Candler lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range.
This mountain community nestles in Hominy Valley, approximately halfway between Asheville and Canton via Interstate 40 (about 20 minutes either way). Mount Pisgah, with access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, stands to the south, Asheville to the east, and Newfound Gap to the north. Today the area has an active economy and serves both as a getaway from summer heat in the nearby lowlands and as a travel destination for many in east coast cities.
Mt. Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be seen from downtown Candler on a clear day. It's just 26 miles southwest of downtown Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy panoramic views, including the best view of the famous Cold Mountain. Also find a restaurant, campground, craft store and more.
The area attracts educated young professionals, artisans and active retirees. Mountain ridges to the east and west flank the entire valley with peaks from 2,000 feet to 4,400 feet above the valley floor. The Blue Ridge rises with mixed vegetation that grows in the valley, densely wooded foothills and mountains surrounding the city. The invigorating climate offers considerable temperature variation from day to day in all seasons. Summers are warm, but the elevation and nearby mountains cause some cooling, particularly in the evenings.
Established in 1981, in Candler, Asheville Hot Air Balloons has been providing hot air balloon trips to the community for many years. During your flight, you’ll rise from 500 to 2,000 feet (152 to 610 meters) above the earth and be offered an incredible view of the forest and mountains, below. If you choose to fly with a group instead of a private flight, your hot air balloon might hold up to 10 people. Asheville Hot Air Balloons is highly rated for their safety practices and excellent staff.
Located halfway in between the towns of Asheville and Canton, Candler is a small mountain community, nestled within North Carolina’s Great Craggy Mountains. It’s a quiet place to explore, reflect, and rejuvenate.