Little Switzerland North Carolina
Little Switzerland received its name from early summer residents of the area who thought the scenery resembled that of the Swiss Jura Mountains.
Little Switzerland NC Area Information
"There may be new occupants of old houses or owners of new homes; the faces at Geneva Hall or the post office may have changed. But, whether we came to Little Switzerland in 1910 or 1980, we all have in our hearts the misty blue hills, the white clouds over Linville, the play of light and shadow valleys, the passionate love of wildflowers and galax leaves and hummingbirds, and -- always -- a feeling of peace and quiet and foreverness when the sun shines down and the "clean winds of heaven: sweep over the mountaintop." ~ Louisa DeSaussure Duls
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park System, extends the length of our area and provides splendid views around every corner. A visitor information center is located at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Gillespie Gap, Milepost 331.
Scenic Attractions
You'll find many points of interest around our area and close to our Little Switzerland Real Estate. At 6,684 feet, Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and offers spectacular views, scenic hikes, a museum, concession stand and restaurant open seasonally.
Other attractions in the area or within easy driving distance include Crabtree Meadows & Falls, Emerald Village, Dellinger Grist Mill, Grassy Creek Falls, Biltmore Estate, Lake James State Park, Penland School of Crafts, Linville Caverns, Roan Mountain Gardens, Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Appalachian Trail, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, Moses Cone Estate, Chimney Rock, Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, Mountain Gateway Museum.
Recreation
With over 100,000 acres in national forest and hundreds of miles of trout streams, our area is an outdoors paradise. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting and white-water rafting are very popular and there are several fine North Carolina golf courses nearby. Several gem mines offer the opportunity to pan for gemstones (a rockhound's dream!). Winter sports include cross-country skiing, and there are several ski resorts within easy driving distance.
Climate
Our area enjoys 4 distinct seasons with cool summers and moderate winters. Temperatures and snowfall vary with elevation and exposure. Around Little Switzerland, January average temperature is 34 degrees and July average is 70 degrees. Average rainfall is 56 inches and normal snowfall is 10 to 20 inches annually.
Education
Our area schools are well rated and include a Montessori school, community elementary and middle schools, and one high school in each county. There are 2 community colleges in the area and several private schools.
Health Care
Numerous doctors and dentists serve the area and there are several medical centers and nursing homes. Spruce Pine Community Hospital is an 85-bed facility. Asheville, a major medical center, is one hour away.
