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 P5,717 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
P5,717
P6,446 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
Perfectly good place to stay the night. It’s not a place I would pick to have the most relaxing and luxurious vacation of my life, but it was great for the price and the amenities. Jocelyn at the front desk was very nice and helpful. Our room was clean and quiet on the third floor. Breakfast was ...

Reviewed on Mar 5, 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 P6,895 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
P6,895
P7,774 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,308 reviews)
Only 1 complimentary water for a room with two people, shower gel/soap dispenser was completely empty and shower door didn’t stay closed… other than that beautiful room and property… best hotel breakfast and nicest staff ever!

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rhode's Motor Lodge

Rhode's Motor Lodge

2 out of 5
1377 Blowing Rock Road Boone NC
The price is P5,829 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
P5,829
P6,572 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (731 reviews)
Rhode's Motor Lodge was delightful! The staff was so helpful and friendly. The facilities and room were clean and such a fun vibe. We will definitely be back!

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Rhode's Motor Lodge
See all 5,690 properties in Vilas
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (806 reviews)
The amenities were well kept. The room was very clean and that says a lot because I am a professional cleaner and can spot anything missed. The staff were beyond nice. I would like to return and stay a little longer next time.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
Very courteous staff. The place is very dated but it's a good value for being so close to Beech Mtn (10 mins) and Sugar Mtn (25 mins) ski resorts. Room was well equipped with a mini kitchen and everything necessary to cook (Stove, pots and pans, boiler, toaster, cutlery, plates, bowls...) Quiet despite ...

Reviewed on Feb 20, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Moses Cone Manor are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (176 reviews)
Cabin was great, but the pull out couch mattress was very springy and uncomfortable to sleep on, in addition to the fact that it was completely missing the sheets and no one from the office picked up our calls when we realized it. Overall, everything else was ok and clean.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
See all properties in Vilas
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.
gatling burk city view during day

Mountain City

Boone

Boone

Touching untouched land at Snake Mountain which cuts through Zionville, NC, highlights the beauty of the land that Appalachia stands for. The beauty of the Appalachian Mountains is apparent as my friends and I risk encountering dangerous animals and steep hills as we hike through untamed, flourished plants. Weeding through the hectic trees we encountered an even deeper meaning of untouched land as we came across cows and horses grazing in the land. The beauty of Snake Mountain is apparent as human trails are highlighted with slight indentations in the grass and burnt fire pits that are inhabited by the local animals. The pure lack of industrialization is a welcoming feature and trait of Appalachia that people of the region love and embrace. #appalachianechoes

Zionville