11 days in North Carolina Mountains Itinerary

Blowing Rock is a town in Watauga and Caldwell counties in the U.S. Kids will appreciate attractions like Zipline and Green Knob Trail. Explore Blowing Rock's surroundings by going to Bobby McLean Memorial Park (in Newland), Rough Ridge Lookout (in Linville) and Linville Falls (in Linville Falls). And it doesn't end there: immerse yourself in nature at Julian Price Memorial Park, discover the riches below the earth's surface at Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, explore by horseback at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, and take in the awesome beauty at Grandfather Mountain.

To see photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Blowing Rock tour itinerary planner.

Gulfport to Blowing Rock is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Gulfport to Blowing Rock, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Gulfport in July; daily highs in Blowing Rock reach 78°F and lows reach 61°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Asheville.

Asheville nestles between two major mountain ranges in the scenic western section of North Carolina.

Attractions like Food Tours and Zipline make great kid-friendly stops. Explore Asheville's surroundings by going to Elijah Mountain Gem Mine (in Hendersonville), Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park (in Chimney Rock) and Pisgah Forest (Sliding Rock & Looking Glass Falls). The adventure continues: take a memorable drive along Blue Ridge Pkwy and identify plant and animal life at DuPont State Recreational Forest.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read Asheville holiday planning app.

Getting from Blowing Rock to Asheville by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. While traveling from Blowing Rock, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Asheville, ranging from highs of 84°F to lows of 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sun) early enough to drive to Cherokee.

The center of Cherokee culture in the eastern part of the country, the town named after this Native American tribe serves as a base camp for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Attractions like River Rafting & Tubing and Waterrock Knob make great kid-friendly stops. Venture out of the city with trips to Carolina Outfitters (in Topton), Highlands (Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine, Dry Falls, &more) and Nantahala on the Fly (in Bryson City). The adventure continues: take in the dramatic scenery at Mingo Falls, examine the collection at Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and try to win big at Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee.

Planning Cherokee trip won't be overwheling when you use's Insprock itinerary maker.

You can drive from Asheville to Cherokee in 1.5 hours. In July, plan for daily highs up to 83°F, and evening lows to 62°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) early enough to travel back home.