Boone and Blowing Rock are two small neighboring mountain towns in North Carolina. Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, these two along with Banner Elk, Valle Crucis, and West Jefferson Offer abundant outdoor opportunities. They are known for their serene beauty, unique cultural opportunities, quaint downtowns and abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and more. Sometimes it can be difficult to narrow down what to do. So, we’ve done it for you. These are our favorite outdoor things to do near Boone NC and Blowing Rock NC.
Hit The Parkway
This has got to be at the top of the list! This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone NC through Blowing Rock NC down to Linville NC is absolutely amazing. There are so many sights to see, from Cascades Waterfall to a fun relaxing hike under a canopy of green at Goshen Creek. There’s Price Park and the Boone Creek Trail to Hebron Rock Colony, and then just down the road, the lake loop at Price Lake is a great little walk. Further south is Rough Ridge, Linn Cove Viaduct, and Beacon Heights, and then a must in Linville is Linville Falls. These are our favorite hikes and sights on the Parkway but there are countless opportunities in between!
Rent Mountain Bikes from Boone Bike and Go Mountain Biking at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
Boone Bike & Touring is a local bike shop in Boone, North Carolina. Stop here for a bike rental, then make your way to the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park for some mountain biking fun! The Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is a 185-acre country park in Boone. It is easily one of the top parks in Boone NC. If you need some excitement and exercise you should visit!
Definitively one of the top things to do near Boone NC this place features five main biking trails, a playground for people of all ages, and a picnic pavilion available for rent. Moderate to intermediate riders are welcome to traverse these trails.
Go Canoeing, Kayaking, or Paddle Boarding on Price Lake
If you want to explore exhilarating waterfront activities, head to Price Lake in Boone, North Carolina. Price Lake is part of the 4300-acre Julian Price Memorial Park in North Carolina. At the lake, visitors can rent out canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and even fishing tackle if they are in the mood for some fishing! Go canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding, or take your time to explore the peaceful waters and the natural beauty of this lake. This is a great place to go camping too but be sure to make your reservations early!
Pet llamas, Goats, and Pigs at Apple Hill Farm
Apple Hill Farm is a family-owned working farm in northwestern North Carolina. They offer education-guided walking tours around the farm all year round, where you can experience how real working farms operate and meet the many animals they house. You may even get the chance to pet alpacas, llamas, goats, pigs, and other animals they raise at the farm!
Rent a Tube from RiverGirl Fishing Company and Float Down the New River
The RiverGirl Fishing Company is located in the quaint town of Todd, 11 miles north of Boone. They operate as a fishing outfitter and guide service, where you can rent out fishing gear, kayaks, canoes, bikes, and other outdoor gear. They also offer tubing trips along the New River in North Carolina. Leave the paddles and jump into one of the floating inner tubes as it carries you downriver. Additionally, their tubes even come with backrests and cup holders so you can have a truly relaxing experience on the waters.
See the Sights at Grandfather Mountain State Park, including the Mile-High Swinging Bridge
The Grandfather Mountain State Park is a natural recreational park located just 13 miles south of Boone in North Carolina. Here you can explore the scenic beauty of wildlife habitats. Explore amazing biodiversity, go hiking across the trails, and even check out the park’s many hands-on exhibits.
The park is known for the Mile High Swinging Bridge. This 228-foot suspension bridge is built at the elevation of around 1 mile (hence the name!). We also love visiting the zoo at the park.
Ski or Snowboard at Beech Mountain Resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain, or Sugar Mountain Resort
In the winter, you will find plenty of opportunities to go winter skiing and snowboarding around Boone and Blowing. Beech Mountain Resort is one of the most popular North Carolina ski resorts, known for housing the highest skiing areas in the state.
Similarly popular is the Appalachian Ski Mountain, a family-friendly ski resort and icing rink perfect for beginners and experts alike. You can also visit the Sugar Mountain Resort. This is the largest ski resort in North Carolina. These don’t just have winter activities. There are summer activities here as well. You can go mountain biking on their trails, you can play around of golf at Sugar and Beech, and even ride the lifts for epic views.
Zipline at Sky Valley Zip Tours
Sky Valley is a zip-line adventure park in North Carolina. They offer three varieties of zip line tours. A Canopy Tour designed for adults and kids over the age of 12 will take you over cascading waterfalls, a Kid Zip zipline tour for smaller kids, and a Night Flight tour takes place after dark on select weekends.
Ride Down the Mountain on an Alpine Coaster through Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Family-owned and family-operated, the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a polar alpine coaster that runs across 3,170 feet of track line, including 3 circular roops, a series of waves, and twists and turns. If you want to spend the day exploring the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or perhaps partake in a thrilling experience, this is where you want to be.
Fish at Broyhill Park
Broyhill Park is a 9.4-acre public park located at Blowing Rock in North Carolina. The park has several amenities, including a basketball court, picnic shelters, picnic tables, a playground, walking paths, and grills. This is simply a relaxing park you can head to for some calm and quiet after a long day with friends or family. It is one of the top-recommended things to do in Blowing Rock.
Watch the Sunrise at Thunder Hill Overlook for Sweeping Blue Ridge Parkway Views
Thunder Hill Overlook is located on the outskirts of Blowing Rock at milepost 290.4 in North Carolina. It is a hotspot for locals and tourists, offering wide-sweeping views of the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway. you can trek to the overlook during the evening and watch the sunset. Even the nighttime view is stunning as you will see plenty of stars away from the city lights! For those that enjoy a sunrise this is definitely worth waking up for and is one of the top things to do near Boone NC
Check out the Linville Caverns to see Stalactites and Stalagmites
The Linville Caverns are a section of limestone caverns in North Carolina, an ideal destination for young and adult explorers. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Humpback Mountain and the splendor it has created inside as well. There are guided tours inside the subterranean caverns so you can explore the stalactites and stalagmites.
The Banner Elk Stables offer horseback riding services for the entire family year-round. You can take a guided horseback ride through the glorious Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for people of all ages, from beginners to experienced riders alike.
These rides are headed by professional and experienced guides who will not only help you find the perfect horse for your ride but will also offer information about the region’s history, local wildlife, and more.
Go Whitewater Rafting with High Mountain Expeditions
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, High Mountain Expeditions have several outdoor activities, including whitewater reading, caving, and hiking, for you to enjoy. You can enjoy rafting across the Nolichucky River, Watauga River, and rugged Wilson Creek.
Get Outside In The High Country NC
There you go; now you know the outdoor things to do near Boone NC and Blowing Rock NC. You will find plenty of outdoor fun to do in these areas. If you are unsure where to start, check out our list above!
