The Best Hotels Near Grandfather Mountain State Park, North Carolina

Take a trip to Grandfather Mountain State Park to hike up endless mountains and bear witness to its iconic peak
Take a trip to Grandfather Mountain State Park to hike up endless mountains and bear witness to its iconic peak | © Robert Harding / Alamy Stock Photo
Jo Fernandez-Corugedo

Grandfather Mountain is known to many as an iconic peak in North Carolina. Part of the state park – offering awe-inspiring scenery and ecological diversity – hikers come for the long network of alpine trails. Book a stay nearby on Culture Trip.

Included in Grandfather Mountain State Park is the ‘Forrest Gump Curve’ – named after the scene where Tom Hanks’ character runs in the film. Whether you’re an avid hiker or are simply looking to soak up some nature, enjoy our favorite picks of these stunningly scenic places to stay near Grandfather Mountain State Park – that you certainly won’t be running from.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The Pineola

Hotel

The Pineola
Courtesy of the Pineola / Expedia.com

Almost every part of this rustic country motel – on a large green plot in Newland – is clad in wood. Fans of mountain-style cabins will swoon at the all-wood interiors with cherry red fabrics and hot tubs to hop in after a day’s hiking the wooded terrain of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Rooms in the main lodge are more traditional, sleeping two to four – with painted walls, red fabrics and smart wooden beds. Socialize on the wooded deck of the Tap Room bar over a craft beer or two.

The Highlands at Sugar

Hotel

The Highlands at Sugar
Courtesy of the Highlands at Sugar / Expedia.com

Just 0.6mi (1km) from the Sugar Mountain Resort ski area – in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains – this one is for lovers of the great outdoors. Cozy up by the stone fireplace in your one-bedroom cabin with sleek kitchens and whirlpool tubs – not to mention balconies for taking in the scenic view. Bigger groups pick the two-bedroom cabins – some of which spread across two floors – and add traditional dining areas. After a day’s skiing or hiking, relax your muscles in the indoor heated pool and redwood sauna before a beer on the balcony as the sun goes down.

The Lodge at River Run

Hotel, Lodge

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Courtesy of the Lodge at River Run / Expedia.com

Tucked away in 10-acres (4ha) of serene scenery rolling down to the River Elk, just 2mi (3.2km) from downtown Banner Elk. Romantics will love the outdoor fireplace and a fire pit by the river. Five intimate rooms cocoon you with sink-into log-style or metal beds, gable-window views, outside hot tubs, hammocks and a hanging bed for soaking up the scenery – where you can sink into an Adirondack chair while you spot local wildlife. Ready to mingle? Compare travel notes at the complimentary cheese and wine party. Loosen your belt for breakfast – which may take all day – including homemade pastries, eggs, quiches, soufflés, sausage, bacon, hash browns, waffles and French toast.

Chetola Resort

Resort, Inn, Lodge

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Courtesy of Chetola Resort / Expedia.com

Within easy walking distance of Blowing Rock village, nature lovers will go wild for the lodge element of this all-things-to-everyone resort among 87-acres (35ha) of pine tree-clad woodland. Balconied rooms – many overlooking the fish-filled lake – are less rustic and more old-fashioned with a blend of browns and patterned fabrics. Families love the large indoor pool housed in a curved wooden building complete with a pore-opening sauna and relaxing hot tub here. Dine on classic American burgers and fries in the rustic-meets-ski-lodge style restaurant by the stone fireplace – surrounded by vintage ski poles and mounted deer antlers.

Meadowbrook Inn

Hotel

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Courtesy of Meadowbrook Inn / Expedia.com

Hugged by the Blue Ridge Mountains in scenic Blowing Rock, North Carolina, enjoy the rural feel while being just a block from the upscale shops, restaurants and galleries on Main Street. Grown-up grand rooms feature stone fireplaces you can cozy up to, wooden floors and countryside views. Fans of swimming will love the Pool Suite, which adds a private pool and whirlpool tub to the shared features – there’s also a pool and gym for every health-conscious guest to use. Eat al fresco with a picnic packed up by the kitchen for a day out soaking up the scenery in Blue Ridge Parkway, just five minutes away.

Green Park Inn

Hotel

Green Park Inn
Courtesy of Green Park Inn / Expedia.com

From standard to suites, rooms at this 1891-built white clapboard manor share a graceful period style with polished half tester beds and prettily patterned wallpaper. Go full-on turn-of-the-century in the Victorian Suite with a surprisingly modern-day spa tub in the room. Eat well on well-executed, refined country fare: from roasted beet salad with butternut squash, spiced pistachios, chevre cheese and apple vinaigrette to cast-iron cornbread with pickled jalapeno and honey butter. At the gateway to the Blue Ridge National Parkway – 3mi (4.8km) from Blowing Rock – skiers are just a couple more from the Appalachian Ski Mountain.

Smoketree Lodge

Hotel

Smoketree Lodge
Courtesy of Smoketree Lodge / Expedia.com

Fitness fans will love the numerous opportunities for exercise at this hillside rural retreat in Banner Elk, set among the hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For skiing, you’ve got Sugar Mountain, Hawksnest, or Beech Mountain – all within 2-8mi (3.2-12.8km) away. When heading back to the lodge, swim lengths in the indoor pool or a enjoy spin in the gym before kicking back in the sauna. This low-key, low-rise lodge keeps you comfortable in one and two-bedroom suites with full-on flowery fabrics and cute kitchenettes for creating your favorite dishes. Buy a bottle of something nice at the Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, just a five-minute drive away.

The Inn at Crestwood

Resort

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Courtesy of the Inn at Crestwood / Expedia.com

This romantic resort near Boone is a popular wedding spot for the tree-lined setting and collection of attractively furnished rooms, suites, villas and cottages – and the short 14-minute drive from the Grandfather Vineyard and Winery. The Grandfather suite has a tree-top terrace for sipping your wine on as the sun dips down behind the mountains – and smooch over the elegant à la carte menu with mussels and whiskey mushroom soup. Oh, and you’ll love a length or two in the indoor pool, finished with grand white columns and surrounding leafy forest views.

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