Last Updated on May 23, 2023
Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation.
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:
- Alexander County (Hiddenite and Taylorsville)
- Alleghany County (Sparta and Stone Mountain State Park)
- Ashe County (Jefferson and West Jefferson)
- Avery County (Banner Elk and Linville)
- Buncombe County (Asheville, Black Mountain, and More)
- Burke County (Morganton, the Linville Gorge, and More)
- Caldwell County (Lenoir)
- Catawba County (Hickory and More)
- Cherokee
- Cherokee County (Murphy)
- Clay County (Hayesville, Lake Chatuge, and More)
- Cleveland County (Shelby and Kings Mountain)
- Gaston County (Gastonia)
- Graham County (Robbinsville and Fontana Lake)
- Haywood County (Maggie Valley, Waynesville, and Lake Junaluska)
- Henderson County (Hendersonville and Flat Rock)
- Lincoln County (Lincolnton)
- Jackson County (Cashiers, Sylva, and More)
- Macon County (Franklin and Highlands)
- Madison County (Hot Springs, Marshall, and Mars Hill)
- McDowell County (Little Switzerland, Marion, and Old Fort)
- Mitchell County (Bakersville and Spruce Pine)
- Polk County (Saluda and Tryon)
- Rutherford County (Chimney Rock and Lake Lure)
- Swain County (Bryson City and More)
- Transylvania County (Brevard and More)
- Watauga County (Blowing Rock and Boone)
- Wilkes County (North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro)
- Yadkin County (Jonesville and Yadkinville)
- Yancey County (Burnsville and Mount Mitchell)
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)
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
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
- Biltmore Estate (site of Christmas at Biltmore and more events!)
- Grove Arcade
- Omni Grove Park Inn
- Thomas Wolfe Memorial
- WNC Farmers Market
- WNC Nature Center
Read More: Asheville NC Map of Attractions (+ 7 Surrounding Counties!)
Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!)
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)
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
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
- 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 Indian
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Jump Off Rock
- Sierra Nevada Brewing (Fletcher)
Read More: 30+ Hendersonville Hikes
Lincoln County (Lincolnton and More)
- Beatty’s Ford Park
- South Fork Rail Trail
Jackson County (Cashiers, Sylva, and More)
- Bear Lake Reserve
- Nantahala Brewing (Sylva)
- Panthertown Valley Trail (Schoolhouse Falls)
- Pinnacle Park
- Silver Run Falls
- Ski Sapphire Valley
- Sylva
- Toxaway Falls
- Upper Whitewater Falls
- The Village Green of Cashiers
- Waterrock Knob
- Western Carolina University
- Whiteside Brewing
Read More: Waterfalls near Asheville
Macon County (Franklin, Highlands, and More)
Franklin
- Scottish Tartans Museum
- Wayah Bald Tower
- Wesser Bald Fire Tower
- The Vollmer Farm
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
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
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
- Bantam Chef
- Bruce’s Fabulous Foods
- Catawba Falls
- Flavors on Main
- Gold River Camp and Cabins
- Historic Carson House
- Historic Marion Train Depot
- Ingenious Coffee Roasters
- Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway
- Keeper’s Cut Meadery
- Lost Dutchman Vein Mountain Campground
- Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine
- McDowell Arts Council
- Mica Town Brewing
- Mount Ida Wilderness Area
- Refinery 13 Taproom
- Spillway Bridge and Co.
- Thermal City Gold Mine
- Tom’s Creek Falls
Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Marion (and Nearby!)
Little Switzerland
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: Hikes near Asheville
Polk County (Saluda, Tryon, and More)
- Nina Simone Plaza
- Pearson’s Falls and Glen
- Polk County Historical Museum
- Russian Chapel Hills Winery
- Shunkawauken Falls
- Tryon Fine Arts Center
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!)
Rutherford County (Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and More)
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Hickory Nut Brewing
- Kids Sense Interactive Museum
- Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
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
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)
- Appalachian Mountain Brewing
- Appalachian Ski Mountain
- Basil’s
- Boone Saloon
- Booneshine Brewing
- C & J Christmas Trees
- Cafe Portofino
- The Cardinal
- Center 45 Climbing
- Circle C Tree Farms
- CoBo Sushi
- Country Retreat Family Billiards
- Coyote Kitchen
- Daniel Boone Native Gardens
- Dan’l Boone Inn
- Espresso News
- F.A.R.M. Cafe
- Flat Top Tower Trail
- Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
- Foggy Pine Books
- Footsloggers
- The Gamekeeper
- Hatchet Coffee
- Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
- Horn in the West
- Horton Hotel
- Howard’s Knob County Park
- Howard Station
- The Jones House
- Joy Bistro
- Kidd Brewer Stadium
- The Local
- Lost Province Brewing
- Mast General Store (Boone)
- Melanie’s Food Fantasy
- Mountaineer Mania
- New River Corn Maze
- Panoramic View Tree Farm
- Pepper’s Restaurant and Bar
- Proper
- River & Earth Expeditions
- Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
- Shoppes at Farmers Hardware
- Stick Boy Bakery
- Stick Boy Kitchen
- Sunrise Grill
- Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
- Vidalia
- Watauga County Farmers’ Market
- Wild Craft Eatery
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
- 6th & Main
- Anchor Coffee
- The Block
- Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery
- Cook’s Sports
- Copper Barrel Brew Haus
- Copper Barrel Distillery
- Foothills Collectibles
- Hero Clash Collectibles
- Key City Antiques
- Liberty Theatre
- North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Talia’s Espresso
- Wilkes Arts Gallery
- Wilkes County Hardware
Read More: 15+ Great Things to Do in North Wilkesboro (Speedway and More!)
Wilkesboro
- 3 Pink Flamingos Boutique
- Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
- Call Family Distillers
- Cook’s Outfitters
- Cub Creek Mountain Bike Trails
- Dean’s Southern Bistro
- Doc Watson Mural
- Dooley’s Tavern and Grill
- Glenn’s
- Merle Watson Garden of the Senses
- Mr. Toro
- Nine Asian & African Grocery Store
- Seasons Inspirations
- Stardust Cellars
- Talia’s Drive-Thru
- Talia’s Espresso at Wilkes Community College
- Two Boros Brewery
- The Vintage Corner
- Warrior Creek Mountain Bike Trail
- W. Kerr Scott Dam
- W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir (Bandit’s Roost Park)
- W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir (Fort Hamby Park)
- Wilkes Community College
- Wilkes Heritage Museum
- Yadkin River Greenway
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.
Do you know of anyone who shows places that are available to wheelchairs? Particularly rivers that are accessible to fish? Also, are any of your maps hard copies? My husband likes to mark his maps!