The 10 Most Underrated Cities In North Carolina You Must Check Out
North Carolina is full of beautiful places to visit — and there’s a reason people flock to places like Asheville, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Outer Banks. Those places are undeniably wonderful, and absolutely worth a visit. But The Tar Heel State is also comprised of some of the most beautiful small towns, too, and these places are all part of the fabric of North Carolina. Here are the 10 most underrated cities and small towns in North Carolina. They’re small in size, but big in charm, and all worth a visit!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Touted by some as the 'next big mountain destination,' Saluda is a small, quiet town in the mountains. (By "small," we mean 700 people.) If you like the mountains and you love waterfalls, then a weekend in this romantic little town might be in order for you.
Bath is North Carolina's oldest town, and was established in 1705. With a rich, 300-year history, Bath also has the distinction of having more years as a community than it has in the number of full time residents! The last population count stopped just shy of 300. But its myriad outdoor recreation opportunities draw adventure-seekers from all over the state.
Banner Elk is small, but it's also a popular little retreat due to its proximity to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a place that blends small-town charm with the amenities of a larger city. For outdoorsy folks, ski resorts and the largest tubing park on the East Coast add to the appeal, but Banner Elk isn't limited to winter time fun, either. In warmer seasons you can kayak, hike, bike, boat, and fish -- it's truly a magical little year-round destination in North Carolina.
Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina. The town's origins trace back to 1709. Beaufort was a favorite spot for the famous pirate Blackbeard, and curious visitors can see some artifacts from his ship Queen Anne's Revenge at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in this tiny town.
Billed as "the friendliest little town in the South," Tryon was incorporated in 1885, 46 years after the Tryon Post Office was established at the base of the town's eponymous mountain. The addition of rail service to Tryon helped the town grow. Tryon is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and affords residents and visitors cool summer breezes and moderate winter temperatures.
Saying that Black Mountain is "eclectic" doesn't even begin to capture the quirky vibe of this North Carolina town. Known as the front porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is just 15 miles east of Asheville, NC. With a population over 8,000, it has been ranked “One of the 50 Safest Towns in North Carolina” as well as the “Best Small Town in Western North Carolina.” We couldn't agree more.
Sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains are just one of the many perks of living in West Jefferson. The small town is in the valley between Mount Jefferson and Paddy Mountain. Like so many towns in North Carolina this one got its start after the railroad came along. One place you'll want to be sure to visit while here is the Ashe County Cheese Factory and Store. It's everything you could ever wish for and more.
If you've never been to New Bern, then you don't know what you're missing. Officially the second-oldest town in North Carolina, New Bern is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. This small town is utterly delightful.
Wake Forest is a beautiful and thriving community to the north of Raleigh and east of Durham. It's on this list because, relative to other cities in North Carolina, it's small; however, word's gotten out about the quality of life in this charming town. The population has been steadily rising; its population increased by 62.17% from 2010 to 2020, and currently sits just shy of 50,000. The reason, of course, is that Wake Forest is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, with college-town charm and tons of natural beauty.
Murphy, North Carolina is about as far west as you can go without setting foot outside the Tarheel State. It's a total hidden gem, though. Called the "City of Flowers," Murphy is full of scenic beauty; it's home to rustic bridges, glorious hiking, and Fire Creek Falls, one of the state's most stunning natural wonders.
Have you visited any of these charming little cities in North Carolina before? How’d we do with our list? In terms of underrated cities in North Carolina, Weaverville is another must-visit gem. Its historic Main Street is adorable, and they also have *the* best burgers in the entire state at Main Street Grill.
Address: Saluda, NC 28773, USA
Address: Bath, NC 27808, USA
Address: Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Address: Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
Address: Tryon, NC 28782, USA
Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA
Address: West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
Address: New Bern, NC, USA
Address: Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
Address: Murphy, NC 28906, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Underrated Cities In North Carolina
February 13, 2021
Sarah
What’s the smallest town in North Carolina?
That honor goes to Dellview, an inactive incorporated town in Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. Its population was a whopping 13 at the 2010 census — and was at one point as low as 10. A few fun facts: the town collects no taxes from its residents, almost all of whom are relatives. Dellview also doesn’t request any state money, has no police department, nor a water or sewer system. In terms of places you may have actually heard of, these 10 North Carolina towns are teeny-tiny and all worth checking out!
What are some historic towns in North Carolina?
As one of the oldest states in the nation and the first to declare independence from the Crown, North Carolina is loaded with history and stories dating back centuries. Many coastal cities and towns paved the way for early settlers while Scotch-Irish settled in the mountains, instilling their own culture. Today, North Carolinians are treated to a wealth of historic cities and towns where the past is still intact. North Carolina is a beautiful state with a rich history, so if you’re looking for historic towns to visit, you have options all over the state!
What’s the oldest town in North Carolina?
That would be Bath, which traces its roots all the way back to 1705. It’s the state’s first town and port, and is notable also because the infamous pirate Blackbeard called Bath home. Bath is an enchanting little town to explore. On your next visit, stop by St. Thomas Episcopal Church, built in 1734. Bath also has several historic houses like the Van Der Veer house which dates back to 1790. The town is very proud of its history, and a visit there is a bit like going back in time. Bath is a must-visit place in North Carolina for all history lovers!
Address: Saluda, NC 28773, USA
Address: Bath, NC 27808, USA
Address: Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Address: Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
Address: Tryon, NC 28782, USA
Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA
Address: West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
Address: New Bern, NC, USA
Address: Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
Address: Murphy, NC 28906, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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