Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed)

This Western North Carolina Map is a branch of the North Carolina Travel Map that we’ve created for the entire state.

This map, like those dedicated to Eastern and Central North Carolina, alphabetically features specific counties and attractions within each one.

After sharing the embedded western NC map with cities, we will then break down what makes up Western North Carolina before sharing the attractions listed. Many of these locations will be linked to individual North Carolina travel guides that we’ve created.

Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)

Western North Carolina Map Defined

Western North Carolina stretches from the Tennessee border to South Carolina and Georgia in the south.

To the east of the North Carolina mountain map is the Foothills. The Foothills begin as the Piedmont of Central North Carolina gradually rise. This Foothills region includes popular attractions and places to visit like Chimney Rock State Park, Hickory, Lake Lure, Shelby, and Wilkesboro.

While there are multiple answers to “What makes up Western North Carolina,” we’ve defined its eastern edges from north to south as follows:

• Alleghany County
• Wilkes County
• Alexander County
• Catawba County
• Lincoln County
• Gaston County

Including the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee), here are all 23 counties of western NC included in our Western North Carolina map:

Read More: 25+ Great Lakes in North Carolina (+ Our Top 5 Picks)

The NC Tripping Western North Carolina Map

Now that we’ve defined the region, here is the embedded Western North Carolina Map.

Open Western North Carolina Map in Google Maps

Western North Carolina Map Locations Mentioned

These Western North Carolina Map locations include attractions in and around Asheville, near Boone and the High Country, and more.

Read More: Day Trips from Asheville

Alexander County (Taylorsville, Hiddenite, and More)

• Emerald Hollow Mine
• Hiddenite Center
• The Old Jail Museum
• Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area

Alleghany County (Sparta, Stone Mountain State Park, and More)

• Stone Mountain State Park

Ashe County (Jefferson, West Jefferson, and More)

• Ashe County Cheese
• Frosty’s Choose and Cut
• Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
• New River Brewing
• New River State Park

Read More: Day Trips from Boone

Avery County (Banner Elk, Linville, and More)

• Apple Hill Farm
• Artisanal
• Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern
• Banner Elk Winery & Villa
• Bayou Smokehouse & Grill
• Beacon Heights Overlook Trail
• Bella’s Breakfast and Lunch
• Bodegas
• Dunn’s Deli
• Edge of the World Whitewater Rafting and Climbing
• Grandfather Mountain
• Grandfather Mountain State Park
• Grandfather Vineyard
• Hawksnest Snow Tubing
• Kettell Beerworks
• Linn Cove Viaduct
• Linville Falls Winery
• LP on Main
• Otter Falls Trail
• The Pedalin’ Pig
• Rough Ridge Trail
• Sorrento’s Italian Bistro
• Stonewall’s Restaurant
• Sugar Mountain Resort
• Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

Read More: Things to Do in Banner Elk

Elk Park

• Elk River Depot
• Elk River Falls

Newland

• Waterfalls Park

Read More: 10 Beautiful Roadside Waterfalls in North Carolina for Everyone!

Buncombe County (Asheville, Black Mountain, and More)

Our map includes the location of our favorite things to do in Asheville, hotels in the area, breweries, and more!

Asheville

• Asheville Art Museum
• Asheville Brewing Company (Downtown – South Slope, North Asheville, and South Asheville)
• Asheville Museum of Science
• Asheville Pinball Museum
• Asheville River Arts District
• Biltmore Estate (site of Christmas at Biltmore, beautiful sunflowers, and more events!)
• Grove Arcade
• Downtown
• Omni Grove Park Inn
• Thomas Wolfe Memorial
• WNC Farmers Market
• WNC Nature Center

Read More: Asheville NC Map of Attractions (+ 7 Surrounding Counties!)

Black Mountain (Buncombe County)

• AnTHM Gallery
• Berliner Kindl German Restaurant
• Black Mountain Bistro
• Black Mountain Brewing
• Black Mountain Center for the Arts
• Black Mountain Iron Works
• Black Mountain Kitchen & Ale House
• Blue Ridge Biscuit Company
• Chifferobe Home and Garden Art Gallery
• The Dripolator
• Foothills Grange
• Fresh Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta
• Graybeard Trail
• Lake Tomahawk
• Lookout Brewing Company
• Mac’s Burgers & Cheesesteaks (Two Locations)
• Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
• Mountain Nest Gallery
• My Father’s Pizza
• Oak and Grist
• Old Depot Arts and Crafts
• Pepperoni’s
• Pisgah Brewing Company
• Seven Sisters Gallery
• Smoke (Black Mountain Brewing)
• Take a Hike Mountain Outfitters
• Town Hardware
• Trailhead Restaurant and Bar
• White Horse Black Mountain

Read More: 20+ Awesome Things to Do in Black Mountain and Nearby

Candler (Buncombe County)

• Engadine Inn and Cabins

Fairview (Buncombe County)

• Wedge Brewing Company (Foundation and Wedge Studios)
• Whistle Hop Brewing

Read More: The Best Breweries in Asheville

Weaverville (Buncombe County)

• Lake Louise

Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)

More Buncombe County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Craggy Gardens
• Montreat
• Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

Read More: How to Enjoy Christmas at Biltmore

Burke County (Morganton, the Linville Gorge, and More)

Morganton

• Abele’s Family Restaurant
• Apple Hill Orchard
• Asian Fusion Kitchen
• Blue 42’s Burger Bar
• Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery
• Boulevard Barbeque
• Buck’s Pizza
• Carolina Smoke Legendary Barbeque
• Catawba Brewing
• El Portal Mexican Grill
• Fonta Flora Brewing (Downtown)
• The Grind Cafe
• Hillman Beer
• Homer’s Soda Shop
• Kin2kin Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant
• Limbertwig Cafe
• Little Guatemala
• Moondog Pizza
• Mountain Burrito
• Pho Lao
• Root & Vine
• Sidetracked Brewing
• Silver Fork Winery
• Stoney Place Cafe
• Swede’s Cafe
• Toasted and Rolled Bakery & Ice Cream
• The Town Tavern of Morganton
• Uncle Eees Hamburgers

Read More: Things to Do in Morganton and Burke County

More Burke County North Carolina Map Locations

• Fonta Flora at Whippoorwill Farm
• Hawksbill Mountain
• Henry River Mill Village
• Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
• The Levee Brewery & Pub (Valdese)
• Linville Falls (the Waterfall)
• Myra’s (Valdese)
• Table Rock Mountain
• Twin Brothers Pizza (Valdese)
• Wiseman’s View

Read More: 25+ Amazing Restaurants in Morganton and Nearby! (Map Included!)

Caldwell County (Lenoir and More)

• Hibriten Mountain
• Western North Carolina Sculpture Park

Catawba County (Hickory and More)

Hickory

• Bakers Mountain Park
• Blowing Rock Brewing
• Lake Hickory
• Olde Hickory Brewingon

Read More: Things to Do in Hickory

Newton (Catawba County)

• Catawba Farms

More Catawba County North Carolina Map Locations

• Red Wolf Farm

Cherokee

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
• Mingo Falls
• Mingus Mill (GSMNP)
• Motion Makers
• Museum of the Cherokee People
• Native Brews Tap & Grill
• Oconoluftee Island Park
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center
• Paul’s Family Restaurant
• Peter’s Pancakes and Waffles
• River’s Edge Outfitters
• Sequoyah National Golf Club
• Soco Falls
• Wize Guyz Grille

Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!)

Cherokee County (Murphy and More)

• Cherokee County Historical Museum
• Fields of the Wood
• Fort Butler
• Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River
• Murphy

Clay County (Lake Chatuge and More)

• Brasstown
• Chatuge Dam Trail
• John C. Campbell Folk School
• Lake Chatuge (Hiwassee Street Boat Ramp)

Cleveland County (Shelby, Kings Mountain, and More)

• Don Gibson Theatre
• Earl Scruggs Center
• Gardner-Webb University
• Kings Mountain Historical Museum
• Newgrass Brewing

Gaston County (Gastonia, McAdenville, and More)

• African-American History Museum
• Crowders Mountain State Park
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
• Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm (Dallas)
• McAdenville Christmas Town USA
• Schiele Museum of Natural History

Graham County (Robbinsville, Fontana Lake, and More)

• Fontana Dam
• Historic Tapoco Lodge
• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

Haywood County (Maggie Valley, Waynesville, and More)

• BearWaters Brewing (Canton and Maggie Valley)
• Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville)
• Cataloochee Ski Area (Maggie Valley)
• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company
• Frog Level Brewing Co (Waynesville)
• Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
• Graveyard Fields
• Haywood Smokehouse (Waynesville)
• Joey’s Pancake House (Maggie Valley)
• Lake Junaluska
• Pop’s Butts on the Creek (Maggie Valley)
• Pop’s Place (Maggie Valley)
• The Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall (Maggie Valley)
• Sunburst Falls (Canton)
• The Swag (Waynesville)
• Tube World (Maggie Valley)
• Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum (Maggie Valley)
• The Yellow House (Waynesville)

Read More: Waynesville Map of 30+ Attractions (+ 6 Surrounding Counties in Western NC!)

Henderson County (Hendersonville, Flat Rock, and More)

Henderson County is full of amazing places featured on the NC Travel Map. The wonderful town of Hendersonville is joined by the charm of Flat Rock, Mills River, and some amazing outdoor spaces.

Hendersonville

• Black Bear Snow Tubing
• Burntshirt Vineyards
• Coston Farm and Apple House
• D9 Brewing
• El Paso Mexican Restaurant (2 Locations)
• Flat Rock Wood Room
• Grandad’s Apples n’ Such
• HenDough Chicken & Donuts
• Hot Dog World
• Justus Orchard
• Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park
• Oklawaha Brewing
• Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
• Team ECCO Aquarium and Shark Lab
• Tequilas Bar & Grill

Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!)

Flat Rock (Henderson County)

• Carl Sandburg Home
• Honey and Salt
• Hubba Hubba Smokehouse
• Sky Top Orchard

Read More: Apple Orchards in Hendersonville

Mills River (Henderson County)

• Bold Rock Cider
• Burning Blush Brewery
• Mills River Brewing

Read More: 18 Incredible Restaurants in Hendersonville and Nearby (+ Wine and Craft Beer!)

More Henderson County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Bearwallow Mountain Trail
• DuPont State Recreational Forest
  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Wintergreen Falls
• Jump Off Rock
• Sierra Nevada Brewing (Fletcher)

Read More: 30+ Hendersonville Hikes

Jackson County (Cashiers, Sylva, and More)

• American Museum of the House Cat (Sylva)
• Appalachian Women’s Museum (Dillsboro)
• Balsam Falls Brewing Co (Sylva)
• Baxley Chocolate (Sylva)
• Bear Lake Reserve (Tuckasegee)
• Cashiers Valley Smokehouse
• City Lights Bookstore (Sylva)
• City Lights Cafe (Sylva)
• The Cut Cocktail Lounge (Sylva)
• Dalaya Thai Cuisine (Sylva)
• Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
• Dillsboro River Company
• Dogwood Crafter (Dillsboro)
• Haywood Smokehouse (Dillsboro)
• Harry Alter Books (Sylva)
• Ilda (Sylva)
• Innovation Brewing Company (Sylva)
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro)
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro)
• Jackson County Historic Courthouse (Sylva)
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva)
• Lulu’s on Main (Sylva)
• Meatballs Pizzeria (Sylva)
• Nancy Tuts Christmas Shop (Dillsboro)
• Poteet Park (Sylva)
• Sante Wine Bar (Sylva)
• Shadow of the Bear
• The Village Green of Cashiers
• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee)
• White Moon Coffee Shop (Sylva)
• Whiteside Brewing Co (Cashiers)

Read More: 25+ Excellent Things to Do in Sylva and Dillsboro (+ More Nearby!)

Lincoln County (Lincolnton and More)

• Beatty’s Ford Park
• South Fork Rail Trail

Macon County (Franklin, Highlands, and More)

Franklin

• Scottish Tartans Museum
• Wayah Bald Tower
• Wesser Bald Fire Tower
• The Vollmer Farm

Read More: Waterfalls near Asheville

Highlands (Macon County)

• Old Edwards Inn
• Lake Sequoyah

Read More: The Most Romantic Getaways in North Carolina

More Macon County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Bridal Veil Falls (Roadside)
• Bust Your Butt Falls
• Cullasaja Falls
• Dry Falls
• Highlands Outpost (Scaly Mountain)

Read More: The Wonderful NC Waterfall Byway (+ 15 Awesome Stops!)

Madison County (Marshall, Mars Hill, and More)

• Hot Springs Resort
• Lover’s Leap Trail
• Max Patch Trail
• Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (Mars Hill)
• Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park (Mars Hill)

McDowell County (Marion, Old Fort and More)

McDowell County is one of our favorite areas to visit in Western North Carolina. Whether you’re exploring Marion, Little Switzerland, Old Fort, or elsewhere, we think you’re in for a treat.

Marion

Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Marion (and Nearby!)

Little Switzerland

• Switzerland Inn

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland

Old Fort

• Arrowhead Gallery and Studios
• Black Beary’s Cafe
• Catawba Falls
• Gogo’s Cinnamon Rolls
• Hillman Beer
• Kitsuma Peak Trail
• Mountain Gateway Museum
• Newberry Creek Trail
• Point Lookout Greenway Trail

Read More: 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Old Fort (an Awesome Western NC Town!)

More McDowell County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Famous Louise’s Rockhouse Restaurant (Shared by Avery, Burke, McDowell, and Mitchell Counties)
• Linville Caverns
• Linville Falls Visitor Center
• Linville Falls Winery

Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)

Mitchell County (Bakersville, Spruce Pine and More)

• Museum of North Carolina Minerals
• The Orchard at Altapass
• Roan Mountain (via Carvers Gap)

Read More: 20+ Wonderful Things to Do in Spruce Pine and Nearby

Polk County (Saluda, Tryon, and More)

• 80Six Gallery (Tryon)
• Cafe La Gaule (Tryon)
• Caro-Mi Dining Room (Tryon)
• Carri Bass Photography (Tryon)
• GreenLife Inn at the Mimosa (Tryon)
• Iron Key Brewing (Columbus)
• Katie D’s NY Bagels and Deli (Tryon)
• K.D.’s Sea Shack (Tryon)
• Mountain Brook Vineyards (Tryon)
• Nina Simone Plaza (Tryon)
• Overmountain Vineyards (Tryon)
• Pace General Store (Saluda)
• Parker-Binns Vineyards (Mill Spring)
• Pearson’s Falls and Glen (Saluda)
• Polk County Historical Museum (Columbus)
• Russian Chapel Hills Winery (Columbus)
• Saluda Historic Depot
• Shunkawauken Falls
• Side Street Pizza and Pasta (Tryon)
• Tryon Coffeehouse Co-Op
• Tryon Fine Arts Center (Tryon)
• Tryon History Museum and Visitor Center
• Tryon International Equestrian Center (Mill Spring)
• The Tryon Arts and Crafts School
• Tryon Theatre
• Upstairs Artspace (Tryon)
• Ward’s Grill (Saluda)

Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!)

Rutherford County (Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and More)

• Broad River Inn (Chimney Rock)
• Bubba O’Leary’s General Store and Outfitters (Chimney Rock)
• Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro (Chimney Rock)
• Chimney Rock Brewing
• Chimney Rock Gem Mine and Jewelry Co.
• Chimney Rock Inn
• Chimney Rock Smokehouse
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Coffee on the Rocks (Chimney Rock)
• Featherheads (Chimney Rock)
• Gale’s Chimney Rock Shop (Chimney Rock)
• Hickory Nut Falls Campground (Chimney Rock)
• Kids Sense Interactive Museum (Rutherfordton)
• Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
• Natives Rest Candles (Chimney Rock)
• Riverhouse Inn (Chimney Rock)
• Riverwatch Grill (Chimney Rock)
• Village Scoop (Chimney Rock)

Read More: Hikes near Asheville

Swain County (Bryson City and More)

Bryson City

• Boxcar Cafe and Cones
• Bryson City Outdoors
• Cardinal Coffee
• Coopers Creek Trout Farm
• Darnell Farms
• Deep Creek Trail
• The Everett Hotel
• Everett Street Diner
• Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Museum
• Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant
• Lakeview at Fontana
• Mountain Layers Brewing
• Mountain Perks
• Nantahala Brewing
• Nantahala Outdoor Center
• Road to Nowhere
• The Snak Shak
• Swain County Heritage Museum
• Wildwater Rafting and Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours

More Swain County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Bryson City

Transylvania County (Brevard and More)

• DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors
• Devil’s Courthouse
• DuPont State Recreational Forest
• Ecusta Brewing
• French Broad Falls and Bird Rock Falls (Mill Shoals)
• Key Falls
• Looking Glass Falls
• Moore Cove Falls
• Oskar Blues Brewing
• Pines Country Inn
• Silvermont Park
• Sliding Rock Falls

Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Brevard

Watauga County (Boone, Blowing Rock, and More)

Our map includes the location of all the things to do in Boone (and Blowing Rock). It also includes multiple places throughout Watauga County that don’t fall within those two awesome mountain towns.

Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)

Beech Mountain

• Beech Meadows Ski Shop
• Beech Mountain Brewing
• Beech Mountain History Museum
• Beech Mountain Ski Resort
• Buckeye Recreation Center
• Emerald Outback Trails
• Famous Brick Oven Pizza
• Fred’s General Mercantile Store
• The Gift Shop at White Wolf Lodge
• The Land of Oz
• Mile High Tavern

Read More: 15 Great Things to Do in Beech Mountain (+More Nearby!)

Blowing Rock

• The Blowing Rock
• Blowing Rock Alehouse
• Chetola Resort
• Glen Burney Trail
• Moses H Cone Memorial Park
• Mystery Hill
• Tweetsie Railroad (home of Tweetsie Christmas)
• Wahoo’s Adventures

Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Blowing Rock (Downtown, Hotels, Nearby Hikes, and More!)

Boone (Watauga County)

Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone (Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town)

More Watauga County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Boone Fork Trail
• Elk Knob State Park
• Green Mountain Creek Falls
• Hebron Falls (aka Boone Fork Falls)
• Mast General Store (Valle Crucis)
• Mast General Store Annex
• Over Yonder (Valle Crucis)

Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!)

Wilkes County (North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and More)

North Wilkesboro

Read More: 15+ Great Things to Do in North Wilkesboro (Speedway and More!)

Wilkesboro

Read More: 25+ Fun Things to Do in Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, & Wilkes County

More Wilkes County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Leatherwood Mountains
• Moravian Falls
• Moravian Falls Campground
• Piccione Vineyards
• Raffaldini Vineyards
• Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest
• Stone Mountain State Park
• Whippoorwill Village
• Widow’s Creek Falls

Read More: 25+ Great Places to Visit in Wilkes County (Towns, Wineries, and More!)

Yancey County (Burnsville, Mount Mitchell, and More)

Burnsville

• Appalachian Java
• Babe’s Pizza and Treats
• Bantam Chef
• Bubba’s Good Eats
• Carolina Empanada Company
• Cast Iron Kitchen
• Garden Deli
• Homeplace Brewing (and Hog Hollow Wood Fired Pizza)
• Lil’ Smoky
• Munch Box
• Pig and Grits
• Rio Mexican Cuisine
• Snap Dragon
• Ye Olde Country Store

Read More: 13 Amazing Restaurants in Burnsville (Best of the Best!)

More Yancey County Western North Carolina Map Locations

• Crabtree Falls
• Mount Mitchell State Park
• Roaring Fork Falls
• Setrock Creek Falls
• Toe River Arts (formerly Toe River Arts Council)

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Burnsville

Anything to Add to Our Western North Carolina Map?

We’ve tried to add as many locations to this Western North Carolina map and understand we may have missed a spot or two. If you know of a great place that should be included, please kindly let us know here in the comments section or by email.

You’re always welcome to share your favorite places in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group.

Before you do that, though, here are some travel guides we’ve created that go even deeper into the region.

Beyond the Western North Carolina Map (Travel Guides)

20+ Great Things to Do in Hendersonville and Nearby (+ Our Top 5!)

14 Festive Christmas Tree Farms in North Carolina (Choose and Cut Fun For All!)

Beacon Heights: a Quick and Easy Blue Ridge Parkway Hike (MP 305)

Hiking Table Rock Mountain Trail in the Linville Gorge (Everything You Need to Know)

Soco Falls in Cherokee (How to See 2 Incredible Waterfalls)

Driving the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (+ 13 Wonderful Things to Do!)

Grassy Creek Falls in Little Switzerland: A Short Walk to A Most Beautiful Waterfall

15 Things We Love About The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville