Charlotte, North Carolina – Home of InvestEd 2008

Things to Do, Places to Go, Sites to See

Scenic Spots Beyond the Piedmont: The Mountains

Running through the western part of the state, the Appalachian Mountains form the lush landscape of the region. The Great Smoky Mountains in the southwestern area are one of the country's top natural destinations. The beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway winds through 250 miles of the North Carolina mountains.   

Western North Carolina Attractions

Western North Carolina's exciting attractions and fun activities include visits to the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains form the oldest mountain chain in North America. Made up of mountains, ridges, and valleys, they sweep from Newfoundland to Alabama. And, should you want to know, if you don’t pronounce the term “Appalachian” correctly, legend has it that someone may throw an “apple at ya!”

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain and provides views of many parallel ranges connected by cross ranges and scattered hills. A delight to see along the Parkway is a variety of wildlife, including groundhogs, chipmunks, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and black bear. Many trees, flowering shrubs, and wildflowers abound.

Smoky Mountains

Western North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains are a grand and glorious place to explore. With family friendly attractions, the Smokies include natural outdoor beauty from clear mountain streams to magnificent views along the highways and country roads. Riding trails, hiking and biking trails, and wheelchair accessible trails are found along the way. Of course, the mother of all trails, the Appalachian Trail, runs the length of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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