre offers musicals and plays every season. Shopping in
Waynesville centers on Mast General Store for old-fashioned items such
as lye soap and penny candy as well as modern outdoor
clothing. North of Asheville lies Hot Springs, once the site of
many resort hotels. The French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail
attract visitors to the area now. Hot Springs Spa & Resort still
offers soaks in the mineral waters. Cabins and camping are
available. Bryson City has been called the “Outdoor Adventure
Capital of the Smokies”. This tiny town is close to the Nantahala
River Gorge where whitewater is king. The gorge walls range in height
from 500 to 1,500 feet. Guided trips are available through Nantahala
Outdoor Center. Resorts here include Falling Waters Adventure Resort
and Nantahala Village Mountain Resort. Other accommodations include
camping, country inns, chain motels and B & Bs. Brevard is
located south of Asheville on I-64. Waynesville is west of Asheville,
off I-40 on Rt. 23/74. Hot Springs is northwest of Asheville, off
I-40 near Rt. 213 and 25/70. Bryson City is west of Asheville off
routes. 19/74.
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