10 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In The Appalachians
The present-day Appalachian chain is the worn-down remains of a once colossal mountain chain that formed about 480 million years ago at the center of the newly formed Pangaea during one of the first plate collisions that formed this supercontinent. Mt. Mitchell dominates this range in North Carolina at 6,684 ft (2,037 m) as the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi. Today, thousands flock to this mountain area to experience its incredible natural beauty and the rich history of human settlements that grew up here over the years. In the Appalachians, you can easily find affordable summer vacation spots offering water pursuits through the alpine lakes and turbulent rivers and endless miles of hiking trails with wildlife through springtime wildflower meadows and individual mountain summits. Some such destinations have been listed below.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, a truly inspiring town, is a mecca for culture in North Carolina and a year-round wild retreat in the Appalachians, with easy access to the highest mountains in the East, rumbustious rivers, and spectacular views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Find a top food and beer scene post-nature and the River Arts District with quirky galleries, the best bluegrass shows, and downtown shopping. Although July–August and October peak in both popularity and rainy days, come for the imminent fall foliage hikes and warm temperatures. While you can get away with camping in the summer, snatch a vacation rental minutes from downtown and nature, or the mid-range guesthouse Lion or the Rose B&B.
From hiking to paddling and some of the best mountain biking trails around, limitless outdoor adventures await within under an hour at two national parks and three national forests. Save money when you shop locally through the art deco-laden architecture downtown and stop by the serene gardens at the Biltmore Estate for a cheap pursuit. Together with regular events, you get stunning views through all your outdoor daily perusals. Find more state parks just around the corner and wilderness trails galore within 10 minutes of downtown in any direction for various levels and views. Lake Powhatan Beach is right here too, while the natural hot springs are 30 minutes away!
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge, the mountain town at the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, stands the test of time, retaining its pristine natural purity despite its popularity as a cheap getaway. The picturesque destination offers real beauty in the rolling hills and vibrant forests covering the mountain slopes of the Appalachians, while the small-town prices and abounding camping options will keep you on a budget. Immerse yourself in its scenically relaxed pace along the charming downtown area with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries with local works inspired by the sights around you.
With crystal-clear rivers and lakes at your tent door or RV site, you can enjoy endless summer days along the shores and in the waters against the captivating backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Escape from the city's hustle now for the fall foliage that wires itself into panoramic views beneath the majestic peaks. The tranquility around extends into the town's relaxed vibe with its laid-back local attitude of real outdoor fans. Join them for the calming scenery along the trails and fishing in crystal-clear streams. With every fresh breath of the alpine air, the town's unique charm and unparalleled natural beauty will leave you in awe without hurting your wallet.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway en route from the northern Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south is like a triple threat, overwhelming you with the scenery. Connect from one park to the other on the best road trip of your life with many glorious stops along the Parkway, like Grandfather Mountain, Natural Bridge State Park, and Mount Mitchell State Park. Get away for the weekend or a whole vacation this fall in the loveliest colors along the perfect parkway, with enough experiences to recharge you with scenery until your next escape from work.
Enjoy countless hikes around, like waterfall-chasing, and numerous overlooks for spectacular sunsets over the mountains. The through-running parkway in both Virginia and North Carolina offers easy access to its winding stretch of 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains, with beautiful views at every turn. Should you fancy a stay for one night, the Fancy Gap Cabins offer great mountain views or choose a retro motel experience at the Buena Vista Motel in Buena Vista.
Boone, North Carolina
Boone, a real North Carolina gem with the one and only Appalachian State University captivates every new visitor with its small-town charm like no other. Infused with a youthful feel and the warm ambiance of the college lifestyle, no words can do justice to experiencing it all under the beautiful cover of the Appalachians. Immerse yourself in the lively vibe downtown with its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant student-geared attractions at relatable prices.
This sprawl features plentiful eclectic shopping for every taste amid trendy eateries, cozy coffee houses, and charming book shops, welcoming new faces under the watchful eye of nearby Grandfather Mountain. This showstopping town and mountain offer unparalleled views, especially once you hike the rugged trails to the majestic peak. Find stunning vistas along the way over the surrounding valleys, dense forests, and meandering rivers. The iconic Mile-High Swinging Bridge, one of the highest, is a must for a selfie and memorable thrills.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
It seems like no list in this general region can do it justice without Gatlinburg, the getaway town into the Appalachians and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With no other town like it, replete with unique experiences, Gatlinburg is sought after from near and far. Escape in the summer on a budget with perfect weather to explore the outdoors over hiking and camping, or choose Greystone Lodge On the River near all the best attractions, including the Little Pigeon River, at your doorstep. Among the countless vacation rentals, you can also score an inexpensive cottage with stunning mountain views.
This perfect Southeast destination will suit every group, taste, and budget, with a wide choice of restaurants, shops, and attractions along the parkway in Gatlinburg. From simple downtown strolls with views of the Smokies to great hiking trails like the nearby refreshing cascades, come this fall for a foliage hike and return in the summer for camping in the lush scenery. Take a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift and walk across North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, the Skybridge. The nearby mountaintop park of Anakeesta has more shops, restaurants, a zipline, and treetop walkways.
Gorges State Park, North Carolina
The untouched beauty of North Carolina's Gorges State Park is a must-experience part of the Appalachians you can enjoy on a budget. Immerse yourself in the purest beauty of over 100,000 acres of conservation lands with nature trails for refreshing hikes and summertime water pursuits. Choose the renowned Foothills Trail, meandering through the foothills of stunning rock faces, or any other eye-catching path to chase some of the park's 26 cascades.
If days of roaming and an authentic camping experience in secluded areas with primitive campsites sound exciting, get packing for the serenest beauty to connect with Mother Nature with no admission fee to the park. From lush forests to turbulent rivers and waterfalls famed for their healthy greenery to stunning river gorges and rock faces, you can enjoy adventuring for all levels and relaxing picnics in beautiful landscapes for every taste. Enjoy picture-perfect views while fishing or picnicking, where you can easily fly-fish yourself some dinner from the rich population of trout and smallmouth bass.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The breathtaking beauty of America's most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the most generous destinations in the region. It doesn't take anything back from you in return, but it rids you of stress while indulging in the boundless outdoors to your nature-starved heart's content while hiking, camping, wildlife-seeing, and scenic drives along the Cades Cove Loop. Choose an inexpensive camping option to wake to the ethereal blanket of mist over the mountains for an early start to a hike in the mystic air and surroundings.
Come this fall for the foliage with over 800 miles of trails, return for the spring's meadows of delicate wildflower carpets, and still have new territory to cover next summer. Whether you take the challenging ascent to Clingman's Dome or a leisurely stroll through the park's periphery with a picnic, you will leave with unforgettable experiences through the awe-inspiring vistas. Don't wait and escape any upcoming weekend for a profound connection with the park's nature, whose charms will have you yearning for more.
Hanover, New Hampshire
The small town's heart literally beats with Appalachian vibes, with the AT running right down its Main Street. Make Hanover your perfect destination getaway to enjoy both nature and culture while staying on a budget. Skip the insta-mix for aromatic kava at the atmospheric Dirt Cowboy Café before a self-guided excursion around town. More than a pitstop but a worthy destination in itself, you will be greeted by old architecture, rich heritage, and modern cultural sights like great museums, including the newly expanded Hood Museum of Art.
As one of only ten towns with a crossroads between Main Street and the Appalachian Trail, you can enjoy regular local events and stay acculturated when you come in for provisions. Stumble in during one of the sporting events, or head to the Hopkins Center for a theatrical or musical performance in the evening. Molly's Restaurant & Bar will fill you up on a glorious wood-fired, thin-crust pizza, or grab a hot fudge sundae full of childhood daydreams and the flatbread to go savor at your campsite or RV. When in doubt, choose The Hanover Inn for a good night's rest before a strenuous hike.
New River Gorge, West Virginia
This gem of a natural attraction in West Virginia is a testament to the ruggedly beautiful Appalachian scenery that captivates with pristine wilderness and breathtaking vistas. New River Gorge will have you following the stunning New River's path through a vibrant combination of deep canyons, under rugged cliffs, and over dramatic rock formations. Wind down on a picnic at any point with a picturesque backdrop that will keep your eyes glued and wandering, forgetting about the food and others in front of you.
Revel in this real, serene embrace and wholeness with nature and find countless hikes, including panoramic peaks. Take the iconic New River Gorge Bridge over the canyon, the gorge's most awe-inspiring feature and a real feat of engineering, to marvel at its grandeur. The nearby town of Beckley will host you affordably and provide you with provisions for all your camping needs while you explore this unique slice of the Appalachians, wholesome in its own right while showcasing the sheer magnitude of the whole mountainous region.
Shenandoah National Park
Despite being right in the heart of the Appalachians, Shenandoah National Park is unlike any other natural wilderness around, which stuns even the most weathered nature lovers. Experience this stunning park with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail among the park's extensive trail system with panoramic vistas. Shenandoah National Park captivates you to linger in nature's embrace as long as possible over experiences and sights that will linger in your heart forever after.
It is a real outdoors enthusiast's dreamscape to dive into the peaceful serenity amid a rich tapestry of flora and fauna and the timeless charm of this enchantingly ancient park. Take an enchanting drive down the winding Skyline Drive through the park, along with breathtaking mountain and valley views—not just for a rainy day but an iconic scenic roadway destination in itself. Stop at overlooks and countless hiking trails for all levels with wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, and many different bird species.
Fall Foliage? Check! Camping sites? Aplenty! Scenic drives and hikes for all levels offer breathtaking views. Ditto. Anything else you desire? Just visit the nearby small town for your favorite pursuits in the alpine atmosphere. The glorious Appalachian range in northern America is an all-in-one destination. Its 100- to 300-mile-wide perimeter stretches from the island of Newfoundland in Canada to central Alabama in the United States, with 1,500 miles of scenery and adventures. Don't wait any longer to find your cozy getaway amid the range's peaks, which average around 3,000 ft (900 m) in height.
