Things to do in Appalachian Mountains
Discover the best attractions and experiences Appalachian Mountains has to offer
Historic Monuments
Uncover the region's layered past through iconic homes, battlefields, and preserved towns.
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop home near Charlottesville, showcasing neoclassical design and early American history.
Gettysburg Battlefield
Large Civil War battlefield with preserved grounds and visitor center narrating the pivotal 1863 battle.
Harper's Ferry National Historical Park
Historic town where 19th-century industry and Civil War history meet dramatic Potomac scenery.
Museums
Dive into Appalachian heritage and regional culture through curated collections.
Museum of Appalachia
Living history museum in Clinton that showcases Appalachian life with cabins, crafts, and artifacts.
Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Museum in Bristol honoring the early roots of country music and Appalachian sound.
Frazier History Museum
Louisville-based museum with rotating exhibitions on American and regional history.
Kentucky Horse Park
Lexington's immersive horse museum and venue celebrating equine breeds and their heritage.
Religious Monuments
Explore sacred sites and religious communities that shaped mountain life.
National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
A tranquil hillside shrine at Mount St. Mary’s University honoring Mary with grotto paths and chapels.
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
Well-preserved Shaker community showcasing historic architecture and religious life.
National & Theme Parks
Iconic parks offer dramatic scenery and outdoor adventures across the range.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most-visited national park spanning Tennessee and North Carolina with ancient mountains and diverse wildlife.
Shenandoah National Park
Virginia’s misty mountains with scenic Skyline Drive and cascading waterfalls.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
West Virginia's dramatic river gorge offering world-class climbing, views, and outdoor trails.
Neighborhoods
Walk through distinctive districts that showcase local arts, food, and mountain-town charm.
Downtown Asheville
Vibrant center with breweries, galleries, and live music amid mountain scenery.
Montford Historic District
Tree-lined historic neighborhood with craftsman homes, restaurants, and easy city strolls.
Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
A renowned loop of studios where artisans demonstrate traditional Appalachian crafts.
Free Things to Do
Outdoor adventures and town strolls that won’t cost you a dime.
Appalachian Trail section hike
Choose a scenic stretch to hike through Virginia, North Carolina, or Tennessee.
Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks
Stop at overlooks for sweeping views along the iconic drive.
Stroll mountain towns and public parks
Wander through towns, plazas, and riverside greens without an admission fee.
Gastronomy
Taste classic mountain flavors and modern twists from regional kitchens.
Carolina barbecue tasting
Sample vinegar-based and tomato-based sauces across NC and SC barbecue joints.
Asheville craft beer tour
Sample regional ales from the city’s famed breweries in a relaxed route.
Moonshine tastings at local distilleries
Taste traditional Appalachian spirits at guided distillery tastings.
Nightlife
Live music, late-night venues, and dancing through mountain towns.
Grand Ole Opry
Iconic country music stage offering nightly performances and a classic Nashville experience.
The Orange Peel
Popular Asheville venue with live bands and a lively night scene.
Broadway Honky-Tonks (Nashville)
Bustling street of traditional country bars with live music after dark.
Entertainment
Catch performances and theatre rooted in Appalachian storytelling.
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge theme park with live shows, rides, and country flavor.
Flat Rock Playhouse
North Carolina theatre offering proscenium productions in a mountain setting.
Carter Family Fold
Historic Hiltons venue for old-time country music and family performances.
Sports
Seasonal sports and year-round recreation across the range.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Popular WV ski and snowboarding resort with steep runs and kids’ areas.
Beech Mountain Resort
North Carolina’s highest town ski area with winter sports and summer activities.
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
Maine ski area offering trails and winter fun in the mountains.
Off the Track
Discover offbeat experiences and natural wonders beyond the typical sights.
Appalachian Trail section hike (Virginia/North Carolina)
Explore a scenic portion of the famed trail with mountain views.
Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River
Thrilling river rapids along the GA/SC border.
Luray Caverns tour
Explore vast underground chambers and formations in the Shenandoah Valley.