Cranberry is an unincorporated community in Avery County, North Carolina, United States.

The community was founded in 1850 and was named after Cranberry Creek, which flows in the area.

Before the settlement of Cranberry, the area was already known for one of the largest veins of iron ore in the United States.

During this time, Cranberry was incorporated as a town and had a hotel, Cafe, stables, post office and general store.

At present, a church, a combined elementary and middle school, garage, nursing facility and store remain in operation, and the historic old Cranberry High School still stands, which is now a community center.