North Carolina National Parks & Gateway Towns
Explore the Smokies, Blue Ridge, and Coastal Parks of North Carolina
Explore the Smokies, Blue Ridge, and Coastal Parks of North Carolina
North Carolina’s National Parks stretch from misty mountains to wild coastlines. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a crown jewel, with ridges, waterfalls, and Appalachian heritage. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through colorful forests and overlooks, while the Outer Banks host Cape Hatteras National Seashore, known for its beaches, lighthouses, and maritime history. Gateway towns like Cherokee, Bryson City, Asheville, and the Outer Banks villages make these parks accessible, each offering its own mix of culture, charm, and adventure.
North Carolina’s National Parks stretch from misty mountains to wild coastlines. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a crown jewel, with ridges, waterfalls, and Appalachian heritage. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through colorful forests and overlooks, while the Outer Banks host Cape Hatteras National Seashore, known for its beaches, lighthouses, and maritime history. Gateway towns like Cherokee, Bryson City, Asheville, and the Outer Banks villages make these parks accessible, each offering its own mix of culture, charm, and adventure.
One Hour Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Relaxing one-hour horseback ride through Smoky Mountain... More
Three Hour Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Three-hour guided horseback ride through the Smoky Mountains.... More
Two Hour Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Guided horseback trail ride through Smoky Mountain countryside.... More
Smoky Mountain Cherokee Safari Jeep Adventure Tour
Private Jeep safari through the Smokies with Cherokee heritage... More
Gateway towns in North Carolina offer easy access to both mountain and coastal adventures.
Cherokee is a vibrant community nestled in the Oconaluftee River Valley, rich in Cherokee culture and history. It serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Marshall is a quaint town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. The town offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it a perfect gateway to the surrounding natural beauty.
From a single day in the Smokies to a week linking mountains and coast, North Carolina offers diverse park journeys.
Begin in Cherokee with a morning hike along the Oconaluftee River Trail or a drive to Clingmans Dome. Enjoy lunch in town, then spend the afternoon exploring waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway or browsing Cherokee cultural sites. End with dinner in Bryson City or Asheville.
Day 1: Explore the Smokies from Cherokee — hike to Alum Cave or visit Mingus Mill. Overnight in Bryson City.
Day 2: Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, then head to Asheville for dining and live music.
Day 3: Spend the day on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks and hiking trails like Craggy Gardens before returning to Asheville.
Day 1–3: Base in Cherokee or Bryson City for three days of Smoky Mountain exploration — Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove (via Newfound Gap), and hikes to waterfalls like Mingo Falls.
Day 4–5: Travel east to Asheville. Spend one day driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, another exploring downtown Asheville’s food and arts scene.
Day 6–7: Drive to the Outer Banks for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, kayak coastal waters, and enjoy quiet evenings in Ocracoke or Buxton.
Find Experiences, Plan Your Days & Book It All With Us!
With both mountains and coast to choose from, planning a North Carolina National Parks trip can be complex. Our team helps you connect the parks, towns, and tours into one seamless adventure.
Mountains and Coast, Year-Round
North Carolina’s landscapes offer something new each season, from wildflowers and waterfalls in the mountains to warm summer beaches and colorful fall ridges.
Spring: Waterfalls flow strong in the Smokies, wildflowers bloom along the Blue Ridge, and coastal weather is mild.
Summer: Peak season on the Outer Banks for swimming, surfing, and boating. Smoky Mountain trails are lush and lively.
Fall: Brilliant foliage lights up the Blue Ridge Parkway, drawing leaf-peepers from around the world. Cooler weather makes it ideal for hiking.
Winter: The coast stays mild, while the mountains are quiet and peaceful, with opportunities for snowshoeing or cozy cabin stays.
Tell us your travel dates and style, and we’ll design a custom North Carolina adventure.
Tours In And Around The Smoky Mountains
Explore the Smokies from the North Carolina side with guided hikes, scenic drives, and cultural tours. Discover Cherokee heritage, waterfalls, and the sweeping views from Clingmans Dome with expert guides.
Alum Bluffs + Lower Mt LeConte
Guided full-day hike to Alum Bluffs and Lower Mt LeConte.... More
GSMNP Kayak Tour (Half Day)
Guided half-day kayak adventure in the Smoky Mountains.... More
Remote Waterfalls and Shuttle Hike
Guided hiking adventure to remote Smoky Mountain waterfalls.... More
Appalachian Waterfalls Short Stroll
Discover breathtaking Appalachian waterfalls in just 3 hours.... More
The Classic National Park Tour
Full-day guided scenic and cultural tour of the Smoky Mountains.... More
Smoky Mountain Discovery Tour
Family-friendly 3-hour sightseeing adventure in the Smokies.... More
Cades Cove Specialty Tour
Half-day narrated Jeep tour through Cades Cove.... More
One Hour Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Relaxing one-hour horseback ride through Smoky Mountain... More
Three Hour Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Three-hour guided horseback ride through the Smoky Mountains.... More
Two Hour Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Guided horseback trail ride through Smoky Mountain countryside.... More
Smoky Mountain Cherokee Safari Jeep Adventure Tour
Private Jeep safari through the Smokies with Cherokee heritage... More
Cades Cove Heritage Tour – Public Bus Tour
Comfortable heritage tour through Cades Cove with museum access.... More
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Helicopter Tour
50-mile narrated helicopter flight over the Smokies.... More
Smoky Mountain Spectacular
110-mile deluxe helicopter adventure over the Smokies.... More
Trout Float Trip
Private trout fishing float trip with expert guides on East... More
Smallmouth Float Trip
Private smallmouth float trip with expert guides, all gear... More
Striper Fishing Trips
Private 4-hour Striper Fishing Trip on Cherokee Lake with all... More
We based in Bryson City and loved the mix of train rides, rafting, and hikes. The town felt small and welcoming after busy days in the park.
Emily R., GeorgiaDriving the Parkway in October was breathtaking — every overlook was glowing with fall color. Asheville made a great base with food and music.
Daniel K., VirginiaWe spent two days in Ocracoke exploring Cape Hatteras. The beaches were quiet and the lighthouse climb was unforgettable.
Tom & Sarah, UKThe kids loved seeing elk near Cherokee and hiking short waterfall trails. We mixed it with a day in Asheville and it worked perfectly.
Jessica P., FloridaWe make your travel planning easy.
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