Best Family Mountain Vacations in North Carolina

North Carolina offers spectacular views of mountains between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. To take advantage of these mountain views and find the perfect spot for your next family vacation, we put together a list of the best family mountain vacations in North Carolina. No worries—not all our recommended vacation spots are ‘hiking through the mountains’ vacation spots! North Carolina has many family-friendly adventures for everyone, whether you have little children, older children, or a mix of all ages.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Best for Families Who Love Hiking Together

The first family mountain vacation in North Carolina on our list is the NC portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also known as the south side of the Smokies. Cataloochee Valley and Oconaluftee Valley are great places to take a peek at wildlife. There are also plenty of trails to hike and waterfalls to see, such as Indian Creek Falls and Mingo Falls, the tallest waterfall in the southern Appalachians. Another sight to visit is the Fontana Dam (the largest dam east of the Mississippi River). If your family loves biking, the Oconaluftee River Trail and Lower Deep Creek Trail are recommended bike trails.

2. Lake Lure

Best for Families Who Love the Lake Life

Lake Lure is another of the best family mountain vacations in North Carolina for families who love the mountains and lake life. The lake sits in the Hickory Nut Gorge and is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Lure Adventure Company has plenty of family-friendly experiences and rentals, from pontoon boat rentals to kayak rentals to tubing and wakeboarding experiences. You can even sign up for a guided fishing trip. In addition to boating on the lake, families can relax and rest at Lake Lure beach.

3. Blue Ridge Mountains

 

Best for Families Who Love Waterfalls

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the best family mountain vacations in North Carolina because of its spectacular views and hiking opportunities. They are home to Tom’s Creek Falls and Catawba Falls—a 340-foot double waterfall. Other family-friendly activities include gem mining at Emerald Village and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals. For something a little different, The Historic Orchard at Altapass holds 280 acres and has opportunities to pick apples and walk trails. 

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4. Chimney Rock State Park

Best for Families Who Love Educational Trail Walks

Chimney Rock State Park is another place for an outdoor family mountain vacation in North Carolina. Besides climbing to the top of Chimney Rock for a spectacular view, families can also check out the Animal Discovery Den to see a variety of woodland animals and reptiles. Next to the Den is the Great Woodland Adventure Trail. This trail features 12 Discovery Stations and is perfect for kids and beginners to walk. Finally, when it is time for a bite to eat, the Old Rock Café features 100% grass-fed beef burgers and delicious desserts.

5. Asheville, NC

Best for Families Who Love Exploring the City

One thing is for sure—your family will have plenty to do in Asheville, a bustling city in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is home to the WNC Nature Center (42-acre zoological park), Biltmore Estate (the largest privately owned home in the US), and the Asheville Pinball Museum. For ziplines and treetop obstacle courses, the Adventure Center of Asheville has it all, including KidZip, a child-friendly zipline course for ages 4 to 10. This family mountain vacation in North Carolina will not disappoint.

6. Boone, NC

Best for Families Who Love Heights

Boone, North Carolina, is the home of Grandfather Mountain, part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain. At the top of Grandfather Mountain is one of the most exciting attractions in Boone—the mile-high swinging bridge. Families love walking their way across this famous bridge. You will want to keep young kids close and away from steep dropoffs. Other family-friendly attractions in Boone include the Linville Caverns, Hawksnest Ziplining, and skiing. Finally, don’t forget about checking out the family-owned and operated Foggy Mountain Gem Mine.

7. Dillsboro, NC

Best for Families Who Love the River and Culture

Another one of the best family mountain vacations in North Carolina is in Dillsboro. Dillsboro is home to many family-friendly water activities like kayaking on the Tuckasegee River with Smoky Mountain River or the Dillsboro River Company. If you plan to hike in Dillsboro, check out the Black Balsam Trail and Whiteside Mountain, two popular hiking trails. Outside of making memories with your family outdoors, Dillsboro is also an excellent place for shopping and experiencing the local culture. Some unique shops include Dogwood Crafters, American House Cat Museum (yes, a museum with all the cat things!), and Riverwood Pottery.  

As you can see, there is quite a variety of spots for a great family mountain vacation in North Carolina.  If you have a family with young or older children, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy. Each location is near or within the Blue Ridge or the Smoky Mountains for beautiful and breathtaking views. So whether you are a family who loves the outdoors and water sports or a family who prefers exploring the city, there is a great vacation spot for you and your family in North Carolina. 

Have you taken a family mountain vacation in North Carolina before? If so, what part of North Carolina did you visit?