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Little Switzerland & Mitchell County

About Little Switzerland & Mitchell County

Mitchell County was formed in 1861 from parts of Burke County, Caldwell County, McDowell County, Watauga County and Yancey County. It was named in honor of Elisha Mitchell, professor of mathematics, chemistry, geology and mineralogy at the University of North Carolina from 1818 until his death in 1857.

Discover craft studios and galleries including the renowned Penland School of Crafts, visit the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, and wind your way up the mountain to quaint Little Switzerland, a summer colony high in the Blue Ridge Mountains so named because of its sweeping panoramas of deep valleys and distant ranges resembling those of the foothills of the Swiss Alps.

Area Visitor Centers

Penland School of Crafts Gallery

Lodging, Dining, Things to Do

Switzerland Inn

Stories from Little Switzerland & Mitchell County

Numerous motorcycles are parked in the gravel lot in front of Big Walker Lookout's multistory tower.
8 Tips for Planning Your Parkway Travels
January 25, 2021
Caves & Caverns, Gems & Minerals, Native American Culture
The last Tuesday in January is National Plan for Vacation Day. Academic research shows that trip planning and anticipation bring positive effects. Here are some tips for planning your upcoming Parkway travels.
A purple women's sweater hangs over a black shirt and necklace in a store.
Tis the Season to Shop Online
December 4, 2020
Online Store, General & Country Stores, Apparel, Gems & Minerals, Home & Garden, Local Food
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?
Two rows of Ferraris are parked in an overlook on the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee.
Motorcycle (or Sports Car) Touring in the Blue Ridge
July 1, 2020
Motorcycle Attraction, Motorcycle Rental, Motorcycle Route, Motorcycle-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging & Dining, Road Trip
Along with the 469 miles of glorious scenery winding along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the parkway, there are several other motor routes in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia that are popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
The view from Waterrock Knob reveals nearby evergreens and rows of mountains ridged in shadows in the distance.
Nature & the Outdoors Along the Blue Ridge Parkway Regions in NC & TN
April 17, 2020
Biking, Caves & Caverns, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Nature & Outdoors, Swimming, Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Water Sports, Waterfalls, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Pet-Friendly
Whether you are enjoying the entire Blue Ridge Parkway or just visiting regions in North Carolina or Tennessee, there are many ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors, even in the lodging opportunities available along the route.
A brightly colored green glass bowl reflects light.
A Blue Ridge Parkway Art & Craft Excursion
October 16, 2018
Arts & Culture, Education & Classes, History & Heritage, Native American Culture
The Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountain communities in both Virginia and North Carolina have a long and storied history as an arts and culture destination. Traditional artisans still practice their crafts, while up and coming artists forge ahead in new techniques and cutting edge creativity.
View of the mountains and clouds from Switzerland Inn.
BRPA’s Fall Membership & Board Meeting
September 15, 2017
BRPA's 2017 Fall Meeting was held in beautiful Little Switzerland, NC and included a visit and tour of Emerald Village.

Recommended Itineraries

The view from an overlook at the southern end of the Parkway reveals row upon row of bluish mountains under a hazy sky.
Pisgah Region Weekend Getaway
Region: North Carolina
Duration:2 - 3 days
Hiking Trails, Nature & Outdoors, Arts & Culture, Picnic
A two-day trip through the Pisgah District comes with unique rewards. There is a natural resource emphasis that features relic populations of plants, long vistas across rugged and remote areas, and a feel of wilderness that dominates many areas.
Doughton Park trail marker amid the rolling grassy terrain on a sunny summer day.
Highlands Region Day Trip
Region: North Carolina
Duration:1 day
History & Heritage, Nature & Outdoors, Farms & Agriculture, Hiking Trails, Gems & Minerals, Picnic, Arts & Culture
A one day trip through the Highlands District of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317).
Purple rhododendron petals litter the foggy trail at Craggy Gardens in the Pisgah region of the Parkway.
Pisgah Region Day Trip
Region: North Carolina
Duration:1 day
Hiking Trails, Nature & Outdoors, Arts & Culture, Green & Eco-Friendly, Picnic
A one-day trip through the Pisgah District is a long drive that comes with unique rewards. From Mount Mitchell (Milepost 355.3) to places like Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364.3) and Devil’s Courthouse (Milepost 422.2), you'll experience long vistas across rugged and remote areas, a feel of wilderness, and amazing biodiversity.
Row upon row of foggy ridges are visible at Thunder Hill, NC in the Parkway's Highlands region.
Highlands Region Weekend Getaway
Region: Virginia , North Carolina
Duration:2 - 3 days
Accessible Facilities, History & Heritage, Hiking Trails, Arts & Culture, Home & Garden, Family-friendly, Local Food
A two-day trip through the Parkway's Highlands district reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317) with a night in North Carolina’s High Country of Boone or Blowing Rock.