8 days in North Carolina Mountains Itinerary

Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. On the 21st (Sat), whizz through the canopy at Highlands Aerial Park and then cast your line with a fishing tour. On the 22nd (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the sheer force of Bust Your Butt Falls, then take in the dramatic scenery at Dry Falls, then take in the dramatic scenery at Bridal Veil Falls, and finally take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Whiteside Mountain.

To find where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Highlands day trip planning site.

Charlotte to Highlands is an approximately 3.5-hour car ride. You can also drive; or fly; or do a combination of bus and car. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Charlotte in November since evenings lows in Highlands dip to 32°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to drive to Cherokee.

The center of Cherokee culture in the eastern part of the country, the town named after this Native American tribe serves as a base camp for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): admire the sheer force of Mingo Falls, then stop by Unique Gift Outlet, then see the interesting displays at Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and finally try your luck at Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Cherokee attractions planning site.

Traveling by car from Highlands to Cherokee takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In November in Cherokee, expect temperatures between 60°F during the day and 32°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) to allow time to drive to Asheville.

Asheville nestles between two major mountain ranges in the scenic western section of North Carolina.

Go for a jaunt from Asheville to Chimney Rock to see Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park about 1h 5 min away. Next up on the itinerary: sample some tasty brews at BREW-ed, get a taste of the local shopping with Lexington Glassworks, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica of Saint Lawrence.

For where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Asheville trip itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Cherokee to Asheville in 1.5 hours. Another option is to drive. In November, plan for daily highs up to 59°F, and evening lows to 36°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) so you can drive to Linville.

Linville is a community centered just south of the US 221 and NC 105 intersection in Avery County, North Carolina. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): take in the awesome beauty at Grandfather Mountain, then whizz through the canopy at Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, and then trek along Flat Rock Trail.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Linville online travel planner.

Getting from Asheville to Linville by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. While traveling from Asheville, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Linville, ranging from highs of 52°F to lows of 32°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can go by car back home.