12 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in North Carolina
North Carolina is a four-season, naturally endowed state that is loaded with adventures year-round. But winter might just be the best time to explore and experience the great outdoor charms of the state and some indoor attractions as well. The season is recommended because crowds will be smaller, the experiences will have a touch of uniqueness, hotel rates will be cheaper, and the sights of snow and ice will be magical. From chasing frozen waterfalls to exploring ice sculptures and skiing down slopes, there are many ways to enjoy the season across these 12 best winter destinations in North Carolina.
Bald Head Island
With the crowds gone, winter is the perfect time to explore the gorgeous coast and beaches of North Carolina in tranquility. So take a ferry ride from Southport across Cape Fear River to Bald Head Island and bask in the beauty of its lovely, secluded beach while watching birds. Join the locals for fishing trips to catch trout and redfish, and afterward, visit the state's oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy Light. Climb the 108 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the coastal scenery and then explore the history museum below. Clearly, a family winter vacation will be unforgettable on this island and even budget-friendly since winter is an off-season, and accommodation rates will drop significantly.
Looking Glass Falls, Pisgah National Forest
Chasing frozen waterfalls with a camera in winter across North Carolina is a visually rewarding endeavor and at the Looking Glass Falls, the views are even more dreamy. When temperatures drop, the water on the sides of the rock freezes and then glimmers in sunlight to appear like a mirror, hence the name. A camera is needed to capture the views from the top of the viewing stairs or a lower platform as icicles form around it. Notably, the fall is one of the most photographed in the US and very easy to access from Brevard along U.S. 276.
Biltmore, Asheville
America's largest home, Biltmore, is undoubtedly one of the best places to spend the winter season in North Carolina. The large house is beautified from November to January with hundreds of Christmas trees, ribbons, ornaments, and thousands of lights. The lights are particularly the highlight of the decorations as they glow magnificently at night and make the scenery surreal. Tour this mansion and estate on a winter night to enjoy the lights and experience other activities during the day, like touring its grounds on a bike or touring the rooftop. In addition, there are three properties for accommodations, shops for purchasing souvenirs, and restaurants where guests can wine and dine as they enjoy the festive winter season here.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is the quintessential American winter getaway, as it is one of the state’s snowiest towns. When the temperatures drop, around 78 inches of snow descend on this town, transforming it into a magical wonderland as its downtown is drenched in all whites and its surrounding peaks capped with snow crowns. In addition, there are many ways to stay active throughout the cold season. Visitors can hit the 16.3-acre Lake Tomahawk at the peak of the snowy season in January to marvel at the snow-draped scenery around the lake. Winter sports lovers can head to the nearby Hately Point Ski Resort to embark on skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing experiences or take one of the lifts to capture views of the whitish landscape. Don’t forget to partake in the Holly Jolly, a winter event held every first Friday in December that ignites the holiday's blissful vibes downtown with shopping, live performances, and good food.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is one of North Carolina's most intriguing small towns, famed for its namesake rock that returns thrown objects from 1,500 feet above ground. This irregular rock formation over the Johns River Gorge is the highlight of summer, but in winter, the town hosts many festivities that lure visitors. Visitors can partake in the Festival of Lights, held from late November to late January and featuring thousands of holiday lights as they illuminate the charming Chetola Lake. The Blowing Rock Winterfest is another event held toward the end of January at Chetola Resort, featuring ice sculptures, local food, dance performances, an ice carving demo, and more. Indoor attractions for history buffs include the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, where the town's history and its fascinating rock formations are told in exhibits. Mystery Hill is another prime attraction to explore in winter to experience various magical experiences like water flowing uphill.
Boone
Boone, a lovely and vibrant town framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the top winter destinations in North Carolina. In winter, visitors will be mesmerized by the town’s remarkable change in scenery, especially the views of snowcapped peaks. Visitors here will be met with winter attractions like the Appalachian Ski Resort, which features a large outdoor ice skating rink for skating experiences. At the same time, the nearby Sugar Mountain Resort is the ideal stop for snow tubing and skiing. For enthralling sledding experiences, visitors can head to Boone Jaycee Park, which also has a playground for kids. For something different, head to Center 45 to enjoy climbing and bouldering in an indoor setting. Meanwhile, the Boone Winter Farmers Market downtown runs from December to April, featuring local crafts, live music, and food.
Whitewater Falls, Cashiers
Waterfalls are naturally stunning across all seasons, but in winter, they are uniquely charming, with a kind of rare beauty that deserves to be captured with a camera. While there are many waterfalls in the state, Whitewater Falls is worth visiting in winter to witness the true definition of beauty and wonder. Also, it is the highest waterfall on the East Coast at 411 feet, and during the cold season, the falls freeze completely, creating a spectacular scene. This frozen beauty is best viewed from the viewing platform overlooking it, and tourists can access the fall from a short trail in the parking lot on US Highway 281, south of the town of Cashiers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most visited park and an excellent winter destination to explore. The park boasts 850 miles of hiking trails, several waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, all creating a dazzling natural background for adventures in winter. Hiking some of the park's trails, like the five-mile Alum Cave Trail leading to the top of Mount LeConte, is one of the exhilarating experiences in the park during the cold season. Meanwhile, some trails lead to frozen waterfalls such as Rainbow, Meig, Tom Branch, and Laurel Falls to admire these majestic natural attractions. Visitors can also observe views of snowcapped peaks from the Kuwohi observation tower at the highest point in the park. Additionally, the lack of crowds and the charming views of the snowy scenery around the park’s lakes, rivers, and peaks are always a plus for the experience. Before visiting, however, be sure to check the park’s website for some restrictions in winter, like the closure of some roads and attractions.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing, Seven Devils
Hawksnest Snow Tubing is a prime winter wonderland dedicated to snow tubing and is the largest tubing park in the Southeast. It spots 30 snow tubing lanes ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet across four different tubing areas. Families, friends, and solo travelers are invited to this spot to experience the best tubing winter sensations in the country. The tubing park is also family-friendly, as children above three are allowed to participate in the fun. Plus, there’s always plenty of food, drinks, and snacks to enjoy alongside the thrilling rides.
Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain
Ski resorts are among the best places to enjoy thrilling adventures in winter, and Beech Mountain Resort is one of the best in North Carolina. This ski resort boasts 98 acres of skiable terrain with 17 trails and slopes split across beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories. The park’s longest run is just a mile, and there’s also an ice skating rink and a 750-foot-long tubing park for snow tubing adventures. With these facilities and landscapes, the resort is always ready to thrill winter visitors with activities such as snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, and more. For laid-back visitors, the nine lifts in the resort guarantee scenic views of the snow-draped scenery and peaks of Beech Mountain.
Highlands
Highlands is a beautiful mountain town nestled on a plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Thanks to its location, this town is surrounded by enchanting waterfalls, scenic rivers, hiking trails, and the magnificent Harris Lake. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, inviting tourists to come chase its numerous frozen waterfalls. Some of these waterfalls include the breathtaking Bridal Veil, Cullasaja, Dry, and Quarry Falls, all of which can be accessed via easy trails.
Visitors can head to Hickory Street for some thrills to enjoy sledding down the hill. For similar experiences, visit the Highland Outpost in nearby Scaly Mountain and take the Magic Carpet Lift to the top to tube down the mountain. Meanwhile, ice skating is available at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort is arguably the best ski resort in North Carolina, with some outstanding winter sports features and facilities. It features 125 acres of skiable terrain, 21 slopes and trails in different categories, and a peak elevation of 5,300 feet. Other highlights of the resort include a tubing park, a skating rink, seven chairlifts, and a 1.5-mile run. With these amenities and terrains, the resort spoils winter adventure seekers with a range of options and adrenaline-bursting experiences. From ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing to snow tubing, snowboarding, and hiking, visitors will have various ways to enjoy and make the most of the snowy season in this resort. The resort’s chairlifts are particularly thrilling, as they offer a relaxing way to savor the snowy scenery of Sugar Mountain. Additionally, the resort hosts a couple of events in winter, including the Sugar Fest (Dec. 13 - 15, 2024), National Winter Trails Day (Jan. 7, 2025), and New Year’s Celebration on Dec. 31. 2024.
Winter is an incredible time to be in North Carolina, particularly because of the icy and snowy scenery and the numerous adventures it comes with. Visit this state during the cold season and prepare to see and explore frozen waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, ski resorts full of trails for all ski levels, and many more. Between the outdoor adventures, you’ll even get caught up in exciting festivals like Christmas and New Year, making the experience more unforgettable.
