9 Best Towns in North Carolina for a Winter Getaway

To call the mountain ranges of North Carolina breathtaking would almost be an understatement. Between skiing and hiking opportunities, iconic holiday festivals, and trains decked out in dazzling lights, North Carolina’s small mountain towns go all-out during the winter season. While there is always something to do in the larger cities, many prefer the slower pace and welcoming community feeling these small towns provide for a winter getaway. Visitors can admire everything from frosted rushing waterfalls to mountain viewpoints that will leave everyone breathless. No matter what adventure you are chasing this winter, find it all in The Tar Heel State.

McAdenville

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mcadenville, North Carolina. Those looking for a magical winter getaway filled with thousands of twinkling lights, holiday songs, and a general sense of Christmas spirit will find all that and more in this charming town. While beautiful all year, McAdenville truly comes to life in the winter months. With a population of only a few hundred people, it is heartwarming to see residents come together to create Christmas Town USA. This community-wide event attracts around 600,000 visitors each year. During the month of December, McAdenville residents go all out with decorations. Visitors will find everything from a nativity scene to floating Christmas trees on the lake and hundreds of illuminated homes. Various events, including a Christmas 5k run, are also on offer in December. If the holiday hoopla is too much, try taking a winter stroll through the nearby South Fork River Park instead. McAdenville also offers easy access to major highways, making it easy to explore other parts of the state and find hotel accommodations. One of the closest hotels to town is The Esquire Hotel in Downtown Gastonia, where guests can enjoy free coffee and WiFi. 

Blowing Rock

Anyone with skiing, winter train rides, and scenic mountain views on their winter bucket list will want to take a trip to Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Perfect for outdoor lovers, Blowing Rock is situated just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers families a slew of fun winter activities to try.

Spend a day hitting the slopes at  Appalachian Ski Mountain, or lace up those hiking boots and explore the popular cliffside that the town was named after. “The Blowing Rock” is one of North Carolina’s oldest tourist attractions and remains a popular destination for both visitors and locals today. In addition to the cliff itself, visitors will find walking trails, an observation deck, and a pretty garden waterfall in the vicinity. Blowing Rock is also home to a handful of additional hiking trails, including The Glen Burney Trail–which leads to a majestic set of waterfalls–and the  Mountain to Sea Trail, which provides views of nearby mountain tops. For something a bit more laid back, visitors can take part in the annual Tweetsie Christmas. The holiday event has a kids' variety show, holiday train rides, and even Santa himself shows up. When searching for accommodations in town, travelers will find a range of mountain-inspired cabins and lodges. Those who plan on skiing will want to book right at Appalachian Ski Mountain’s Slopeside Lodging.

Bryson City

Known as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City, North Carolina, is a charming mountain town that is best enjoyed during the snowy season. Visitors flock to Bryson City each winter to take a ride on the annual Polar Express train from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train is decked out with thousands of lights and takes riders to a beautifully designed North Pole Village. While on the train, enjoy amenities straight out of The Polar Express movie, such as hot chocolate and a treat. Next up, spend some time ice skating at The Yard or venture into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hike the trails and uncover a series of three cascading waterfalls. To make this trip even more interesting, try spending a night or two at the Folkestone Inn. This 1920s farmhouse offers a calm country setting and will leave guests feeling like they wandered back in time. 

Sylva

Another charming winter town located not far from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Sylva, North Carolina. Recognized for its local brewery scene, beer lovers will have no trouble staying warm this winter as they sip their way along the Sylva section of the Jackson County Ale Trail. For some non-alcoholic fun in Sylva, visitors can tackle the challenging 7-mile hike at Pinnacle Park, which offers unbeatable viewpoints of the surrounding mountains. Or get in the Christmas spirit while admiring the holiday trees and lights at the historic Jackson County Courthouse. Visitors will also find plenty of classic chain hotels in the area, including a Comfort Inn and a Best Western for easy accommodations. 

Hendersonville

Tucked away among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a quiet mountain town, perfect for those looking to slow down and take a break from the bustle of city life. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway–a 469-mile drive offering views of mountains, forests, flowers, and wildlife. No car? No problem–there are several walkable activities in town as well. Crystal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. Those looking for more of a thrill will find what they are looking for at Black Bear Snow Tubing–where daring adventurers can soar down the 600-foot hill and enjoy a leisurely ride back to the top.

Sugar Mountain

Sticking with the Blue Ridge Mountain area, Sugar Mountain, North Carolina, is an active winter town best known for the Sugar Mountain Resort. Here, guests can enjoy cozy accommodations, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. On select dates, the resort also hosts live events and guided tours–so remember to check your calendar before arriving. If skiing isn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, then head over to Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster & Adventure Course, where visitors will soar through the air on a 3,160-foot-long track through the wilderness. Music lovers will enjoy Sugar Mountain’s Winter Music Series, which runs from December until March and features a selection of live bands. 

Goldsboro

Home to an impressive art scene and a handful of natural attractions, Goldsboro, North Carolina, is the perfect getaway for those looking to take it easy this winter. Start the trip off with a visit to Goldsboro Ballet, where visitors can enjoy an annual showing of The Nutcracker. Next, head to Old Waynesborough Park to enjoy over four miles of walking trails and a selection of historic buildings dating back to the 1860s. Finally, take a trip just outside of town to the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park for a few hours of hiking and admiring the views from atop 90-foot bluffs.

Maggie Valley

Mountains and winter getaways go hand in hand–which is exactly why Maggie Valley is an attractive option for families looking to hit the road this winter. Start a trip to Maggie Valley off right by paying a visit to the Cataloochee Ski Area. Here, outdoor enthusiasts will find fantastic ski slopes, a fun tube world, and several nearby lodging options, including the stunning Boyd Mountain log cabins. Winter is also the best time of year to visit Soco Falls. The picturesque double waterfall is more accessible to see from the observation deck without summer’s green leaves getting in the way. After soaking up the waterfall views, visitors can enjoy some local shopping at unique places such as Blue Earth Traders–a hot spot for crystals and gemstones. 

Brevard

For those who couldn’t get enough of Maggie Valley’s Soco Falls, Brevard, North Carolina, offers even more opportunity to admire frosty cascading water in the winter. Often called “The Land Of The Waterfalls,” Brevard is home to over 250 waterfalls, including the famous Looking Glass Falls. Not far from that awe-inspiring site, visitors will find Pisgah National Forest, where deeply wooded slopes, serene mountains, and even more waterfalls are on display. The town is also known to throw a handful of holiday events ranging from ugly sweater parties to community concerts and potlucks. 

Winter Wonders in North Carolina

When planning a winter getaway, North Carolina should be top of the list. Not only does the state include some of the most stunning mountains, visitors will also find a slew of friendly communities where large tourist crowds are left behind for more minor, family-friendly activities. Whether it is a scenic walk or a fully-imagined Christmas town, North Carolina does not disappoint.