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 Rp1.842.668 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
Rp1.842.668
Rp2.077.608 total
12 Feb - 13 Feb
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! (1,002 reviews)
Very nice and helpful staff, room was clean with extra towels. Free coffee bar available 24/7. Plentiful complementary breakfast with many options. Would definitely book here again.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 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 Rp2.012.277 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
Rp2.012.277
Rp2.268.842 total
8 Mar - 9 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! (1,285 reviews)
The staff was the absolute best!!!

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

2.5 out of 5
608 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (474 reviews)
The hotel could definitely use an update, as everything is pretty old. The bed was beyond uncomfortable, as it’s a pulldown and the mattress is hard and thin. I literally would move between the bed and the couch because my back hurt so bad. I had to move rooms because my heater went out after day ...

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

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4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
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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! (790 reviews)
The size and accommodations of this stay exceeded my expectations!

Reviewed on 25 Jan 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 Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (270 reviews)
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff, cozy lodge atmosphere with the game room, heated pool, and hot tub. We had a great weekend!

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Heritage Hill Cabins

Heritage Hill Cabins

3 out of 5
161 Alnic Ln Banner Elk NC
Stay at this cabin in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Beech Mountain Resort and Alta Vista Gallery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
The cabin was clean and cozy. The property was gorgeous and seeing the goats were so cute. We loved the communication we received. We felt the team here went above and beyond with texting us recommendations of things to do in the area before check in.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Heritage Hill Cabins
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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

This photo was taken just inside the Tennessee border. I had been staying at a cabin with my roommate and her family. We arrived at night at a time when I could not see the pond. When I woke up the next morning, we went outside and I was in awe of the beauty. It was bright, vibrant, and perfectly picturesque. The cabin we stayed in was hard to get to; it was on a one way gravel road up the side of a mountain. It is seemingly untouched, yet if I had turned the camera around, the viewer would notice power lines running up the side of the mountain. This picture seems to preserve the idea that Appalachia has not been touched by humans. #appalachianechoes

Butler

Touching untouched land at Snake Mountain which cuts through Zionville, NC, highlights the beauty of the land that Appalachia stands for. The beauty of the Appalachian Mountains is apparent as my friends and I risk encountering dangerous animals and steep hills as we hike through untamed, flourished plants. Weeding through the hectic trees we encountered an even deeper meaning of untouched land as we came across cows and horses grazing in the land. The beauty of Snake Mountain is apparent as human trails are highlighted with slight indentations in the grass and burnt fire pits that are inhabited by the local animals. The pure lack of industrialization is a welcoming feature and trait of Appalachia that people of the region love and embrace. #appalachianechoes

Zionville