The Official Guide: Places to See and Explore...
Blue Ridge Parkway Travel the “All-American Road.” The Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect way to see the mountains in the Boone area. The toll-free Parkway winds from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Readers of Southern Living rate it their favorite “Scenic Drive.” It is by far the most popular facility within America’s entire National Park System. The Blue Ridge Parkway extends for 469 miles, running along the mountain ridges of North Carolina and Virginia, but the best stretch for scenery and activity is right here in the Boone area. In this vicinity, you will find some of the best hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take you to the summits of Rich Mountain and Flat Top Mountain. For the adventuresome, the Tanawha Trail crosses some of the most environmentally sensitive terrain at Linn Cove Viaduct at Milepost 304.4. The Linn Cove Viaduct is the “world’s only bridge built from the top down (meaning no heavy equipment was put on the face of the mountain, in order to protect the mountain ecology), through the use of specially equipped construction helicopters.” A marvel in the science of engineering, The Linn Cove Viaduct was the final link in the construction of the Parkway, having opened in 1987.
Linville, NC 33401 US 221 @ Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 305 (800) 468-7325 www.grandfather.com “Carolina’s Top Scenic Attraction” is found just 19 miles southwest of Boone. At 5,964 feet, Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can cross the highest swinging foot bridge in America. Hike a dozen miles of the South’s best alpine trails or just relax and picnic. Grandfather Mountain is one of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world—recognized by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. There are 47 rare and endangered species who call Grandfather Mountain home. Southern Living magazine recognized Grandfather Mountain as the top “Spring Break” getaway in the South. Open daily weather permitting except Thanksgiving & Christmas.
(828) 295-7938 - Blowing Rock, NC 28605 The park, once a 3,500 acre estate, was donated by Moses H. Cone and now includes 26 miles of horse and carriage trails, which are also used for hiking, cross-country skiing and a deer park, with fishing in Bass Lake. Or just sit a spell in the rocking chairs on the covered porch and enjoy the view. A Parkway Craft Center is open inside the original Manor House. Adjacent to this property is the Julian Price Memorial Park, a former retreat of a Greensboro insurance executive. It offers a variety of short trails and fishing and canoeing on Price Lake.
US 221, 4 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Linville & Marion (828) 756-4171 or (800) 419-0540 www.linvillecaverns.com At the head of the beautiful Linville Valley on US 221, North Carolina’s only caverns lie deep under Humpback Mountain. During the War Between the States, deserters from both the Union and Confederate armies reportedly hid out in the caverns. Walk along an underground stream full of blind trout and peer into the “bottomless pool.” This subterranean wonderland is open year-round (weekends only Dec.-Feb.)
The Orchard at Altapass
(828) 264-9061 or (800) 526-5740 P.O. Box 388, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 www.tweetsie.com Tweetsie is a blast from the past! Enjoy a three-mile adventure ride on a historic steam locomotive, country fair rides, crafts and live entertainment. OpenMay-October.
The Blowing Rock North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction. Beautiful short scenic walk with a garden waterfall, gardens, observation tower and unique gift shops. Open daily March-December and open weekends January-February, weather permitting.
Mystery Hill Also on the property is the Appalachian Heritage Museum, located in the restored 1903 Dougherty House, which portrays life more than a century ago. It adjoins the Native American Artifacts Museum, where more than 50,000 authentic artifacts are on display, one of the largest collections of its kind anywhere. Open year-round.
Daniel Boone Native Gardens & Hickory Ridge Homestead Hickory Ridge Homestead is an 18th century living history museum, which depicts the daily lives of our mountain ancestors. Interpreters in period clothing provide visitors with a special glimpse into pioneer life and culture. The staff also conducts an impressive assortment of children’s educational programs and camps.
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