High Country Hiatus

(Left to right) Bare Dark Sky Observatory; Kayaks at Dusty Trails Outfitters & The Mile-High Swinging Bridge on top of Grandfather Mountain.

Seven mountainous counties create this lofty northwest border of the state. Within these counties, Mount Mitchell, Mount Craig, and Balsam Cone—three of the five tallest peaks west of the Mississippi—each exceed 6,500 feet in elevation. With higher altitudes come comfortable summers, drawing outdoor enthusiasts seeking to scale mountains, paddle rivers, and zip over mountain bike trails. 

Outdoorsy Adventures
With seven locations of the NC Parks Division within the High Country, its natural beauty is easily accessible. One of these, New River State Park, celebrates a peaceful river that winds through the highland landscape. Despite its name, the New River has flowed 10 to 360 million years, making it one of the oldest rivers in the world. To get on the water and explore this ancient river, rent canoes from Dusty Trails Outfitters at the park’s US 221 Access. From there you can paddle the wide, shallow river as it meanders through the countryside.  

In Alleghany County, a visit to Stone Mountain State Park isn’t complete without a hike to its 600-foot granite dome. Along Stone Mountain Loop, hikers can stop at Stone Mountain Falls before reaching the unique rock summit.

For panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain. The bridge, along with the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, are attractions at Grandfather Nature Park. The adjacent Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses 2,456 acres and 13 miles of hiking trails. One of these trails, the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, leads to the top of the mountain.

Beyond state parks, you’ll find many more ways to get outdoors. Mountain bikers will feel right at home at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park in Boone. With plenty of chances to test your skills on the park’s 18-track loop, you’ll have a blast barreling along 10-plus miles of trails through rocky woodland. 

If you’ve wondered what the night sky looks like without the glare of streetlights, you can find out at Earth to Sky Park, located outside of Burnsville. One of the tate’s three designated International Dark-Sky Association locations, the park’s community nights allow visitors to peek into the heavens through one of the powerful telescopes at Bare Dark Sky Observatory.

Refreshments and Retail Therapy
You can take a different type of adventure with Frog Holler Wine Tours. Along the way, you’ll visit four vineyards in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area, the largest and oldest AVA within the state. Depending on the vineyards you choose to visit, you could sip viognier on a patio overlooking rows of grape vines or enjoy a glass of traminette on a porch with river views.

Although downtown Spruce Pine continues to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene, you can soak in the town’s charm and support its resilience at its standout restaurants and shops on Oak Street. You’ll find quirky spots like Appalachian Hat Company & Mad Hatter Tavern, a mashup of libations and handmade hats. Out front, the business’s own food truck, The Mad Platter, serves pizza specials like the Caprese with a pesto base, vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic drizzle. 

In addition to dozens of juice and smoothie options, Bueno Blends serves fresh, from-scratch Mexican dishes like tostadas topped with carnitas. After your meal, shop at Burnette’s Country Store for shoes, T-shirts, home goods, and sturdy Amish furniture. Two doors down, Toe River Arts’ exhibitions showcase the vibrant mountain art scene. A 15-minute drive takes you to Penland School of Craft where you can take a self-guided tour of the world-renowned campus. 

Home Comforts
The historic Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast near picturesque West Jefferson provides a welcoming spot to stay with mountain views. The cozy cabins and wooded grounds of Mt. Mitchell Eco Retreat make a great landing pad for your exploration of the High Country’s southern counties. 

Resources
Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce (336) 372-5473; alleghanycountychamber.com
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce (336) 846-9550; ashechamber.com
Avery County Chamber of Commerce (828) 898-5605; averycounty.com
Explore Boone (828) 266-1345; exploreboone.com
Explore Burnsville (828) 682-7413; exploreburnsville.com
Discover Mitchell County (828) 688-2139; discovermitchellnc.com
Wilkes County TDA (336) 838-3951; wilkescountytourism.com

New River State Park
358 New River State Park Rd., Laurel Springs
(336) 982-2587; ncparks.gov

Dusty Trails Outfitters
5616 Garvey Bridge Rd., Crumpler
(336) 977-8375; dustytrailsoutfitters.com

Stone Mountain State Park
3042 Frank Pkwy., Roaring Gap
(336) 957-8185; ncparks.gov

Grandfather Nature Park
2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville
(828) 733-4337; grandfather.com

Grandfather Mountain State Park 
9872 N.C. 105 S., Ste. 6, Banner Elk

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