WorldAtlas highlighted four Western North Carolina towns as being “worth the drive” for a visit in a new list.
From coastal areas like Kill Devil Hills and Ocracoke Island to the Piedmont region to the mountains of Western N.C., WorldAtlas writers aimed to prove that the state’s “best road trips don’t always lead to its biggest cities.”
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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.
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.
Here’s what to know about the Western N.C. picks, plus the full list of 10 towns all located within a two-hour drive of a major city.
What to do in Boone, NC
WorldAtlas writers noted Boone’s nickname, the “heart of the High Country,” praising it as a mountain town known for local history, community arts and outdoor access. The list highlighted its connection to pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, as well as its blend of historic sites, museums and scenic outdoor spaces.
During a visit to Boone, WorldAtlas writers suggested:
- The 1.3-mile self-guided walking tour through the historic downtown district, featuring 27 stops, including a mural of a prominent 1940s Black-owned business and the site of a Civil War raid
- Monuments to Daniel Boone and other notable historic figures and landmarks along the walking tour
- Hickory Ridge History Museum, founded in 1980 and described as an immersive look into the lives of area colonials
- The Great Greenway Trail, a mostly flat 4.75-mile route following the South Fork of the New River, with historic ruins, interpretive opportunities and picnic areas
- Howard Knob Park for sunset views overlooking Boone and the Blue Ridge Mountains
What to do in Burnsville, NC
Burnsville sits in a valley about 35 miles northeast of Asheville, beneath some of the highest peaks in the eastern U.S. WorldAtlas writers highlighted the town’s historic public square, Southern Appalachian heritage and proximity to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
During a visit to Burnsville, WorldAtlas writers suggested:
- The historic public town square, where locals gather for weekly farmers’ markets, coffee from Appalachian Java and the annual Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair
- The Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair, a downtown tradition dating to 1956 with more than 200 vendors and performers, live bluegrass and acoustic music, regional food pop-ups and handmade arts and crafts emphasizing traditional Southern Appalachian craftsmanship and heritage
- Mount Mitchell, the 6,684-foot highest peak east of the Mississippi River and a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts
- Mount Mitchell State Park, NC first state park, with an observation deck overlooking the Black Mountain Range and 40 miles of hiking trails
What to do in Cashiers, NC
WorldAtlas explains that Cashiers, a small village on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its history, community events and abundance of nearby waterfalls. The list highlighted the town’s historic sites, vibrant festivals and access to some of the region’s most impressive natural attractions.
During a visit to Cashiers, WorldAtlas writers suggested:
- Zachary-Tolbert House Museum, a hand-built 1850 home constructed with locally sourced materials and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999
- Crooked Corners Cabin, erected around 1844 and described as the oldest residential structure in Jackson County
- The Village Green, a 13.2-acre park that hosts many of the town’s major events, including the Groovin’ on The Green concert series
- Groovin’ on The Green, a free summer weekend concert series for families and their four-legged friends
- Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, an October event featuring around 100 local vendors showcasing woodworking, pottery, textiles, food and other artisan goods
- Upper Whitewater Falls, a 411-foot waterfall described as the highest east of the Rockies and even taller than Niagara Falls
What to do in Flat Rock, NC
Flat Rock is a Blue Ridge Mountain town less than an hour from Asheville, described by WorldAtlas as being known for its history and artistic community. The list noted that the entire eight-square-mile village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and highlighted its mix of historic attractions and outdoor recreation.
During a visit to Flat Rock, WorldAtlas writers suggested:
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, showcasing the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer
- Flat Rock Playhouse, the official state theater that opened in 1952
- The Park at Flat Rock, a 66-acre community green space with a 1.3-mile hiking trail, picnic pavilion and two playgrounds
- DuPont State Recreational Forest, a 10,000-acre forest with 80 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, plus six waterfalls
Best towns to visit in North Carolina
The full list of NC towns “worth the drive” from WorldAtlas included:
- Boone
- Burnsville
- Cashiers
- Flat Rock
- Albemarle
- Davidson
- Mount Airy
- Kill Devil Hills
- Mount Olive
- Ocracoke Island
Reporting by Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times / Asheville Citizen Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
