NC High Country Summer Guide

We are never in a shortage of fun things to do here in the NC Mountains! Check out some of our favorite local attractions, activities and events that you can enjoy with your whole family!

Popular Attractions:

The Blue Ridge Parkway Over 120 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway run through the NC High Country and features some of the most beautiful stops on this amazing scenic drive. Boone Area hallmarks of the Blue Ridge Parkway include over 50 hiking trails and more than 20 overlooks . Click here to view information on each section by milepost.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster 3265 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 286044 The first Alpine Coaster in the North Carolina Mountains, located at the base of Sugar Mountain. Ride individual carts at speeds up to 27 MPH on multiple 360-degree loops at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster!

Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646 Enjoy the inspirational views, Mile High Swinging Bridge, native wildlife, picnicking, hiking and more!

Scenic Lift Rides Sugar Mountain, NC Take a scenic lift ride at Sugar Mountain Resort from the base of Sugar Mountain to the 5,300' peak!

Linville Caverns 19929 US 221, North Marion, 28752 See inside a mountain! North Carolina's only show cave. Half-hour guided tours will take you into a natural limestone cavern!

Mystery Hill & Doc's Rocks Gem Mine Mystery Hill Lane, Blowing Rock, NC Strange Carolina Magazine readers named Mystery Hill "North Carolina's Best Roadside Attraction." Enjoy this unique blend of indoor and outdoor adventures.

Foggy Mountain Gem Mining 4416 NC-105, Boone, NC A great mining experience that is both fun and educational!

Mast General Store (2 Locations, Valle Crucis and downtown Boone) Original Mast General Store & Annex Highway 194Valle Crucis, NC 28691 Mast General Store Old Boone Mercantile 630 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607

Waterfalls and Swimming

Elk River Falls Just a short drive from Banner Elk is where you will find one of the most impressive waterfalls in the NC mountains! The roaring falls are located in Elk Park and are easy to access from the parking area.

Cascade Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway This waterfall is located in the EB Jeffress Park. It's a one mile round trip and includes many stairs. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, you're greeted with a beautiful 35 foot waterfall!

Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk, NC This 13-acre lake is the centerpiece of a public access facility in Banner Elk. The facility includes a white sand beach, swimming pier and fishing dock. Favorite activities include swimming, sun bathing, fishing and boating.

Parks and Picnic Spots

Valle Crucis Community Park. There are plenty of places to picnic at Valle Crucis Park. There are two covered shelters (these can be reserved for parties), tables with well-kept grills and lots of places to have a picnic in the grass. Mast General Store is located right beside the entrance to the park. During the summer months, there's an ice cream stand near a small creek where children love to play. Julian Price Park and Picnic Area This area is great for families and offers more than 100 picnic sites, including many picnic tables and grills, located along a creek. The park is the start of one of the High Country's most popular trails, the Boone Fork Trail. Visitors can also enjoy camping, boating and fishing on Price Lake.

Bass Lake This is a great family walking trail in Blowing Rock. Enjoy an easy, scenic loop around the lake. Fishing is also allowed. This trail is part of the Moses Cone Memorial Park Trail system, so there's lots to explore and a great variety of hikes.

Events & Activities

Blowing Rock Horse Show Broyhill Equestrian Preserve Week 1: July 21 - July 26 Week 2: July 29 - August 2 The Hunter/Jumper Shows are still on as scheduled! Horses and their riders will compete in a variety of events throughout the week. Symphony by the Lake Chetola Resort August 22nd, 6 - 10 pm Experience an evening with moving performance by the Symphony of the Mountains, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge landscape. Click here to purchase tickets.

Boone Farmers Market Horn in the West, Boone May 2nd - October 31st Weekly on Saturday, enjoy a wide array of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheese, breads and pastries, crafts and more. Also featuring live music and food trucks! Click here for information on all of the High Country Farmers' Markets King Street Market Every Tuesday from 4-7:30 pm, 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC

Blowing Rock Movies in the Park Memorial Park on Main Street July 17th, July 25th, July 31st & August 7th Free family friendly outdoor movies! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and feel free to bring your own snacks! Movies start at dusk.