High Country Activities

Located in the Southern Appalachians, the North Carolina High Country derives its name from having the highest average elevations east of the Mississippi. Blessed with majestic vistas, four temperate seasons, outstanding year round outdoor recreational activities and boasting a rich history, the High Country combines the beauty and tranquility of mountain living with easy access to the finer amenities and cosmopolitan conveniences of large metropolitan areas like Asheville, Hendersonville and Weaverville. In addition, excellent modern medical services, reasonable property tax assessments, an outstanding school system, and that ‘home town’ feeling by which people feel free to leave their keys in the ignition and their front doors unlocked, add to the unrivaled quality of life to be found in the area. It’s really no surprise that the High Country is one of the most coveted areas for discerning families’ choice for a primary or vacation home. Immersed in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, the High Country is one of the most photogenic regions in the United States and is a favorite of photographers and painters alike. The area’s superlative natural beauty includes the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the country including the largest variety of native orchids found in the North American continent. A sportsman paradise with several hundred miles of trails, countless streams and lakes punctuated by waterfalls, and some of the best golf courses in the country, the region offers an incomparable range of year round outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, sailing, horseback riding, golf, tennis, motocross, snow skiing and snowboarding.

During the summer and early fall wine tasting tours of the local wineries are a popular past time for adults while in early winter visiting one of the local Christmas Tree farms to choose and cut your own has quickly established itself as a ‘must do’ in family calendars. With no billboards or traffic signs, the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way through the High Country offering some of the most glorious views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, a perfect day trip An abundance of cultural events with picnic basket in hand. Highlights the High Country’s year round calendar with every discipline in the arts amply represented.

Due to the high altitude, the temperature in this region of the Blue Ridge Mountains is 10 to 15degrees cooler than in low-lying areas and the coastal plains making for crisp springs, comfortable summers, dazzling falls and a skier’s paradise in winter. Color, color and more color highlights the High Country year round. Spring paints the countryside in a stunning palette as dogwood, crape myrtle, crab apple, rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain magnolias come into bloom. The wide variety of flowers includes tulips, crocus, Iris, daffodils, yellow violets and pink lady. Summer dresses the mountains in lush shades of greens with the local wildflowers coming into full brilliant bloom at that time. Consistently ranked as one of the top fall foliage watching destinations, the High Country welcomes thousands of visitors during the autumn.

Winter features dramatic snow laden landscapes along with the best snow skiing available in the southeastern United States.

Luxury Vacation Rentals are becoming the preferred accommodation for families visiting the High Country. Yonder Luxury Mountain Rentals has catered to discerning families for years, providing first class homes and cabins with all the facilities that keep the largest of families happy and wanting to return. Our concierge service ensures that all our guests have everything they could wish for prior to their visit, so vacation starts day one!