Basecamp for Blue Ridge Day Hikes & Quiet Nights

Here, mornings begin with birdsong and pour-over coffee on the porch. Afternoons might bring a stroll downtown for a local brew or a well-earned nap by the fire. And nights? They’re for long exhales under a starry sky, your legs tired, your spirit full. Just steps from downtown Waynesville but wrapped in woodland stillness, Wildrest is a rare blend: adventure-ready and soul-soothing. Perfect for couples or small families who crave the mountains but also appreciate a cozy bed, a hot shower, and the q uiet luxury of doing absolutely nothing. You’ve roamed the wild—now come home to it. 🛏️Room King bed Soft bed sheets and comforter Closet with hangers Luggage rack Ceiling fan TV Bedside lamps Full length mirror Microwave Mini-Fridge Complimentary coffee station 🛁Bathroom Shower Shower gel Shampoo and conditioner Hairdryer Hand towel Shower towels Wash cloth Front patio Two rocking chairs Parking Free parking for guests Shared Outdoor Space Fire pit BBQ Grill Outdoor table and chairs 🏞️ Nature & Park Destinations Blue Ridge Parkway (closest access point) (4.5 miles / ~10 minutes) A scenic highway famed for its sweeping mountain views, hiking trails, and overlooks—perfect for a leisurely drive or outdoor exploration. Waterrock Knob (14 miles / ~20 minutes) One of the highest points on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering panoramic views and a short, steep hike to the summit. Pisgah National Forest (Pisgah Ranger District) (22 miles / ~30–35 minutes) A vast forest filled with waterfalls, rugged hiking trails, mountain biking, and scenic drives through hardwood forests. Cataloochee Valley (Great Smoky Mountains NP) (30 miles / ~1 hour via Cove Creek Road) A remote valley in the Smokies known for elk viewing, historic homesteads, and serene wilderness. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cherokee, NC entrance) (33 miles / ~45 minutes) America’s most visited national park, featuring diverse wildlife, scenic drives, and access to Clingmans Dome and deep hiking backcountry. Nantahala National Forest (50 miles / ~1 hour 15 minutes) Home to deep gorges, whitewater rivers, and hiking trails, this forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and paddlers. DuPont State Recreational Forest (55 miles / ~1 hour 20 minutes) Famous for its waterfalls and forest trails, DuPont is ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding—also a filming location for The Hunger Games. Cherokee National Forest (TN border) (60–80 miles / ~1.5 to 2 hours) A diverse forest that stretches along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, popular for hiking, camping, and scenic drives along the Ocoee and Tellico rivers. Mount Mitchell State Park (60 miles / ~1 hour 30 minutes) Home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, the park offers cool mountain air, hiking trails, and stunning summit views. Table Rock State Park (SC) (75 miles / ~1 hour 45 minutes) A striking granite mountain rises from the forest here, with lakefront views, hiking trails, and connections to the Foothills Trail system. 🌟 Tourist Favorites Near Waynesville, NC Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC) (31 miles / ~35–40 minutes) A historic mansion and estate offering tours, gardens, a winery, and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. French Broad River (Asheville, NC) (30 miles / ~35 minutes) A scenic river perfect for tubing, kayaking, and riverside walks through Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District. North Carolina Arboretum (Asheville, NC) (32 miles / ~40 minutes) A 434-acre public garden and forested trail network known for native plant exhibits and rotating seasonal displays. Folk Art Center (Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC) (35 miles / ~45 minutes) A cultural hub on the Parkway showcasing Appalachian crafts, artisan demos, and exhibits from the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Appalachian Trail (Hot Springs, NC Access Point) (35 miles / ~50 minutes) A scenic section of the famous trail running through Hot Springs, offering hiking, outfitters, and natural hot mineral springs nearby. Craggy Gardens (Blue Ridge Parkway) (50 miles / ~1 hour 15 minutes) Located at Milepost 364.4, this popular stop features short trails, picnic areas, and panoramic mountain views—especially vibrant in rhododendron season. 🚗 Nearby Cities by Driving Distance Maggie Valley (9 miles / ~14 minutes) Dillsboro (21 miles / ~25 minutes) Downtown Asheville (30 miles / ~36 minutes) Bryson City (35 miles / ~42 minutes) Weaverville (37 miles / ~45 minutes) Hot Springs (40 miles / ~50 minutes) Brevard (39 miles / ~1 hour 7 minutes) Black Mountain (44 miles / ~50 minutes) Hendersonville (46 miles / ~54 minutes) Boone (112 miles / ~2 hours 24 minutes) 🏞️ Lakes Near Waynesville, NC (Within 2 Hours) Lake Junaluska (2 miles / ~5 minutes) Lake Logan (12 miles / ~20 minutes) Waterville Lake (30 miles / ~45 minutes) Cedar Cliff Lake (35 miles / ~50 minutes) Bear Creek Lake (40 miles / ~1 hour) Lake Glenville (45 miles / ~1 hour 15 minutes) Lake Toxaway (50 miles / ~1 hour 20 minutes) Nantahala Lake (55 miles / ~1 hour 30 minutes) Lake Lure (60 miles / ~1 hour 30 minutes) 🎿 Ski Resorts Cataloochee Ski Area (12 miles / ~20 minutes) Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort (45 miles / ~1 hour) ⛳ Golf Courses Near Waynesville, NC (Within 1 Hour) Lake Junaluska Golf Course (3 miles / ~10 minutes) The Waynesville Inn and Golf Club (2.5 miles / ~7 minutes) Laurel Ridge Country Club (6 miles / ~15 minutes) Maggie Valley Club & Resort (9 miles / ~15 minutes) Springdale Resort (15 miles / ~25 minutes) Sequoyah National Golf Club (30 miles / ~45 minutes) Smoky Mountain Country Club (35 miles / ~50 minutes) North Carolina Charlotte, NC (145 miles / ~2 hours 40 minutes) Greensboro, NC (201 miles / ~3 hours 30 minutes) Sanford, NC (225 miles / ~3 hours 45 minutes) Chapel Hill, NC (240 miles / ~4 hours) Durham, NC (245 miles / ~4 hours) Raleigh-Durham, NC (279 miles / ~4 hours 30 minutes) [slightly over 4 hours] South Carolina Greenville, SC (84 miles / ~1 hour 40 minutes) Columbia,...