Vilas

Travel Guide

Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes

#vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains
Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes

#vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains
If you're in Boone this is a great place to go! They throw you up on a horse and bring you up some mountainous trails. It was 2-3 hours overall and they have an awesome rope swing by their "office." We all had a blast and my 70 year-old grandmothers were able to participate too.
This photo was taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Watauga County in Boone. I chose this to post this photo because it gave me an idea of the way the people that founded this county lived. They worked on these mountains and possible even lived of the land here. Also, when you look out into the miles of mountains, I get the feeling of safety knowing these mountains surround me, and thats how I feel the Appalachian community is, a safe and humble community.
#appalachianechoes
Summit one of "three top" with my best friend. Challenging hike but the smokies were beautiful this day
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

3 out of 5
165 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC
The price is RM441 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
RM441
RM497 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Beds were comfortable and hot tub was perfect after skiing all day. Breakfast selection was really good as well. Will be back to stay again.

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
2419 NC HWY 105 South Boone NC
The price is RM480 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM480
RM541 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,276 reviews)
The room and bathroom were incredibly clean. The staff was sp friendly. The hotel is beautiful. It was a great stay!

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

2.5 out of 5
608 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (470 reviews)
Excellent service, clean room. Perfect location! Driveway difficult due to snow, but so was ever other business in the area

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (786 reviews)
The size and accommodations of this stay exceeded my expectations!

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (268 reviews)
Everything was great! Would definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Appalachian Ski Mtn. and Tweetsie Railroad are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (169 reviews)
Easy check in and out. The cabin and surrounding grounds were in excellent condition and well kept. A call to the office with questions was answered promptly and courteously.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.