Basecamp at NOC

Spend the night where the Appalachian Trail hikers stay, at Nantahala Outdoor Center's main campus. This budget-friendly, hostel-style lodging along the Nantahala River is the ultimate home base for outdoor enthusiasts with whitewater rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, paddling and more at your doorstep. The shared community building contains the kitchen, dining hall, charcoal grill and individual shower stalls. Men’s and women’s community bathhouses contain showers, bathrooms and changing areas. Bunkhouses include twin mattresses, heating and air conditioning units and fans.

Deluxe Cabins at NOC, Bryson City

Get the best of both worlds with adventure and luxury in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Walk to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)'s activities, including river rafting, Fontana Lake paddleboards and kayaks, mountaintop zip lines, restaurants and hiking the Appalachian Trail. 4 cabins, sleeps 2-22, 2-6 bedrooms, large decks, satellite TV, WiFi, charcoal grill.

Russian Chapel Hills Winery

This vineyard rests below the beautiful St. Anna Chapel, which is part of the Eastern Diocese of the Russian Church. They use all of their own grapes for seven varietals, including reds Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and whites Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Plus, they have a Muscadine dessert wine. 2662 Green Creek Drive, Columbus, NC. 

Overmountain Vineyards

Located on a family-owned farm in the foothills, their tasting room is open year-round and features a variety of estate-grown wines, such as the estate premium Epic, a Petit Manseng white wine, and Patriot Red, a Bordeaux Blend. Also, hike a two-mile section of the Overmountain Victory National Trail. 2012 Sandy Plains Rd, Tryon, NC. Reservations required. 

Burntshirt Vineyards

Tour a state-of-the-art wine production facility in Hendersonville. Their impressive Tasting Room features wines from 100% estate-grown fruit. The high altitude, long, sunny days and cool nights in the Blue Ridge Province of the Appalachian Mountains allow them to grow some European varietals like Grüner Veltliner. 2695 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville. 

Silver Fork Winery

Located near Morganton (just a few miles from I-40), a beautiful tasting room and rural setting provide a breathtaking view overlooking vineyards and the South Mountains. Sample Silver Fork's refined and distinctive Bordeaux-style wines in their Tasting Room or on their terrace: Chardonnay, Rosé, Chambourcin, Four Dog Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 5000 Patton Rd, Morganton. 

South Creek Winery

Visit this boutique winery on a farm near Marion. Taste wines in an Italian Renaissance Farmhouse or on an outdoor deck: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and signature-blend Maestro. Located 4.4 miles off I-40 at exit 90. 2240 S Creek Rd, Nebo, NC (6 miles to Silver Fork, 4 miles to Belle Nicho, 9 miles to Lake James Cellars). 

Addison Farms Vineyard

This family-owned vineyard and winery is 17 miles northwest of Asheville. Sample wines from their six grape varieties at their Tasting Room with mountain views: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng. Open Friday-Sunday afternoon. Also open Thursdays May-Oct. 4005 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester.

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