Western North Carolina Area Guide

There are hundreds of hiking trails nearby. Find them along the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We can help you plan your perfect hike based on your desired level of difficulty and allotted time. More information about hiking the hills of Western North Carolina can be found at the ExploreAsheville, RomanticAsheville, North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Trails, the Appalachian Trail or National Forest Foundation websites.

Western NC is the Land of Waterfalls. Some of our guests’ favorite nearby waterfalls include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, the falls at Dupont State Forest, all of which are just a short drive from Engadine.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short distance from Engadine. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Chimney Rock is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. Overlooking Lake Lure, Chimney Rock offers the best of the mountains in one place – spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

The Pisgah National Forest covers 510,119 acres of mountainous terrain. Elevations reach over 6,000 feet and include some of the highest mountains in the eastern United States. Mount Mitchell, in Mount Mitchell State Park, is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River and lies just outside the boundary of Pisgah National Forest. The forest also includes tracts surrounding the city of Asheville, the town of Brevard and land in the French Broad River Valley. Recreational opportunities include hiking and backpacking, among others. View the Pisgah National Forest Guide.

A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is slow paced and relaxing, designed as a “drive awhile and stop awhile” experience. Please don’t be in a hurry! Overlooks, picnic areas, campgrounds, visitor centers, hiking trails, and other areas of interest are available along the road. The best way to experience this place is to take advantage of these opportunities. Short trails offer the chance to get away from the road and see the Blue Ridge up close and personal, even if just for a few minutes. Longer trails are also available for the more adventurous. Bicycling, photography, bird watching, and practically any other responsible outdoor activities are available. Hundreds of overlooks allow opportunities to catch a glimpse of sunrises or sunsets, have a picnic, or just enjoy the view across the mountains and valleys of the region. Just a short distance from Engadine is Mt. Pisgah, where you can stop to enjoy lunch with a view at the Pisgah Inn, and Graveyard Fields, both of which offer a variety of hiking trails. View the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.