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If you’re thinking about visiting somewhere with mountains for your next vacation to help unwind and recharge, there are a variety of options throughout the U.S. However, nothing compares to a North Carolina mountain vacation.

If you’re going to plan the perfect North Carolina mountain vacation, you need to figure out which part of the state has the best mountain house rentals and rental cabins, where the best places to visit are so you can get the full mountain experience, when to visit the North Carolina mountains, tips for planning a mountain vacation, how to find the best vacation rental with a mountain view and more.

The Western North Carolina Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is a family-centric rustic wonderland that has something to do for every member of the family. People come here for summer vacations due to the cool temperatures, lake retreats, romantic getaways, family reunions, and to get back to the simpler things and appreciate the scenery. Read on to learn more about planning the perfect North Carolina mountain vacation and some great North Carolina mountain rentals.

Where Can I Go in the Mountains in NC?

You’ve decided it’s time for a mountain getaway vacation and you want to visit somewhere with mountains and incredible scenery. There are so many options and it’s hard to decide where to go. North Carolina is full of mountains, but the Western North Carolina Highlands-Cashiers Plateau region is extra special.

There are many unique areas to visit. In addition to being part of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain chain, there are some local mountains to explore and take in.

Here Are Some Must-Visit Places in Western North Carolina

here are some must visit places in western north carolina

Use this list to help you start planning your next North Carolina mountain vacation. All of these places will give you breathtaking views of the surrounding area:

  • Whiteside Mountain
  • Panthertown
  • Gorges State Park
  • Dry Falls
  • Nantahala National Forests

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit North Carolina?

Depending on what you’re looking for, the North Carolina mountains in the Plateau region can be attractive any time of the year

Spring and Summer

The best time to visit North Carolina is in the summer months when the temperatures are ideal. Near the mountains, the temperatures are in the 70s during summer.

Fall

If you’re looking for a burnt orange, rustic red and golden-yellow paradise, visit the in the fall when the leaves are changing and the mountains are covered in an incredible color scheme. If you’ve never seen the leaves change or it’s been a long time, we highly recommend experiencing the fall season in the mountains. The weather is still nice enough to go hiking and enjoy being outdoors.

Winter

If you’re looking to experience a winter wonderland, why not experience it in the mountains? Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are popular times of the year to visit the Plateau. Make the holidays or the winter season extra special and visit a true winter wonderland destination.

5 Tips for Planning a Trip to the North Carolina Mountains

To make sure you have a memorable North Carolina mountain vacation, you’ll need some tips for planning a trip to the mountains.

  1. Make a note of all the places you’d like to visit
  2. Choose the ultimate vacation rental
  3. Pack your essentials
  4. You’ll have a full kitchen. Visit the Farmers Markets for local treats!
  5. Enjoy every minute of your North Carolina mountain vacation

Best Mountain Vacation Experiences in North Carolina

best mountain vacation experiences in north carolina

If you’re asking yourself where should I go on the mountains in North Carolina, we have a few places in mind we think you’d love.

There are a few different mountain regions in North Carolina and the western part of the state is known as the mountain region. The Western North Carolina Plateau area is near the Blue Ridge Mountains, which separates the Piedmont from the state’s mountain region.

According to NCpedia, North Carolina has about 100 mountains that climb over 5,000 feet and 40 that reach 6,000 feet.

The Plateau area of Western North Carolina consists of

These locations all have easy access to nearby mountains so you will have no shortage of mountain hiking, mountain biking, mountain views and cozy mountain cabins. What makes this part of Western North Carolina so unique is that it’s also considered a temperate rainforest. Pair that with the impressive scenery of the mountains and it’s truly a unique place to visit.

Sip your morning coffee on the porch and watch the sunrise over the mountains and wake up refreshed and ready for the day’s adventures. Or enjoy the views from inside your vacation rental home and relax and do nothing at all. It’s your vacation so you get to decide. When you want to venture out and explore the area, there are a variety of things to do for all members of the family.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains?

The Blue Ridge Mountain region is beautiful all year long and so is the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Each area is unique and has something special to offer.

Lake Toxaway is a private lake with a rich history. Lake Glenville is a public lake where you can enjoy water sports, swimming and more. Highlands is an elegant part of the Plateau with small-town vibes and a pleasant and picturesque main street. Cashiers is small, but relaxing with a lot of opportunities to immerse yourself in your natural surroundings. Sapphire Valley is situated between these locations and is home to some fantastic amenities.

North Carolina Mountain Vacation Rental Options

north carolina mountain vacation rental options

When you’re choosing a North Carolina mountain vacation rental, there are a few things you’ll want to look for so you can choose a vacation rental that truly feels like a home away from home.

3 Things you Want in a North Carolina Mountain Vacation Rental

It’s understandable that you’ll want the comforts of home while you’re on vacation. It’s nice, for example, to be able to cook your own meals in a full kitchen, especially if you love cooking and want to experiment with local ingredients.

Here are 3 things you’ll want in your vacation home:

  1. A full kitchen
  2. A home with access to amenities
  3. A home with a big porch so you can enjoy the surroundings

It’s important to feel comfortable while you’re away from home on your next North Carolina mountain vacation. Landmark understands this and provides all of the right things to make you feel at home. Our vacation rentals are decorated in a rustic theme that complements the landscape. Kitchens are complete with dishware and glassware and everything you’ll need for a memorable dinner at home. If you want to go out to eat, there are also plenty of great nearby options. We’ve provided towels for you in your rental, there are TVs so you can catch up on your favorite shows, bedside lamps so you catch up on your favorite book, and more.

Some homes have access to amenities in the communities they’re in. If you’re looking for homes with access to amenities like our Sapphire Valley Resort vacation rentals, let us know. Any of our professional Vacation Planning Advisors are happy to help you choose the mountain vacation rental that’s perfect for you and your family.

Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals

To have a true North Carolina mountain vacation, you’ll want to visit as many mountains as you can. When you stay in a Landmark vacation rental, you’ll be about two hours away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

If you’re more interested in staying closer to your home away from home, there are a variety of hiking trails and mountains to explore closer to your Landmark vacation rental.

Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains can be found along the North Carolina-Tennessee Border. They make for an excellent day trip from a Western North Carolina vacation rental on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. These famous mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and they’re affectionately nicknamed the Smokies. Have you ever wondered why they’re called the “smoky” mountains? It’s because of the natural fog that hangs over the mountains. From a distance, it looks like large smoke plumes from a chimney.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch from Pennsylvania to Georgia. They look blue when they’re seen from a distance and that’s how they got their name. Nature works in mysterious ways because this is mostly caused by trees on the mountains releasing isoprene, which protects their leaves from heat and other stressors. Those emissions give off the blue tint. The Blue Ridge Mountains and driving along part of the Blue Ridge Parkway are an excellent way to spend a day trip while you’re staying on the Plateau.

Western North Carolina Cabin Rentals

Now that you know a North Carolina mountain vacation is for you, you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from a variety of Western North Carolina cabin rentals and find one that feels like the perfect home away from home. A memorable vacation starts with where you stay and Landmark has a variety of options. Find something with a view, a large porch where everyone can hang, a rental with a fully equipped kitchen so you can make home-cooked meals while you’re on vacation, homes with easy access to amenities, hiking trails and more.

You’ll love a mountain getaway in the Plateau region of Western North Carolina. There are countless outdoor things to do and plenty of places to explore in town as well. Visit museums, area restaurants, farmers markets, the local coffee shop, and so much mofre.

Plan the Perfect Carolina Mountain Vacation Today

plan the perfect carolina mountain vacation today

You need a professional to help you plan the best mountain vacation in NC, the team at Landmark Vacation Rentals is behind you each step of the way. We have luxury vacation homes with all of the comforts of home. Some even come with hot tubs. We also offer pet-friendly rentals, so you don’t have to leave anyone behind. Your furry family member will love coming on your North Carolina mountain vacation with you, too!

Contact the team if you have any questions about visiting the mountains in Western North Carolina. Many of us visited a few times on North Carolina mountain vacations of our own and decided one day we didn’t want to leave. We know the area and we love sharing it with others. We hope you fall in love with it as much as we do!

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