Must-See Attractions
The iconic landmarks and natural wonders that make the High Country a world-class destination
Grandfather Mountain & Mile High Swinging Bridge
Walk across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at 5,964 feet — one of the most iconic experiences in the Blue Ridge. The nature preserve features hiking trails, wildlife habitats with bears, cougars, and otters, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. A must-visit for every High Country visitor.
📍 Linville, NC — Avery County
Blue Ridge Parkway
America's favorite scenic drive — 469 miles of breathtaking mountain vistas, wildflower meadows, and countless overlooks. The Parkway winds through the heart of the High Country with easy access from Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk. Spectacular in every season, legendary in autumn.
📍 Runs through Ashe, Avery & Watauga Counties
New River — Canoeing, Tubing & Kayaking
Ironically one of the world's oldest rivers, the New River flows through the heart of Ashe and Alleghany Counties. Perfect for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Multiple outfitters offer guided trips from gentle family floats to exciting Class II rapids. The scenic beauty is unmatched.
📍 Ashe & Alleghany Counties — New River State Park
Appalachian State University
Home of the Mountaineers — one of the premier universities in the UNC system. The beautiful Boone campus draws thousands of students, visiting families, and football fans every year. App State game days fill the entire town. We provide airport transfers for move-in days, family visits, and graduation weekends.
📍 Boone, NC — Watauga County
Linville Falls & Linville Gorge
One of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina — a stunning multi-level cascade surrounded by wilderness. The Linville Gorge below is called the "Grand Canyon of the East" and offers some of the most rugged, rewarding hiking in the Southeast.
📍 Linville Falls, NC — Avery/Burke County
Gem Mining
NC is the gem capital of the east coast! Pan for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and garnets at mines throughout the High Country. Popular spots include Foggy Mountain Gem Mine in Boone, Doc's Rocks in Blowing Rock, and Rio Doce Gem Mine in Little Switzerland. Great for families — kids love it!
📍 Multiple locations — Boone, Blowing Rock, Spruce Pine & moreParks, Trails & Natural Wonders
Waterfalls, state parks, and hiking trails for every ability level
Stone Mountain State Park
A massive 600-foot granite dome rising from the forest floor — one of NC's most impressive state parks. Featuring beautiful waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, trout fishing, and a restored 19th-century mountain homestead.
📍 Roaring Gap — Wilkes/Alleghany County
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Drive to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views of the New River Valley, Virginia mountains, and surrounding peaks. Beautiful hiking trails wind through old-growth forests of oak, ash, and maple. A hidden gem that most tourists miss.
📍 Jefferson, NC — Ashe County
Pilot Mountain State Park
The distinctive pinnacle visible for 30+ miles in every direction — an iconic NC landmark since before Daniel Boone explored here. Great hiking trails, rock climbing, and panoramic views from the summit. The Yadkin River section offers canoeing and camping.
📍 Pilot Mountain, NC — Surry CountyMoses Cone Manor & Trails
A 13,000 sq ft historic mansion off the Blue Ridge Parkway with 25+ miles of carriage trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Beautiful craft gallery inside.
📍 Blowing Rock, NC — Watauga CountyElk River Falls
A spectacular 50-foot waterfall surrounded by pristine mountain wilderness. A short hike leads to one of the most beautiful swimming holes in western NC.
📍 Elk Park, NC — Avery CountyCascade Falls at E.B. Jeffress Park
An easy, family-friendly hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway to a beautiful waterfall. The Cool Spring Baptist Church trailhead is nearby for a second short walk.
📍 Blue Ridge Parkway Mile 271 — Ashe CountyRough Ridge Trail & Overlook
One of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A moderate hike to exposed rocks with 360-degree mountain views and a boardwalk through wildflowers.
📍 Blue Ridge Parkway Mile 302 — Watauga CountyPrice Lake
A gorgeous mountain lake along the Parkway with canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The autumn reflections here are world-famous among photographers.
📍 Blue Ridge Parkway — Watauga CountyRoan Mountain Rhododendron Gardens
The world's largest natural rhododendron garden blooms in June at 6,200 feet. Stunning Appalachian Trail access and grassy balds with views into Tennessee.
📍 Roan Mountain — Avery County / TN borderFamily Fun & Adventure
Alpine slides, theme parks, gem mining, and family adventures the kids (and adults) will never forget
Alpine Slides & Mountain Coasters
The High Country has some of the best alpine slides and mountain coasters in the Southeast. Ride down the mountain on a track through the trees! Find alpine slides at Sugar Mountain and Banner Elk, plus mountain coasters at multiple locations. Thrill rides with mountain views.
📍 Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain & surrounding areas
Gem Mining & Rock Hunting
NC sits on some of the richest mineral deposits in the country. Pan for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethyst, and more at gem mines throughout the region. Popular mines include Foggy Mountain (Boone), Doc's Rocks (Blowing Rock), and multiple locations near Spruce Pine — the gem mining capital of the world.
📍 Multiple locations throughout the region
Tweetsie Railroad
A beloved NC mountain theme park since 1957 — ride a real steam train through the Blue Ridge, visit the petting zoo, enjoy carnival rides, live shows, and seasonal events. The Ghost Train during Halloween is legendary. A must-do for families visiting the High Country.
📍 Between Boone & Blowing Rock — Watauga CountyMystery Hill
A quirky roadside attraction where gravity seems to work differently. Ball rolls uphill, you can lean at impossible angles, and the science center keeps kids entertained for hours.
📍 Blowing Rock, NC — Watauga CountyThe Blowing Rock
The attraction that gave the town its name — a cliff at 4,000 feet where the wind blows upward so strongly that it returns light objects thrown over the edge. Views stretch across the Johns River Gorge.
📍 Blowing Rock, NC — Watauga CountyGrandfather Trout Farm
Catch your own trout — no license needed, no experience necessary! They even clean and pack your fish. A relaxing, fun activity for all ages.
📍 Banner Elk, NC — Avery CountyWilderness Run Alpine Coaster
A gravity-powered coaster through the forest — you control the speed. Over 1,800 feet of track weaving through the trees. Open rain or shine.
📍 Banner Elk, NC — Avery CountyLand of Oz — Beech Mountain
Walk the Yellow Brick Road at this seasonal theme park on top of Beech Mountain. An enchanting recreation of the Wizard of Oz story set at 5,506 feet.
📍 Beech Mountain, NC — Watauga/Avery CountyHigh Country Adventures — Ziplines & Rafting
Zipline through the mountain canopy, go whitewater rafting, or try stand-up paddleboarding. Multiple outfitters offer guided adventure experiences throughout the region.
📍 Various locations — Watauga & Avery CountiesSki Resorts & Winter Activities
The Southeast's premier ski destination — we handle mountain road transfers in every condition
Sugar Mountain Resort
The largest ski area in the Southeast — 125 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain with 21 slopes and trails. Also offers ice skating, snow tubing, and summer activities including scenic chairlift rides and mountain biking. Open November through March.
📍 Sugar Mountain, NC — Avery County
Beech Mountain Resort
The highest ski area in the eastern US at 5,506 feet — incredible snow conditions and stunning views. Features skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and in summer, mountain biking on 30+ miles of trails. Host of the famous Land of Oz seasonal events.
📍 Beech Mountain, NC — Watauga/Avery CountyAppalachian Ski Mountain
Family-friendly slopes with skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating — located right outside Blowing Rock. Great for beginners and families with rental equipment and lessons available.
📍 Blowing Rock, NC — Watauga CountyHawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline
30 snow tubing lanes — the most in the Southeast! Plus one of the longest zipline tours in the area. No experience needed, fun for all ages, great for groups.
📍 Seven Devils, NC — Watauga CountyCross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Moses Cone Park, Roan Mountain, and various Parkway trails offer beautiful cross-country skiing and snowshoeing after winter storms. A quieter, magical mountain experience.
📍 Various Blue Ridge Parkway locationsCharming Mountain Towns & Culture
Art, history, shopping, live music, and small-town charm the High Country does better than anywhere
Blowing Rock Village
One of the South's most charming villages — boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries, and the famous Blowing Rock attraction. Walk the streets lined with unique shops and restaurants. A year-round destination that feels like stepping into a storybook mountain town.
📍 Blowing Rock, NC — Watauga County
West Jefferson Arts District
A vibrant arts district with frescoes, murals, galleries, and studios throughout a walkable downtown. Home to the famous Ashe County Cheese Factory, unique local shops, and the iconic Hotel & General Store. Don't miss the New River Brewing Company.
📍 West Jefferson, NC — Ashe CountyDowntown Boone
A lively college town with restaurants, breweries, live music venues, the historic Appalachian Theatre, and access to the Greenway Trail along the New River. Always something happening.
📍 Boone, NC — Watauga CountyBanner Elk
A picturesque mountain village nestled between Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain. Home to Lees-McRae College, boutique shops, and some of the finest dining in the High Country.
📍 Banner Elk, NC — Avery CountyMast General Store — Valle Crucis
The original Mast General Store, established in 1883. A beloved mountain landmark with old-fashioned candy, outdoor gear, and the charm of a bygone era. Worth the drive.
📍 Valle Crucis, NC — Watauga CountyMount Airy — Mayberry
Andy Griffith's hometown and inspiration for the beloved TV show. Tour Mayberry, visit the Andy Griffith Museum, get a haircut at Floyd's Barber Shop, and enjoy small-town America at its finest.
📍 Mount Airy, NC — Surry CountyMerleFest — Wilkesboro
One of America's premier music festivals — bluegrass, folk, country, and Americana. Every April, thousands gather at Wilkes Community College for this legendary 4-day event.
📍 Wilkesboro, NC — Wilkes CountyHorn in the West — Boone
The oldest Revolutionary War outdoor drama in America, running since 1952. Watch the story of Daniel Boone and the settlement of the mountains come alive under the stars.
📍 Boone, NC — Watauga County
