I chose this hotel because it is new and clean. The casino is fun we won many times over our 2 nights. Out biggest win was 850. We saw neighbors winning up to 2 thousand so it is fun. Everything is nearby. We drove to Bryson City for their Steam train, throughout the Smoky Mountains probably 5 or 6 times, Mingo Falls which is 5 minutes away and easy to hike, and so much more. I think about this place everyday. Loved it.

This resort was beautiful. We went with our two teenagers and unfortunately weren't able to go to the casino since we were told they couldn't be left unattended. That was the only down fall but other than that it was a beautiful stay. Amazing location beautiful views of the mountains and so many shops in the area. We will definitely be planning a trip here in the future!

Everything was fantastic from check in till check out. Our room was clean, black jack and poker dealers were so friendly. Food was excellent and had a lot of choices. I love that it is non smoking. Valet employees were great and work hard.

Was a bit disappointed in the rooms, price was great but, there was not any bottled water in the room to make coffee. I asked for bottled water and was told they didn't provide it but there was a vending machine I could get some from. That would have been great if the vending machine would have worked but I had to go to 3 other floors just to find a working vending machine for a 4$ bottle of water. That was just the only downer of my stay. The casino was nice and food was delicious. scenery was beautiful.

The hotel is very nice, but I also want to add that every time I came across someone on staff, they were always so friendly and pleasant. Housekeeping was very friendly as we walked down the hall…any time we walked by a staff member, they greeted us with a warm smile and hello. The security at the casino was comical and friendly, etc. I really appreciated all of that. My husband and I will definitely be back!

The service was extremely slow, no sense of urgency to get the crowds down. Do eat before you go there the food selection is limited and overpriced. The casino was as expected and no complaints. The event area was outstanding. One of the better venues. Saw Blackberry Smoke and there wasn't a bad seat.

Rooms were clean and uniquely designed. Service was good for the majority of the hotel/casino. I gave that 4 instead of 5 because the bartenders at Myst disappeared for awhile…not literally but did not fill our drinks even after we ordered. The location receives 5 stars due to its proximity to Atlanta.

The room was beautiful. Enjoyed the couch and chair and overall seating area. The bed was comfortable. Views from most of the hotel are gorgeous! The mountains are beautiful! Stream flowing right outside the grounds. I'm sure it's even more beautiful as spring turns to summer and fall. Our particular view was that of the rooftops of adjoining hotel buildings, so pretty sparse! Metal soap dish broken in shower. Dust bunnies on wall/ceiling above bathroom mirror. Exhaust fan in bathroom desperately needed cleaning. Coffee maker spillover. A bit pricey, but not too bad.

The resort is beautiful. The staff is phenomenal. The casino is huge and very welcoming. The drinks at the bar were amazing. However we had a loud, almost banging type of noise that wouldn't stop coming from the vent in our room and we couldn't sleep. I had to turn the TV on to drown out the noise and I literally only slept 3 hours. The room was very nice, the bed was extremely comfortable. If it wasn't for the constant noise and lack of sleep, my review would have been a lot more positive. It took over 30 minutes for the valet parking to return our car. My only other complaint is food. You couldn't eat anywhere at the resort without a reservation, there was absolutely no walk in restaurants available and all to go orders were stopped early. It was still a very beautiful place.

Beautiful hotel. I was here for the North Carolina Trucking Association Conference and Expo. Beautiful hotel, casino is huge and the expansion on the hotel is more than accommodating for visitors. I was here with my trailer for Truckers Against Trafficking and there were so many other things going on at the hotel. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was nice. If you want a quick, inexpensive getaway, go during the week. The rate change for the weekend rates is quadruple what the weekday rates are. Loved visiting during this time of year as well. The beauty of fall was gorgeous and after walking through the parks I got some breathtaking pictures.

I always enjoy my stay at the hotel, win or lose. That being said, my friend and I both had errors on our bills. For me, I was charged for a night that was supposed to be complimentary. For my friend, he was charged for a movie he definitely didn’t order. My advice is to always check your bill and not assume it’s correct. This isn’t the first time this has happened. All that being said, nice casino. The variety of hotels are great. Staff is friendly, and the “no smoking” is awesome.

Large casino with many games and tables. Be prepared to walk a great distance if you want to explore. Free coffee, water, and soda are available at beverage stations. Rooms are spacious with fridge and microwaves. Plenty places for you to eat and alternative activities if you want to break the gambling up. There's a nice little city area about a mile from the casino if you want to do some shopping and exploring. Overall...this is a nice casino.

The cleanliness of the casino was the first thing that struck me. The floors were spotless, the slot machines were well-kept, and the bathrooms were spotless. I'd want to thank the workers at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. They were helpful, kind, and informed. Overall, I had a fantastic day at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Everything exceeded my expectations, from the cleanliness to the safety to the friendly employees. I would strongly suggest this casino to anyone searching for a good time.

We came for my birthday and for my first trip to a casino. The hotel is beautiful and the casino floor is something straight out of a movie. That said, I’ve been in and around the hotel industry for almost a decade and finding a used mask in our bed, used bars of soap in the bathroom, no comforter or fitted sheet on the bed as well as the shower not draining were a little disappointing to me. Amy in the casino bar closest to the sports betting area makes a mean drink with a smile on her face the entire time. The experience overall was below expectations on the room/hotel but well above on the restaurants and overall vibe of the casino. The star may go up one if I don’t get sick from conditions found in the room.

Beautiful rooms with a large bathroom and great views. Very well maintained and clean. Friendly staff and good service. Room service is excellent. Very comfortable bed. Free drinks in the mini fridge.Valet parking and loading area. Nice shower and plenty of room. The couch folds out as an extra bedroom. The A/C works great and wasn’t loud.

From the food (5 star) to the casino to the hotel, even the valet service is awesome. There is nothing I would change about this place, besides being able to visit there more often. Everybody is so nice and ready to help. One of my favorite places to visit for sure 🌍

I truthfully love the architecture of this hotel. It is MAGICAL and huge! It never seems to end! They have plenty to do if you are not a gambler and plenty of machines if you do. I do wish they’d get a hot tub though around the indoor heated pool. The food was fairly priced and if you’re looking for gourmet, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and the breakfast buffet was open til 11, which is a nice surprise! The hotels spa is pretty pricey, bring your wallet!

Our first time going to a casino and we really enjoyed our time! The drive to this location is beautiful! Getting there, we didn’t know where to go or how to get started and we had a lot of help along the way! Everyone seemed inviting and willing to assist us. The drinks were great. We won a little money too! We can’t wait to go back!

We've never stayed in their rooms, so can't give a rating on that, but we have visited the casino and the event center to see a couple of shows. The casino floor can be a little chaotic for a first timer. Once you figure out the way it all works it's not that bad at all. The event center is great. It's not too big and not too small. Not really a bad seat in the place. The food court has decreased in size and choices which is a little disappointing. Also, would be nice if food court was open all night. The casino floor is clean and well supervised/managed. The restrooms are a little dirty, especially the urinals, but with that many folks having adult beverages and using the urinal, I guess it's to be expected. Overall, it's been an enjoyable experience each time we visit.

Overall, we had a good time. But a few things could be improved. In the lobby at the check-in desk, the lamps on the counter were VERY dusty, so it made me think that housekeeping is a low priority. The front desk is the first place that you go to when you get there, it should at least be clean. The elevators need some work, they are ugly (scratches & dirty tracks). Walking to our room, the hallway smelled like cigarette smoke! But I believe it’s non-smoking or at least the room we had was, but thank God the room did not smell like smoke. We ate at the P.F. Chang’s inside of the casino & they also have a food court, but everything is over priced. I think that they were understaffed in the casino, I remember someone coming around maybe three times my two days there & then if you press that service button, it took someone forever to come. But it was cool, i would go back.

Great place to relax and have fun. Good selection of food also. Valet parking is offered for guests that stay in the hotel for free. The rooms are really nice. The games are really fun. Drinks are a little expensive, but hay, you're here to have fun. The staff is really friendly. And don't forget to tip your waiting and cleaning staff!!!

Check in is easy and staff friendly and polite. Gambling is exactly that, I haven’t won any big money but several small wins keeps me in the game. Starbucks staff super polite. Ruth Chris filet literally melts in your mouth. Enjoy fellow gamblers!

Very nice casino. Great food, all kinds of stuff for everyone in the family. Kind staff the drive over the mountain is fantastic views as well. Slots selection is great. There are a lot of new games. Sports book is awesome. The rooms are clean also. Pet friendly would come back anytime.

Beautiful location and building, inside and out. Everything was virtually immaculate and the valet and bell services were very expedient given the volume of people! Room was excellent, beds and bath were very comfortable. We had a clogged up drain and upon calling it in, we were almost immediately greeted by a serviceman who had it fixed up super fast! Casino was perfectly vibrant, fun, and lively. Food spots were all busy as expected, but the food was absolute perfection! I absolutely look forward to coming back! Worth every dollar and second!

What an awesome resort! Everything you could want to do in a beautiful town. Spectacular casino floor with lots of tables and slots, sports betting, rooms are immaculate and no soaring on decor. Valet parking and more. I was so impressed I’ll do it again!

This place is super nice! If your looking for fun, then this is the place for you. Too much to do in a day. Beautiful location. Rooms are super nice and reasonably priced. Excellent service all the way around, can't wait to go back!

We didn't stay on property, but the casino itself is great! Plenty of self-parking, lots of slots, and a good amount of table games. The sportsbook is large and really nice too. Super fun destination for a little gambling and hanging out.

The place is nice....the location is great! I just don't understand the logic of most of the tables having $25 minimum and they are empty, but the five $15 dollar minimum tables are 3 deep with folks waiting. Wouldn't you actually make more money by offering the options people clearly want? it's not unique to this site, but jeez, you'd obviously take more money in and have higher customer satisfaction by giving g reasonable minimums. I guess you do what you want when you're the only show in town.

Amazing stay at Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Resort. My husband and I stayed at the resort for three nights and truly loved our whole experience. The room was great, the service was exceptional and the food/drinks were on point! I would also really love to shoutout to Mr. Thomas Serrano who works in the casino. He was at the Roulette table when my husband and I went on the evening of 11.16 and he was fantastic! We ended up going back to the table again before he left for the evening because of how great he was!! We truly appreciated his kindness and service.

Enjoyed our first trip to Cherokee Resort. I have been to the casino several times over the last 15 years but never stayed at the hotel until this week. Was pleasantly surprised with the room size and quality. It’s a far walk to the casino floor but no big deal. They are really really hard core about checking IDs here, seemed redundant to check my ID to get into the casino floor and then Also check my Id to buy alcohol but whatever. Staff was friendly all throughout the casino EXCEPT for the dealers, which is unfortunate. All the security staff and valet and and Rewards center folks and servers were nice but hotel check-in staff and dealers were either unfriendly or just outright rude. I read about machines breaking down and unfortunately that was also the case for us. Really sucked the fun out of some times we had. We won a few hundred dollars through the course of the night and enjoyed our food and coffee from the GR food court. Hopefully the next time we come back the machines that they KNOW are experiencing issues will be fixed, and the dealers can learn some common courtesy.

Had an excellent time! All of the staff were exceptional and went out of their way to assist from the time we pulled in until we left. We came from Michigan and traveled to Sarasota FL. 10 hotels/resorts in 14 days. Harrah's was the #1 stay out of the entire trip! We will be back but next time we'll stay longer. Highly recommend.

Visited here with our children, and the food and atmosphere were very nice! Waitstaff in the casino was helpful with any questions and kids had fun seeing all the lights and stores, as they couldn’t gamble obviously. But still a good time, nothing won at slots to write home about, but fun time losing.. lol.

Always a fun time here. If I can find one thing to complain about it's the fact the rooms are a long walk to the casino floor. Longer than from the public parking garage. Other than that we love this place. We just don't stay at the casino hotel. We did stay in one of the rooms and it was excellent. Bed was extremely comfortable. Room was big and roomy. Not disappointed with the room just the looooong walk to casino floor

It's a good casino to spend time (and money, of course).. They have a lot of slot gambling machines and a good amount of dealer managed tables. There are food courts available with limited options..Dedicated smoking room with slot machines is available. For a place without any other entertainment options in near 60 mile radius, this can be called a king of entertainment for that location : ) . You need to be 18 + to enter the casino, and IDs are checked at entrance. Please note that, as per NC rule , you will get alcohol only up to 2PM. So grab your drink before that.

Let me say this. I travel the world and gamble. I know I’m not going to always win, but most of the time. I win BIG! However, I have never played in a casino as tight as this one. I watched people lose tons of money for three days in a row especially playing on those Dragon links at the front. The games were not paying. If you want to go have fun and play on anything under $2.50 then maybe you will enjoy it. However if you like to walk out of there winning BIG off of max bets this is not the Casino to visit. The atmosphere was great, but the winning moments were not. It was so bad I checked out a day before my scheduled departure. Then they do not give you any free play. The drive from Maggie Valley was beautiful but if you don’t and can not handle lots of curves, swings, and turns. Do not come from that direction. Overall I enjoyed the people I met while we were all losing our money. Lol! The mountains were also a beautiful postcard.

We booked the Polar Express train ride for Christmas Eve. The parking is free and was easy to navigate. I was able to pick up the tickets with ease and hd plenty of time to look around before boarding the train. The boxcar that we were on was warm and had enough space to walk around and find our seat. We were disappointed that despite choosing seats together that initially assigned being at different at tables. Fortunately we were able to switch seats and sit together. The train ride was smooth and there were songs and cocoa with chocolate. I was most disappointed in the scenery which included excessive trash, tires, a car with two people strung out on drugs and things that took away from the experience of being on the "Polar Express". At the "North Pole" we were directed to look at different places related to Santa and Christmas. In reality, it was a persons house for each location with a sign in front stating what we should imagine it to be. For the price and the distance to get there, I would not book this experience again.

Wonderful trip, Kim, in first class, it was really great at giving us lots of information along the way. The young lady, (sorry I forgot your name), who sold us our tickets, was fantastic at getting us the best seats. Definitely recommend doing this trip lots of fun for all members of the family.

It was a nice relaxing ride on a steam train with great views of the Smokey Mountains. The food served was good and the service, great. However, this experience was made possible only by our server and hostess, Ginger! She was very knowledgeable of the history around the Nantahala. I think I can say that many of us in the Harper car loved talking with her. I can tell that she loves what she does and it shows. Kudos to you, Ginger! Once again, thank you for a memorable experience (and not because the my drink was knocked onto me)!

This was a really amazing way to easily see the landscape of the Smokies! Great for any train enthusiast and the tour was laid back and relaxing. An easy one-hour drive from Asheville. We went in early April in the first class open-air car. Bring a sweater as it was a bit breezy, but the fresh air was fantastic. Two things that detracted from the experience: First, on one side of the car (right as you are departing Bryson City) you face a lot of mountainside, which is not much of a view for a lot of the trip. Thankfully there is plenty of space for you to walk around the car and look over your neighbors to see the other side’s view. Secondly, a more formal spiel from the tour guide would have been appreciated for a history buff like me that isn’t too familiar with the area. This isn’t to say we didn’t learn a lot, but I think some of it got lost in the weeds. All in all, we had a great, relaxing time taking in the surroundings. When we visit NC next, we hope to catch this later in the spring or in the fall when the mountains have more color. Highly recommend! Oh, also, there’s a free model train museum!

A great experience amazing staff but I do recommend if you travel during cooler/cold temps especially with rain bring a BLANKET & heavy jacket for open cars. We road today with temps and rain we froze on the open car. The layover is to short especially if you get the last train car the walk takes most of your time. But overall would recommend for people to see this beautiful scenery

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip! Kyle was our guide, and he was super informative and educated about the area. We had the first car with controlled climate, and has the meal service. Food was average but the train ride was awesome. No kids were on the car, so it was a nice trip for adults with some good humor to be had.

Most excellent. Started off rainy and cloudy, but it cleared up. It was a great experience! Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Was in first class. Food was excellent. Did the Gorge run with a Diesel engine. They had an on board musician that went from car to car as well as a dedicated storyteller who grew up in the mountains that also went car to car. Recommend the excursion all the way!

Such a wonderful experience! Great for people of all ages! The loading process was quick and easy. There were many rail experiences to choose from and we chose the Nantahala Gorge trip. We had an absolute blast (even the teenager)! The rail car we were in was the Jackson and it was very cool and comfortable. There was a rail car that had a cafe for snacks, drinks, and eats (which we enjoyed). We will absolutely do this again and pick one of the other rail trips to see more of this beautiful place!

What a Wonderful way to see the Beautiful country side and Mountains of North Carolina. Very enjoyable ride in the open air. The town of Dillsboro for a layover was nice lots of shops to explore and places to grab a quick lunch. Would ABSOLUTELY do it again. Our 5 year old Grandson loved it as well. All around Great experience

We took the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for our daughter's birthday. We had a wonderful day. The open air car was perfect late September. The views were great, the concessions were plentiful and very reasonably priced. We stopped at the Natahala Outdoor Center to stretch our legs. The staff was wonderful and entertaining. They answered all of our questions. We will be taking this train again. I would love to see what these views when the leaves have changed to Fall colors. I highly recommend this attraction if you are in the area. Don't miss it.

We booked the Sunset ride on a fairly warmer fall day in late October. We did the open air car and would recommend over an inside train car. The bench seats face the outside and you can easily get up and walk around vs the inside cars feel stuffy and seats are facing each other in the inside. Take a blanket and dress warm for once sun goes down, but completely worth it to have the open air to have better views and experience in my opinion. Views were awesome, ride was fun. Food, snacks, drinks, alcohol all available.

If you love fall foliage then be sure to book an autumn train ride in advance. They fill up fast and for good reason ... the views are incredible and the leaves are gorgeous! We rode about a week ahead of peak and it was still stunning. I highly recommend the open-air cars! There are speakers on them so you can hear all the interesting stories and facts about what you see on the ride. Halfway through you stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and can get off the train for a short bit. We had blankets and jackets/hats on-hand but ended up not needing them. We look forward to doing it again!

My experience may have been slightly different considering the theme/event selected for our train ride. The, "Uncorked" wine tasting train ride was absolutely remarkable. There are pros and cons to every experience you'll take part in. For starters, the cost was reasonable to say the least. Once you're on board you have the option to buy additional beverages and snacks but its not necessary. The ride was approximately 3 to 4 hours long. You will make a stop in a small town where you can grab a beer or 5 and a bite if you're not pleased by the meals served on board. A friendly reminder: YOU ARE ABLE TO CALL PROIR TO HAVE YOUR DIETARY NEEDS MEET! The food was not the best but it did the job after a little salt and pepper was added. They were a bit short staffed but who isn't right now? It was a bit cold on the train so bring a jacket if you get cold like me. There wasn't much of a sight as the ride went along outside of the river located in this area. Personally, I think train rides are soothing but if you're looking for a scenery the only one you'll get is of trash, locals waving from their porch and that river mentioned before. It's quite the experience and if you like a little country feeling on a train, good adult beverages with some historical facts about the area thrown in the mix this is an ideal adventure for you.

We went on the 5 hour steam train ride and it was great! We rode in the open air car and the speed was perfect to help keep us cool on a VERY hot day but not windy at all. So if the wind is a reservation for you, it's not a problem. It was so nice having wide unobstructed views! The only time it was stuffy was waiting to move before getting started and when leaving the NOC. Employees were all friendly! Bring on your own snacks or you can purchase from the concessions car.

We did the first class seats where lunch is included. I got the pot roast and it was good, but the portions were a bit small. My wife got the pulled pork, she said the pork wasn't hot (temperature-wise) and the coleslaw wasn't cool - as if the food had been sitting out for a while. The ride was scenic and informative. Overall it was a nice way to spend a day. After it was over we toured their train museum and walked around Bryson City and checked out the various shops there.

A nostalgic and fun afternoon. We took an adult only wine sampler trip. Plenty to drink and our hostesses were entertaining and attentive. The food portion was well thought out, but the shrimp were over cooked. Everything else was fine and we sure didn't leave hungry. In fact, don't eat a big breakfast if you book the Uncorked. You're going to start eating right after the train rolls. Using the steam locomotive on the way out was very cool. Lots of opportunities for photography.

Fun trip. The "layover" was kind of useless if you want to eat or shop since there's not much time and it can be a long walk. Depends on which rail car you're in. Aside from that, the trip was awesome. There is so much to see. It's really beautiful. The storyteller was very interesting and informative. The crew was top-notch.

Our host, Nancy, was amazing!! We loved the trip and lunch. So much fun! The lunch and desserts were good. The entertainment was a nice touch. We like the souvenir bag and mugs.

Brought the kids and my mother. It was great. Although we were the loudest in our cart. We were in the Catamount and it was decorated so perfect for the occasion. Don't know if I would spend that kinda money again but glad we experienced the Polar Express.

Such a fun experience! Train ride was relaxing and informative and the food and drinks on board were nice too! I'd suggest not even buying a boxed lunch but bringing your own or buying a hotdog or snack on the train from the little diner train car. Also make sure to buy tickets on the correct side of the train. One side has better viewing potential. (If that side of the train is sold out, you honestly can't go wrong with either side as you'll still be able to see out to the other side.)

The train ride was very enjoyable. We chose First Class with a meal that was fantastic. A tour guide, in the train car, that shared the points of interest including the train wreck from “The Fugitive”with Harrison Ford. The train followed the river where we saw some Elk. We looked in the tree top for Eagles but were shut out this trip. We stopped in a lovely town with several shops. Definitely worth the trip.

It's a really fun experience and a beautiful ride. We prefer the open air cars for the views they offer. Just be aware this can be quite cold in the winter so wear thick clothing and bring/buy a blanket. The food offered is fine but not something to look forward to.

Had a very relaxing ride seeing the scenery. We booked the open car with a meal. The day was beautiful! We had been years ago on the steam engine. This time we went further and saw Fontana. The trip takes about 4 hours. Don't worry.. restrooms and stops are included. You can also shop at Nantahala if you like. Book in advance so you will not be disappointed that they are sold out. They also do a Polar Express at Christmas 🎄. Check them out for themed trips down the rails. There is a variety of car options and food.

Our second year making the Polar Express a tradition and had a great time. They go above and beyond to ensure you have an awesome experience and get in the Christmas mood. We usually go after Christmas but still thoroughly enjoy it. Can't wait to go back next year!!

The Polar Express was a wonderful holiday experience for my son. I’m not sure about all cabins, but we got a premium one and had a great time. The staff made it truly special for the kiddos and it was an overall great holiday memory. Gorgeous scenery.

Excellent arboretum full of beautifully curated displays, fun for the entire family regardless of season! Wonderful outdoor trails to meander peacefully. Huge train exhibit with live plants was really neat and inspiring. Bonsai garden was pretty even though it’s off season. Lots of cool educational nature exhibits inside too. Absolutely stunning welcome center, though the staff totally ignored me, but that was fine because I was able to locate what I needed by myself. Also, great educational program with dedicated area for future outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, a great experience minus the lack of customer service inside the welcome center. Would recommend.

One of the most beautiful and well kept gardens anywhere! Immaculate care of everything. Don't miss the Bonsai Garden or miniature train area with Thomas and amazing the Bonsai plants in railroad area. Amazing and varied walking trails. Great gift shop. Nearly every plant or tree has marker description. Just amazing for $20.00 car entry fee.

We’ve been here twice and we loved it both times. So much to see! There are easy and difficult hikes. Everything is well marked. The staff is always so helpful. We love the bonsai exhibit. First Tuesday of the month is half price!

Had a small elopement at the Heritage garden and it was honestly so professional and lovely! Thank you so much to the staff that allowed our dream event happen. Stephanie Carter was so accommodating and flexible. She was super attentive and engaged with everything. They even helped coordinate on the day of which I am honestly so grateful for. They also drove us around to take pictures around the venue and I'm so so grateful for them because walking around in a wedding dress is hard. They went above and beyond for us! The bridal waiting area has a full size mirror, a smaller close up mirror that lights up, a place to hang your clothes, and a lot of charger which was very much needed. Overall we were so happy with the service and the location! Thank you so much!

A family favorite, every spring, summer and fall! They always have a new exhibit experience, plus the gardens and miniature train town is fun for all ages to enjoy. Easy trails to walk or longer ones if you want. Plus a nice cafe or great areas to bring your own picnic.

We were in Asheville for a long weekend and I was trying not to overdo the hiking since I was trying to recover from an injury. We decided to come here for the afternoon after a short hike in the morning. I had heard good things, but this place still surpassed my expectations! It's a pretty big place and there are even more traditional trails through the wooded area. It's $16 to park, but there is technically no entrance fee so you might be able to bike in for free. Unfortunately, we didn't plan ahead and the Bonsai exhibit was closed for the day (closes at 5 and everything else is open until 7 or 9 depending on the time of year). What we could see from the outside looked cool though. This is a great spot to spend a few hours exploring. It looks really cool in the winter with Christmas lights too from what I've seen online.

Such a beautiful and well maintained place. 16 bucks to park and the rest is free unless you decide to buy some $3 succulents. The bonsai exhibit was absolutely beautiful. A miniature redwood tree? One of the cutest things I've seen. The flowers are breathtaking as well. I highly recommend this place for its awe inspiring beauty.

The Arboretum is stunning! The gardens are so peaceful and beautiful to walk through. There were musicians playing music outside the bistro, which set such a fun mood. And when the heat gets to be too much, the visitor's center and gift shop have excellent air conditioning. There's also a water fountain with a water bottle filler. We appreciated that the Arboretum was dog and family friendly.

We loved this place! The gardens were beautifully designed by Frank Law Olmstead and have to be seen to be believed. Beautiful nature trails wind through the entire area and there are plenty of benches to take a break or just take in the scenery. This place is magical. We were fortunate to spot a mother bear, her two cubs and a copperhead on the trail. The trails are well marked and pretty easy to traverse. If I lived here I would be hiking at the Arboretum several days a week. The bistro served a great lunch - The Hungry Hiker Salad with a scoop of curried chicken salad was delicious! Don’t miss the bonsai exhibit!

Loved the winter lights show! A massive amount of colored lights which was a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. We got there early on a Thursday so it wasn’t too busy! As the crowd picked up it was still a very comfortable crowd level. Highly recommended!

As a member, this is one of our favorite places to walk our dog through the grounds and trails. I usually enjoy looking at all the flowers and large planter displays. This late March visit, I was surprised that not very much was in bloom yet, the Quilt Garden was empty and the Planters were not done. So, it was enjoyable to see what little signs of Spring had popped up. Looking forward to our next visit to see the Tulip beds in bloom!

This is a really nice park. I personally love walking so for me this place has plenty of trails. There are a ton of decorations around here for Christmas so I highly recommend coming here after dark during the Christmas season. They also had a really nice gift shop at the building that's past all of the decorations.

This place is a steal with only a sixteen dollar parking fee. Everything else was free to enter and explore. Give yourself a few hours to walk and enjoy the gardens and trails. The bonsai exhibit was very well laid out. There is plenty of photo opportunities and great mountain views throughout the park. I would recommend a visit here.

Amazing first visit here. We will definitely return. It was one of the nicest gardens we've ever visited. The design and layout were obviously well thought out and painstakingly built. The Bonsai exhibit was extraordinary! We could have easily spent a whole day here. We can't wait to come back. $20 per vehicle for parking, no cost for the Arboretum. You can use your parking stub as $20 towards an annual membership.

This is an absolute “must” if you visit Asheville. It was very easy to jump right in and engage in some nature walks. The navigation MIGHT lead you to a side road through a neighborhood. In which case, the road to the arboretum is two lights over. We luckily had a very nice lady who was an attendant in the campsite parking help us with directions. You pay $20 per car, and go straight up to the parking. The parking lot is right near the main education center which leads right onto a “red” nature trail that isn’t that advanced. You can do the nature hike, or start with the Bonsai and Quilt garden as pictures, as well as other curated natural exhibits, right next to the education center. *we brought some binoculars, which was fun because you will spot some red squirrels and other birds. It can be fun to try to find these critters as you navigate the hikes. We watched a squirrel build a nest from the comfort of a bench!* Gotta go to the Arboretum!

Loved shooting Brittany and Jakes's summer wedding portraits at the NC Arboretum! The relaxed vibe here is perfect for my intimate, candid photography style. The couples were themselves, laughing and having fun - just like hanging out with friends. The light, the composition, everything so inspired me! It's a dream location for any photographer who loves to tell unique love stories. And the best part? Seeing the joy in their eyes when they saw their stunning, personal images. Five stars for sure!

We had an incredible day here. The gardens are beautiful, and the bonsai collection outstanding. There was an exhibit about the manufacturing of perfume, related to flower cultivation that is a real treat for the senses. There are "sniffer" tubes set up, so that you can smell different perfume scent sources. A harp trio played in the garden, and the tranquility was so pleasant. What a place to unwind, and get in touch with your soul! Go there!

Me and my Dad go here regularly. They do a wonderful job making this place bloom. I especially love the bonsai exhibit, which is up during the warmer months. There is a toy train that runs if you get there early in the day. Christmas they do lights and it's so wonderful 😍 ✨️ all year long this is a fun place to visit and I always look forward to it.

We love coming here. So many beautiful lights. Everyone will definitely love it. There's plenty of room to walk around. The little ones will love the trains. There's hot chocolate, soft drinks, food, gift shops, and restrooms. Lots to enjoy and see .

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The North Carolina Arboretum, and it was a delightful experience. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Asheville, this arboretum offers a tranquil oasis for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The gardens at the arboretum are meticulously maintained, showcasing a diverse range of native plants and flowers. Walking through the various themed gardens, from the peaceful Japanese garden to the vibrant Southern Appalachian garden, was a feast for the senses. Each garden section offers something unique, from colorful blooms to serene water features.

This is one of the most beautiful garden settings I’ve ever seen. There are many activities and educational programs that go on here. Before I start, let me tell you that dogs are welcome. However, they are not welcome inside of the Baker visitor center. there are many beautiful native trails that are surrounded by plants and trees. The trails are nicely cared for and just about anyone could hike them. There’s an amphitheater, A gift shop, dining and picnics. A waterway and a pond escape. There’s an education center and a bonsai exhibit. I could go on and on. If you love trailing, botanical things, trees,taking pictures and being outside you could spend the whole day here. Have a great adventure ♥️

The best place to leisurely experience the nature of the North Carolina words while appreciating the lengths that gardening can go to. I love this place at every season. Entrance for a car full of people for a whole year was $50. It's my favorite place to unwind, enjoy the sun, and read a book.

We didn’t have enough time to explore everything but it’s beautiful and well maintained. I am sure you can spend hrs if you want to walk all the trails and visit all exhibits. Entrance fees of 20 per vehicle covers parking and admission. We went there at end of March and lot of plants didn’t have leaves yet. Most of bonsai section was empty because of colder temperatures.

You have to pay for parking, but entry to the NC Arboretum itself is free. I didn't mind the parking fee at all, because I'm sure it goes toward caring for the grounds and the people who work there. I took my mom through here and we both enjoyed it. I wheeled Mom around in her wheelchair very easily. There were so many different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees. There's also a small train track and town display. We could've spent so much more time just taking in all of the beauty, but it began to sprinkle, so we went inside to grab gifts and we were on our way. We took lots of photos and will have fun looking back on the memories. The bonsai tree displays had my imagination running wild! The staff were all very kind, other guests were polite, and everything was clean and well cared for. This is a must see, if you're in the area. We had a blast!!

The North Carolina Arboretum was a wonderful stop during our visit to North Carolina. We went in late October, and the foliage was midway through its transformation. I observed lovely flowers and bonsai trees that were incredibly well-maintained and cared for. I would highly recommend this destination to anyone passing through. It was a wonderful and incredible facility.

Love the Biltmore Inn. The views are spectacular. Food is delicious....breakfast especially. Rooms are comfy with nice little extras. Staff is very helpful.

My husband and I decided on a whim, to pack a bag and head to The Biltmore House. Neither of us had been, and we were bored. We stayed at The Biltmore Inn. From the moment we arrived... to the moment we left, everything was amazing. We will absolutely be back when we can stay longer than a night. I absolutely love the view from the deluxe terrace rooms. So beautiful and dreamy. And dinner at the on-site restaurant downstairs was superb.

Absolutely wonderful place to stay. Great restaurants, great lounge with big fireplace as well as nice outside firepits

Enjoyed an amazing First Class Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room. The staff were top notch in thier attention and kindness. The tea was simply the best I have had of tea services I have experieced all over the world. The view was breathtaking. Splendid Holiday decor. Topped off with delicious food and tea.

A great experience, tours were so informative, professional and friendly.

We went there for our honeymoon for a week. The valet were excellent and very nice. The front desk, not so much. We were not fans of the front desk. Every person we encountered working there while on our stay was snobby and rude. The rooms are pretty basic to me. I live about 30 minutes from the West Baden in Indiana and I was just expecting more from the Inn, I suppose. I would rate the Inn a 3/5 on service and friendliness compared to the West Baden. The view is a 10/10. That is perfect and I'm assuming that's why you pay so much to stay there. Also the "Library" lounge is not a library. It's the "common area" essentially. The drinks are outrageous. We paid $63 for two drinks. Bloody Mary's are $20.. for one shot of vodka lol. Those are like $5 where I live. It was a jump scare. Don't get food delivered to your room either. We wanted a quick lunch while we were getting ready one day. So we ordered one sandwich to split and a Tito's and cranberry... $65 dollars. It's just extortion really. The food was good but not worth $45. If we come back to Asheville, we would probably stay in a cabin & getting a day pass or at the hotel on the Biltmore. The house tour, the kayaking, the trails, the E-Bikes were all really fun. We just didn't like the Inn and our experience. Also, eat at the Bistro and Cedric's! Both very good and very friendly service and staff. Also we were told the pool was heated and would be open on our stay, it wasn't. But the hotels was. So all around, I would just stay at the hotel. It's essentially the same thing but friendlier.

The inn was very welcoming. Complimentary wine every day in the lobby was a nice touch. The turn-down service was one of the best of all my hotel stays! They even tied up the phone charging plugs with a silky red ribbon that has the Vanderbilt insignia. One major disappointment is the room felt damp at all times!

Staying at Builtmore Inn comes with the great perk of shuttle service on the estate. Food and service as expected for for its ratings.

We have had passes to Biltmore for years. Our daughter got married there. We're so grateful for one of N.C.'s greatest treasures. Sometimes, though, their reach for profit exceeds their mission and value proposition. We had not eaten at Biltmore Inn for perhaps a year or so. So we pulled up to Inn to valet park (raining hard). The valet informed us we would have a $20 parking fee for this lunch! Didn't make me very happy. This was NEW. Then we went downstairs for lunch and they informed us that they had transformed downstairs dining room into the "tea room" for afternoon tea and that upstairs in the library where high tea had been held, they were serving lunch. So we go back upstairs and were seated after long wait. They brought menu..... it was not lunch ... it was snacks and appetizers to be taken with drinks! Ugh! So at the Biltmore Inn, now, one cannot have a lunch!!!!! The Inn guests have to leave the hotel if they want to take lunch. The demand for (and profitability of) afternoon tea was large enough to move it downstairs to more capacity and lunch was eliminated, but we were inaccurately guided to library for snacks and appetizers ...... at one time there they even served hamburgers etc. NOT NOW. I expect more from the Biltmore Inn.

We spent $450 for tickets, gas and food for 1 day - 2 people. NOT worth the money; gardens and art exhibit were a big disappointment. When we purchased the tickets they told us the spring flowers would be planted, dogwoods and wisteria would be in bloom. Minimal annuals were planted, in fact they were just in the process of digging up dead tulips, so that is what we paid to see. We had to seek out the dogwoods and didn't see 1 wisteria in bloom. Art exhibit was a joke. A projection of renaissance art on the walls, no actual prints to view.

Our experience at the Inn was nearly perfect from beginning to end. We stayed in the Inn @ Room 259. I was disappointed that we didn’t have a mountain view, but the room was perfect, and we did have a terrace that offered substantial privacy when sitting outside. [I assumed a terrace would come with a mountain view, and I was wrong.] The valet & bellhop were outstanding, as was the front desk, the concierge, and all of the wait staff. We were treated with the utmost respect and never got bad vibes. We took the early morning tour of the Biltmore Mansion and it is HIGHLY recommended. We ate one night @ the Inn and the experience was fantastic! The service was perfect and the meal was delicious. We started with the crab cake, and both ordered filets, then finished with the creme brulee…………like seriously - how can you complain? The $30 +/- cocktails were pricey, but then you take in the priceless views and suddenly the drinks seemed like a fair value! CONS: The website is very confusing. The difference between the Hotel, the Inn, & the Home is not clear at all, and the room descriptions could use some work. I ordered the embroidered robe for my wife, and it was probably 4 sizes too big. I contacted guest services and they said they only offer one size fits all. It was really only meant to be a keepsake, but perhaps one of my boys will grow up to be a 2x or 3x! Great job Biltmore – we have told several friends how much we enjoyed our stay and we are proud to have been your guests.

This is much more than a place to stay while visiting Biltmore: it's an experience in and of itself. We stayed here for two nights while celebrating our anniversary last week. Everything was pleasantly over-the-top - just as a stay at the Biltmore must have been. The property, the location, the staff, the accommodations, the view, the shopping, the food. All exceeded our expectations. Definitely worth the stay.

Chimney Rock State Park was a wonderful experience. There were areas marked appropriately on trails and warning signs to prevent injury like ice patches. My husband and I walked 5 trails and enjoyed our visit. Areas that we would recommend some improvements on are that some road guard rails need repair, the gift shop would've been nice to be open even if it was a Sunday. There were enough visitors during our visit to justify having it open. Despite that the eatery was open, there were rangers directing traffic and at the gate. All staff were, pleasant and helpful. Even though there was a wait - about 30 minutes or so, the traffic kept moving along. I would recommend this visiting.

So much to do here! I suggest going early in the morning to the top of chimney rock and then doing the sky trail before it gets too hot. Then take a break for lunch and don’t skip the waterfall trail. We loved this park! Our dogs couldn’t do all the stairs so we did the waterfall trail with them and dropped them off at the cabin. Your ticket allows you to leave the park and come back all day.

Beautiful place! We hiked for 4-5 hours and completed all trails here . We took the shuttle both ways to get all things done in time as we had only one day here . Well maintained park, clean restrooms, drinking water fountains , nice staffs , everything good .

Breathtaking views of the lake lure and its surrounding parklands from the Chimney rock and Devil’s head. Worth visiting and hiking all trails. You can park at the ground parking near ticket plaza ($17 each) and take a shuttle, it’s few minutes ride. To reach at the top, one can use tunnel to elevator (26 stories in 32 secs)or stairs (approx 20 mins), through stairs you can see Vista view, Subway, Grotto, Pulpit Rock, Crevice Pass. It was amazing to visit Opera Box, Devil’s Head, Exclamation trail, Skyline trail, Hickory nut falls trail, waterfall and the four season trail. All trails are intermediate, not long but has stairs. This park has outdoor classrooms, kids friendly trails, sky lounge, shelters, benches, restrooms, nice parking, gift shop etc. Staff is great and friendly. Exploring this park was really fun and stunning.

This was a beautiful place with easy to follow directions and maps. Workers were all very friendly and knowledgeable. There are AMAZING views, and the gifts shops and cafe is great. There is elevator access to those who may struggle with stairs. A lot of railings to make the walks feel safe. The waterfall was very pretty and easy to get to. Seems to be a good place for families as well, I don’t have kids myself but heard of a lot of activities and programs for smaller ones. I would definitely recommend.

So proud of myself to have survived this walk. Although, you can use the elevator to go up the chimney rock but since we also brought the puppies, we opt to climb the stairs from the bottom all the way up to the falls view. The view is breathtaking. This would prob look much more beautiful if all the trees turned green. Overall, we recommend this place.

Me and husband decided that we were not going to take the elevator and just hike all the way up. It was a fun experience but next time we will take the elevator so we can see the rest of the park. Once you make it to where the flag pole is your not going to want to hike up the rest of the way if you didn't take the elevator. There is also a bat cave but did hear or see any bats. There is also two views of a water fall but we only did the bottom view. We look forward to going back one day.

Chimney Rock was so beautiful. The walking paths were clearly marked and wide enough in all the spots that I hiked. The park staff were all very kind and helpful. The animal exhibit was great for people of all ages, perfect for Boy Scouts or a Girl Scout Troop. I learned a lot! The bat cave was closed due to increased bat activity, but I would definitely come again to walk through the cave! Some of the outdoor animals near the animal discovery den were also removed so we didn’t get to see those. Otherwise a 10/10 experience!

If you enjoy hiking and seeing the Mountain View’s then you will not want to miss chimney rock. There is plenty of parking , there is a fee to enter the park . There are waterfalls and also a elevator for anyone that might need assistance. There is a store at the top with plenty of seating, And restrooms that are very clean . It is a little strenuous on the legs walking up the stairs and there are a lot of stairs lol. But the views are well with the hike. There are also other trails you can walk after you finish the chimney. If you are in the area don’t miss this stop .

Beautiful park and very well-organized! There is an option to hike 28 floors up to the top which we did. If you choose to take the grotto road, then you will pass through a little cave which is fun! There is an elevator almost fully to the top of the Chimney rock and it is convinient if you travel with older folks or kids! Nice store with souvenirs too!!

It’s been 20 years since I’ve stepped foot on Chimney Rock. The excitement and nostalgia returned immediately. What a beautiful planet we live on. My Fiance and son adored the park. We will definitely be returning again in the near future to do some more exploring. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area.

Beautiful place! Make sure you arrive early so you can take plenty of pictures without many people because it does get crowded (9am) It has a souvenir store where they also have some snacks and ice cream. Tickets are around 17$ per adult. Pet friendly as well. Hiking to the waterfall is an easy one, even little kids can do that hike (of course with an adult supervision)

Nice drive in. The road is very narrow so you have to be careful. There are some parts that only fit one car so you have to let the other car pass. We visited in December 23. It was very windy and cold. There's a gift shop where you park the car. There you can buy snacks, drinks, extra shirts and jackets if you needs it. The hike to the waterfall was 0.7 miles, took about 35 minutes. The waterfall was nice. The hike back was harder since we have to go upstairs while carrying a 35 lbs toddler. There's a elevator in the parking lot that takes you to up the mountain, that was nice. Right when you get off the elevator, there is a another gift shop. There they sell more souvenirs and food. The view was beautiful. Very windy so you have to watch your step. There also a flight of stairs if you wants to hike to the peak of the mountain. I love the views. There are a few others trail you can hike. You can also take your pet on the trails. It definitely worth the trip here.

Cost is not bad for the adventure and views you get to see. They do offer a military discount (just show ID at entrance). Lots of stairs, HIGHLY suggest taking water for everyone to drink on the way up and down. They do offer an elevator as well, however today it was down. There’s even a bar cave and waterfall. Take your time going up and enjoy the view for a bit once you reach the top. I suggest going early as it’s less crowded. They open at 8:30am, we arrived around 9:30am and it wasn’t bad. It is HARD but there are plenty of resting spots when walking up. We spent about 2 hours there and as we left the parking lot was pretty full and there were tons of people. Don’t forget to check out the souvenir shop (one at the bottom and one at the top). Bottom store had more to look at I feel like. A MIST VISIT IF YOUR IN THE AREA!

The admission fee for adults is $15, while children aged 5 to 15 can enter for $8. There are several trails to explore, some of which can be quite strenuous, so it’s important to assess your physical condition before attempting them. The area around Chimney Rock offers a variety of scenic spots with stunning and relaxing views. It’s an ideal destination for a family outing. On busy days, such as weekends and holidays, visitors will be directed to park and then take a shuttle to the elevator, which leads to the gift shop. From there, it’s just a short walk up the stairs to the top of Chimney Rock. On less busy days, visitors can drive directly to the parking lot near the elevator entrance. However, please note that to fully appreciate the view of Chimney Rock, you’ll need to climb many more stairs along the trails. Another must-see attraction is Hickory Nut Falls, which can be reached via a 1.4-mile round-trip hike of intermediate difficulty.

This is really a nice place and I would say it’s a must visit place. Once you will enter from bridge. You need to drive up about 2 miles until the park entrance. There is a ticket per person and not per car. Entry fees per Adult is $17 and $8 for the kids 5-12 years. There is no ticket required for the kids below 5. You can go on the top by elevator or by stairs. You should try both. Elevator is in the middle of the rock, you need to go in the tunnel to get the elevator. Whereas the view from stairs is amazing.

Beautiful views of the surrounding area once you get to the top. I suggest going when they open to get the full experience without all the people about. The hike to the lower water fall was an easy one at just about 1.5 miles out and back. Be prepared for steps if you journey around the chimney rock park, there are many many of them.

Great place and an iconic landmark, well worth a visit. The hikes are accessible to every level of trekking experience, the view from top of Chimney Rock is stunning. Hickory Nuts Forest Falls deserve a visit, especially when the sun starts to light the falls with some awesome light effects. Enjoyed it very much!

An incredible place to visit! We went during Christmas break, there were a lot of people there, all ages from babies to elderly. The park was running a shuttle (busses) which is included in your admission (don't have to pay extra) to bring people up to the upper parking lot. From there you can choose to take an elevator to the top or take the stairs, which are a relatively easy climb. The stairs are almost a feature in and of themselves because the construction is so sturdy and well done, it's an impressive structure. You could spe d all day here hiking and climbing or you could make a quick trip to the top and be in and out of the park in an hour. There's a couple of cute gift shops with water and food if you are hungry. Also the entrance is conveniently located in downtown Lake Lure. Drive onto the state park's property and take the road up to the entrance parking lots. Views are spectacular.

The views here are breathtaking. The trail to chimney rock is relatively steep the map estimates roughly 500 steps you will climb. Thankfully for those who can’t make it up but still want to enjoy the view, they have an elevator! Hiking to the waterfall was very easy, almost completely flat and well maintained. The waterfall was beautiful! Keep in mind some parts of trails can be closed to weather such as ice and wind. Overall I’d say it was worth the cost to visit at least once! (Kids will love it here!)

Great hike. The elevator was not working so had a even longer hike. Whole lot of stairs and exercise but worth it for the views. Has a nice place near top for food and gift shop with a few tables

Good place to bring the family for some outdoor adventures. We did a lot of hiking prior to go up to Chimney Rock, so the elevator was awesome for little tired legs. Parking can be rough, guides do the best they can. Be kind, be patient!

The park is beautiful. Wear comfortable clothes, good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. We visited during Labor Day weekend and there were record numbers of visitors that day. The wait in line for the elevator to the top was almost an hour but you can also climb the stairs to the top. Definitely worth the visit.

I really loved this place. The drive up was nice. There is an elevator for people who don't want to take the stairs. There are A LOT of stairs but it's a good workout. The view from the flag was beautiful but you can keep going up and there is a pretty trail on top of the mountain that goes for a mile at least to a waterfall.

Amazing experience to see the beauty of the NC mountains! Make sure you go on a beautiful day! Nice easy elevator if need to get up quick!!

While most state parks in NC are free, this one is not. Not only is it not free, it costs $22/person for adults. This seems incredibly expensive to me. The hours aren't great either. Most of the year they don't open until 9am. In the summer they open at 8am. As someone who likes to start early to beat the crowds, this isn't ideal. We went on a weekday morning last fall and it was a zoo. The mile high swinging bridge is cool, but also attracts most of the crowds. The crowds die off on most of the other trails. I'd recommend avoiding the main part of the park and hiking the Profile Trail to Calloway Peak. It starts at a different location and you don't have to pay. It's also much less crowded.

Trails were fun and exciting, they also accommodate for all skill levels of hiking. The mile high bridge was a thrilling experience and provided fantastic photo opportunities. They hall small animal exhibit with bears, bald eagles, cougars, otters, and elk. Good gift shop as well with interesting souvenirs. Definitely recommend to anyone in North Carolina.

Great adventure to Grandfather Mountain State Park. This park has a suspension bridge between two peaks on the top of the mountain which is a 1 mile up. The views were breathtaking! Grandfather Mountain also has an animal habitat, with some great informative presentations by the animal handlers.

First time visiting Grandfather Mountain. The sights were breathtaking. You’re given a CD to listen to as your driving, an informative tour. Once you reach the building at the top, there’s 3 floors. A gift shop on the first, a museum on the second, and on the third is a door leading out to the skybridge. If you walk out on the rocks to the ledge, it’s at your own risks so do be careful.

This is located in the Boone Area in North Carolina ! Such a beautiful place , there is a entrance fee for each person, I believe it’s about 25$ a person . We went on the weekend during the summer time , we had such a great time . There are several places you can visit as you drive up to the bride and the hiking trails . We went into the museum it was pretty awesome , and the small zoo exhibit they have . The bridge was absolutely beautiful there was a crowd of people , very hard to take good pictures bc of the crowds . But over all the view is amazing , breath taken well worth it . Now they have several trails and you do have to sign a small waiver , before starting it. Some trails are risky and dangerous. I would not take children in these trails bc there are some parts of the mountain that are dangerous around certain edges. Definitely have hiker shoes and have water bc the trails are long .

Some absolutely lovely views! The only negative thing about it is that it wasn't cheap to get in. Otherwise, it was incredible and had a very fun hiking trail.

Love this place , there’s some hiking area , I enjoy the scenic drive and the views are breathtaking. Autumn is the best time to go .

It is really pretty but it isn't worth it if you are on a budget. It cost 24 dollars per adult and if you go with your family it will be outrageously expensive for what you get to see. But when you get to see it it's absolutely gorgeous, probably one of the best views you can get when it isn't cloudy. They have a lot of trails to walk. The swinging bridge is the most pretty part. It has to be the best attraction in Boone and blowing rock (if your willing to spend a pretty penny of course) but if you are time and money then have at it.

This is a bucket list place! The mile high bridge is so awesome. The views aew amazing. It was foggy the day I was there. We were the only people there on a Monday morning around 9am. That was a big plus too!

I absolutely love Grandfather Mountain. I’m regretting life choices since I don’t live closer to it. The weather is beautiful, the visitors center is excellent, and the mile high bridge is amazing!

Great time. Views are amazing. Very windy up there. The dwarf trees show the effects of the wind.

Amazing views and trails. You can make this a hour trip or an all day event. Wear you best hiking shoes and bring some cash for the restaurant and stores

Wow! Breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of Grandfather make the trip (and the cost--$53 for 2 Senior tickets) worth the visit to Boone, NC. Crossing the bridge and climbing the rocks is safe, but one should wear non-skid shoes. Be aware that it can be much colder with the gusty winds at the top of the mountain. Nice gift shop and a full floor dedicated to the history, images and conservation of the mountain. Well done to the non-profit organization that runs the place.

Beautiful place. There is a lot to do here. There is Mile high swinging bridge, Numerous trails, zoo and a museum. We bought the tickets online. There is the curve where forest gump ran, you cannot miss the ‘forest gump ran this curve’ sign. In the zoo we got to touch a snake. Saw bears, cougars and bald eagles. You can easily spend a day here. Kids would enjoy here too.

Fantastic experience! The trails are well marked and offer a good day hike challenge. The suspension bridge offers amazing views, but McCrae Peak was the main attraction for us. The trail was only 3 miles but was a good challenge and had a really fun stair ladder and rope section to get there.

Went with my family and had a blast. The view is amazing and they have a small discovery center for the kids. Its the perfect place to have a picnic lunch up on the mountain. The fresh smell of the flowers cascades everywhere. Drive with your windows down and enjoy the fresh scent and wonderful breeze.

Visiting the NC mountains (near Banner Elk) should include a trip to Grandfather Mountain to walk across the mile high swinging bridge. Breathtaking views of the mountains along with many hiking trails (some trails warn you to be experienced hikers). There are several animal habitats to view, but on this day they were sleeping. Rangers do give informative talks scheduled throughout the day. There is a cafe and restrooms along with several exhibits to view. Be sure to look through the view master devices across from the cafe to see awesome 3D photos of the mountain. I recommend you arrive early to avoid the crowds. Buying tickets on line is recommended because they can turn you away if they are at capacity. Adult tickets range from $22 to $28 and kids start at $10. To get the AAA discount you have to buy on line. Prices vary during peak season.

Went couple of days after Christmas 2023 and it was awesome! They have a Zoo and Bridge, trails so much to do and we spent hours there.

Oh, the views!! Amazing views from what feels like the top of the world. Beautiful nature center and museum. Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful little spots to stop and picnic all the way up the mountain. Plan on spending the whole day ( there is so much to do and see) but, get there here early the bridge and summit get very busy and crowded, not a great way to enjoy it.

Amazing experience. I went there just for exploring overlook places, however, I noticed it worth spending all day with family there. They have picnic area, restrooms, a lot of overlook areas. I went there on a Friday afternoon. There were a lot of people, but I heard during weekends it's way more crowded.

It's been a while since I've been in these parts of NC. Grandfather Mountain always impresses. Not much of a view today, but still beautiful. Lots of trails, hiking, history, and fun to be had.

My first visit to Grandfather Mountain left me utterly captivated by its awe-inspiring beauty. The sights were truly breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the North Carolina mountains near Banner Elk that is simply unparalleled. Upon arrival, we opted to forgo the CD tour, as we didn't have a CD player in the car, and instead decided to read up on Wikipedia later, which added depth to the stunning scenery. The journey to the top was an adventure in itself, culminating in a magnificent building with three floors of exploration. The first floor housed a charming gift shop, while the second floor boasted a fascinating museum. However, it was the third floor that truly stole the show, with a door leading out to the skybridge—a marvel of engineering that offers a thrilling experience. Venturing onto the rocks to the ledge, while exhilarating, came with its own risks, reminding visitors to tread carefully and respect the mountain's majesty. A visit to Grandfather Mountain is incomplete without a stroll across the mile-high swinging bridge, providing unparalleled views and a sense of exhilaration that is unmatched. The mountain also offers a myriad of hiking trails, with some reserved for experienced hikers. The animal habitats, though quiet during my visit, are a testament to the diverse wildlife that calls this mountain home. The informative talks given by the rangers throughout the day provide valuable insights into the local fauna. The facilities at Grandfather Mountain are top-notch, with a cafe, restrooms, and several exhibits to explore. I highly recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season. Purchasing tickets online is a wise choice, as the mountain may reach capacity and turn away visitors. Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for seniors and AAA members. The views from Grandfather Mountain are truly remarkable, offering a glimpse of nature's grandeur from what feels like the top of the world. The nature center and museum are beautifully curated, offering a deeper understanding of the mountain's rich history and ecosystem. For those seeking adventure, the mountain offers a multitude of hiking trails and picturesque picnic spots along the way. Plan to spend the whole day exploring, but be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds that can detract from the experience. In conclusion, Grandfather Mountain is a place of wonder and beauty, with a magical touch that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is a destination that deserves to be savored and explored at leisure, offering a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.