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- Banner Elk. Population: 1,039 (2023) This western North Carolina town is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. It's a little community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Sugar Mountain Resort to the south and Beech Mountain Resort to the north for skiing opportunities.
- Bath. Population: 243 (2023) You'll find a small town with big charm in Bath, North Carolina, which was established as the state's first town in 1705 after being a European settlement in the 1690s.
- Beaufort. Population: 4,789 (2023) Beaufort is the fourth oldest town in North Carolina, established in 1713, and has been ranked as "America's Coolest Small Town" by readers of Budget Travel.
- Beech Mountain. Population: 676 (2023) You'll find thrills on the slopes in this tiny ski town tucked into North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to skiing, there are many mountain trails to hike.
- Western NC Small Towns List
- Central NC Small Towns List
- Eastern NC Small Towns List
You might think that all of these small towns in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are near Asheville, but more than a few of them are at least a couple of hours away. Those mountain towns that are within two hours were included in our guide to day trips from Asheville. This section (and all others) will start with a list of small towns in each...
Many of these small towns in Central North Carolina are within quick reach of a day trip, especially from Raleigh and Durham. Some are near Charlotte and even considered part of its metropolitan region. 1. Aberdeen 2. Apex 3. Asheboro 4. Burlington 5. Carrboro 6. Davidson 7. Gastonia 8. Hillsborough 9. Kannapolis 10. Lexington 11. Lincolnton 12. Me...
Eastern North Carolina is where you’ll find the highest concentration of historic small towns, mainly because Europeans first permanently settled down in this part of the state. Not only is there a rich heritage in this area, but there are also some of the quaintest and friendliest coastal towns right by the beach. 1. Atlantic Beach 2. Avon 3. Bald...
- Bryson City. A stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bryson City is best known for its mountain scenery (it's adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) and all the outdoor adventure fun that comes with it: hiking, whitewater rafting, tubing, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and even zip lining through the treetops.
- Edenton. From its picturesque spot on Albemarle Sound to its many 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Edenton is a romantic getaway in coastal Carolina. Hop aboard a trolley tour and check out the several historic homes open to the public in the state's first colonial capital (and second-oldest town).
- Blowing Rock. Headed to the mountains? Be sure to visit this Blue Ridge Parkway town and its namesake geological formation — an ancient gneiss outcrop whose rocky bulk causes wind to blow vertically, making objects appear to float skyward.
- Seagrove. A rural paradise for pottery lovers, the tiny community of Seagrove is the beating heart of North Carolina's pottery tradition. Set in the pretty countryside and Uwharrie foothills are dozens (more than 100, by some counts) of ceramics shops and studios, many of them with working potters at the wheel.
- Saluda. Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasn’t much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. The town’s proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks.
- Ocracoke. This small NC island is also the name of the southern-most town of the Outer Banks. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island.
- Saxapahaw. Central North Carolina’s finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area.
- Bryson City. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina’s most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.
- Hendersonville. Ideally situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville makes a wonderful base for exploring the area's tourist attractions, including waterfalls, hiking trails, apple orchards, and the town's pedestrian-friendly Main Street.
- Blowing Rock. If the summer heat is getting to you, head to the highlands for a visit to Blowing Rock. Here, you'll find cooler temperatures and a dynamic small town packed with things to see and do.
- Edenton. Once the state capital, Edenton is an undiscovered gem in the Inner Banks. The streets are lined with historical buildings and homes from the 18 and 19 centuries.
- Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and many people associate the town with the basketball team. However, this city has much more to offer than just a destination to see a game.
Dec 20, 2021 · Blowing Rock. West Jefferson. Elkin. Sparta. Boone. Beech Mountain. Bryson City. Cherokee. Maggie Valley. Murphy. Sylva. Dillsboro. Franklin. Highlands.
Oct 2, 2017 · Blowing Rock. Getty Images. Nested in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the fabled Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock offers nearly every outdoor activity imaginable, from fly fishing and spelunking, to rafting and rock climbing. Downtown, there are more than 100 independent shops, plus favorite eateries like The Best Cellar, a mainstay since 1975.
