Best Places to Explore in NC High Country Caroline McGuire cmcguire@brri.net (828)773-7276 cell (828)263-8711 ext 240
Tweetsie Railroad-a family friendly Wild West theme park located on Highway 321S between Boone and Blowing Rock. The main attraction is a three mile train ride through the park which is driven by one of the steam locomotives. There are many park rides for all members of the family; plus, several entertaining shows and the deer park petting zoo. So much to see and so much to do. Great fun for all and a terrific way to spend a day in the North Carolina High Country. Mast General Store-the Original store which started in 1883, is located in the community of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. It is a blast from the past with the working Post Office, the hardware section with antique wooden drawers that contain bolts, nails and washers, the mercantile department with many items that no home should be without, the shoe department with excellent footwear and of course the knife department. You have to see it to believe it! Don t forget to drink a ice cold cola from the vintage drink box, play a game of checkers or maybe purchase a jar of moonshine jelly. Once the visit is complete, step next door to RiverCross, which is a gift store that contains merchandise Made in the USA. Then walk down the street a quarter mile to the Mast Store Annex. The Annex has the fashion and outdoor department, but many visitors just walk through the Candy Barrel which contains a variety of delicious sweet treats. The stores in Valle Crucis, and the Mast General Store in downtown Boone are not to be missed on your next visit to the North Carolina High Country. Boone Fork Trail-a moderate 5.2 mile trail that begins and ends in the Julian Price Memorial Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This hike is one of the best day hikes in the High Country. The trail has a few challenging sections, ladders and several creek crossings, but a great way to enjoy nature and also view the Boone Fork Falls. Remember to carry water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, lip balm and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Not a great hike for small children. Dogs must be on a leash as well.
Valle Crucis Park-one of the best parks around! The park is located directly behind the Mast Store Annex. Once you load up on all those sugary treats, what a great way to expel some of that nervous energy. The park has playground equipment, swings, picnic pavilions, walking track, playhouses, basketball court, soccer field, and the Watauga River, which runs adjacent to the park. Can you say fly fishing? Just remember your license! During the summer months, on every Friday night, a local musical act performs for FREE and everyone brings a lawn chair or blanket with some goodies to snack on while the kids play nearby. Valle Crucis Park is a fabulous place to run, walk, learn to ride your bike or even skip a rock across the Watauga River. Remember...make time for the park. Bass Lake- is located off Hwy 221 outside of Blowing Rock and near the Blue Ridge Parkway and many people come to walk, run or walk their dogs. It is almost one mile around the lake and it s pretty flat. Benches are located along the trail to view the ducks, geese, bullfrogs or the beautiful lily pads in the lake, and bathrooms are located near the parking lot. Wonderful area to enjoy a brisk walk or to fish. Remember no swimming allowed though. Every season is gorgeous while walking at Bass Lake but the fall season is exceptional. Linn Cove Viaduct-in 1987, this was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway that was completed. The Viaduct is a engineering feat all by itself, and it was put into place to protect the integrity of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding environment. The Viaduct is a S-curve concrete section, at Milepost 304, which measures 1,243 feet and completed the Blue Ridge Parkway 52 years after its beginning. One can view the Viaduct by hiking a trail beneath it or viewing it from Rough Ridge or the Tanawha Trail. Again, please wear appropriate hiking shoes while on these trails. High heels or flip flops are not advised.
Kayaking or Tubing the New River-journey out to Todd, NC and relax and cool off during the summer months by kayaking or tubing down the New River. The New River is the second oldest river in the world and is the oldest river in North America; plus, it flows northward. I have spent several Sunday afternoons kayaking this river and it never disappoints me with the magnificent views. Sky Valley Zip Tours-if you are a beginner or a zipline junkie, Sky Valley Zip Tours is the place for you. They have 10 ziplines and they even have one called Big Mama, but they also have the Whistle Pig Park Adventure for the little ones. What a blast!!! In 2018, they started Night Flight which is the only High Country nighttime ziplining adventure. I want reveal all the information concerning this adventure, but let s just say that the sunsets and the night sky with all the stars will give you a greater appreciation for what God has created for all of us. Appalachian Ski Mountain-it is the ski resort to learn to ski or snowboard. The resort is located between Boone and Blowing Rock right off of Hwy. 321 South. Appalachian Ski Mountain has expanded many times throughout the years, but currently they have twelve slopes and two terrain parks. Appalachian Ski Mountain is a familyfriendly environment and includes the French Swiss Ski College, (which is the oldest and by far probably one of the best ski schools in the southeastern region), Burton Learn to Ride (the only North Carolina ski resort to be given this status...a snowboarding program for beginners), children s ski programs (Ski Wee and Cruiser Camp), and of course they have a full rental equipment shop, Alpine Ski Shop, The Appalachian Gift Shop, the beautiful stone fireplace, and much more all encompassed in the 46,000 sq. ft. Bavarian style lodge. Winter skiing or snowboarding...this is the place!
Virginia Creeper Trail-I know you are asking yourself why I put this on my list if it is located in nearby Virginia, but it is premier entertainment that you can explore while visiting the High Country. Located in Damascus, VA, which is approximately 38 miles from Boone, you will need to stop in any bike rental shop and get fitted for a bike and receive a ride to the top of WhiteTop Mountain to start the Creeper Trail. It is approximately 17 miles downhill in a gradual descent and takes 2-3 hours to complete. You hardly have to pedal and everyone is very mindful of other riders on the trail, especially children who are pedaling their own two wheeler. You ll view unique rock formations, the river beside the trail, wildflowers, and sometimes wildlife. There are several places along the trail to grab lunch or a snack when the hunger pain hits! Great fun in the spring and summertime, but exceptional during the fall season. If you are into cycling...do not miss it!!! Grandfather Mountain-a North Carolina state park which contains the Mile-High Swinging Bridge that was put into place in 1952, and is actually a 228 ft. suspension bridge that is one mile in elevation. Once across the bridge, the views are beyond belief!!! Grandfather Mountain offers an educational museum, nature habitat (I love the otters) and lots and lots of hiking and walking trails. It is a beautiful drive from the gate entrance all the way to the swinging bridge parking lot. Don t miss the Highland Games which is celebrated on Grandfather Mountain the 2nd weekend in July every year. Every member of the family will depart with a lifetime memory, I promise.