This exotic European name was penned by Judge Heriot Clarkson of Charlotte who established this resort community near the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1910. The resemblance of the area to the mountains of Switzerland gave rise to the name. At an altitude of 3,500 feet above sea level, the breathtaking views from Little Switzerland include vistas of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains, Linville Mountain, Turkey Cove, and the Catawba River Valley, Table Rock, Hawksbill, Grandfather and Roan Mountains.