Plan a Scenic Film Tour of the Asheville Area

'Summer Camp'

Reuniting with your childhood summer camp best friends years later? Who can say no to that? Starring Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard, “Summer Camp,” portrays three friends once again making Western NC their playground in this comedy hitting theaters May 31, 2024. Stay where the stars did at Kimpton Hotel Arras in Asheville before heading out to see the sites: Most camp scenes were filmed at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville, and the rafting and zip lining scenes were filmed at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City. Fun fact: Camp classic “Heavyweights” was also filmed at Camp Pinnacle. Back near the hotel, channel Keaton and check out the local art and murals that fill Asheville with color; she took to Instagram to show off how much fun she had here.

'Dirty Dancing'

Lovers of "Dirty Dancing" have the time of their lives re-enacting the iconic lake lift scene from the 1987 classic, which was largely shot in Lake Lure among the Blue Ridge Foothills. Each September, honor the film at the Lake Lure Dance Festival, which draws fans for a celebration of all things dance through the years, plus overnights in "Dirty Dancing"-themed cabins at The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa.

• Relive 'Dirty Dancing' During this Getaway

'The Last of the Mohicans'

Some of the most intense scenes of the 1992 adventure "The Last of the Mohicans" were shot on and around Chimney Rock, a 315-foot-long jutting rock formation, about 40 minutes east of Asheville. Hike to panoramic views of forests before trekking the Hickory Nut Falls Trail to the 404-foot falls (one of the tallest in the East). For a less demanding hike, follow the Great Woodland Adventure Trail, which winds past 12 Discovery Stations.

'The Fugitive'

A couple of the most dramatic scenes from the 1993 action thriller were filmed southwest of Asheville near North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. In Robbinsville, you get a view of the Cheoah Dam from which Harrison Ford's character leaped in "The Fugitive." About an hour east is the site of the train wreck during Ford's character's prison transport. It was filmed on a stretch of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and the best way to see the carnage is by parking on Haywood Road near Jackson County Green Energy Park and looking down the slope.

'Masterminds'

This comedy is based on a not-so-funny true story in which several North Carolinians pulled off a $17 million heist in Charlotte in 1997. Bustling Pack Square Park made several cameos in the film and remains a magnet in downtown Asheville today with wandering musicians, festivals, theater and lots of events for family outings. Moviegoers will recognize the square in several scenes, including one from the film's trailer with Cafe Bomba in the background. You can also eat like the stars while visiting the area: Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis went for a wood-fired masterpiece at All Souls Pizza, while Zach Galifianakis couldn’t resist the ‘cue at 12 Bones Smokehouse.

'Max'

With a canine hero and a healing theme, sniffing out scenes from this 2015 family-friendly film has layers of appeal. Explore the cinematic scenery and waterfalls at DuPont State Recreational Forest between Hendersonville and Brevard. Or ford the Little River on bikes just like Justin and his friends did below Hooker Falls. Filmmakers also shot footage along the Triple Falls Trail, which runs parallel to the river and passes three of the forest’s star waterfalls. And if you want to explore the beautiful cliffs featured in the film, take Rock Quarry Road and let the fun begin.

'Forrest Gump'

Home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, hiking trails, wildlife habitats, a nature museum and stunning views, Grandfather Mountain in Linville also boasts the “Forrest Gump Curve” – a section of road where Tom Hanks’ famous character actually ran during his cross-country trip in the Academy Award-winning film. Get your camera ready – you’ll pass it as you leave the wildlife habitats and head up to the bridge.

• Beyond the Guidebook: Grandfather Mountain

'The Hunger Games'

The Road to Panem starts in North Carolina, and it includes Charlotte, Asheville and a few stops in between. The North Fork Reservoir, where the Cornucopia scenes were filmed, is off limits to the public, but you can see the lake from the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, accessed at the Craggy Gardens Visitors Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway northeast of Asheville. To play like the stars did, visit Navitat Canopy Adventures. Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) soared through the trees three times (once at night and once with then-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens), and six other Tribute players made the trip here too.

• Go Behind the Scenes of 'The Hunger Games'