Skip to main content
The MerleFest giveaway winner has been chosen by random drawing and notified. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Hurricane Helene Relief
#WNC Strong
Toggle navigation
MOUNTAIN LIVING IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
ABOUT WNC
ABOUT WNC MAGAZINE
JOIN THE CLUB!
DIGITAL EDITION
WEDDINGS
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS
CUSTOMER SERVICE
NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
WNC ISSUE ARCHIVES
WHERE TO BUY
SUBSCRIBE
CAREERS
EAT & DRINK
ARTS & EVENTS
TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
PEOPLE & PLACES
STYLE & DESIGN
SUBSCRIBE/LOGIN
Search form
TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
OUTDOORS
TRAIL GUIDE
TRAVEL
Home
/
TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
Jul 2026
A Flat Rock Summer
This colorful village welcomes visitors to a quaint getaway
Jul 2026
Kuwohi Trail
Replicate the end hike of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail with a lesser-known loop
Jul 2026
Sky-High Adventures
More than 50 epic experiences in the Land of the Sky and beyond
Apr 2026
Spring Fling in Hickory
Beyond just furniture, this charming destination offers fresh air and laid-back fun in the Foothills
Apr 2026
Buzzworthy Gardens
Beckon good bugs by establishing your own pollinator garden with advice from the WNC Nature Center
Apr 2026
Carter Falls Trail
Follow our trail guide for a Wilkes County wine country ramble alongside spectacular Carter Falls in the Yadkin Valley
Apr 2026
Hickory Nut Gorge Green Salamander
Aneides caryaensis
Dec 2025
A Waynesville Winter Dream: Our favorite ways to explore Haywood County in the cold-weather months
Our recommendations for hitting the slopes, catching a show, and finding the right place to stay
Dec 2025
Tourism in WNC
How Helene has shaped one of our region’s largest industries
Dec 2025
Head South to Ski: People go “North” to ski. One of those ski spots has “Carolina” after it!
A look backward and forward at one of our region's leading industries
Sep 2025
High Country Hiatus: In Boone, explore our great outdoors alongside our artistic heritage
Some our favorite High Country lodging, dining, hiking, and more
Sep 2025
Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Get to know Western North Carolina's favorite wild animal
Sep 2025
Paving the Way: A six-mile stretch ties Henderson County to Horseshoe
The long-awaited Ecusta Trail opens
Sep 2025
Enjoying the Ride: WNC'S guide to Motoring through the Blue Ridge Mountains
Safety tips, scenic routes, lodging, and other accomodations for your trip
Jun 2025
Piedmont Pursuits
The Great Staycation
Jun 2025
Fabulous Foothills
The Great Staycation
Jun 2025
Foray into the Far West
The Great Staycation
Jun 2025
Sojourin - The Land of the Sky
The Great Staycation
Jun 2025
High Country Hiatus
The Great Staycation
Jun 2025
The Backcountry Beckons
Western North Carolina’s many hiking trails and campsites offer a serene respite from urban life. But for a more daring adventure along the trails less traveled, consider staking out in our wild frontier.
Jun 2025
Trail Guide - Bob Benner Memorial Trail
Distance: 1.3 mile one-way; 2.6 mile out-and-back - Difficulty: Moderately easy
Jun 2025
Peak Protection
Mainspring Conservation Trust is safeguarding WNC
Feb 2025
Mountain Oasis
As Western North Carolina begins to bloom, explore the wonders within six of our region’s nature reserves and gardens
Feb 2025
Road Trip: A Visit to the Valley
Visiting Wilkesboro, a hidden gem of the High Country
Feb 2025
Angling On The Go
A local innovator’s pocket-sized rodless reel makes casting off easy
Sep 2024
In Search of Mushrooms
Abundantly growing in Appalachia, fungi can be found throughout WNC. Here’s our guide to safely finding—and growing—your own in our backyard.
Sep 2024
Return of the Elk
Portraits of the Great Smoky Mountains’ elk, a species restored to our region by a park conservation project
Sep 2024
The Climb
Savoring the past on Grandfather Mountain’s Classic Trail Corridor
Sep 2024
Trail Guide - A New Path
Catawba Falls Trail
Sep 2024
Do Good
Three nonprofits to volunteer with this season
Sep 2024
Blooming Red and Orange
Where to find Western North Carolina’s iconic fall colors in 2024
May 2024
The French Broad Old River, New Current
Western North Carolina’s iconic watershed continues its journey of preservation and growth into the future
May 2024
A Great Catch
The legacy and future of trout farming in Western North Carolina
May 2024
One Flight Wonder - Orlando, Florida
Summertime adventures that are only a plane ride away
May 2024
Rabbit Research
Rare Appalachian cottontail’s survival at risk
May 2024
A Mountain Milestone
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy hits 50-year mark
Feb 2024
Charted Wilderness
Exploring the national parks of Western North Carolina
Feb 2024
One Flight Wonder - Chicago, Illinois
This spring, head to the Windy City for all-new performances, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and modern architecture
Feb 2024
Natural Growth
Uptick in animals leads to exhibition renovations
Feb 2024
Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)
One of two native skunks, this pungent critter comes out to play in spring
Load more