You've decided to propose in the breathtaking mountains of North Carolina, and now you're looking for the perfect spot. Light Shifter Studios has curated a list of 21 incredible locations to help you find the ideal setting. With Asheville as your starting point, you'll discover numerous nearby locations that are uniquely beautiful. When choosing a spot, consider which one resonates with you and your partner on a deep level. Also, think about the time of year you plan to propose, as some locations transform with the seasons. While summer can be busy, and winter may bring unpredictable weather, each season offers a chance to make your proposal truly unforgettable.
1. Looking Glass Falls Looking Glass Falls, nestled near Brevard, is a breathtaking North Carolina waterfall that embodies the state's natural beauty. Conveniently located just off US-276 in the Piscah National Forest, this stunning wonder is easily accessible, inviting all to experience its majesty.
2. Stone Ashe Vineyard Stone Ashe Vineyard, nestled near Hendersonville, is a premier destination that embodies excellence, boasting a wine tasting house that showcases the perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty on its picturesque grounds.
3. The NC Arboretum The North Carolina Arboretum in south Asheville is a vibrant oasis, offering lush gardens and extensive trails that invite exploration and discovery. With its dynamic seasonal exhibits, both indoors and outdoors, the Arboretum inspires a sense of wonder and awe in visitors of all ages.
4. The Omni Grove Park Inn The Omni Grove Park Inn is a stunning historic hotel nestled just minutes from vibrant downtown Asheville, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. This iconic resort boasts a world-class spa and golfing facilities, while the inviting fireplaces in the lobby provide the perfect haven to unwind and soak up the beauty of this extraordinary property.
5 The Biltmore Estate The Biltmore Estate is a historic home that uplifts countless visitors with its awe-inspiring property grounds each year, revealing the incredible potential of human imagination and innovation as the largest home in the United States, featuring a resplendent garden, hiking trails, and a Winery on site.
6. The Pretty Place Chapel The Pretty Place Chapel is a serene and majestic open-air sanctuary in Cleveland, South Carolina, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its unique vantage point atop a stone mountain, elevating all who visit to new heights, literally and spiritually, at an elevation of 3200 feet.
7. Downtown Asheville Asheville is a beacon of creativity, boasting a thriving brewery scene, exceptional restaurants, and a vibrant art community. The downtown area is a walker's paradise, filled with hidden gems waiting to be uncovered in this charming mountain city.
8. The Blue Ridge Parkway Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the state's most breathtaking drives. This 469-mile scenic highway masterfully connects North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountain National Park with Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. With numerous stops, lookouts, and trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, making it an ideal adventure for you and your partner to share together.
9. The Botanical Garden at Asheville Nestled near the University of North Carolina Asheville campus, the botanical gardens offer a transformative oasis, featuring scenic trails, a serene river, and breathtaking vistas that invite exploration and inspire renewal. This idyllic setting is perfect for an uplifting afternoon stroll or a rejuvenating picnic.
10. Craggy Gardens Craggy Gardens, situated off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 364.4, offers an exhilarating mountain hike through a vibrant tapestry of rhododendron, majestic sweet birch, and towering rock formations, inviting exploration and discovery.
11 Black Balsam Knob Embark on a magical 1.4-mile out-and-back hike near Balsam Grove, NC, a timeless trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway that invites you to bask in the glory of sunrise or sunset.
12 Max Patch Max Patch is a breathtaking bald mountain situated on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, offering a transformative experience with its stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
13. DuPont Forest Waterfalls Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Dupont Forest Waterfalls, a series of stunning waterfalls nestled in the DuPont State Recreational Forest, where a 4.5-mile hike reveals three of the park's most spectacular waterfalls, including one featured in The Hunger Games.
14. Lake Lure Nestled in the mountains, just 27 miles from Asheville, Lake Lure is a stunning destination that offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Visitors can unwind with a refreshing swim, hike the breathtaking Rumbling Bald Trail, or take a scenic boat tour. As the iconic filming location of Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is a place where memories are made and moments of joy are savored.
15. Chimney Rock State Park Chimney Rock State park is a vibrant oasis for nature enthusiasts, boasting breathtaking vistas, majestic waterfalls, and invigorating hiking trails that inspire a sense of wonder and awe, with the lookout point at the top of the mountain offering a quintessential North Carolina view
16. Catawba Falls Catawba Falls is a breathtaking series of waterfalls just 30 minutes east of Asheville. The hiking area was recently developed in an effort to make the area more accessible to hikers and nature lovers.
17. Hot Springs, NC Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Hot Springs is a haven for those seeking rejuvenation, boasting the state's only natural hot spring. Conveniently located just off the Appalachian Trail and north of Asheville, this charming town invites you to unwind in its picturesque riverside tubs, filled with mineral-rich waters that promise a truly romantic and revitalizing experience.
18. Highlands Waterfalls Discover the breathtaking beauty of waterfalls near Highlands and Cashiers, a haven for nature enthusiasts. This picturesque region is a must-visit destination, offering an array of waterfalls that can be admired from the road, accessed via scenic hikes, or even explored from behind.
19. Crabtree Falls Experience the awe-inspiring Crabtree Falls, a hiker's paradise just north of Asheville, accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This breathtaking 70-foot waterfall cascades down a cliff face, beckoning you to embark on the Crabtree Falls hike, a 2.7-mile trail that's sure to uplift.
20. Graveyard Fields Discover the transformative beauty of Graveyard Fields, an invigorating hike accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8. Embark on this life-affirming journey through vibrant fields of wildflowers and wild blueberries, culminating in breathtaking waterfalls and majestic mountain vistas that inspire renewal and possibility.
21. Sierra Nevada Brewery Asheville is a vibrant hub for craft breweries, and the Sierra Nevada Brewery near the AVL airport is a standout destination. With its impressive facilities, the brewery offers engaging tours, beer tastings, and an exceptional dining experience. The beautiful lawn and amphitheater behind the brewery provide the perfect setting for outdoor events and activities.
We're excited to help you discover the perfect spot near Asheville to pop the question! Asheville boasts breathtaking locations and stunning scenery that showcase the best of North Carolina. Before you visit, be sure to check for any location closures due to Hurricane Helene's impact.