Boone North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Boone, North Carolina.
1. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
FAMILY-OWNED MINING ADVENTURE
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine has been family owned and operated for generations in the beautiful High Country of North Carolina. Visitors can experience the thrill of mining for gems in a mountain community setting. The mine offers a hands-on adventure that's perfect for families looking for a unique outdoor activity.
2. The Cascades Trail
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
The Cascades Trail offers a beautiful short hike that rewards visitors with stunning waterfall views. The trail is easy enough for both children and adults to navigate while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Hikers will experience amazing vistas along this popular trail in Boone's High Country.
3. Appalachian Mountain Brewery
CRAFT BEER & COMMUNITY
Appalachian Mountain Brewery provides a relaxed taproom setting with a variety of beers, ciders, and live music. The brewery features outdoor seating, a dedicated kids' area, and a permanent food truck serving pizza for hungry visitors. It's an enjoyable destination for groups and families looking to experience local craft beverages in a community atmosphere.
4. Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf
FAMILY FUN OUTDOORS
Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf offers a delightful putt-putt experience in the scenic mountains of Boone. The course provides entertainment for visitors of all ages with its creative layout and mountain backdrop. It's a perfect activity for families looking for outdoor recreation that doesn't require strenuous hiking.
5. The Greenway Trail
PEACEFUL URBAN PATH
The Greenway Trail offers visitors and locals a scenic path that winds through Boone's natural areas. This well-maintained trail provides opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking while connecting various parts of the town. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the peaceful escape within an urban setting that showcases the area's natural beauty.
6. Turtle Island Preserve
TRADITIONAL LIVING EXPERIENCE
Turtle Island Preserve offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Appalachian living skills and sustainable practices. Visitors can explore this educational center that teaches self-reliance, primitive skills, and harmony with nature. The preserve provides a glimpse into simpler times through hands-on activities and demonstrations in a beautiful mountain setting.
7. Booneshine Brewing Company
LOCAL BREWS & ATMOSPHERE
Booneshine Brewing Company serves up craft beers in a welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of the High Country. The brewery offers a selection of handcrafted beverages along with a menu of food options to complement their drinks. Visitors can enjoy the indoor taproom or outdoor seating area while savoring locally-inspired brews.
8. Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
COLONIAL LIFE REENACTED
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum transports visitors back to the 18th century with authentic cabins and period-dressed interpreters. The museum showcases early Appalachian frontier life through demonstrations of traditional crafts and daily activities. Visitors gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of colonial settlers in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
9. Blue Ridge Parkway
AMERICA'S FAVORITE DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes near Boone. Visitors can soak in panoramic mountain views along this scenic byway that showcases the natural beauty of the Appalachians. Local favorites include the Rough Ridge Trail for its breathtaking sunrise vistas and the Beacon Heights Overlook for stunning sunsets.
10. Grandfather Mountain
MILE HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE
Grandfather Mountain is home to the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge that offers visitors spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. The nature preserve features wildlife habitats where guests can observe black bears, cougars, and otters in naturalistic environments. Hiking trails of various difficulty levels wind through this iconic mountain that stands as one of the region's most recognized natural landmarks.
11. Mast General Store
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN MERCANTILE
Mast General Store offers a nostalgic shopping experience with its old-fashioned candy barrels, outdoor gear, and Appalachian crafts. The historic mercantile has been serving the community since 1883 with a unique mix of practical goods and mountain souvenirs. Visitors can browse through everything from hiking equipment to locally-made jams while experiencing a piece of High Country heritage.
12. Mystery Hill
NATURAL GRAVITATIONAL WONDER
Mystery Hill features a natural gravitational anomaly where water appears to flow uphill and visitors can stand at impossible angles. The attraction includes the Hall of Mystery, Appalachian Heritage Museum, and Native American Artifacts Museum for an educational experience. Families can spend hours exploring the various exhibits and interactive science demonstrations that challenge perceptions of reality.
13. Linville Caverns
UNDERGROUND MOUNTAIN MARVEL
Linville Caverns invites visitors to explore North Carolina's only show caverns with fascinating limestone formations. The underground world features stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground stream that houses blind trout. Guided tours provide interesting historical information about the caverns' discovery and use during the Civil War while showcasing the natural wonders formed over millions of years.
14. Howard Knob
BOONE'S HIGHEST PEAK
Howard Knob stands as one of the highest peaks in Boone, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region. Visitors can hike to the summit for spectacular vistas of the town and surrounding mountains. The park at Howard Knob provides picnic areas where families can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the High Country from an elevated perspective.
15. Horn in the West
REVOLUTIONARY OUTDOOR DRAMA
Horn in the West presents North Carolina's oldest revolutionary war outdoor drama in a beautiful mountain amphitheater. The theatrical production tells the story of settlers who came to the Blue Ridge Mountains seeking freedom during the American Revolution. Performances run during summer months, offering visitors a chance to experience regional history through professional acting, authentic costumes, and special effects.