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.

  • Pickleball
  • Outdoor Pool and Hot Tubs
  • Fire Pit
  • Horseshoes
  • Ping Pong
  • Corn Hole
  • Spa

There are several golf courses near Switzerland Inn that welcome all golfers. Grassy Creek Golf Course is located just a short drive away from Switzerland Inn and is a spectacular mountain course to play. Located in Spruce Pine, Grassy Creek Golf Course is semi-private and is open to non-members and vacationers. Mount Mitchell Golf Course is a breathtaking western North Carolina golf course offering the very best in golf. The course’s spectacular design is virtually flat, situated in the Toe River Valley. However, the course is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Mount Mitchell which towers above in the distance.

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway, running 470 miles from the Virginia border to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the longest designated scenic highway in North America. Shielded from all commercial development, the Parkway is like a wilderness trail for motorized travelers. Snaking along mountain ridges, at an average altitude of 3,000 feet, the Parkway offers nearly continuous views of the forested hills, mountain valleys and open meadows native to the Blue Ridge.

The Diamondback, a twisting route with more than 190 curves in a 12-mile loop, links Marion, North Carolina to Little Switzerland, North Carolina.

There are lots of cycling and mountain biking opportunities in the High Country. For an extreme ride, try out the Blue Ridge Parkway. With smooth pavement, great views, and challenging routes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place for the experienced cyclist. Start out at Little Switzerland, North Carolina at milepost 334 and travel 41 miles to Blowing Rock and the Moses Cone Manor House at milepost 294. This route is not only one of the most scenic; it affords uphill and downhill sections for a versatile ride. If you are looking for rugged mountain biking, try out the 200 miles of trails in the Pisgah National Forest.For a traditional biking experience, try the Mountains to Sea North Carolina Bike Route which travels through Burnsville, North Carolina and Boone, North Carolina.

Springmaid Mountain offers a wide variety of equestrian services including trail rides, lead line rides for children, half day and overnight trips, and daily and long-term boarding.

Families and groups of all sizes love going gem mining in North Carolina when visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains. Switzerland Inn is centrally located to all the North Carolina gem mining spots where gems like garnet, amethyst, emeralds, smoky quartz, white topaz, aquamarine, peridot, rubies, and sapphires are all waiting to be discovered. The gemstones are cleaned, and miners will see the gems as their vibrant colors and shapes are revealed. North Carolina gem miners can identify what they have found and have their stones inspected free of charge.

Many visitors to the North Carolina gem mines have their stones cut and made into jewelry by the experienced gem cutters and gemologists. Emerald Village is a fascinating group of gem and mining attractions located just 5 miles from the Switzerland Inn. Here you can tour the underground Bon Ami Mine at the North Carolina Mining Museum where you’ll see historic mining equipment and a splashing waterfall! Rio Doce Gem Mine is also located only a few miles from the Switzerland Inn in Spruce Pine. Discover beautiful gems while panning in any weather condition.

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.

The mountains of western North Carolina are the ideal backdrop for your adventure filled vacation. There is fun for the whole family rafting and tubing on the Toe River with Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing. You will float through the rapids and relax on the many beaches. There are several stops to swim and explore the surrounding landscape. Or you can take an exciting tubing trip down the scenic Toe River and play the day away. Catawba River Outdoors located just 15 miles away in Marion, NC offers kayaking and river tubing.

With over 40 years of experience, Nantahala Outdoor Center has shared the outdoors with millions of guests on whitewater rafting trips and countless other activities from family-friendly trips to action-packed adventures. The world-class staff leads whitewater rafting trips on the Southeast’s best rivers, including the Chattooga River, Cheoah River, French Broad River, Nantahala River, Nolichucky River, Ocoee River, and Pigeon River

All Aboard! Get ready for a Wild West Theme Park Adventure at Tweetsie Railroad, just up the parkway north from the Switzerland Inn. Visit an authentic western town where you’ll meet cowboys, cowgirls and even some outlaws. Enjoy mountain dancing with the famous Tweetsie Cloggers, take in a rowdy 1800’s Saloon Show or take a whirl on the country fair rides. Take your turn in the Shooter’s Arcade or ride the chairlift to Miner’s Mountain. And don’t forget the main attraction…. taking a ride on historic steam locomotive No. 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seasonal events include A Day out with Thomas, Bob the Builder, Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show, Riders in the Sky, Ghost Train, and Tweetsie Christmas. Open April through October.