Your hosts have the best recommendations for a weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains (read about your hosts here). Rachel grew up in Boone, NC just minutes from this cabin. Peter, a native to Waynesville, NC, has explored these mountains for decades. Between the two of us, we know the High Country well — and we love sharing it. These are our honest favorites.
The Blue Ridge High Country is one of the most scenic and accessible mountain regions on the East Coast. Staying at Hemlock Hill Cabin puts you right in the middle of it.
Highlights within easy reach:
We’ve hand-picked our favorite spots to ensure that your stay at Hemlock Hill Cabin is truly memorable.
Blowing Rock offers something for every type of traveler. Top highlights include Tweetsie Railroad for families, Grandfather Mountain for hiking and wildlife, the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic drives, downtown Blowing Rock for shopping and dining, and Price Lake for kayaking and hiking. Staying at Hemlock Hill Cabin puts you within easy reach of all of it — most within 15 miles.
Blowing Rock is one of the most family friendly destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tweetsie Railroad is the top pick for kids — a full day western themed amusement park just 8 miles from Hemlock Hill Cabin. Grandfather Mountain’s Wildlife Habitat, Price Lake kayaking, Mystery Hill, and the Glen Burney Trail are all excellent options for families with children of any age.
Summer in Blowing Rock is one of the best kept secrets in the Southeast. Temperatures stay in the mid 70s even in July — a welcome escape from the heat in Charlotte, Raleigh, and beyond. The Blue Ridge Parkway is at its most beautiful, Price Lake is perfect for kayaking and hiking, and downtown Blowing Rock hosts Art in the Park and weekly concerts at the Rotary Gazebo throughout the season.
Fall is arguably the most spectacular time to visit the High Country. Foliage typically peaks in mid to late October at higher elevations, with Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway offering some of the most dramatic color in the eastern United States. Fall weekends fill up fast – we recommend booking Hemlock Hill Cabin as early as possible if October is on your radar.
Absolutely! Winter in Blowing Rock is magical and far less crowded than summer or fall. Three ski resorts are within 21 miles of Hemlock Hill Cabin, and downtown Blowing Rock hosts Christmas in the Park and holiday events throughout December. The cabin’s hot tub and fire pit are especially popular with guests during winter stays.
Spring is one of the most underrated times to visit the High Country. Rhododendrons and mountain laurel bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway from late April through June, waterfalls are at their most dramatic after winter snowmelt, and crowds are a fraction of what you’ll find in summer and fall. It is the sweet spot for families looking for a beautiful mountain trip without peak season prices.
Blowing Rock is approximately 100 miles from Charlotte — about a 90 minute drive on a good day. It is one of the closest mountain destinations to the Charlotte metro area, which makes it a popular weekend getaway for families looking to escape the city without a long drive.
Hemlock Hill Cabin puts you right in the middle of all of it – just 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, walkable to Price Lake, and within 25 miles of everything the High Country has to offer. Whether you are planning a summer escape, a fall foliage trip, a ski weekend, or a spring getaway, we would love to host your family.
Check availability and book directly at Hemlock Hill Cabin for the best available rate and no platform fees.
