Experience Western North Carolina

Many of North Carolina’s beloved parks, museums, and historic sites in the western region are open and ready to welcome visitors. While some locations are still recovering, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and support these special places.

Western North Carolina Travel Advisory

How You Can Help
Your visit plays a vital role in supporting local communities and the continued recovery of these historic and natural spaces. Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, exploring a museum exhibit, or discovering the stories of a historic site, every visit makes a difference.

Thank you for your support as we rebuild and restore North Carolina’s natural and cultural treasures!

Know Before You Go
Some attractions may have modified hours, limited access, or ongoing recovery efforts.

Before visiting, we recommend:
Checking individual site websites or social media for the latest updates.
Calling ahead to confirm operating hours and available amenities.
Respecting any temporary closures or restricted areas as recovery efforts continue.

Places to Visit

Historic Sites & Museums

Western North Carolina offers a variety of fun and educational activities, including two State Historic Sites, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial in Asheville and the Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace in Weaverville.

State Parks

There are many state parks throughout Western North Carolina with incredible views, trails, and a range of outdoor activities.

North Carolina Western Regional Archives

The Western Regional Archives (WRA) collects, preserves, and makes available for public use historical and evidential materials relating to western North Carolina. The WRA is administered by the State Archives of North Carolina and carries out its archival mission and programs. The holdings consist primarily of private collections and some microfilmed county records.

Visit the Western Regional Archives

Current status of NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites in Western North Carolina:

Site Name	Status	Notes
Thomas Wolfe Memorial	OPEN	Repair work ongoing.
Mountain Gateway Museum	OPEN	Operating from a temporary location: 78-C Catawba Ave., Old Fort
Vance Birthplace State Historic Site	OPEN
Elk Knob State Park	OPEN	Backcountry Trail is closed.
Gorges State Park	OPEN
Stone Mountain State Park	OPEN
Hanging Rock State Park	OPEN
Rendezvous Mountain	OPEN	Access is from Rendezvous Mtn. Road, off of Shingle Gap Road, Purlear.
Lake James State Park	MOSTLY OPEN	Fox Den Loop closed temporarily. Other closures: Mill's Creek Trail, East Wimba Trail, West Wimba Trail. Also, a footbridge on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory trail is closed.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area	OPEN
Bob’s Creek State Natural Area	OPEN
Grandfather Mountain State Park	PARTIALLY OPEN	Most trails and campsites are open. All campers must enter through Boone Fork parking area or Asutsi parking area. Profile parking area, Profile Trail, and Profile Connector Trail remain closed.
South Mountains State Park	CLOSED	Clear Creek Access to reopen Mar. 17, 2025.
Mount Mitchell State Park	CLOSED	Long-term closure until further notice.
Chimney Rock State Park	PARTIALLY OPEN	Rumbling Bald Access reopened for hiking and individual climbs. Chimney Rock attraction remains closed until further notice.
New River State Park	PARTIALLY OPEN	Trails, visitor center, community buildings, picnic shelters, and drive-to campground are open; other accesses remain closed.
Lake Norman State Park	OPEN
Pilot Mountain State Park	OPEN