Things to Do in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk

Sitting atop the highest elevations in North Carolina’s northern Blue Ridge Mountains, this region is a winter sports haven. But High Country towns like Boone and Blowing Rock delight in every season, with rhododendron hikes in spring, mile-high adventure in summer and brilliant foliage in fall.

Highlights

Grandfather Mountain
Tweetsie Railroad
Linn Cove Viaduct
Skiing, Snowboarding & Winter Sports
Hiking, Biking & Camping
Linville Falls
Wine Country

Weather

Winter 44°

Spring 61°

Summer 78°

Fall 63°

Hawksbill Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk
Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone
The Blowing Rock outcropping
Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Beech Mountain Resort
Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park's Engine No. 12 in Blowing Rock
Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda
Linn Cove Viaduct
Tubing on the New River, one of the world's oldest
Cub Creek mountain bike trails in Wilkesboro

Municipalities

Getting There

U.S. Route 221

U.S. Route 321

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)

Things To Do

Filter

Cities & Regions

High Country

Look & Feel

Highlights

Weather

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

Things To Do

Things To Do

Location

Interest

Season

Content Type

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Filter Eat & Drink

Filter History & Heritage

Filter Kids & Family

Filter Natural Attractions

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Filter Romantic Getaways

Filter Sports

See Sites from Critically Acclaimed Movies Filmed in North Carolina

List

Visit the High Country for Golf, Biking, Fishing & More

Article

Take an Unforgettable River Trip in the High Country

Article

Pack Your Sandals, Sneakers or Boots: Find Hikes for All Levels

Trips That Transform

A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

Trip Idea

Enjoy Endless Outdoor Adventures and Breathtaking High Country Beauty

Article

Bookmark Summer and Book Fall Travel with Insider Jen Vogelsberg

Article

Plan an imperfectly perfect trip to NC with Insider Christie Younger

Article

Beyond the Guidebook: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Article

Nature’s Pool Party: North Carolina Swimming Holes

List

Escape to Storybook Settings at Castles, Palaces and Mansions

Trips That Transform

Relax with a High Country Winter Getaway

Trip Idea

Get Away for Scenic Adventures in Boone and Blowing Rock

Trip Idea

Kayak, Tube and Fly Fish on the New River Near Boone

Article

9 North Carolina Wineries Where You Can Also Eat

List

Tips for Staying Safe Hiking, Camping & Visiting Waterfalls

Article

Head to Boone for Great Trail Runs and Ideal Weather

Article

Fun and Unique Camping Spots

List

Take a Totally ‘90s Film Tour

List

Find Year-Round Activities at Beech Mountain

Article

Explore the Places Where Moonshine and Motorsports Meet in NC

Article

Enjoy the Rhythm and Colors of Fall Music Festivals

List

9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

List

Hit the Slopes at Winter Sports Resorts

List

4 Off-the-Slopes Activities at Ski Resorts

Article

Drive-Thru Vacations: Sights to See from Your Car

List

NC Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls to Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

Distill Tripping: Taste the Spirits of North Carolina

Trip Idea

Mountain Crafts Destinations Reflect Time-Honored Traditions

List