Glendale Springs is one of those small mountain communities you might drive right past if you didn’t know it was there — and that’s part of what makes it so special. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of northeastern Ashe County, this quiet unincorporated community sits just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounded by rolling hills, working farmland, and the headwaters of one of the oldest rivers in the world. It’s a place built for slow drives, peaceful walks, and the kind of quiet beauty that makes Appalachian North Carolina so rewarding. Click on the attractions below to explore the spots we’ve personally visited around Glendale Springs.
A Quiet Corner of the High Country
Glendale Springs gets its name from the springs that helped support the small mountain community as it grew in the late 1800s. Today, the community remains small and close-knit, but its real claim to fame is what visitors come from all over the country to see — the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church frescoes, painted by renowned artist Ben Long in the early 1980s. The breathtaking works of art inside this small white country church draw thousands of visitors each year, and they remain one of the most photographed pieces of religious art in North Carolina.
Beyond the frescoes, Glendale Springs sits at one of the most picturesque junctions in the High Country — where the Blue Ridge Parkway and NC-16 meet, near the Northwest Trading Post and just a short drive from countless overlooks, hiking trails, and scenic drives. It’s the kind of stop you make to slow down, take a few photos, and remember what’s beautiful about North Carolina.
A Place Built for Slowing Down
Whether you’re chasing the Ben Long frescoes, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, fishing the New River, or just looking for a quiet corner of the mountains to spend an afternoon in, Glendale Springs delivers. The community itself is small — no big restaurants, no chain stores, no crowds — and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. Stop in for the church. Linger for the views. And take a little of that quiet home with you.
Plan Your Visit
Click on the attractions below to dive deeper into the spots we’ve personally explored around Glendale Springs — the places we keep coming back to, and the ones we think are worth your time. Whether you’re here for the art, the views, or just a slower pace, this little corner of Ashe County has a way of making you want to stay a little longer.
Things To Do in Glendale Springs, NC
Resources
High Country Realty – About Glendale Springs, NC Blog