A record-setting hiker and North Carolina native reflects on what makes our state such an iconic part of the most famous hiking trail in the world.
appalachian mountains
Greetings From Asheville: The Land of the Sky
In the late 1800s, a simple, powerful slogan lured newcomers to the sublime beauty of Buncombe County. More than a century later, the Asheville skyline still beckons.
English-Style Charm at the Highlander Mountain House
At a country inn in Highlands, museum-quality artifacts share space with local art, books, and vinyl records, offering a curated experience for visitors to this mountain town where time seems to stand still.
From Ranch to Retreat in Burnsville
A big-city photographer had a vision to transform a storied Burnsville property into a space for contemplation and reflection — a healing place.
NC Icons: Mountain Primer
Find out what makes our ancient Appalachian Mountains so magnificent in this primer on our peaks.
A Guide to Downtown Franklin
This small town is a destination for gem enthusiasts, history buffs, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, which gives residents plenty of chances to share their beloved mountain home.
The Bluffs Offers Second Helpings
For more than 60 years before it closed, the first restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway was a beloved stop for hungry motorists, weary hikers, and local families. Now, The Bluffs is dishing up fried chicken and cathead biscuits once again.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Monumental Drive
In the mid-1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched a massive program to cut a 469-mile road through the North Carolina and Virginia mountains. More than 80 years later, the Blue Ridge Parkway remains the most popular scenic byway in the country.
Mileposts & Memories: A Stop-by-Stop Guide to Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway
We followed the Blue Ridge Parkway down through North Carolina, from Cumberland Knob just below the Virginia state line all the way to Cherokee, compiling our favorite vistas along the way.
