WorldAtlas names 10 'off the grid' towns in North Carolina to visit

A new list from WorldAtlas highlighted 10 North Carolina towns ideal for an “off the grid trip,” with eight of the 10 locations in the Western region of the state.

When choosing towns perfect for off-the-grid trips, WorldAtlas was looking for escapes “not limited to a cabin with no Wi-Fi.”

Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel.

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Previous Asheville Citizen Times articles have covered numerous mentions of Western N.C. from WorldAtlas, including the publication’s favorite North Carolina towns for 2026 visits, best scenic drives, most interesting historic towns the “coolest towns” both literally and figuratively and more.

From old-growth forests to historic abandoned settlements, here’s what WorldAtlas suggested in Western N.C., plus the full list and more.

What to do in Highlands, NC

WorldAtlas writers describes the approach to Highlands via U.S. 64 through the Cullasaja River Gorge, where the road follows the Cullasaja River before climbing to a town more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Several nearby outdoor destinations were highlighted in the list, ranging from waterfalls and mountain trails to a lakeside recreation area and beyond.

During a visit to Highlands, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

Dry Falls, a 75-foot waterfall about two miles west of town with a short trail that passes behind the falls
Whiteside Mountain, a nearly two-mile loop leading to exposed cliffs above the Nantahala National Forest and elevations near 4,900 feet
Sunset Rock, a shorter hike when there is not enough time for Whiteside Mountain
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, an eight-acre lake with fishing, swimming, picnicking and nearby trails
The loop trail that circles Cliffside Lake
The trail to Ranger Falls near Cliffside Lake Recreation Area

What to do in Brevard, NC

Brevard earns its place on the list through nearby Pisgah National Forest, where U.S. 276 leads into a landscape of waterfalls, trout streams, granite outcrops and trailheads where cell reception can become unreliable. WorldAtlas writers highlighted several natural attractions ranging from roadside waterfalls to challenging hikes and connected forest trails.

During a visit to Brevard, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

Pisgah National Forest, reached via U.S. 276 and filled with waterfalls, trout streams, granite outcrops and trailheads
Brevard College, an area where visitors can look for the region’s white squirrels
DuPont State Recreational Forest, where trails connect several waterfalls without requiring a drive between them
Any number of the area’s many waterfalls, including several located in DuPont State Recreational Forest such as High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls
Looking Glass Rock, a hike which climbs more than 1,500 feet to the top of the massive granite formation above Pisgah

What to do in Bryson City, NC

According to WorldAtlas, Bryson City serves as a gateway to some of western North Carolina’s best-known public lands, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Lake and the Nantahala River all located nearby. WorldAtlas writers highlighted waterfall trails, a unique unfinished road project, paddling opportunities and whitewater recreation that make it easy to spend a day beyond town.

During a visit to Bryson City, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located just outside town with access to trails and backcountry areas
Deep Creek, home to creekside trails and a 2.4-mile waterfall loop; Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls along the Deep Creek and Tom Branch Falls in particular were praised
Lakeview Drive, which enters Great Smoky Mountains National Park and ends at the tunnel of the unfinished “Road to Nowhere” project
Fontana Lake, with nearly 240 miles of shoreline surrounded largely by forest and coves that can be explored by paddlers beneath the mountains
The Nantahala River, which offers whitewater rafting through Nantahala Gorge

What to do in Robbinsville, NC

Robbinsville was described by WorldAtlas as geared toward travelers seeking a quieter mountain experience, with large portions of Graham County covered by national forest and other public lands. Writers highlighted old-growth forests, a mountain lake, scenic drives and fishing opportunities that extend well beyond town.

During a visit to Robbinsville, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, which protects one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth forest in the eastern U.S., and the two-mile figure-eight Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop, passing tulip poplars more than 100 feet tall, with many trees several centuries old
Lake Santeetlah, a mountain lake with much of its shoreline bordered by Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah Point Recreation Area, where visitors can swim along Lake Santeetlah or kayak and fish in its coves
Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile mountain drive connecting the Robbinsville area with Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Deals Gap and the famous Tail of the Dragon, the stretch of road that packs 318 curves into 11 miles near the Tennessee line
Santeetlah Creek, an alternative stop for fishing away from the area’s winding roads

What to do in Hot Springs, NC

According to WorldAtlas, Hot Springs makes it easy to leave the road behind because the Appalachian Trail runs directly through town along Bridge Street before crossing the French Broad River. WorldAtlas writers highlighted hiking routes, an abandoned logging settlement, river recreation and the naturally heated mineral water that gave the town its name.

During a visit to Hot Springs, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

The Appalachian Trail, which follows Bridge Street through town before crossing the French Broad River
Lover’s Leap, reached via the Appalachian Trail and offering views over the river and town below, and the 1.6-mile Lover’s Leap loop with steep switchbacks above town
Laurel River Trail, a 3.6-mile route following a former railroad grade beside Big Laurel Creek
Runion, the former logging settlement where chimneys and building foundations remain in the woods
The French Broad River for rafting trips through rapids or paddling and fishing in slower stretches
The naturally heated mineral water springs that helped put Hot Springs on the map

What to do in Banner Elk, NC

Banner Elk was praised for its access to waterfalls, high ridges and mountain lakes even during the High Country’s busiest seasons. Writers highlighted nearby destinations ranging from a recently reopened waterfall trail to high-elevation hikes, a mountain lake and winter ski areas.

During a visit to Banner Elk, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

Elk River Falls in Elk Park, which reopened in May 2026 after Hurricane Helene debris was cleared from the river corridor, and the less than one mile round-trip trail to Elk River Falls and its 65-foot waterfall
Grandfather Mountain, where hikers can take on trails that cross ladders, cables, rock faces and high-elevation forest, including via its Mile High Swinging Bridge
Wildcat Lake, a 13-acre lake near Banner Elk with swimming and fishing beneath the surrounding mountains
Crab Orchard Falls, reached by a shorter forest hike near Valle Crucis
Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, two winter ski destinations

What to do in Blowing Rock, NC

According to WorldAtlas, Blowing Rock offers several ways to get beyond town, from waterfall hikes in Johns River Gorge to carriage roads and lakeside trails near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Writers highlighted routes ranging from the steep Glen Burney Trail to the easier paths at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and Julian Price Memorial Park.

During a visit to Blowing Rock, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

Glen Burney Trail, which drops about 800 feet into Johns River Gorge from near Main Street, and New Year’s Creek, which the Glen Burney Trail follows past cascades and three waterfalls
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, with 25 miles of carriage roads crossing forests, meadows and lakes on the former Cone estate, and the easy Bass Lake loop hiking option within the park
Cone Manor, which remains reachable despite staggered Blue Ridge Parkway repair closures through December 2026
Julian Price Memorial Park, a 4,200-acre park with trails and access to Price Lake
Price Lake, where paddlers can get on the water instead of taking another hike
The Blowing Rock, a famous natural landmark which overlooks Johns River Gorge with almost no hiking required