Looking for the best things to do in Mars Hill, NC? This small mountain town packs a surprising amount of outdoor adventure into a weekend. Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains just north of Asheville, it’s an easy weekend base for hiking, river time, and slow mountain mornings — without the crowds of bigger destinations nearby.
Here’s how to spend two full days in and around Mars Hill, with enough breathing room to actually relax.
For a broader look at the area, see our Mars Hill, NC Travel Guide.
Day 1: Mountain Air and Easy Trails
Morning: Arrive and settle in
Start your weekend with a scenic drive in. Once you’re checked in, there’s no rush — Mars Hill rewards a slow start.
Midday: Bailey Mountain Preserve
Lace up for an easy-to-moderate hike at Bailey Mountain Preserve, known for accessible trails and picnic-friendly overlooks. It’s a good option whether you’re traveling with a group or just want a couple of hours outside before lunch.
For more trail ideas, see our hiking near Mars Hill guide
Afternoon: Stroll Mars Hill University’s campus
Back in town, walk the Mars Hill University campus. It’s home to the Owen Theatre (where the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre performs), the Weizenblatt Gallery, and a Civil War Trails marker — a relaxed way to mix a little local history into an outdoor-heavy weekend.
Evening: Sunset views back at the cabin
Head back to unwind. If you’re staying somewhere with mountain views, this is the part of the day worth planning around — there’s a reason most Mars Hill itineraries build in time to just sit and watch the light change over the ridgelines.
Day 2: River Time and a Scenic Drive Home
Morning: French Broad River
Mars Hill sits close to the French Broad River, a popular spot for kayaking, tubing, and fly fishing. It’s an easy way to spend a few hours outdoors without a long drive. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Mars Hill, NC during the warmer months.
Midday: Lunch in town
Grab lunch in Mars Hill before your next stop – downtown has a small-town mix of casual cafes and local spots. For dining ideas beyond town, check out our guide to the best restaurants near Asheville.
Afternoon: Blue Ridge Parkway or I-26 Scenic Byway
Before heading out, take a detour along the Blue Ridge Parkway or the I-26 Scenic Byway, which begins in Mars Hill and runs through mountain scenery toward Tennessee. Both are easy add-ons if you have a few extra hours and want one more set of mountain views before you go.
Where to Stay After a Weekend of Things to Do in Mars Hill, NC
For a weekend built around the outdoors, a home base with its own views and a place to decompress makes a real difference. Wolf and Wander by Host with Wander is a 4-bedroom chalet perched at Hatley Pointe, about 15 minutes from downtown Mars Hill and 25 minutes from Asheville. After a day of hiking or river time, the outdoor hot tub and cedar sauna are hard to beat — and from April through September, there’s a seasonal cold plunge as well.
It also sits close to Appalachian Trail access points at Big Bald and Sam’s Gap, if you want to extend the hiking part of your weekend.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for another round, two days is enough to get a real feel for what makes this corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains worth the trip. The pace is slower, the trails are quieter, and the views speak for themselves.
