I find myself scrolling glassy-eyed for hours through the images online of the destruction that has ravaged arguably one of the most beautiful parts of our state—the North Carolina mountains.

A man seen admiring the view from atop a cliff at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, was later found dead at the bottom of it, according to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

If you're looking for a getaway at a higher elevation and want an escape from the big city, look no further than one of these serene destinations in the North Carolina mountains. With plenty of ...