Discover mountain towns, waterfalls, scenic drives, lakes and local favorites within a day’s drive of Black Mountain, North Carolina.
One of the best things about visiting Black Mountain is how much there is to explore just beyond town. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains east of Asheville, Black Mountain makes a wonderful home base for discovering charming small towns, spectacular waterfalls, historic attractions, mountain lakes and some of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon browsing local shops, a family adventure on the water, a scenic mountain drive or a full day of exploring, there’s a destination waiting for you.
Here are 24 day trips to add to your Western North Carolina itinerary.
Drive times are approximate from downtown Black Mountain and may vary with traffic, weather and road conditions.
Nearby Day Trips: 10–45 Minutes
1. Montreat
Drive time: 10–15 minutes
Just north of Black Mountain, Montreat offers a peaceful mountain setting with wooded trails, historic buildings and beautiful scenery. Walk around Lake Susan or explore the area’s hiking trails for a quieter outdoor experience.
Explore: Montreat Conference Center
2. Old Fort
Drive time: 20–30 minutes
Head east to Old Fort, a small mountain town with a rich railroad history and a growing outdoor recreation scene. Explore downtown, visit local galleries, learn about the region’s heritage or venture into the surrounding forests for hiking and mountain biking.
Catawba Falls is another popular area attraction when trail access permits.
Explore: Explore Old Fort
3. Asheville
Drive time: 20–30 minutes
Asheville offers a full day of arts, culture, dining and shopping. Browse the River Arts District, explore downtown galleries, enjoy locally owned restaurants or plan a visit to the historic Biltmore Estate. With live music, craft beverages and an active arts community, Asheville offers something for almost every kind of traveler.
Explore: Explore Asheville
4. Catawba Falls
Drive time: 20–30 minutes, plus hiking time
Located near Old Fort, Catawba Falls is a beautiful waterfall destination surrounded by forest. The trail follows the Catawba River to a series of cascades, with scenic overlooks along the way. Visitors can enjoy the lower falls, while the upper falls route involves a more strenuous climb.
Check current trail conditions, access, parking and difficulty before setting out.
Explore: Catawba Falls and Outdoor Adventures in Old Fort
5. Weaverville
Drive time: 30–40 minutes
Weaverville is an appealing small-town outing for visitors who enjoy independent shops, local restaurants and a relaxed pace. Browse downtown, stop for coffee or visit Lake Louise Park for a little time outdoors.
Explore: Town of Weaverville
6. Marion
Drive time: 35–45 minutes
Marion offers a classic small-town downtown with local businesses, restaurants and access to the surrounding mountain countryside. Pair a stroll through town with a visit to a nearby natural attraction for an easy day away.
Explore: Destination McDowell
7. Lake James State Park
Drive time: 45–60 minutes
For a full day on the water, Lake James is one of the area’s best options. Enjoy mountain views, boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and picnicking. The park’s Paddy’s Creek access has a seasonal swimming beach, making it especially appealing during warmer months.
Check seasonal facilities and trail notices before your visit.
Explore: Lake James State Park
8. Lake Lure
Drive time: 35–50 minutes
Surrounded by wooded mountain ridges, Lake Lure is a scenic destination for a relaxed day trip. Depending on seasonal availability, visitors can enjoy lakeside views, boating, outdoor recreation and nearby village attractions. Combine the lake with Chimney Rock for a full day in the area.
Check ahead for current lake access, boating and other recreational activities.
Explore: Lake Lure and the surrounding region
9. Chimney Rock State Park
Drive time: 35–50 minutes
Chimney Rock is famous for its towering rock formation and sweeping mountain views. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks and nearby village shops make this a memorable outing for visitors who want to experience the dramatic landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Check the park’s current operating status and access information before traveling.
Explore: Chimney Rock State Park
Small Towns, Shopping and Cultural Attractions: 40–75 Minutes
10. Hendersonville
Drive time: 40–50 minutes
Hendersonville’s walkable Main Street is lined with independent shops, restaurants and historic buildings. Beyond downtown, the area is known for apple orchards, cideries, wineries and seasonal farm experiences. Fall is especially popular, but there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the year.
Explore: Visit Hendersonville
11. Flat Rock
Drive time: 45–60 minutes
Flat Rock is home to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, where visitors can tour the historic home and explore the grounds of the former Connemara farm. Walking trails and the surrounding village make this a lovely choice for history lovers and anyone looking for a quieter outing.
The Flat Rock Playhouse also offers theatrical performances throughout the year.
Explore: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site | Flat Rock Playhouse
12. Burnsville
Drive time: 50–65 minutes
Burnsville offers a welcoming downtown square, local shops, restaurants and a strong connection to the surrounding mountains. It’s a great starting point for exploring the countryside and nearby Mount Mitchell, especially for visitors interested in local arts and mountain-town character.
Explore: Yancey County Chamber of Commerce
13. Waynesville
Drive time: 50–65 minutes
Waynesville’s downtown Main Street is a destination in its own right, with galleries, locally owned shops, restaurants and mountain-made crafts. Browse at your own pace, stop for lunch and enjoy the small-town atmosphere before exploring more of Haywood County.
Explore: Visit Haywood
14. Mount Mitchell State Park
Drive time: 50–75 minutes, depending on access
At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Visitors can experience high-elevation scenery, hiking and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Temperatures are often cooler at the summit than in the valleys below.
Road access can change with weather and Parkway closures, so check conditions before leaving.
Explore: Mount Mitchell State Park
15. Brevard
Drive time: 55–75 minutes
Known as the gateway to the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore downtown shops and restaurants, visit nearby waterfalls, or spend the day hiking and biking in the surrounding forests. Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock are popular area attractions when accessible and in season.
Explore: City of Brevard — Visitor Information
16. Hickory
Drive time: 1 hour 15–30 minutes
For a change of pace, head east to Hickory. The city offers shopping, restaurants, museums, arts and family attractions. Visit the Hickory Museum of Art or Catawba Science Center, explore downtown and consider adding Lake Hickory for a little time outdoors.
Explore: Visit Hickory
17. Forest City
Drive time: 50–65 minutes
Forest City is a pleasant choice for visitors who enjoy exploring smaller towns beyond the usual mountain destinations. Browse downtown businesses, stop for a meal and take time to discover the character of Rutherford County. You can pair the outing with nearby Rutherfordton for an even fuller day.
Explore: Town of Forest City
Scenic Drives, Waterfalls and Longer Adventures
18. Craggy Gardens and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive time: 30–60 minutes, depending on access
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the region’s signature scenic drives. Near Black Mountain, the Craggy Gardens area offers high-elevation views, hiking and seasonal rhododendron blooms. Pull off at overlooks, bring a picnic and allow extra time to enjoy the scenery.
Important: Parkway sections and facilities may close because of weather, maintenance or storm damage. Check the official road-status page before departure.
Explore: Blue Ridge Parkway | Current Road Closures
19. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Drive time: 60–80 minutes
DuPont State Recreational Forest is known for its spectacular waterfalls and extensive trail network. High Falls and Triple Falls are popular destinations, and the forest offers options for hiking, photography and mountain biking.
Plan your route according to your group’s fitness level, and check trail conditions before visiting.
Explore: North Carolina Forest Service
20. Hot Springs
Drive time: 60–75 minutes
Hot Springs is a small mountain town beside the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail. Visitors come for hiking, river scenery, outdoor recreation and the area’s mineral-water soaking experiences. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed day with a distinctly Appalachian feel.
Explore: Visit Madison County
21. Cherokee
Drive time: 75–100 minutes
Cherokee is an important destination for learning about the history and culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Visit cultural attractions and museums, browse arts and crafts, explore nearby mountain scenery or look for elk around the Oconaluftee area.
Allow enough time to experience the destination respectfully and learn from Cherokee-led cultural resources.
Explore: Visit Cherokee
22. Bryson City
Drive time: 1½ hours
Bryson City is a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Ride a scenic excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, explore the Deep Creek area when trails are open, or enjoy the town’s shops, restaurants and riverside setting.
Train excursions and some outdoor activities operate seasonally, so check schedules ahead of time.
Explore: Explore Bryson City | Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
23. Grandfather Mountain
Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
For a memorable High Country adventure, visit Grandfather Mountain. Highlights include the Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, interpretive exhibits and spectacular mountain views. The drive itself is part of the experience, and the destination is best enjoyed with a full day available.
Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, so dress in layers and check operating conditions.
Explore: Grandfather Mountain
24. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Drive time: 1–2 hours, depending on destination
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, wildlife watching and historic-site exploration. Because the park covers a large area, choose a specific destination before leaving Black Mountain rather than trying to see everything in one day.
Cherokee and the Oconaluftee area make a natural starting point for exploring the North Carolina side of the park.
Explore: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A Few More Ideas if You Have Extra Time
If you’re planning a longer stay in Black Mountain, consider adding these destinations to your itinerary:
- Linville Falls: A beautiful waterfall destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. National Park Service information
- Boone and Blowing Rock: Explore High Country shops, mountain scenery and seasonal attractions. Explore Boone | Blowing Rock Tourism
- Rutherfordton: A historic small-town downtown that pairs well with Forest City and other Rutherford County attractions. Visit Rutherfordton and the surrounding region
- Lake Hickory: A lake-oriented outing that can be combined with shopping, museums and dining in Hickory. Visit Hickory
- Lake Junaluska: A scenic lake, walking path and peaceful setting near Waynesville. Lake Junaluska
Make Black Mountain Your Home Base
One of the joys of staying in Black Mountain is having so many different experiences within reach. You can spend one day browsing small-town shops, another chasing waterfalls, another exploring mountain lakes and another discovering the arts, history and food of Western North Carolina.
You don’t have to travel far to find something special — and with so many destinations to choose from, it’s easy to plan a return visit with an entirely different itinerary.
Before you go: Driving times are estimates. Check attraction hours, seasonal schedules, trail access and current road conditions before setting out, especially after severe weather or during winter.
Planning your stay? Start with Visit Black Mountain for local things to do, places to explore and events happening in the Swannanoa Valley.
