7 days in North Carolina Mountains Itinerary

Sapphire is an unincorporated community in Transylvania County, North Carolina, United States. Start off your visit on the 20th (Sun): identify plant and animal life at Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Whiteside Mountain. On the 21st (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the dramatic scenery at Whitewater Falls, then surround yourself with nature on Miller's Land of Waterfall Tours, and then immerse yourself in nature at Gorges State Park.

To see other places to visit and other tourist information, refer to the Sapphire tour itinerary planner.

Louisville to Sapphire is an approximately 6.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and car. June in Sapphire sees daily highs of 87°F and lows of 65°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Asheville.

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

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Tue): view the masterpieces at Lexington Glassworks, then browse the exhibits of Grovewood Village, then stroll the grounds of Riverside Cemetery, and finally take a stroll through Asheville Drum Circle. On the 23rd (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get a taste of the local shopping with Blue Spiral 1, then stop by Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, and then surround yourself with nature on Tumblestone Tours and Transportation.

To find where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Asheville road trip site.

Traveling by car from Sapphire to Asheville takes 1.5 hours. In June, daytime highs in Asheville are 83°F, while nighttime lows are 62°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) early enough to go by car to Bryson City.

The location of an old Cherokee village, Bryson City embraces a quiet side of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Get some cultural insight at Mountain Farm Museum and Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. Escape the urban bustle at Carolina Outfitters and Horseback Riding Tours. Go for a jaunt from Bryson City to Franklin to see Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum about 42 minutes away. There's much more to do: examine the collection at Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, take an in-depth tour of Swain County Heritage Museum, and walk around Oconaluftee Islands Park.

For ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Bryson City trip planner.

Traveling by car from Asheville to Bryson City takes 1.5 hours. In June, plan for daily highs up to 81°F, and evening lows to 59°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can travel back home.