North Carolina is full of beautiful places to visit -- and there's a reason people flock to places like Asheville,  the Great Smoky Mountains, and Outer Banks. Those places are undeniably wonderful and absolutely worth a visit. But The Tar Heel State is also comprised of some of the most beautiful small towns, too, and these places are all part of the fabric of North Carolina. Here are the 10 most underrated cities and small towns in North Carolina. They're small in size, but big in charm, and all worth a visit!

1. Saluda

Touted by some as the 'next big mountain destination,' Saluda is a small, quiet town in the mountains. (By "small," we mean 700 people.) If you like the mountains and you love waterfalls, then a weekend in this romantic little town might be in order for you.

2. Bath

Bath is North Carolina's oldest town, and was established in 1705. With a rich, 300-year history, Bath also has the distinction of having more years as a community than it has in the number of full time residents! The last population count stopped just shy of 300. But its myriad outdoor recreation opportunities draw adventure-seekers from all over the state.

3. Banner Elk

Banner Elk is small, but it's also a popular little retreat due to its proximity to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a place that blends small-town charm with the amenities of a larger city. For outdoorsy folks, ski resorts and the largest tubing park on the East Coast add to the appeal, but Banner Elk isn't limited to winter time fun, either. In warmer seasons you can kayak, hike, bike, boat, and fish -- it's truly a magical little year-round destination in North Carolina.

4. Beaufort

Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina. The town's origins trace back to 1709. Beaufort was a favorite spot for the famous pirate Blackbeard, and curious visitors can see some artifacts from his ship Queen Anne's Revenge at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in this tiny town.

5. Tryon

Billed as "the friendliest little town in the South," Tryon was incorporated in 1885, 46 years after the Tryon Post Office was established at the base of the town's eponymous mountain. The addition of rail service to Tryon helped the town grow. Tryon is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and affords residents and visitors cool summer breezes and moderate winter temperatures.

6. Black Mountain

Saying that Black Mountain is "eclectic" doesn't even begin to capture the quirky vibe of this North Carolina town. Known as the front porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is just 15 miles east of Asheville, NC. With a population over 8,000, it has been ranked "One of the 50 Safest Towns in North Carolina" as well as the "Best Small Town in Western North Carolina." We couldn't agree more.

7. West Jefferson

Sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains are just one of the many perks of living in West Jefferson. The small town is in the valley between Mount Jefferson and Paddy Mountain. Like so many towns in North Carolina this one got its start after the railroad came along. One place you'll want to be sure to visit while here is the Ashe County Cheese Factory and Store. It's everything you could ever wish for and more.

8. New Bern

If you've never been to New Bern, then you don't know what you're missing. Officially the second-oldest town in North Carolina, New Bern is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. This small town is utterly delightful.

9. Wake Forest

Wake Forest is a beautiful and thriving community to the north of Raleigh and east of Durham. It's on this list because, relative to other cities in North Carolina, it's small; however, word's gotten out about the quality of life in this charming town. The population has been steadily rising; its population increased by 62.17% from 2010 to 2020, and currently sits just shy of 50,000. The reason, of course, is that Wake Forest is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, with charm and tons of natural beauty.

10. Murphy

Murphy, North Carolina is about as far west as you can go without setting foot outside the Tarheel State. It's a total hidden gem, though. Called the "City of Flowers," Murphy is full of scenic beauty; it's home to rustic bridges, glorious hiking, and Fire Creek Falls, one of the state's most stunning natural wonders.

Have you visited any of these charming little cities in North Carolina before? How'd we do with our list? In terms of underrated cities in North Carolina, Weaverville is another must-visit gem. Its historic Main Street is adorable, and they also have *the* best burgers in the entire state at Main Street Grill.