Where is the best mountain place to go in North Carolina?

I really want to know. Ive looked at Ashe ville and Blue ridge but I still don't know...I like hiking,shopping,and water activities. I will also have to 13 year old teens with me. Its a family vacation.

Public Comments

1. My answer (if distance, money, and travel time are not issues) would to be to skip N.C. and check out the Rockies here in Colorado. While the Smokies are beautiful in their own right, the Rockies are just majestic in comparison. My mother lives on the TN side of the Smokies (no, I'm not originally from that part of TN) so I am very familiar with that area. I would check out the Blue Ridge Parkway and try to either hike the Mt LeConte trail or the Chimney top trail in the GSM National Park while you're there. If you want to see an awesome view though, come out here and drive to the top of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs).