Posted in North Carolina Attractions, Road Trips, Seasonal, Winter January 06, 2023 by

The Small Town In North Carolina That Comes Alive During The Winter Season

The small, unincorporated Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, with a population of only 354, offers year-round activities that come alive in the winter season, perfect for a winter weekend getaway. And the best news — with an average annual snowfall of 38 inches, snowfall is expected to be greater than normal and the winter chill colder than normal this upcoming winter. The coldest periods are expected for late January and mid-to-late February. So with that in mind, bring out the long johns and head to the mountains to capture the snowiest place of all. 

1. A place to call home
Bear Ridge Cabin/Vrbo
Bear Ridge Cabin just added a hot tub to this cozy and secluded hideaway. This beautiful 800-square-foot space sits in 15 breathtaking acres of wooded wilderness and cool mountain air, surrounded by streams, a waterfall, trout fishing, and trails.
Sleeping up to five people with two bedrooms and one full bathroom, the rustic wooden floors and tiny lamps give this room warmth.
Bear Ridge Cabin/Vrbo
Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
Make breakfast in the charming, efficient kitchen stocked with the essentials, including a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, stove, and basic cooking gear.
Bear Ridge Cabin/Vrbo
2. Head out to your first adventure
Highlands Aerial Park/Facebook
Highlands Aerial Park gives you a chance to hang over the snowy mountains because you are that brave. Make a reservation today.
Highlands Aerial Park, 9625 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
See the perfect details of the Hidden Falls Nature Trail, especially wrapped in white.
Highlands Aerial Park/Facebook
This view awaits as you gear up for possibly the biggest adventure of your life.
Highlands Aerial Park/Facebook
And you're off with the flow of gravity zooming through 95 acres to the most unbelievable sight in the state.
Highlands Aerial Park/Facebook
3. Warm up with some food
Blue Hound Barbecue/Facebook
After that exhilaration, let's warm up and eat something delicious, which you can smell even before you walk into Blue Hound Barbecue.
Blue Hound Barbecue, 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
The passionate pitmasters work hard to infuse that smoky flavor into their fresh ingredients.
Blue Hound Barbecue/Facebook
How about one of these delicious homemade jalapeno cheddar sausages next to some fluffy eggs, grits, and a flaky biscuit?
Lunch brings several choices. If you can't decide, try a combo of four types of meats and two sides.
Blue Hound Barbecue/Facebook
Some of those include tater salad, kettle chips, cheese grits, mac and cheese, and Brunswick stew.
But save room for the sweets, because this dessert special of bread pudding topped with caramel sauce is to die for.
Blue Hound Barbecue/Facebook
Head back to your rental home where a warm jacuzzi awaits.
Bear Ridge Cabin/Vrbo
Enjoy the snowy wilderness as you relax into the evening and dream about tomorrow.
4. Your next snowy excursion
Highlands Outpost/Facebook
Wake up! It's time for some more fun at Highlands Outpost.
Highlands Outpost, 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
This wild ride offers tubes and a Magic Carpet lift to the top.
Highlands Outpost/Facebook
The rest just happens as you fly down laughing all the way.
What a great way to spend the day and enjoy the winter wonderland.
Highlands Outpost/Facebook
When it doesn't naturally fall, no worries, the snow-making machines have you covered.
And try your skills out on the ice, with Skate Helpers available for first-timers.
Highlands Outpost/Facebook
Call ahead to make sure the ice is frozen.
It's time to rest in your welcoming cabin and start a bright, warming fire.
Bear Ridge Cabin/Vrbo
Play some board games or tell stories of your past mountain adventures or more to come.
5. Time to get crafty
Scaly Mountain Crafters/Facebook
Maybe today you are heading home, but before you go, be sure to stop in Scaly Mountain Crafters. This interesting store offers hand-crafted items from over 90 local artists partnering with the nonprofit SERV International, providing meals around the world.
A percentage of every item sold here goes to provide food through SERV projects.
Scaly Mountain Crafters/Facebook
These hand-woven, 75 percent wool socks might come in handy in these winter months.
Or have you seen a prettier handmade mug to hold your warm beverages?
Scaly Mountain Crafters/Facebook
And do you want to know where this sweet pen came from?
reagan c/TripAdvisor
This could be you in a pen-turning class, creating your own pen style, wood and trim color, plus it is laser-engraved.
Scaly Mountain Crafters/Facebook
Find out what classes are offered ahead of time.

How about a winter weekend getaway to Scaly Mountain in North Carolina? If you go, please tell us about your visit in the comments below. Here are some more winter activities to enjoy in the Tar Heel State.

Address: Highlands Outpost, 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
Address: Highlands Aerial Park, 9625 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
Address: Blue Hound Barbecue, 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA
Address: Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, USA

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