NC Mountains

The mountain scenery alone will take your breath away. You’ll see it everywhere you go. Just look off to the distance, and you’re certain to see the kind of spectacular views you won’t see back home in the cities and suburbs. From thrilling waterfalls to quiet woodland glens, just being here is an out-of-the-ordinary adventure.

And the historic New River is not to be missed. Dedicated as a US National Scenic River in 1976, the New River flows gently through the High Country, lazily finding its way through the valleys and mountain passes and offering excellent opportunities for great trout and bass fishing, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, swimming and good old-fashioned camping.

A drive along any section of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway wouldn't’t be complete without a picnic lunch enjoyed under the shade of a tree overlooking some of the most spectacular high-elevation vistas you’ll find anywhere in the world. Explore the overlooks and hiking paths, its a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature, the range of terrain, and some downright glorious sunrises and sunsets, be sure to pack your binoculars and camera.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, we’we've got the makings for every vacation adventure you can possibly imagine. No matter what your level of experience, you’we'll find hiking trails that range from low-stress easy walks in the woods to very strenuous and physically challenging tests of endurance. Mountain creeks and rivers offer unlimited opportunities for swimming and rafting, whether you want a lazy inner-tube float down a cool river, or a fast-paced whitewater experience that you won’t soon forget. By land or by water, the High Country offers terrific great adventure options whether you travel by foot, by bicycle, by mountain bike, by canoe, or even by hang gliding, para-sailing, or ballooning.

In addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the New River State Park, you can explore the Pisgah National Forest, Roan Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Julian Price Memorial Park, the Moses Cone Manor, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, and Linville Caverns. And a trip to the High Country wouldn't’t be complete without a visit to the famous Blowing Rock and its legendary story of true love, which to this day explains why snow here falls upside-down in winter.

Speaking of winter, the High Country offers terrific winter activities like skiing, snow boarding and much, much more at six great locations: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Cataloochee Ski Area, Ski Beech Resort, Ski Sapphire Valley, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Wolf Ridge Resort.

From Spring to Fall of the year, you and your children can share a great Wild West adventure and maybe even a visit with Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s original family theme park.

For those who prefer small-town country charm, there’s plenty to see and do in Jefferson, West Jefferson, Boone, and Blowing Rock, including art galleries that feature unique handmade crafts and fine art by some of the area’s most interesting resident artists. Take in a Gallery Stroll on a summer evening, enjoy a fine amateur production by the Ashe County Little Theatre, and have a delicious meal at one the area’s numerous unique restaurants. See how many outdoor murals you can find on downtown West Jefferson buildings, and visit the Farmers & Artisans Market for some special homegrown treats. As a University of North Carolina’s member institution, Appalachian State University in Boone offers a wide range of athletic, artistic, and intellectual activities open to your participation.

There’s so much to see and do in the NC Mountains.