| Western North Carolina Travel Guide | |
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The Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina are one of the most popular US tourist destinations, attracting a growing number of travelers each year. The western Carolina mountain counties have long been a favorite spot for vacation homes, but in recent years the number of full-time residents has increased, too.
The Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains form a pathway through the western side of North Carolina, melting together to create some of the prettiest vistas in the eastern US. Graceful tufts of 'smoke' hanging in the valleys after a spring rain are something you won't soon forget. The view is especially beautiful on days when the sun is hidden behind clouds, intensifying the color saturation of every leaf and twig in the forests.
We stay fairly warm during most of the winter, usually getting just enough snow to let us experience the change of seasons. The elevation of our mountains keeps much of the region cool in the summer.
Click on any photo to see a larger image.
The Blue Ridge Parkway begins at the NC/Tennesee state line, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and continues eastward. The shot below, taken at Linville Gorge, is just one example of the views you'll see while you travel across North Carolina's portion of this historic Parkway.
Next page > Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway > Page 1, 2, 3, 4
Photo Gallery
The Great Smoky Mountains
Linville Gorge
Pisgah National Forest
The Folk Art Center
Linn Cove Viaduct
Appalachian Trail
Chimney Rock Park
Cradle of Forestry
Fairfield Lake, Sapphire
Above Photos Courtesy NC Tourism
Above Photos Courtesy Janet Wickell
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