Unique Things To Do In The Mountains
There are so many amazing places to visit in the Blue Ridge Mountains and so many unique things to do that everyone in your family will enjoy. We spend a lot of time in the mountains of North Carolina because it’s just a couple of hours from home to just about any mountain town we want to visit.
There are 3 “regions” of mountains in NC. Each region offers incredible sightseeing and unique things to do. You can easily take a week to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and stay a couple of days in each area to experience the best of the North Carolina mountain regions.
What are the North Carolina mountain regions?
High Country
The high country includes everything from the south western border of Virginia down to Little Switzerland. Jefferson, Boone, Blowing Rock and Wilkesboro. Skiing, hiking, tubing, ATV trails, bluegrass and christian music festivals are prevalent throughout the summer and fall in this region so enjoy a little bit of everything in the high country region.
Asheville & The Foothills
The Asheville and foothills region are home to the Biltmore Estate, art galleries, artisan classes, breweries, wineries, guided nature tours, mountain top yoga classes and tons of other cultural options to enjoy. If you are looking for city tours and experiences Asheville provides the uniqueness of a small town southern experience with the trimmings of a larger city’s options.
Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee
The most southern region of the North Carolina includes the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee. Trains, history, Native American cultural experiences, Harrah’s casino, hiking, canoeing, white water rafting and amazing small town restaurants abound in this region.
After years of traveling through and staying in every Blue Ridge Mountain town we could find, we have compiled a list of 24 unique things you can do in the mountains of North Carolina.
Unique adventurous things to do in the mountains
1. River Tubing
There are a lot of great places to tube in North Carolina, but lazy river tubing down the New River in Ashe County is by far one of the most relaxing experiences you can have. You can stop at your local sporting goods store to grab a river inner tube, hit the river and float your cares away.
This is fun for families with older kids and you can bring the pups! We have a raft that holds the dogs, the cooler and a trash pack. We tie our tubes to the raft and float down the river enjoying snacks and adult beverages and are able to make sure we don’t leave trash in the river.
DIY River Tubing
You can set out on your own in the New River State Park camping area if you’re in Ashe County. This works best if you have someone in the group who can park a vehicle a few miles down the river and pick everyone up at the end of the trip. If you are interested in diy tubing/canoeing, check out this guide to see the distances and times between various entry/exit points on the New River.
River Tubing Outfitters
You can also rent inner tubes, canoes and kayaks from companies like Zaloos. These companies have large vans to transport you up river so that you float back down to their site or they have vans to pick you up down river and bring you back. This typically costs a little more if you are going to tube more than once on your trip, but it’s more convenient and requires less logistical planning.
Jefferson, NC: Zaloos Canoes on the New River
2 Hour River Tubing
- $20 Adult Tube (Anyone over 70 lbs)
- $15 Child Tube
- $15 Cooler Tube (Holds a personal cooler up to 24×16 and 100 lbs)
4 Hour River Tubing
- $30 Adult Tube
- $20 Child Tube
- $20 Cooler Tube
Boone, NC: High Mountain Expeditions
- $25/person
- $10/cooler float
Cherokee, NC: Smokey Mountain Tube & Raft
- $14/person
Asheville, NC: Zen Tubing on the French Broad River
- $30/tube
Just A Note: You’ll want to check with the tubing company for age restrictions. Some companies require children to be 3 years old and others require children to be at least 5 years old. Safety is always a priority when you are doing any water activity and especially when you are tubing.
2. Motorcycle Runs
There are so many motorcycle rides in the mountains of North Carolina that it’s hard to pick a favorite. From the Blue Ridge Parkway in the high country to the Dragon’s Tail down near Cherokee, motorcycle riders can find some amazing roads to weave along in the mountains. Hit Little Switzerland, glide over the viaduct on the parkway or take the murder mountain trail.
If you don’t own one, you can even rent a motorcycle or slingshot from Wolf Creek Rentals. They can also provide you with the best routes for your level of riding confidence. You can go alone or join up with a group of bikers for a few hours or an all day ride.
3. ATV, Dirt Bike & 4×4 Trail Rides
A great spot to try out ATV sports is in Boone at Appalachian Outdoor Adventures. Here, you can rent an ATV and ride on over 70 miles of trails in the high country. You have to be 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license to drive one of the vehicles, but children can ride if they’re 50” tall.
The pricing for their rentals depends on the size of the group and they only provide price quotes/booking via phone, but you can check out their website for more info: AOA
If you have your own 4×4, ATV or dirt bike and are looking for some back country fun riding trails through mud, forests and up along the peaks of the mountains is a great place to start. Our favorite trail in is the Brown Mountain OHV Trails. You can purchase the $5 day pass or $30 season pass at several different vendors. More information about the trails and a list of those vendors can be found here.
If you happen to drive a Jeep or other 4×4 vehicle, there are a couple of trails at Brown Mountain OHV specifically for you as well! If you are a fan of 4×4 experiences, another great place in North Carolina to visit is the Outer Banks. Check out our list of fun things to do in the Outer Banks.
4. River Rafting
Another incredible and unique thing to do in the mountains is to take a fully guided river rafting tour down the Nantahala. This trip is family friendly with some fun bouncy Class II-III rapids. Once you’ve been down the river with a guide, you can decide to take it up a notch and rent a raft to head down the river on your own. It takes around 3 hours from prep to where you end up at Nantahala Falls. NOC Website
Cost for guided tour
- $67/person
5. Zip Line
After rafting along the Nantahala for a a couple of hours, spend the afternoon soaring above the gorge on a mountaintop-mountaintop zip line. The views are insane as you fly along the 1/2 mile line. There are age and weight limits for this adventure so you will want to check on those before you decide to purchase a pass. NOC Website
Cost
- $125/person
6. Hiking
You can’t throw a stone in the mountains without hitting a trailhead and hiking with a group of friends is the absolute best! Waterfall trails, river trails, cliff trails, if you can name a type of trail to hike, you can find it in the mountains of North Carolina. Our three favorite hikes include Chimney Rock, 3 Balds of Roan Mountain, and Hawksbill Mountain Trail. These offer very different kinds of hikes and vantage points from their summits.
Chimney Rock
The CR trail ends on the Chimney Rock and overlooks Lake Lure, which is where part of the original Dirty Dancing movie was filmed. It’s a beautiful view of a vast area and the hike is rather adventurous. To get to the top, you have to climb what feels like a millions stairs, but luckily, there are several stops along the way where you have great views Before you get to that point. So, if you aren’t the stair master type, you can enjoy the views a little further down.
Roan Mountain
This whole area has a Sound Of Music “The Hills Are Alive” kind of vibe. Big grass knolls lead to wide open spaces and provide beautiful views of the North Carolina and Tennessee border. This hike is part of the famous Appalachian Trail so you meet some very cool people who are hiking more than the few miles of Roan Mountain trails as you go.
Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead
This is our hidden gem hike. It’s about a mile and a half round trip and isn’t a very difficult hike. The views are out of this world from the cliff’s edge. It’s not usually very busy so the hike is peaceful and often very quiet.
No matter where you go in the mountains of North Carolina, you are sure to find great hiking trails for every level of ability. Some other trails we like during the summer months are Upper & Lower Falls Trails, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock and Sam Knob Loop. All these offer different views and activity options like photo ops, swimming holes or waterfalls to enjoy.
7. Sliding Rock
Located near Brevard, NC is Sliding Rock. A 60 foot natural water slide that ends in a 8 foot deep natural pool. There are 2 observation decks and it is a busy, fun thing to do whether you are participating or just people watching. The area is open all year, but only has restrooms available from late April/early May through early October. There are lifeguards during the summer as well.
Get there early if you aren’t fond of crowds and try to avoid visiting during from noon-4 pm. If the parking area is filled, they close it off until people leave so just be prepared. Plan to visit other nearby areas such as Looking Glass Falls or the Cradle of Forestry and come back to Sliding Rock later if you can’t get in. You can’t picnic or have alcohol here but there are places a few miles away that are great for picnicking. Check out Sliding Rock Rec Area for more info.
Cost
- $4/person
8. Grandfather Mountain & Mile High Swinging Bridge
There are a lot of fun and unique things to do at Grandfather Mountain. There’s a wildlife habitat, hiking and walking trails and a nature museum to explore. There are special “behind the scenes” tours available to see the animals up close and even a paint with a bear activity on the weekends.
The most exhilarating thing for us at Grandfather Mountain is the Mile High Swinging Bridge and it’s definitely a unique thing to do in the mountains. The bridge is a 228-foot suspension bridge that is more than a mile high in elevation that affords phenomenal views. You can access the bridge by going into the Top Shelf and taking an elevator up to the bridge. You can also shop and eat at The Top Shelf when you return from your bridge crossing.
Cost
- $24/Adult
- $22/Senior (60+), AAA, Discount Code
- $21/Military Adult
- $10/Child (4-12)
- $9/Child, Military Family, AAA or Discount Code
For more information about activities and events happening at Grandfather Mountain, check out their website Grandfather Mountain
Unique sightseeing things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains
9. Mural Trail
A fun and unique thing to do while traveling through the mountains of North Carolina is to go on a mural hunt. There are wonderful murals to see in many of the small mountain towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the mural trail provides a map to guide you to them. Some are community collaborations and others are completed by individual artists who live or vacation in the area. You can see examples of both while visiting these unique mountain towns. My favorite mountain town murals are in West Jefferson.
10. The Blowing Rock
This is a wonderful place to visit with family. The legend says that The snow blows upwards around the rock in the winter and if you throw something like a leaf off the rock it flys back up to you. There are also gardens to walk through, a short trail and a gift shop on site.
Cost
- $9/Adult
- $8/Student
- $7/Senior or Military
- $3/Child 5-12
- Free/Child under 5
Town of Blowing Rock
Beyond the rock itself, Blowing Rock is a wonderful little mountain town to visit. Quaint inns, great restaurants and many artsy little shops are nestled together around a public park that often hosts local musicians for outdoor concerts. Blowing Rock is near and dear to our hearts because it’s just a few miles from Boone, which is where Dhubs and I went to college.
Our favorite place to stay in Blowing Rock is the Hemlock Inn. It’s a great little family owned place and the owners make sure to take great care of guests. The rooms are all well appointed and it feels like you are staying in a mountain cottage. People often sit in the gazebo just hanging out around the fire pit in the evening chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.
If you’re looking for locally sourced menu items to try, The Speckled Trout is a great place to start. If pizza is more up your ally, you can stop by Mellow Mushroom and then finish the meal off with some Kilwin’s fudge or ice cream for dessert. Spend the afternoon walking through the shops and just enjoying the small town atmosphere of Blowing Rock.
11. Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway
Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a relaxing and unique thing to do in the mountains. The parkway starts in Afton, VA and ends in Cherokee, NC. You can make driving the parkway a weekend trip. Stop off in a small town for the night, visit some historical sites along the way and just enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
There are amazing overlooks all the way with views from sunrise to sunset year round. Many overlooks have picnic areas and some have restrooms so guests can stop and enjoy the view for an extended amount of time. There are often historical placards describing events that occurred in the area and notes about what you see as you take in the incredible views.
12. Elk Photography Tour
This is a very unique thing to do in the mountains of NC and it is worth every penny! If you want to capture amazing photos of wildlife and some mountain landscapes, this is a great option for you. Spend a half day on a guided tour and capture incredible photos of the wild elk with the help of a professional photographer.
They will pick you up or you can caravan in your own vehicle. You can also choose to hike a mile or two or keep the hiking to a minimum depending on your physical ability. There are other tour options available throughout the year as well so be sure to check out WNC Photo Tours for more information about their tour options.
Cost
- $140 for 1 person plus taxes and fees (around $19) total $159
- $125 each for 2 or more plus taxes and fees (around $16) total $141 each
13. Frescoes Trail
Frescoes aren’t just anywhere which is why this is one of the most unique things you can experience anywhere in North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Frescoes are located along the Benjamin F. Long IV Fresco Trail. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway area there are six locations that house nine frescoes:
- The Last Supper: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Glendale Springs, NC.
- Return of the Prodigal, Chapel of the Prodigal: Montreat College, Montreat, NC.
- Suffer the Little ChildrenL E.H. Sloop Chapel, Crossnore School, Crossnore, NC.
- St. Paul’s Conversion and St. Paul Writing His Epistles: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wilkesboro, NC.
- Mary Great with Child, John the Baptist, and Mystery of Faith: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, West Jefferson, NC.
- Sacred Dance and the Muses: City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium, Morganton, NC.
Even if you only have time to see one of the frescoes, it’s worth the stop. My personal favorites are in West Jefferson. Ben Long, the artist responsible for these incredible paintings, is a native of Asheville. You can get more information about the artist here.
Unique family things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains
14. Ashe County Cheese Factory & Store
If you are in West Jefferson, look for the giant cow tanks and you’ll have found the cheese factory. You can often watch cheese being made in the factory through a little viewing room on the side of the building at no cost. Across the road, you’ll find the store stocked with nostalgic candies, locally made sauces, jams, spice blends and of course tons of cheese!
There’s a schedule on their website you need to check out to see what the cheese making viewing hours are each week. You can do that and also purchase and ship items here: Ashe County Cheese. There are a lot of other great little places to visit while you’re in West Jefferson as well.
While you’re in West Jefferson
You can stop by an art gallery and meet local artists and craftsmen while you shop or stop off to grab a snack and a beer at the local brewery. There are a number of shops that specialize in providing fishing, hiking and camping gear and clothing for the whole family in West Jefferson. You can also check out many antique, hobby and clothing shops along Jefferson Ave. as you stroll along admiring the murals and general positive energy that helps this little town thrive.
15. Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate
This is probably the crown jewel of the North Carolina mountains. One of the most unique things you can in the state is visit the Biltmore Estate. The house is open to the public for touring all year long and each season brings something new and beautiful to see.
There are gardens and a vineyard to tour, restaurants to enjoy and an incredible inn on the property so you can spend more than just a day on the property. Staying here is like stepping back into an era and lifestyle of extreme luxury that barely exists today. If you have the opportunity to spend a long weekend at Biltmore soaking in the views, hospitality and excellence of a grand old estate, you should definitely do it.
Cost (Summer 2022 Weekend Daily Admission)
- $86/Adult 17 & up
- $49/Youth 10-16
- $12/Child 9 & under
*prices change for weekdays and during different seasons. Check out Biltmore for details.
If you would like to stay on the property, you have 3 choices including The Village Hotel, The Inn, or Cottages on Biltmore Estate.
- The Village Hotel rooms cost $280-$450/night
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate rooms cost $360-$800/night
- The Cottages on Biltmore Estate cost $960-$1300/night
16. Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park
Between Boone and Blowing Rock lies a wild west family theme park with rides, trains, live entertainment, restaurants, and shops. You can check out the goats and llamas in the mini zoo or pan for gold with the kiddos. There’s a little something for everyone in the family and there are also special events like A Day Out With Thomas for the little ones. To see what’s going on this summer checkout their website here: Tweetsie
Cost for Summer 2022
- $58/Adult (13years & up)
- $39/Child (3-12years)
- Free/Infant (up to 2 years)
17. Great Smoky Mountain Train
These trains travel through the mountains alongside the Tuckasegee River or Nantahala Gorge and provide some breathtaking views along the way. On each route, there is an excursion that lasts a little over an hour so you can get out and stretch your legs, grab a snack or do a little shopping. It’s a great opportunity to see the mountains without having to drive. Everyone in your group gets to relax and enjoy the scenery.
There are often special events that include BBQ & Brews, Uncorked, and The Polar Express. These provide very different experiences including evening rides or adult only trips. These are some of our favorite unique things to do in the blue ridge mountains and only happen a few times a year. So depending on when you are heading to the mountains, check out GSMR calendar for details on what dates are available.
Cost for Summer 2022
Crown Class
- $76/Adult
- $45/Child (2-12)
- $12/Infant
Coach Class
- $56/Adult
- $33/Child
Open Air Class
- $61/Adult
- $33/Child
18. Moses Cone House & Julian Price Park
This is a historic site with amazing views. Inside the house are local artisans demonstrating their talents in everything from loom weaving to glass blowing. Outside, you can find 25 miles of trails to go horseback riding or biking and a lake where you can canoe.
Jump over to the park to enjoy a picnic and trail hike. This is also one of the best spots in the area for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and capture amazing nighttime photos. If you want to spend the night, there’s also a campground on site.
19. Brown Mountain Lights
For hundreds of years people have seen odd unexplained lights rising and hovering over the valley from the Brown Mountain Overlook. Local folklore suggests that the lights are supernatural and scientists have tried to explain them as possibly ball lightening.
It’s important to note that the lights don’t always appear, but eye-witnesses have seen them all throughout the year. There also tends to be an increase in sightings after it rains. Even if you don’t get to see the Brown Mountain lights you will have a wonderful spot to stargaze and look out over the mountains at night.
Have Fun Regardless: Do These Unique Thing In The Mountains
To ensure your group has a good time, take some blankets, a picnic dinner and a speaker to play some tunes while you stargaze and try to spot the ethereal lights. The most popular spot to try to see the lights is at the Brown Mountain Overlook on Highway 181. You’ll see the lookout between mile marker 20 and 21.
20. Unto These Hills
Another unique thing to do in the NC mountains is go to see Unto These Hills. It’s an emotionally charged outdoor drama of the struggles and soaring triumph of the Cherokee people. It debuted in 1950, and tells the tale of Cherokee life from 1780 to the twenty-first century.
This original Kermit Hunter production is performed under the stars in a stadium style seating amphitheater. It gets cool in the evenings so bring a blanket and enjoy the fresh air as you get lost in the Cherokee story. This is a unique way to experience Cherokee people’s powerful performing arts in a live production that will certainly move you.
Usually runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid August.
There is a preshow at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. nightly.
The theatre is closed on Sundays.
Cost
General Admission Prices:
- Adults: $35.00
- Children 6–12: $25.00
- Children 5–under: FREE
Reserved Ticket Prices
- Adults: $45.00
- Children 6–12: $35.00
- Children 5–under: FREE
For more information about the drama and available showtimes checkout Visit Cherokee NC
21. Cradle of Forestry
The Cradle of Forestry is in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. It was once a forestry school but is now a nifty little historic site. Some things to do there include a short film, hands-on exhibits, helicopter simulator, scavenger hunt, guided tours, paved trails, historic cabins, craftsmen, logging locomotive, special events, cafe and a gift shop.
There are always interesting programs happening at this site as well. Right now, the Great Wagon Road (think Oregon Trail from back in the day) is going on, which is a role play game for families and is definitely a unique thing to do in the mountains this summer. They also have concerts, star watching parties and even outdoor dramas from time to time. Go Find Outdoors has more information about this and other unique things to do in the mountains.
Cost
- $6/Adult
- $3/Child
Unique Educational Things To Do In The Mountains
22. Cavern and Cave things to do in the mountains
Dark spaces with bats hanging overhead and echoing winds that howl through tunnels isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but we absolutely love these experiences. Each of these caves/caverns offers a unique experience. In these interesting places you get to see a cave that glows under black light, a little space you can imagine yourself taking shelter in to avoid the rain and a naturally beautiful phenomenon that provides a look inside a mountain.
Bon Ami Mine
This black light mine tour is definitely a unique thing to do in the mountains of North Carolina and is only done 10 times a year from late spring into fall. The opal formations in this mine glow bright green under ultraviolet light. You can plan a great trip to hang out in the Little Switzerland area and end the evening with this awesome tour.
Tory’s Den
Tory’s Den and Waterfall Trail is located in Hanging Rock State Park. The trail is about a quarter of a mile to the little den. The waterfall drops 240 feet over a series of gentle rock terraces and can be viewed from the trail easily. Beyond the waterfall, the trail continues on to the 20-foot-deep, cool, natural cave.
Linville Caverns
Mineral deposits continue to form stalactites and stalagmites throughout the caverns and blind fish swim in the clear underground water making this little adventure one to remember. The well prepared guides lead you through the cavern on a fact filled tour with several great spots to pose for the family photo.
The tour takes about 30 minutes once you are inside the cavern. This is by far our favorite cave/cavern in North Carolina to visit. You can learn more about the caverns and the bats and blind fish here.
Cost
- $12.00 per adult
- $11.00 per senior age 62+
- $10.00 per child age 5-12
- Free 4 and under
23. Gem Mining Options Unique To the Mountains
Gem mining brings people from all over the world to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This is one of my absolute favorite unique things to do to do when we head up to the mountains for a day trip. Emerald mines are not terribly uncommon in North Carolina, but it’s definitely something unique to try for people who aren’t from the area.
How does it work?
In some places, you can dig for gems out of trailings which are leftover piles of dirt that have been dug out of the mines but not totally processed. In other places, you purchase a bucket that has been prefilled with dirt and gemstones from the mining location. Some gem mines also have panning sections where you can pan for gold as well as hunt for gemstones.
People have found emeralds, rubies, garnets, aquamarines, sapphires, topaz, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, rose quartz, moonstone, and peridot throughout the mountains. There are several mining opportunities for individuals and families in the High Country and Asheville area. You can check out these three for an idea of what types of mining experiences you can have on your next mountain vacation.
Unique Seasonal Things To Do In The Mountains
24. Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing
If you happen to be traveling into the mountains during the winter months, you can ski and snowboard at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain, or Beech Mountain for most of the winter months.
An alternative for those of us who are athletically challenged is snow tubing! To snow tube, you sit in an inner tube and glide down a hill on a course designed specifically for tubing. It’s great for families with small children and adults who who aren’t fond of skiing but still want to be part of the fun.
Moonshine Mountain, Jonas Ridge, Sugar Mountain and Hawksnest all offer snow tubing in the winter months. Prices for next season aren’t posted yet, but typically a 2 hour session costs between $30-$50. On special occasions, there will be evening sessions available for tubing under the stars.
Wrapping Up Our Top 24 Unique Things To Do In The Mountains
Along the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains you can find art, history, thrills, fun and non-stop breathtaking views all around. You can indulge in luxury or spend nothing more than time and a few bucks on fuel and food to enjoy your trip through this beautiful region. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, we hope you find fun and unique things to do in the mountains of North Carolina.