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We've compiled the best of the best in The North Carolina Mountains - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Regarded as one of the top mountain biking trail systems in the eastern United States, the four loop trails at Tsali offer ride opportunities from 4 to 14 miles. There's a campground and restrooms. Bike rentals are available from Tsali Cycles in Bryson City ( www.tsalicycles.com).
A 3-mile open-air ride aboard a 1917 coal-fired locomotive is the centerpiece of this Wild West theme park that also features a large petting zoo and over a dozen rides, including a classic—and surprisingly fast—Ferris wheel. Shows include cancan dancing and kid-oriented sing-alongs. Areas with names like Miner's Mountain and Country Fair are connected by a chairlift, walking paths, and a shuttle bus. Themed evening train rides are popular at Halloween and Christmas.
You don't have to walk the 1.2-mile round-trip trail to the summit of Waterrock Knob for a view—the vistas from the visitor center are also wonderful—but a trip to the top for sunrise or sunset can be stunning. Heading northeast from Cherokee on the Parkway, this is the first trail and notable summit.
Near Highlands and Cashiers, Whiteside Mountain is one of the highest continuous cliffs in the East. The sheer cliffs of white granite rise up to 750 feet, overlooking the Chattooga River in the Nantahala National Forest. A 2-mile loop (moderate) takes you to the top of the cliffs, including a long section following the striking ridgeline. The cliffs are also popular with rock climbers. Peregrine falcons nest here, and the cliffs are closed to climbers during falcon mating season.
One of the longest—and smoothest—mountain coasters in the South, this exhilarating ride extends 3,160 feet and reaches 27 mph in one continuous drop. There's also a high ropes adventure course.
