At the edge of the Pisgah National Forest a short distance from Interstates 26 and 40 in Bent Creek, features a visitor education center, greenhouse complex, gardens and loop trail on 424 acres. Cars are charged $6 every day except Tuesdays, which are free. Call 665-2492 or visit http://www.ncarboretum.org/.

At 6,684 feet in the Black Mountains, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in North America, east of the Mississippi. The mountain is named for Elisha Mitchell, the academic who explored the peak, but later fell to his death on a nearby waterfall. His grave is on the summit, but the observation tower there is being rebuilt. The park is accessible by N.C. 128 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park is open year round during the day, weather conditions permitting.

Private park near Linville features a swinging bridge, hiking trails and museum. Preserved by Hugh Morton and his family, the park is also the site to such local events as the Singing on the Mountain and the annual Highland Games and Gathering of the Scottish Clans. Admission fee. Call 733-4337 or (800) 468-7325.

On U.S. 276 four miles south of Milepost 412 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Features exhibits, films, guided tours, restored historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1990s, forestry exhibits, restored steam locomotive and gift shop. Nominal fee charged. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting April 15 through November. Call 877-3130 or (800) 660-0671 or visit www.cradleofforestry.org.

A sovereign nation to itself, the Qualla Boundary is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While most of the Cherokee were forcibly removed to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears, a few families hid out in the mountains and were able to keep their claim to their homeland. Visitors can sample the ancient Cherokee heritage with a tour through the renovated Museum of the Cherokee Indian or touring the Oconluftee Indian Village for demonstrations of ancient crafts. Admission charged. 800-438-1601 or http://www.cherokee-nc.com/.

With 20 million visitors each year, it is one of the most visited national parks in the nation. The park extends about 70 miles along the North Carolina-Tennessee border and offers hiking trails, scenic driving routes, horseback riding, camping and more. Open year-round; admission is free. Call (865) 436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.

Some 20 million travelers each year wind along the scenic roadway that meanders across the mountains 469 miles from the Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Asheville, the parkway intersects U.S. 25, 70 and 74. Open year-round, weather permitting. Admission is free. Call 298-0398 for automated road and weather conditions. Call parkway headquarters at 271-4779 or visit nps.gov/blri.

More than 1 million visitors troop each year through George Vanderbilt's European-inspired chateaux with its impressive art and furnishings and majestic views of the French Broad River and Mount Pisgah in the distance. The 8,000-acre estate features winery, restaurants, Inn at Biltmore Estate, horseback riding and more. Admission fee. Call 274-6333 or (800) 295-4730 or www.biltmore.com.