Explore Things To Do at Switzerland Inn
Explore the mountain landscapes and serene outdoors of Switzerland Inn. The area is a great location close to hiking and biking trails and plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy. We offer lots of things to do, along with incredible accommodations and friendly staff.
Recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Parkway
As the only privately owned business on the entire 469 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s most scenic drive is situated in our backyard. Motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts alike can enjoy instant access to the Parkway and its surrounding beauty whether heading North to Boone/Blowing Rock or South to Asheville or Mt. Mitchell. The casual traveler with an affinity for sightseeing can take pleasure in the Parkway’s multiple overlooks with the opportunity to take photos of the breathtaking views or simply to enjoy a picnic while cruising.
Grandfather Mountain
Home to the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain is a must see while visiting Western North Carolina. The state park is the perfect spot to spend a day touring due to its many attractions and hiking trails. Grandfather is known for its incredible access to wildlife, as black bears, otters, cougars and bald eagles can be observed at environmental habitats. The annual Highland Games in July draw visitors from around the world to celebrate Scottish heritage in an authentic setting.
The Orchard at Altapass
For over 100 years, the Orchard at Altapass has been providing bushels of delicious, homegrown apples to families and visitors from the Southeast and travelers on the North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway. Over the years, the farm changed hands a few times, and it is now a large Appalachian Cultural Center and a place where children of all ages come to enjoy themselves picking apples, taking a hayride and hearing stories of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiking
Switzerland Inn is surrounded by hiking trails for all levels of experience. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak found in the eastern part of the United States, is home to several North Carolina Mountain hiking trails. Many trails lead to the summit which crests at over 6,000 feet above sea level. Varying from easy to strenuous, the Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails near Little Switzerland, North Carolina are great trails for families and group hikes. Grandfather Mountain has 11 NC hiking trails that vary in difficulty from easy nature walks to incredibly rigorous treks through some very steep wilderness.
Crabtree Falls
Located at mile marker 339 on the Parkway, Crabtree Falls are in close proximity to the Inn and offer gorgeous views of a 70 ft. cascading waterfall. The trailhead ranges from moderate to difficult and the entire loop is about 2.5 miles long. Crabtree boasts an array of trillium, rhododendron and ferns along its paths.
Linville Falls
Located only 19 miles North of the Switzerland Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Southeastern US. There are two main hiking trails that vary in difficulty and viewpoints. The more relaxed Erwin’s View Trail has four overlooks including the Upper Falls overlook which gives visitors the opportunity to stand underneath the cascading water before it plunges over the Lower Falls. The more strenuous Linville Gorge Trail has steep climbs but rewarding views of the rocky cliffs.
Linville Gorge
Often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina” the Gorge is an ideal attraction for the more dedicated hiker and is a rock-climbing haven. The Linville River winds through the Gorge and sits a stunning 1400 ft. below the ridge. It comprises 11,786 acres and is situated in the Pisgah National Forest. Natural wildlife encounters are common with a variety of snakes, wild turkey, black bear, trout, deer, and numerous others. Popular tourist attractions in or near the wilderness are:
- Linville Falls, a waterfall fed by the river and free to the public.
- Wiseman’s View, a rock outcrop near the center of the gorge that gives an excellent view of the interior of the gorge.
Linville Caverns, a privately maintained cave attraction accessible by automobile from U.S. Route 221.
Tom’s Creek Falls
This hike is recommended for the entire family due to its moderate difficulty (only 120 ft. in gained elevation) and rewarding viewpoints. After meandering through a hardwood forest you will come upon an observation deck that reveals a 60 foot cascading waterfall. Located between Little Switzerland and Marion, NC you won’t have to travel far to take it all in.