Best things to do in North Carolina Mountains

One of the country's longest scenic drives, Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 755 km (469 mi), cutting its way through two states and 29 counties. Constructed in the 1930s to connect two major national parks, the road runs mostly along the Blue Ridge, a mountain chain of the Appalachian Mountains. Most visitors choose to travel this road in the spring when the surrounding landscape blooms with native wildflowers. You can also pick a less crowded time of year, like autumn, when you can photograph the changing colors of the forest. Stop at any one of a dozen visitor centers scattered along the road to take a short rest, re-energize with a cup of coffee, or get a free map.

At 5,946 ft (1,812 m), Grandfather Mountain is one of the highest peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to a number of attractions. The mountain is most famous for its mile-high swinging bridge that links two of its rocky peaks. This engineering marvel provides views of up to 160 km (100 mi) on clear days. To see more of the mountain up close, set out on one of the paved walks or hiking trails. You can see some of the mountain's most elusive wildlife, including bald eagles, river otters, and black bears, at their enclosed environmental habitats. Those with a sweet tooth might want to pop into the mountain's fudge store. Bring a jacket; the high elevation makes it considerably cooler than the surrounding area.

Featured in films such as "The Last of the Mohicans," Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is full of beautiful attractions, including the 535-year-old Chimney Rock, for which the park is named. Before the granite monolith was acquired by the state of North Carolina in 2007, the Morse family privately owned Chimney Rock for more than 100 years. The park also is home to Devil's Head balancing rock and Hickory Nut Falls. Hike the various park trails designed for varying skill levels, play at one of the 12 Great Woodland Discovery zones, or, if you're feeling more adventurous, go rock climbing for the day.

Try your luck at a game of black jack, video poker, roulette, or bingo at Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee while enjoying your complimentary non-alcoholic drink. Occupying the site of a former theme park, the casino is an enterprise of the Eastern Cherokee Indians and one of the two casinos in North Carolina. Since the state restricts the types of gambling, all the games at the casino require some sort of skill. A poker room with 20 tables is reserved for non-smokers.