Tweetsie Railroad
Wild West theme park, authentic steam engine train ride, fair rides, petting zoo and shows. Located between Boone & Blowing Rock on Hwy. 321. 800-526-5740

The Blowing Rock
An immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. Views, trails and more, located on Hwy. 321 South, Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-7111

Blue Ridge Parkway
One of America’s most scenic drives with 469 toll free miles of awesome natural beauty. The most visited national park with spectacular views and vistas as you drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information you may write the Blue Ridge Parkway Assoc. at P.O. Box 453, Asheville, NC 28802.

Linville Caverns
North Carolina’s only cavern, located on Hwy. 221 between Linville and Marion, 4 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open June 1 - Labor Day 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., April/May/September/October 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., November/March 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., December/January/February - weekends only. 828-756-4171

North Carolina Wineries
North Carolina now ranks 10th nationally in grape production and 12th for wine production.
The first commercial winery established in North Carolina,Medoc Vineyard, led the country's wine production in 1835. After more than a century, North Carolina is rebuilding its grape industry and creating promising futures for its farmers and citizens. Today, North Carolina is home to 50 wineries and 3 vineyard-located tasting rooms.

New River Zoo
The New River Zoo is home for over 60 species of animals from all over the world and offers visitors an up-close, fun and
educational experience set amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Ashe County. Open year round - December - March (call for hours).
Admission price is used to care for the animals. Guided tours and special rates are available.
Located in Fleetwood, NC on Big Flatts Church Road - 336-877-9219

Limousine, Excalibur Convertible, Airport Shuttle & Trolley Rides



See the North Carolina Mountains in style!
Whether you are on a family vacation, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a romantic getaway, why not make
your trip to the North Carolina Mountains memorable. Air Haven Limo offers various services from airport shuttles, to various limo rides. Whether you have a big group or it's just the two of you - Air Haven Limo has it all.
Reservations a must - call 828-265-2504
Open Year Round

Motorcycle Rentals - Action Cycle Sports
Boone, NC
Make that dream or fantasy of riding a Harley on the Blue Ridge Parkway come true.
Motorcycle rentals by the day or week.
Call 828-262-1558 for more information or to reserve your cycle while staying in the High Country of NC.

Horseback Riding

Banner Elk Stables
Horseback Riding for the entire family, children welcome. Reservation Required.
Open year round - weather and trail conditions permitting.
Trail ride adventures originate at Banner Elk Stables at the end of Shomaker Road in Banner Elk.
Located off Hwy. 194 in Banner Elk & Shomaker Road.
828-898-5424 (Accept MC/Visa/AMEX).

Smith Quarter Horse Farm
Horseback riding and scenic mountain trails, suitable for beginners or advanced horseperson.
Families welcome, reservations requested, open 7 days per week.
Year round boarding facility.
828-898-4932

Chadi Farm
Chadi Farms offers year round horseback riding on private mountain trails, horse drawn carriage rides in
the Historic Valle, private riding lessons, fly fishing in trout stream, and kiddy hayrides.
Located in Valle Crucis. 828-963-5399

Dutch Creek Trails
Offering horseback rides on beautiful mountain trails. Wagon rides along the old Watauga River Road.
Cookouts with music, singing and cowboy poetry on Saturdays. Horseback rides leave out every two hours
starting at 10:00 a.m. - Mon - Sat.
Located in Sugar Grove. 828-297-7117 or 828-297-1708

Golf

Blue Ridge Country Club
Located in Linville Falls, NC - 18 holes, yardage: 6,862, par: 72, lessons, open year round.
828-756-4013

Boone Golf Club
Located in Boone, NC - 18 holes, yardage: 6,401, par: 71, lessons.
828-264-8760

Mountain Aire Golf Club
Located in West Jefferson, NC - 18 holes, yardage: 6,200, par:71, lessons, packages.
336-877-4716

Jefferson Landing
Located in Jefferson, NC - 18 holes, yardage: 6,500, par 72, pro shop, lessons, packages.
800-292-6274

Magic Mountain Mini Golf
Located in Boone, NC - family fun. 828-265-4653

Fishing & Guide Service

Appalachian Angler Fly Shop & Guide Service
Fly fishing guide service and full service fly shop.  Located in Boone, NC.
828-963-5050

Grandfather Trout Farm
Trout fishing for the whole family in a stocked pond.  A fishing license is not required for the trout farm and the charge is based upon the amount of fish caught.   The trout pond season generally runs from the first Saturday in April through about mid November.  Located on Hwy. 105, across from the entrance to town of Seven Devils, Banner Elk, NC. 828-963-5098

New River & Watauga River
Fly fish for small mouth bass, red-eye bass, catfish, and in some areas rather large muskies along with three varieties of trout on the New River which winds through Alleghany, Ashe, & Watauga Counties and also in the Watauga River.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir
A beautiful mountain reservoir, where a number of species of fish are caught, i.e., bass, perch, crappie, and bream. There are numerous boat launching areas and fishing piers. There are also several swimming sights and an area for canoe launching. For more information contact the Resource Manager, P.O. Box 182, Wilkesboro, NC 28697   336-921-3750 or 336-921-3390.

Moses Cone Park - Bass Lake & Trout Lake
Bass and blue gill with Trout Lake designated as native trout waters.

Fall Creek
Stocking Information
A state designated stocked trout stream, located on the Fall Creek property. Available for Fall Creek Cabin guests.

Other High Country Streams
Streams and lakes known for their good fishing are Wilson Creek, Elk River (between Banner Elk and Elk Park on Hwy. 194), Howard's Creek (off Hwy. 194 north of Boone), Boone's Fork (off Watauga River above Hound Ears), the Globe section of the Johns River Gorge (eight miles south of Blowing Rock off US 321 on Globe Rd.), Anthony Creek, Johns River and Big Horse Creek (upstream from Lower SR 1361 bridge to the VA state line).

Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish waters under federal regulation.   They are stocked annually and offer excellent fishing.  Most mountain streams in the area are stocked with trout and also have native trout. 

State fishing licenses or short - term permits are required for all fisherman 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are not required on Parkway waters.  The Parkway fishing season, which runs in conjunction with the state's season, is from the first Saturday in April through the last of February (the month of March is used for stocking).

For further licensing information and regulations contact:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27604-1188 or
General Information - 919-662-4381
Inland Fisheries Division- 919-733-3633
Enforcement Division- 919-733-7191

State & Federal Parks

Moses Cone Memorial Park
North of Blowing Rock at MP 294 on the BRP, this is one of the chief Parkway recreation areas. The 3,600 acre park offers bridle paths, hiking trails, trout streams, two lakes and a craft center in the Manor House.

Julian Price Memorial Park
South of Blowing Rock, located at MP 297 on the BRP, this park features picnic grounds, boat rentals, fishing, and popular hiking trails like Boone Fork and Tanawha.

Doughton Park
At MP 241 on the BRP, this is the largest recreation area on the Parkway. It offers picnic areas, hiking, trails, fishing, a restaurant and gas station.

Linville Falls & Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
This 7,600 acre tract has been preserved to provide a primitive natural environment. The steep walls of the Gorge enclose Linville River which descends 2,000 feet in only 12 miles. Access to Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is by foot trails via a Forest Service Road off US 221 at the Linville Falls Community exit. Look for MP 317.

Mount Mitchell State Park
At 6,684 feet, it’s the highest peak in Eastern America. A short walk takes you to the observation tower on top. Picnicking, hiking, and nature study are available. Located at MP 355.

Mount Jefferson State Park
539 undeveloped acres, picnicking, hiking and nature study available. Located off Hwy. 221 in Jefferson, NC.

Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Near Spruce Pine at MP 331. Exhibits feature more than 300 different kinds of rocks and minerals found in NC. There is choice prospecting for gems and minerals in the vicinity.

New River
Located in the Appalachian Mountains of Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga Counties, this 26.5 mile stretch of river has been named a national wildlife and scenic river. It’s one of the few rivers in the world that flows north. Canoeing, rafting, tubing and fishing are popular here.

Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest offers lake and stream fishing, as well as large and small game. Roan Mountain and the Linville Gorge Wilderness area are both located within this National forest.

Roan Mountain
Here you will find the world’s largest natural gardens of crimson-purple rhododendron. Roan Mountain is near Bakersville in the Pisgah National Forest recreation area. Peak bloom occurs in mid-June and can be viewed on casual walks on a variety of trails.

Stone Mountain State Park
This park is named for its 600 ft. high granite formation, three miles in circumference at the base. Fishing, hiking, and nature study are available in this virtually undeveloped park area. Stone Mountain is located in Alleghany and Wilkes Counties.

Hiking Trails

Easy Trails

Moses Cone Memorial Park (MP 294) - near Blowing Rock on the Parkway. The park offers 25 miles of easily graded paths also popular for cross-country skiing.

Julian Price Park (MP 297) - near Blowing Rock on the Parkway. Easy hikes include the Price Lake Trail that circles the lake and the Green Knob Trail, which is 2 miles long.

Linville Falls/Linville Gorge (MP 317) - on the Parkway. A number of trails lead to the head of the falls with views of the cataract and the Gorge Wilderness Area. The Parkway has a trail head leading to the Falls and another trail head just off the Kistler Hwy. Four miles down the highway is Wiseman’s View Trail, with one of the most awesome views of the Gorge. Also a good place to see Brown Mountain Lights.

The Cascades on the Parkway (MP 272) - is a trail of about a half-mile to a series of cascading waterfalls. It is located about 3.5 miles north of the Parkway intersection with US 421 at Deep Gap.

The Beacon Heights Trail and Flat Rock Nature Trail (MP 305) - are both within 4 miles of Linville, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Beacon Heights Trail is a 15-minute trail leading to fine views of Grandfather and the piedmont below. To the south, is the Flat Rock Nature Trail and Overlook which looks down into the Linville River Valley.

Crabtree Falls (MP 339) - on the Parkway is about 6 miles south of Little Switzerland. The walk down to the falls is about a mile.

Moderate Trails

Roan Mountain - on the NC/TN state line. At the last parking area on the Forest Service Road, the Cloudland Trail climbs to an observation deck with a 4,000 foot drop.

Mount Jefferson State Park - located in Ashe County, includes 4,900 foot summit of Mt. Jefferson, from where hikers can view North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. 
Summit Trail - beginning at the parking lot on Mt. Jefferson, the summit trail passes through the picnic ground and ascends .3 miles to the peak of Mt. Jefferson.
Rhododendron Trail - a moderate 1.1 mile trail that starts near the end of the summit trail.

Doughton Park Trails - located in Ashe County near Laurel Springs has over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from moderate strolls to day-long outings.  Call 336-372-8877

Linville Gorge (MP 317) - on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Across the Gorge from Wiseman’s View the trail climbs 1 mile to the Table Rock summit. Great views into the Gorge.

Julian Price park (MP 297) - on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Boone Fork Trail is a 5 mile hike.

Grandfather Mountain - Black Rock Cliffs Cave Trail is 1.3 miles to a cave with fine views. The Grandfather Trail Extension has a 2.5 mile round trip to views of the valley. Crag Way and Daniel Boone Scout Trail form a view loop hike over rocky crags. A permit is required. For a free map write Backcountry manager/Grandfather Mtn., Linville, NC 28646.

Wilson Creek Trails - in Pisgah National Forest near NC 181. About 6 trails in this area require an hour to hike and lead to views, waterfalls and cliffs.

Challenging Hikes

Linville Gorge (MP 317) - on the Parkway. Several trails drop sharply into the Gorge, making the climb rugged. A permit is required and is available from the US Forest Service in Marion or at the Linville Falls Texaco on US 221.

Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather trail- begins at the Mile High Swinging Bridge and eventually hits all of Grandfather's three highest peaks.  This 2.4 mile trail requires approximately 5 hours of hiking time to travel the entire length.  It's extremely rugged with only wooden ladders making some sheer cliff faces accessible.   It intersects with several other trails at its northern terminus.  A serious trail for serious hikers only!   A permit with a nominal fee is required.

Wilson Creek Trails - in the Pisgah National Forest. Several trails near Linville Gorge are 4 to 6 hour hikes through vegetation with rugged rock formations to waterfalls.

Appalachian Trail - crosses Roan Mtn., Hump Mtn., and Yellow Mtn., all known for their large expanse of mountain-top meadows with distant views. Trail heads are in Elk Park and at Carver’s Gap on Roan.

Waterfalls

Mitchell Falls - 40 feet, at Mt. Mitchell State Park on NC 128 at MP 355 on the Blue Ridge parkway.

Crabtree Falls - 60 feet, at a Visitor Center at MP 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A 30 minute walk along a nature trail leads to the falls.

Linville Falls - A series of two falls, upper at 12 feet and lower at 90 feet, plunge into the 2,000 foot deep Linville Gorge. Parking area at MP 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A one-mile round trip hike leads to the Falls.

Elk River Falls - 85 feet, about 2 miles north of Elk Park on a secondary road. Also can hike in from SR 1308 near Heaton on NC 194 between Elk Park and Banner Elk

Laurel Creek Falls - 85 feet, just past Cove Creek/Sugar Grove on US 321 at Laurel Creek Road before Cove Creek joins the Watauga River. Can hike to it from US 321.

Boone Fork Trail Falls - 25 feet, on Boone Fork Trail leading from the picnic area at Julian Price Park, MP 295 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock.

Glen Burney Falls - 75 feet, in John's River Gorge off the Globe Road below Blowing Rock.

The Cascades - Series of three cascading falls, 30 to 40 feet in height, at Jefferson Park, MP 272 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Self-guided nature trail of one-mile round trip leads from a picnic area.

Mystery Hill
Scenic optical illusions and natural phenomena. Located on Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. Open all year. Summer - Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.Winter - Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. 828-264-2792

Mountain Music

Mountain Music Jamboree - featuring genuine traditional music, dance and food. A place where children still dance with the old folks. Open Saturday 7 - 11 p.m.
Located in Glendale Springs, NC - 800-803-4079 or 336-384-4079

Gem Mining

Emerald Village
Gemstone mining, underground mine tours, mining museum, two locations in Little Switzerland, NC. 828-765-6463 open April 1 - Nov. 30 and 828-765-8687 open year round.

Gem Mountain
Gemstone mining, free inspection of stones, gem cutting and jewelry making, open 7 days, March - December, located between Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway on Hwy. 226, NC. 828-765-6130 or 888-817-5829.

Greater Foscoe Mining Company
Find emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethyst, garnet, topaz and many  more, all yours to keep. Open 7 days, 9 - 6, full service jewelry store.
Located on Hwy. 105-S in Foscoe, NC, 7.7 miles south of Boone - 828-963-5928 or 828-963-8724

Country Stores / Crafts / Shopping

Mast General Store - Established in 1883, the Mast General Store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best representations of an old country store. Two locations: Historic site in Valle Crucis - 828-963-6511, open Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.; and the annex store in downtown Boone - 828-262-0000, open Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Todd General Store - Established in 1914, recapture a time when life was simple and genuine. Meet the mountain folks and listen to tales of the railroad days when Todd was the largest town in Watauga and Ashe Counties. Located 11 miles North of Boone off Hwy. 194, overlooking the South Fork of the New River on Railroad Grade Road, the most scenic bike route in NC. 828-877-1067

The Orchard at Altapass - Historic Orchard at Altapass (founded in 1907) on Orchard Road, MP 328.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open late May to early November. Fresh baked goods, homemade fudge, ice cream, sundries, crafts made locally, tours, hay rides, history, tall tales, live local music, craft demonstrations and fresh apples in season. 828-765-9531

Parkway Craft Center - at Moses Cone Manor, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 294. For nearly 50 years, the Southern Highland Craft Guild has showcased here, the best crafts from a nine-state region...weaving, basketry, pottery, woodcarving, glass and metal work. Open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. May - October and 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. other months, call to verify. 828-295-7938

J & S Beaumont Pottery - created on site, visitors may view turning, glazing and decorating processes from a special area created just for them only a few feet away. Adjacent to the manufacturing rooms is the retail store, where many items can be purchased. Located in the Red School House behind Mast General Store, Hwy. 194, Valle Crucis. Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 828-963-6399

Shoppes on the Parkway - 35 factory outlets located on Hwy. 321 in Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-4444 or 800-720-6728

Northwest Trading Post - mountain crafts, antiques, jellies, relishes, hams, and baked goods. Open April 15 - October 31, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 259, Glendale Springs, NC. 336-982-2543

Cabin Fever - a complete collection of log cabin and vacation home furnishings.
Located at 915 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-0520

Christmas in Blowing Rock - unusual gifts, exquisite ornaments, handcrafted collectibles, and scrumptious james and jellies. Located on Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC. Open year round. 828-295-9696

High Country Candles - refillable candles for all occasions, carved by the Ziegler family.
Located in the Old Martin House, Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-9655

Fred's General Mercantile - located at 501 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC
Open 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., 828-387-4838

The Bob Timberlake Gallery at Blowing Rock - the gallery showcases Bob's artwork, personal memorabilia, home furnishings and accessories.
Located on Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC - 800-244-0095 or 828-295-4855

Charleston Forge Outlet - offering wrought iron furniture handcrafted in the mountains of NC. Unusual home accessories, fireplace accessories, and patio furniture.
Located in Boone, NC on Hwy. 105 Extension - 828-262-0096

DeWoolfson Down - merchants of the finest down and silk bedding products. Located on Hwy. 105 in Banner Elk, NC. 828-963-4144 or 800-833-3696

Wilcox Emporium Warehouse, Inc. - shop the entire "High Country" under one roof. Over 240 merchants of antiques, art, collectibles and more. Open year round.
Located on Howard Street in downtown Boone, NC. 828-262-1221

The Cabin Store - rustic furnishings and accessories to compliment any mountain decor. Located in downtown W. Jefferson, open Mon - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
336-246-5647

Ashe County Cheese, Inc.
North Carolina’s only cheese factory, free tour, founded in 1930; open daily 8:30 - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday, located in W. Jefferson, NC. 336-246-2501.

Blue Ridge Mountain Frescoes
Frescoe paintings by artist, Ben Long, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church located in W. Jefferson, NC and Holy Trinity Church located in Glendale Springs, NC. Free. 336-982-3076