The mountains of Western North Carolina have long been a destination for those looking to improve their health and wellness, both mentally and physically. The fresh mountain air helps heal and rejuvenate the body, the serene environment helps lower stress and promote relaxation, and being surrounded by the Great Smokies definitely encourages outdoor activity that gets the blood pumping. Add some sunshine to that equation, and you have a perfect recipe for top-notch self-care!
It is time to book your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina – these mountains and mountain towns call to those looking to reconnect with the natural world and take time out for themselves. Does that sound like you? Here are some ideas for your self-care in the Great Smoky Mountains…
A Date with Mother Nature
Spending time in the natural world is one of the most wonderful and effective ways to relax the body, ease the mind, and nourish the soul. The Great Smoky Mountains of NC have the best nature has to offer, with hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore, water sports and activities to enjoy, and some of the most beautiful vistas (with matching sunrises and sunsets) anywhere.
Hundreds of trail options mean you have almost endless choices, so you’re guaranteed to find what’s going to give you peace – a woodland stroll, a backcountry trail run, or some singletrack to shred.
Choose a popular trail if sharing the journey with the occasional fellow traveler calls to you. If solitude is what you seek, choose a more elusive adventure, such as the less-visited Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. An extraordinary hike through colossal Yellow Poplars, towering at 100 feet tall and 20 feet around, will have you in awe in no time.
And how relaxing is a waterfall? The magical sight, the smell of that cool air, the mist on your skin, and the bubbly lullaby of the falling water. Pamper yourself with a picnic and hike to a waterfall for the ultimate outdoor “spa” treatment.
Mountain biking can get extreme, especially in the Great Smokies, but there are lots of leisurely paths to pedal, as well. Bring the whole crew and take lots of nature breaks. Slow it down and make it a day to remember. It’s as easy as riding a bike.
A sport that can easily put you in a meditative state is fishing, and there is no shortage of lakes, rivers, and streams to cast a line, breathe deeply, and just relax. The zen factor, while standing midstream, or sitting atop your kayak, waiting for the tug of the line, is only limited by you.
If, by chance, your version of self-care involves having plans made and logistics taken care of for your date with Mother Nature, the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City has you covered. So many activities to choose from, including guided whitewater rafting, multi-sport packages, and even places to stay on their 500-acre campus.
Made for Relaxation
When you find the time, you will find the place to bring you complete relaxation in the Great Smokies. The spas in these mountain towns take stress relief seriously.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort’s Valley River Spa by Mandara specializes in curated restorative journeys. You will discover a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, including Fire-and-Ice Massages, bathing rituals, signature facials, and sound-wave therapy. Time to say “Ahhhhhh.”
Stretching is a wonderful way to both relax and energize your body and mind. Luxuriate in a private yoga session at Sundarah Wellness in Maggie Valley.
At Shoji Spa in nearby Asheville, you can partake in traditional Japanese bathing and soaking in completely private outdoor salt tubs that overlook the forest surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The “Self” in Self-Care
Self-care looks different for everyone, and sometimes it’s the simplest things that can make you feel whole again. An opportunity to catch live music on a gorgeous evening, savor a nice cup of tea or a delicious glass of wine, or appreciate time spent on a farm, playing in the dirt with the family, are all equally nourishing ways to refill your bucket.
Retail therapy is sometimes what soothes the soul. Whether it’s the surprise of spotting a rare treasure or finding a well-known and loved nicety, shopping in the mountain towns of the Great Smokies satisfies.
A scenic drive has been known to calm the nerves, and altitude definitely affects attitude. Fortunately, this form of self-care is abundant in the Great Smokies. There are highways, byways, and skyways, and you get the picture – you have options. Many gorgeous and relaxation-inducing options.
It’s natural for people to feel nurtured while creating and learning new skills. John C. Campbell Folk School offers just that. Prepare yourself for an extensive array of hands-on learning opportunities throughout the year, encompassing over 50 artistic and creative practices. The school will begin its centennial year celebration at its annual Fall Festival, featuring a remarkable lineup of events to honor the milestone.
Come find your Zen in the Great Smoky Mountains.