WorldAtlas just put Banner Elk, Brevard, and Hot Springs on America’s 2026 favorites list. Here’s how to visit them from Surry County—and the hidden local gems you can see on the way.
Right here in Lowgap, Surry County, we’re lucky to live in one of the prettiest corners of North Carolina—but this spring, folks from all over the state (and beyond) are packing their bags for some of our mountain neighbors that just made national headlines.
On March 8–9, **2026**, WorldAtlas released its list of “10 Towns in North Carolina Ranked Among US Favorites in 2026,” and three Western NC gems—Banner Elk, Brevard, and Hot Springs—landed front and center. [web:25]
These are not just pretty postcards; they’re places where you can ski in the morning, hike waterfalls by afternoon, and soak in natural hot springs at dusk. At the same time, AAA’s latest travel outlook shows about **39%** of Americans plan to take more vacations in **2026** than in **2025**, with road trips and small-town getaways at the top of the list. [web:36]
If you’ve been feeling that itch to get out and explore closer to home, now’s the time—before the summer crowds hit. In this guide, we’ll break down why WorldAtlas picked these three Western NC towns and share hidden Surry County gems you can visit in a single tank of gas from Lowgap or Pilot Mountain.
WorldAtlas looked for places with unique scenery, year-round activities, and that “I could actually live here” small-town feel. Banner Elk, Brevard, and Hot Springs hit all three marks. [web:25]
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk sits between Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain ski resorts, giving you ski-town energy without the big-city hassle. [web:25]
Southern Living also listed Banner Elk among its favorite North Carolina small towns, praising its all-season fun and family-friendly downtown. [web:25] It’s perfect if you want an active weekend that still feels relaxed and walkable.
Brevard sits in Transylvania County, better known as the “Land of Waterfalls.” Across the county you’ll find more than **200** named waterfalls, with guided Jeep tours, hiking, biking, and climbing routes that make it a playground for outdoor lovers. [web:25][web:34]
USA Today recently spotlighted Brevard among its top small-town destinations in the South, adding national visibility to what locals already know: this is one of the best basecamps for waterfalls and trails in the Carolinas. [web:34]
Hot Springs lives up to its name. The town draws hikers straight off the Appalachian Trail for post-hike soaks in its mineral-rich hot springs and tubs. [web:25]
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through town, so you’ll often see backpackers grabbing a hot meal and a soak before heading north or south. From rustic campgrounds to cozy cabins, there’s lodging for every budget.
You don’t have to cross the state to find postcard-perfect small towns. Surry County has its own gems that pair perfectly with a weekend to Banner Elk, Brevard, or Hot Springs.
The real-life inspiration for Andy Griffith’s Mayberry offers classic storefronts, vintage squad cars, and the famous Surry Sonker Trail—our local take on fruit cobbler.
Stroll Main Street, grab a sonker flight, and snap a photo in front of Floyd’s Barber Shop.
That iconic knob you see from Lowgap delivers epic views across the Piedmont. Hike to the overlooks, watch climbers on the cliffs, or picnic at the base.
The less-visited south river section feels like a true hidden gem with islands, quiet trails, and paddling access.
Charming downtowns, access to the Yadkin River, and wineries across the Yadkin Valley wine region make this a perfect food-and-wine stop on your way to the mountains.
Many visitors combine a hike on the nearby Mountains-to-Sea Trail with a tasting flight before heading back to Surry County.
Sometimes the best small-town moment is right where you live. Scenic backroads, country churches, and Blue Ridge foothill views make an evening drive from Lowgap feel like its own mini-vacation.
Use this quick table to compare drive times and trip vibes when you’re planning your **2026** adventures.
| Town | Population (approx.) | Why it made the list | Top 2026 activity | Drive from Lowgap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Elk | ~1,100 | All-season Blue Ridge fun between two ski resorts. [web:25] | Skiing in winter, Wildcat Lake swimming in summer. [web:25] | ~2.5 hours |
| Brevard | ~8,000 | 200+ waterfalls, outdoor culture, and national travel nods. [web:25][web:34] | Jeep waterfall tours and white squirrel spotting. | ~3 hours |
| Hot Springs | ~560 | Natural hot springs, AT hikers, and river festivals. [web:25] | Trailfest, river rafting, and hot spring soaks. | ~3.5 hours |
| Mount Airy (Surry) | ~10,000 | Mayberry magic and local dessert trails. | Free walking tours and sonker stops on the Surry Sonker Trail. | ~20 minutes |
| Pilot Mountain | ~1,400 | Iconic knob views and state park trails. | Sunrise hike, picnic, and scenic overlooks. | ~15 minutes |
Here are simple, actionable steps to turn this list into real trips on your calendar.
AAA says nearly **39%** of travelers plan more vacations in **2026**, so April/May weekends fill up quickly in popular mountain towns. [web:36]
Do a Surry sampler first: Lowgap → Pilot Mountain → Mount Airy in a morning, then continue west toward Banner Elk or Brevard.
Mountain temps can swing 20 degrees in a day. Bring layers, rain shells, and dry socks for waterfall hikes.
Use the Blue Ridge Parkway or similar scenic routes between towns and let a free audio guide narrate overlooks and history.
Stop in Surry County (think Pilot Mountain or Mount Airy) for a slice of sonker—our signature fruit dessert—before heading deeper into the mountains.
Late March and early April bring wildflowers and cooler temps, plus fewer crowds at hot spots like Grandfather Mountain and Hot Springs.
Time your trips with Trailfest and the French Broad River Festival in Hot Springs or special events in Brevard and Banner Elk. [web:25]
Eat at independent diners, buy from mountain artists, and visit local museums—your dollars stay in North Carolina.
Sunrise from Pilot Mountain and photos from the Mile High Swinging Bridge in Banner Elk will anchor your **2026** memory reel.
Pick one new town each season so by the end of **2026** you’ve built your own Top 10 list of NC small-town favorites.
How this helps in Lowgap: Surry County sits in the sweet spot between the Piedmont and the high country. You can enjoy mountain-level scenery without marathon drives—and still sleep in your own bed if you want.
WorldAtlas highlighted 10 towns statewide, including Banner Elk, Brevard, and Hot Springs in Western NC, thanks to their scenery, outdoor activities, and walkable downtowns. [web:25]
From Lowgap, Banner Elk is roughly 2.5 hours, Brevard about 3 hours, and Hot Springs about 3.5 hours, depending on your route and stops.
Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, wildflowers or foliage, and fewer crowds. Early spring weekends are particularly good before peak summer travel.
Yes. Most of these small towns welcome kids and leashed dogs in outdoor areas, trails, and some patios—always check specific rules before you go.
Absolutely. Many travelers start with Pilot Mountain and Mount Airy, then continue west to Banner Elk or Brevard for an overnight or long weekend.
From WorldAtlas’s fresh **2026** favorites to the hidden gems in our own backyard, North Carolina’s small towns are calling louder than ever. Grab the family, load up the cooler, and make this spring one for the books.
You’ll come home with stories, photos, and that refreshed feeling only a Tar Heel road trip can deliver.