The Appalachian trail spans around 2,200 miles crossing through 14 states - with one of those being (of course) North Carolina. Yet, one unique part about the trail is that it actually crosses through the quaint mountain town of Hot Springs. With a year round population of just 563, adventurers, backpackers, and tourists flock to this hidden mountain town for a truly rugged yet refined experience.
The town is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest and takes the saying 'mountain life' to a whole new level. Everywhere you turn, you're surrounded by mountain and French Broad river views. Hot Springs is a place where you'll feel one with nature and completely away from the world.
Every day, backpackers cross through the small town and hopefully take a minute to relax and rest in one of the mineral hot springs 'soaks' offered throughout the town.
Year-round, the Hot Springs Resort and Spa offers jacuzzi tubs for one, two or even more for a relaxing soak. There are also places to pitch a tent on the resort. Read about it
If you're looking for more adventure, not too far from Hot Springs you'll find Max Patch. The grassy bald is a wide open field on top of a mountain and surrounded by 360 degree mountain views - even in the dead of winter it's still amazing!
There's also Iron Horse Station. Dating back to 1929, the cozy hotel is set right on the Appalachian Trail and is also home to an amazing restaurant. Better yet, it's only 1.1 miles to Lovers Leap.
Hot Springs is truly an adventurer's paradise. While a bit chilly this time of year, it's always great to plan early, right? A trip here in early spring offers uncharted beauty minus the crowds. There's so much more to do here, and you can always hop right on the Appalachian Trail for a day of adventure (or a week). Have you visited Hot Springs before?
The Mountain Magnolia Inn also made another one of our lists - 10 underrated places you should give a chance.
Editor’s Note: As you may know, the town of Black Mountain was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. This means that some of the locations may not be open due to damage that was suffered. While it’s okay to visit the town, we ask that you have respect for the residents and local businesses who are still performing cleanup efforts. Our thoughts are with the people of the town of Black Mountain, NC.
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We can’t get enough of our mountain towns, especially this one in particular. Black Mountain, North Carolina, is inspiring throughout the year, but it's most exceptional in winter when it's wrapped in a quiet, snowy frost. And according to the trusty Almanac, the winter ahead will bring milder weather, but there will be frosty conditions that will make the season magical. Plan to capture the beauty during the snowiest times the first of the year in January and February. Commit to a Black Mountain, NC winter getaway here, and you'll soon discover there is more to winter and cold in this snowy town in North Carolina. Just be sure to bring along your warmest winter travel essentials!
The steep and sloping ranges in Black Mountain, North Carolina, are even more gorgeous when capped with snow. There is nothing quite as beautiful as our quiet little small towns, especially when they are little mountain towns. The distant peaks of the mountains, the blanketed snow covering the landscape in white, and the friendly people all make this a quintessential small town to visit in North Carolina.
And fun is available without climbing so high. Take it all in and stay awhile in this natural wonder. So allow us to be your guides to this small town with recommendations for places to stay, eat, drink, and have fun. Let's make the most out of a winter getaway and see all there is to see and do in this lovely little place.
The Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain Vrbo sleeps up to six people. It is perfect for spending some precious, quiet time in the mountains. Doesn't this snowy wonderland seem so cozy and inviting? It makes us want to find a comfy spot on the couch with a soft blanket and curl up with a good book. Even if you come from far away a stay here will give you a taste of mountain living in the winter.
While remote, it is conveniently located near all of the attractions of downtown Black Mountain. The open floor plan is a great way to visit and reconnect with your friends. You will have a fully stocked kitchen to cook a big meal for your family but one of the best parts of a weekend getaway is to experience the culture of the place you are visiting. Plus you don't have to cook which is a big plus...
2. Dinner
Grilled and sliced ribeye served with bone marrow and red wine.
If you are too tired to cook, try out the new winter menu at Milton's Cuisine and Cocktails. Make a reservation today to order this newly inspired dish of the locally sourced red wine-braised cervena venison shank with sweet potato, grilled broccolini, braising gravy, and rosemary gremolata.
3. Shop
From fine art to clothing, Black Mountain offers numerous shopping opportunities in its charming downtown.
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4. Drink
Refreshing Hard Cider Flight of Beers to Drink
Take off the chill at Black Mountain Cider and Mead, where the staff crafts session mead and dry cider from local honey and apples in an old furniture factory nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sample their flight's uniquely named beverages: Viking Blood, Ginger Beer, and Bluebeard.
Currently, Black Mountain Cider and Mead is still going through cleanup efforts but will reopen soon. Follow this beloved brewery on Facebook for updates.
5. Breakfast
For breakfast bright and early stop by the Open Oven Brunch and Bakery. Who doesn't love a good bakery? Peruse the baked goods behind the glass for a quick bite to eat or indulge in one of the fantastic rotating specials. One of their specialty is the breakfast platter with sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, caramelized onions, mixed in bell peppers and crunchy fried chicken, drizzled spiced cider reduction, and finally topped wonderfully with a sunnyside-up egg. yum! Doesn't that sound like the perfect way to start your day?!
Open Oven Brunch and Bakery is temporarily closed but will reopen soon. Follow this local brunch spot on Facebook for updates.
The hearty breakfast will come in handy on the steep ski slopes of the Hately Pointe Ski Resort (Formerly known as Wolf Ridge), just about an hour away in Mars Hill. Snow tubing and skiing, and the lodge's pizzeria, make this a fun trip for the whole family.
The 16.3-acre Lake Tomahawk Park is a short walk from the cabin and provides a free place to play, hike, and enjoy the nature that comes in the breathtaking winter months. Lake Tomahawk Walking Trail is one of the best places in town to walk around the water and watch the birds. Even when there isn't snow we would highly recommend this spot.
Are you ready to book a Black Mountain, NC winter getaway to one of North Carolina's snowiest towns? Is this already an annual destination? If you visit, please share your experience in the comments below. For more information about the town please visit the Black Mountain, North Carolina website.
And while you're there, treat yourself to the romantic Biltmore Estate, especially at Christmastime.
The Remote Town in North Carolina We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of
Murphy, North Carolina, is a remote mountain town with lots for visitors to do. There is a historic museum, river walk, orchard, winery, and brewery to enjoy.
When I first started traveling as an adult (yikes, that was a long time ago!), I wanted to see all the big-name U.S. cities. You know, the cities that you don't have to say which state they're in when you're talking about them, like San Francisco, Denver, New York, and Boston. And while I am happy to say that I've seen both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, I've turned my attention to visiting America's more remote towns. At one time, I may have been afraid that there wasn't much to do or see in these towns, but experience has taught me that this fear simply isn't true! I've taken incredible hikes, eaten hearty meals at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and met some of the kindest people. Murphy, North Carolina, is a remote mountain town in the southwest part of the state with lots to do and see.
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A photo of a typical small mountain town in the United States of America. Features old brick buildings, that house stores, restaurants and an historical Methodist Church. Photo is of the town of Murphy North Carolina. Photo shows Tennessee street and the First Methodist Church .
Murphy is a small town with about 1,600 residents along the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's between the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers, and many points throughout the town offer stunning river and mountain views.
The town has several notable attractions. The Murphy River Walk is a beautiful three-mile walk following the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers and the historic downtown area. The path has several entrances, including at Konehete Veterans Park and the L&N Depot. Trailgoers can enjoy stunning water views and wildlife, as ducks, herons, and fish live along the trail.
TVA Hiwassee Dam near Murphy, North Carolina
The Cherokee Historical Museum in downtown Murphy is home to more than 2,000 Cherokee artifacts. At the museum, visitors can learn about the Native Americans who once lived in the area and view their drawings and photographs. The Hiwassee Dam is also a fantastic place to visit, offering spots for a picnic and beautiful views of Hiwassee Lake.
Murphy is also home to an incredible winery and brewery: Nottely River Valley Vineyards and Valley River Brewery. Visit the family-owned and operated vineyard's tasting room to enjoy their delicious wines. Valley River Brewery serves craft beer brewed on-site, wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and more.
Hiwassee Lake, Murphy NC.
Mercier Orchards, a fourth-generation family farm, is only a 40-minute drive from Murphy in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Visitors can pick seasonal fruit, enjoy hard apple cider, and purchase freshly baked goods like pies and doughnuts. It also sells various farm products at its on-site market, including jam, apple butter, salsa, honey, and syrup.
If you'd like to plan a trip to this delightful remote town, consider staying in this five-bedroom mountaintop cabin Airbnb. It has fantastic mountain views, a large deck, and a fire pit.
