Dillsboro, North Carolina

Dillsboro, North Carolina is the place to be if being surrounded by the best the Great Outdoors has to offer is your idea of a vacation haven. Dillsboro, located in Jackson County, is close to both the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Walking down the main street of this picturesque artistic community, you will see boutiques and galleries selling everything from classical paintings to modern sculptures. The coffee shops are lined with works by local artists. There are numerous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in Dillsboro, too. You can spend your days boating, swimming, whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a one-stop-shopping area for outdoor fun. If you even remotely like hiking, the park has over 850 miles of trails offering treks that fit all abilities. Experts and novices alike will want to hike the Appalachian Trail, which winds its way throughout the area. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the 0.5-mile trek to Clingman's Dome. The observation tower at the top of the trail offers successful hikers a stunning view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, 7 states are visible from the Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smokies. A good portion of the hiking trails are open for exploration on horseback. Anglers have more than 2000 miles of streams in which to toss a line. Favorites are Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Fontana Lake, and Little River. Bicyclists can change gears on either the roads that wind through the park or on the trails that crisscross through forested terrain.