Vilas Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes #vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains
Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes #vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains
If you're in Boone this is a great place to go! They throw you up on a horse and bring you up some mountainous trails. It was 2-3 hours overall and they have an awesome rope swing by their "office." We all had a blast and my 70 year-old grandmothers were able to participate too.
This photo was taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Watauga County in Boone. I chose this to post this photo because it gave me an idea of the way the people that founded this county lived. They worked on these mountains and possible even lived of the land here. Also, when you look out into the miles of mountains, I get the feeling of safety knowing these mountains surround me, and thats how I feel the Appalachian community is, a safe and humble community. #appalachianechoes
Summit one of "three top" with my best friend. Challenging hike but the smokies were beautiful this day
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

3 out of 5
165 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC
The price is ₹8,947 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
₹8,947
₹10,088 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
Very clean and comfortable. Nice staff.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
2419 NC HWY 105 South Boone NC
The price is ₹10,789 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹10,789
₹12,164 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,310 reviews)
Only 1 complimentary water for a room with two people, shower gel/soap dispenser was completely empty and shower door didn’t stay closed… other than that beautiful room and property… best hotel breakfast and nicest staff ever!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rhode's Motor Lodge

Rhode's Motor Lodge

2 out of 5
1377 Blowing Rock Road Boone NC
The price is ₹7,845 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
₹7,845
₹8,845 total
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (733 reviews)
Staff was wonderful! Rooms were clean if you’re wanting a nice view, you might wanna ask for some of the rooms on the second floor are obstructed by the roof but the place is great. Location is amazing.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Rhode's Motor Lodge
See all 5,690 properties in Vilas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (806 reviews)
The amenities were well kept. The room was very clean and that says a lot because I am a professional cleaner and can spot anything missed. The staff were beyond nice. I would like to return and stay a little longer next time.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
Very courteous staff. The place is very dated but it's a good value for being so close to Beech Mtn (10 mins) and Sugar Mtn (25 mins) ski resorts. Room was well equipped with a mini kitchen and everything necessary to cook (Stove, pots and pans, boiler, toaster, cutlery, plates, bowls...) Quiet despite ...

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Moses Cone Manor are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (176 reviews)
Cabin was great, but the pull out couch mattress was very springy and uncomfortable to sleep on, in addition to the fact that it was completely missing the sheets and no one from the office picked up our calls when we realized it. Overall, everything else was ok and clean.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
See all properties in Vilas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near Vilas

gatling burk city view during day

Mountain City

Colorful North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains sunset in Autumn from Sugar Mountain

Banner Elk

Boone

Boone

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