9 Exceptional Restaurants in Boone NC

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Boone NC? Look no further! We've put together a list of nine amazing dining experiences. Boone has a wide range of restaurants that can satisfy your food cravings and budget..

We have dined at these restaurants in Boone NC during our visits and have enjoyed eating all all of them. We list the restaurants in order based on our personal preferences.  

To set the stage, we enjoy casual dining, but in a more refined atmosphere. We like many types of food, but we especially like restaurants that offer unique dishes or a special take on southern favorites..

If they use local and fresh ingredients, even better!

Vidalia - Our Top Pick

Address: 831 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Vidalia in downtown Boone NC, checks all our boxes, making it our favorite choice for the best restaurants in Boone NC.    

Vidalia isn't huge, but not small either. The dining area is casual, yet airs a level of more sophisticated dining. There is a bar, and the kitchen is open, which we always appreciate. It's nice to see how the food is being prepared, and always enjoyable to watch the chefs perform their food magic.

We arrived for our reservations and only had to wait a few minutes for a table near the open kitchen area. Normally we prefer to sit at the bar, but chose a table this time so we could get some good food photos. Our server was excellent, providing suggestions and being available when needed, but not overbearing..

Drinks and Appetizers

We started off with a couple of their drink specials and the Nosh Plate as an appetizer. The Nosh Plate has 3 small bowls, one with lemon garlic hummus, one with in-house pimento cheese, and the third with house-smoked NC trout spread. On the side is grilled sourdough break, celery sticks, cucumber for dipping.

All three were fantastic, but that Trout Spread ... some of the best we've had, and we've had some amazing NC Trout spreads during our travels.

We munched on our Nosh plate, and fought over the Trout spread. We read over the menu, which is unique. Vidalia has many of your favorite comfort foods, but with their own unique twist, which we love. They also have some unique dishes as well.

Main Entrees

https://www.vidaliaofboonenc.com/We settled on the Shrimp and Grits (Larry) and the Yellow Fin Tuna (Jenn). Our server, Beatrice recommended both.  

I'm a shrimp and grits fanatic, and if it's on the menu at a new restaurant, I almost always order it. I've tried many shrimp and grits dishes over the years and would consider myself a bit of a shrimp and grits expert.

Vidalia's Shrimp and Grits guilford grits with medium-sized shrimp. Smoked Tasso ham, mushrooms, spinach, and a white wine sauce with herbs and chili threads are in the bowl. The sauce in shrimp and grits is the deal breaker, and the creamy white wine pan sauce was really nice, with a wonderful flavor. The smoked Tasso ham really complimented the dish to both add texture and a smoky flavor. Overall, it was excellent and very fresh tasting.

Jenn ordered the Yellowfin Tuna, which is bonito flake and nori encrusted tuna, sriracha pork cracklins, pea flower infused heirloom Santee gold rice, sesame seaweed salad, muddy pond sorghum hoison sauce, sriracha yum yum sauce, and hoison caviar.  

The Yellowfin Tuna was a beautiful dish, and the pea flower made the rice blue, which made the dish look really colorful. If Sushi isn't your cup of tea, then this would not be dish for you, but if you love Sushi or rare fish like we do, this dish was delightful.

Dessert

They make their desserts in-house, and we had to try to them. We ordered the Banana Pudding, and chocolate torte. Both were fantastic. The Banana Pudding was unique with a presentation I've never seen before, but I loved it!   

Final Thoughts on Vidalia

Everything was excellent at Vidalia. The food is superb, and staff members are all friendly and hardworking. Local ingredients are so fresh and they are very charitable for local causes.

They offer a variety of small plate options, with something for everyone. The menu is constantly changing, offering new and inventive dishes each week. Vidalia has an extensive craft beer list that pairs perfectly with the unique flavors that their kitchen provides.

Mint Cuisine of India

Address: 203 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC 28607

We love Indian food. If you've never tried you, you really should. Out of all the Indian restaurants we've tried, Mint Cuisine in Boone NC is our favorite.. 

Mint Cuisine of India is located right off Highway 321 through Boone NC, and has a large dining room with indoor seating and a bar. The staff is professional and friendly, and the service is excellent. We are pretty sure we've never had a empty dish on the table for more than a minute.   

The menu is huge and they offer a ton of unique items, from appetizers, to entrees, and deserts. We enjoy many Indian dishes, from full vegetarian options to meat and seafood items. We've eaten enough Indian food over the years know our favorites and they are Tiki Masala Chicken and Paag Saneer.

Mint delivers on both staple Indian menu items in a big way, and they are both amazing.

Tiki Masala Chicken is a great Indian dish to start with if you're new to Indian food. To prepare Tiki Masala chicken, they roast and marinate chicken in a spicy sauce.. The sauce is usually creamy and orange-colored because of its tomato base and spices.  

The flavor is sweet with a spicy flavor, and spicy hot depending on your preference. We normally get ours mildly spicy, as Indian spice can be powerful and overwhelming for those not used to it.

Paag Saneer is blocks of Indian cheese cooked in a spinach sauce that reminds us of a lot of creamed spinach, but more spicy tasting and flavorful.

Mint makes both dishes exceptionally creamy with lots of intricate flavors that are absolutely delicious. We always order our food with Garlic Naan as well, one of the most wonderful breads we've ever had.  

If you like Indian food, try Mint Cuisine in Boone NC - We haven't found a better Indian restaurant yet.. 

Come Back Shack

Address: 1521 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607

Most of the restaurants on our list are fairly fancy, offering several unique menu items. Come Back Shack is not one of these restaurants. Come Back Shack is a no frills burger joint that absolutely nails excellent and fast burgers and fries.

It's our go to place for quick and good food when on the run.

What makes Come Back Shack unique is how you order and pick up your food. While there is staff working at the Come Back Shack, you'll hardly see them. You place your order and pay for it online, then run to the restaurant at the estimated time it will be ready to just pick it up. You can either go in and grab your food or go through the drive-through.

There is also limited seating in the dining area.

Come Back Shack uses natural beef, that is never frozen, and hand cut the fries.  They make all items to order and are hot and fresh. Even better? They make almost all their sauces and add-ons in-house, including cole slaw, dressings, pimento cheese, and more..

Our top menu picks are the bacon cheeseburger, fried green tomato burger with in-house pimento cheese, and Ahi Tuna sandwich.. We always get their fries as well. They also have excellent chicken sandwiches, salads, and chicken fingers as well.   

If you want fast food style food, that is fresh, and great tasting, Come Back Shack is the place to go. 

Melanie's on Howard

Address: 173 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607

We had breakfast at Melanie's for the first time during our most recent trip to Boone NC, based on some recommendations we received. This place is absolutely wonderful.

Melanie's is in downtown Boone, on Howard Street. They recently moved from King Street, where they were when we last visited.  

We arrived just as they opened on a Monday morning and parked right out front. Melanie's has both indoor and outdoor seating, and we sat outside on the patio, which was beautifully surrounded by a lovely flower garden. The tables are metal, with umbrella tops.

We started with some coffee, as we looked over the menu, which is full of yummy sounding breakfast and lunch items.    

After spending far too much time trying to decide what to order, we ended up choosing the Trucker's Breakfast and Stuffed French Toast. 

We enjoyed our hot coffee while watching downtown Boone wake-up and come alive. The restaurant staff served our breakfast really quickly, and the portions blew us away. The food looked delicious.

The stuffed French Toast was two large and thickly cut pieces of Stick Boys bread - If you haven't heard of Stick Boys, it's a highly rated local bakery. But back to the French toast, they generously spread the lovely purple raspberry cream cheese over the bread. They toped the dish with fresh fruit and a fruit puree, whip cream and powered sugar.  

The Trucker's Breakfast was very large as well, with homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, eggs, crumbled bacon, and cheese.   

Both were delicious, hot, and well above your normal breakfast fair in both taste and quantity. Melanie's has to be one of our favorite breakfast places we've ever eaten, and that's saying a lot.

You really can't go wrong with breakfast at Melanie's Food Fantasy. The staff was great, the atmosphere and outdoor seating were wonderful, and the food was in a category of its own.  

Melanie's takes some negative press for being pricy, and to be honest, we thought the same at first glance as well.

But after eating there, we're 100% ok with paying more for great food, especially with the amount you get. Definitely well worth the few extra dollars.

We'll be back and hope to try them for lunch on our next visit to Boone.

Over Yonder

UPDATE: Over Yonder has permanently closed since we published this article.

CLOSED - Over Yonder is a wonderful southern restaurant in an old historic home directly across from the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC. Just a few minutes outside of Boone.

We arrived early, browsed Mast General Store for a while, then headed ... ahem ... "over yonder" to grab some lunch.

They have a large gravel parking area, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The old home is gorgeous, with a big front porch with tables, and tables set out in the front yard as well.

The outdoor seating had a wait, so we sat inside, far back in the restaurant and next to an old fireplace at a two top table. Our server came out quickly, went over the specials with us, and headed out to grab some waters for us while we looked over the menu.

The menu isn't large, which we like, but full of interesting and good sounding items. We elected to start with the House-cut Rosemary Chips, which were superb. They seasoned it just enough for good flavor, without being over the top with Rosemary. The buttermilk ranch dressing on the side was excellent and made in-house. 

Choosing entrees was tough, as they had several really great sounding options on the lunch menu.   After some debating, we ended up ordering the Pork Burger and a daily special sandwich and we shared them.

The Pork Burger is a normal menu item and has apple butter, onion jam, napa almond slaw, house pickles, smoked gouda, and comes with house chips. The sandwich special was focaccia bread, with refresh tomatoes, spinach, and an aged cheddar pimento cheese.

Both were great, with lots of complex flavors. Jenn is not a cole slaw fan, so I tried it (remember, I love to try different coleslaw at restaurants). I wasn't a fan - it's not that it wasn't good; it was just not the type of slaw I prefer, and I'll admit, I'm picky with cole slaw.

Overall, the food was excellent, and the service was good as well. Definitely worth the short and beautiful drive from Boone to Over Yonder, and absolutely worth a stop if you visit the Mast General Store before or after.

Coyote Kitchen & Lost Cantina

Address: 200 Southgate Dr, Boone, NC 28607

The Coyote Kitchen & Lost Cantina is in the heart of Boone NC right off the main drag, and is a restaurant we've eaten at several times when visiting Boone. They serve a mix of foods, but specialize in Caribbean Soul Food.

We noticed a significant revision to the indoor portion of the restaurant during our most recent visit, which was surprising. The new layout was more roomy feeling, and offered a larger entry area, a new bar location, and more seating. 

Later on, we discovered the restaurant had new owners who made the changes and renamed it to Coyote Kitchen and Lost Cantina. Before it was just Coyote Kitchen.

Coyote Kitchen offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and when we arrived at 5 pm, there was already a 20-30 minute wait. We chose the first available and waited for about 30 minutes. The host/hostess seated us at a high-top two-top table near the bar and entrance area. Not our preference, but not a poor option either.

Our server promptly came over and headed out to get us some waters while we looked over the drink menu.  We ended up ordering a class of wine, a Margarita, and enjoyed sipping on those while looking over the extensive menu.

The Coyote Kitchen offers salads, burritos, tacos, burgers, bowls, boats, plates, and quesadillas. You can select the type of protein you prefer from different options and select your choice of salsa from several varieties as well. All delicious.

If you are vegetarian, vegan, or require gluten-free options, Coyote Kitchen has plenty of options for you.

We skipped on an appetizer, but had ordered the chips and salsa in the past. Their salsas are excellent, making this familiar and delicious option.

For entrees, we ordered a bowl and tacos. Their bowls are rice, with a protein, some toppings, and a sauce. Jenn ordered a bowl and I ordered the Coyote Tacos. Both entrees were great, with lots of mixed flavors and textures. Both had a little spice to them, but not too much, nor was it overbearing.

After finishing our entrees and drinks, we tried the triple chocolate cake. I'm not a huge chocolate cake fan, but the cake was pretty light and tasted fantastic.

Overall, we once again really enjoyed our meal at Coyote Kitchen. Their offerings are pretty unique for what we're used to in our small town of Waynesville, NC. We just don't have a Caribbean food in the area, so our meal was definitely a delightful treat for us.

Wild Craft

Address: 506 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

During one of our prior visits to Boone NC, for Tweetsie Railroad, a local recommended we try Wild Craft. We loved it. We wanted to eat there again during our most recent visit, but it didn't work out.   

Regardless, Wild Craft is one of our favorite restaurants in Boone NC. They are in the heart of downtown Boone NC, and deliver classic comfort food menu items from all over the United States.   Wild Craft is environmentally friendly and they source use local and fresh ingredients as much as they can.

We arrived at Wild Craft for our reservations around 5:30 pm. The small parking area was full, but we found a spot after circling and around a few times. A better option would be to park out on King Street and walk down.

They offer indoor and outdoor seating, and we sat indoors in their casual dining area. They offered us indoor and outdoor seating, but sat indoors in their casual dining area.

We started looking at the menu and the variety of food pleasantly surprised us. They offer American comfort food items, Asian options, and Mexican food options. They also feature local beef and other locally sourced ingredients.

We ended up ordering the Boonies Pot Pie, Baja Mahi tacos, and the Bolick Farms meatloaf.

The portions were large, but not overly so, and the food was delicious. We couldn't eat it all. Our stomachs were bursting;.

Overall, we really enjoyed our meal at Wild Craft, and loved how unique the menu was. If you are looking for something delicious and a little different, Wild Craft is the place!

Sunrise Grill

Address: 1675 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607

We visited the Sunset Grill for breakfast one morning on our recent trip to Boone NC. They are on the edge of town heading towards Valle Crucis on 105.  

Sunrise Grill isn't super fancy and seems to be a local hangout. Our breakfast was excellent, and they have many options to choose from, including daily specials.

We sipped coffee while looking at the breakfast menu that had many options, like omelettes, waffles, pancakes, sandwiches, and quiche. I love eggs benedict, and they have seven different styles of eggs benedict on their menu!

We ordered two of their specials, a vegetable and feta cheese omelet, and eggs benedict over corned beef hash.  Both came out pretty quickly and were very good. I particularly enjoyed the eggs benedict. 

The coffee and breakfast were very good. Sunrise Grill is a must-visit breakfast spot with a menu that has something for everyone in your group.

Daniel Boone Inn

Address: 130 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607

I hesitate to include Daniel Boone Inn, and not because it isn't fantastic, but because every single "top restaurants in Boone NC" list includes it. But you really can't leave it out to be taken seriously.

 A visit to Daniel Boone Inn not only delivers a historic experience, but great food as well.   Let's be honest, eating there is almost a rite of passage for saying you really visited Boone NC as well.

This historic Inn serves break, lunch and dinner, family style. They cook and serve all of your classic southern favorites, just like at Grandma's house.

We've been wanting to visit for dinner, but just haven't made it there yet. We had breakfast there on one of many visits to the High Country and really enjoyed it. Not our favorite place, but it's definitely one of the best, and worth visiting for the experience.

The restaurant is large, and inside of the historic Inn. The staff dresses up in vintage era clothing and serves food family-style on large dishes. You can eat as much as you want.

 For breakfast, you'll get all the basics, like eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, stewed apples, pancakes, grits and more.  Oh, and did we mention Glazed Cinnamon Biscuits that are frankly out of this world good?

The restaurant walls are full of historic memorabilia from the days of Daniel Boone as well.   

A few very important items to be aware of when visiting:

1. They do not take reservations, and it's first come first serve.  It's a very popular place, so the line can be long.  So bring your patience.
2. They take cash only. That's right, no cards. There is an ATM in the lobby, but it charges a service fee.

Hatchet Coffee Roasters

Address: 150A Den Mac Dr, Boone, NC 28607

For an unforgettable coffee and breakfast experience in Boone NC, be sure to check out Hatchet Coffee Roasters.

It's a great place to start the day by yourself or with friends and family! Enjoy some of the best coffee around and they offer some delicious breakfast and snack items, too. They served all of this up in a clean cafe, with a large and open seating area. 

Hatchet Roasts their own speciality coffee locally, and it is absolutely delicious.

We visited one morning on our recent long weekend in Boone NC, ordered a couple of hot lattes, some avocado toast, and a breakfast burrito.

The avocado toast was huge, with an enormous piece of Stickyboy sourdough bread, covered with avocado, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil and lime.  

The breakfast burrito was vegan, with eggs, cheese, veggie sausage, and tater tots, wrapped up in a flour tortilla. It was delicious. I'm not a huge fan of most veggie sausage, but theirs was excellent, and honestly it was hard to tell the difference from the real thing.

Our Lattes were a traditional Vanilla Latte, and Jenn tried the Lavender Latte, which she absolutely loved. In fact she's still talking about it. The lattes were hot, creamy and not overly sweet.  

We relaxed, ate breakfast and enjoyed our lattes in the large open cafe area. We very much enjoyed Hatchet Coffee, and look forward to returning on our next trip to Boone NC. Highly recommend! 

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Boone NC

And there you have it, fellow foodies! We tasted delicious food in Boone NC and now you know all our favorites!

Boone is full of great dining options, and most definitely a great town for foodies. We're sure there are many other fantastic restaurants that we haven't tried yet and look forward to trying more on our future visits.

Remember, dining out in Boone isn't just about satisfying your hunger; it's about immersing yourself in a community that cherishes good food, good company, and a good dose of mountain charm. These restaurants have tasty food and represent the town's spirit.

So, next time you're in Boone, don't just eat—explore! Explore the flavors, explore the ambiance, and explore the stories behind each exceptional restaurant. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

About Boone NC

Boone, NC is a beautiful mountain town in the "High Country" of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Boone has a wonderful mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, theaters and outdoor activities that make it a great place to live or visit.

From skiing to hiking to waterfalls and scenic drives, Boone is a great destination for anyone looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation.

The history of Boone NC dates back to the early 1800s. They named the town in 1872, in honor of Daniel Boone, who explored the area and influenced the history and establishment of the area in the 1760s.  

Today, Boone is a thriving mountain town with a population of over 17,000 people. The town is home to Appalachian State University, as well as several other colleges and universities. Boone is a popular tourist destination with lots of attractions like Horn in the West, hiking trails, waterfalls, shopping, breweries, and wineries..

Our Picks for the Top 17+ Things to do in Boone NC

Boone NC is full of fun and amazing things do and see. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, skiing, and more.. 

Boone has plenty of options for those who want to unwind. You can shop, listen to live music, attend events, dine in cafes, restaurants, breweries, and wineries, or take a scenic drive..

Boone literally has it all, with tons of charm, great places to stay, and modern conveniences as well.

Experience Horn in the West Outdoor Drama

Since 1952, they have been performing Horn in the West, an outdoor drama in Boone. The show depicts the hardy mountain settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains and their fight for freedom before and during the War for Independence..

They set the drama in the 18th century and features a cast of local actors. They performed the show in a historic outdoor amphitheater in town. The costumes, set design, and music take the audiences back to the 18th century, before the town was formed, creating an immersive experience. Daniel Boone is a prominent figure in the show.

Horn in the West is a family-friendly show that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The show is approximately two hours long with an intermission. They hold performances Tuesday through Saturday evenings from June through August.

Besides the show, there are several other activities to enjoy at Horn in the West. Visitors can explore the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the area. There is also a gift shop on site where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia and a snack bar with drinks and various items to eat.

Horn in the West is a fantastic way to learn about the history of Boone NC and these mountains. If you are planning a trip to the Boone, be sure to check out Horn in the West - you won't want to miss this wonderful show.

We're a little ashamed to admit that we didn't even know this existed until recently and we were kicking ourselves for not finding out about it sooner. The show was amazing. The actors and performers did a fantastic job, and the musical numbers were just stunning. We enjoyed the story, the history, the actors, and the various scenes. The production team really put together a wonderful show..

The story is very informative, entertaining, and moving. We left the show, not only entertained, but with a genuine appreciation for the sacrifice that the pioneers of these mountain communities made to be where we are today.   

Here are some tips for planning your trip to see Horn in the West:

• Book your tickets in advance, especially if you are planning to see a show on a weekend.
• Arrive early so you can explore the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and see the various live exhibits.
• Be prepared for the weather, as they perform the show, rain or shine.
• Bring bug spray - It's an outdoor show and there are mosquitos.
• Hang around after to meet the cast, they are wonderful folks.
• No flash photography is allowed.

Go back in time at a vintage motel

The Blue Ridge Tourist Court Motel is a charming 1950s-style motel located just over a mile from downtown Boone, North Carolina. Guests can experience a unique and nostalgic stay after its loving restoration to its former glory.

The Blue Ridge Tourist Court Motel has 12 rooms, each of which is decorated in a different retro style and color. All the rooms have been updated with modern amenities, but they still keep their vintage charm.

The Blue Ridge Tourist Court Motel is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a unique and affordable place to stay in Boone. The motel is close to everything that Boone offers, and it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Plus, it's just pure fun staying at the Blue Ridge Tourist Court. You'll feel you're back in the 50s.

We stayed for the weekend in a family suite which offered a queen size bed in one room, and two bunks in the other connecting room. This makes for the perfect suite for a family.  

Both rooms have plenty of space, the beds are super comfortable. Bathrooms are retro, yet very comfortable and offer all the modern amenities.

The Blue Ridge Tourist Court is only minutes from all the action as well, as downtown Boone is less than 5 minutes away.

If you are looking for a unique and very memorable stay in Boone, North Carolina, then the Blue Ridge Tourist Court Motel is the perfect place for you. We really enjoyed our stay, and look forward to staying there again when we visit!

Visit Waterfalls near Boone

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to many beautiful waterfalls and there are several that are near Boone NC. We visited both falls during our recent visit to Boone NC, and enjoyed them both.

Crab Orchard Falls

This waterfall is located just outside of Boone NC, in Valle Crucis NC and it is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The hike is about a 1-mile round trip, and moderate in difficulty. There are a few short sections with very steep inclines.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge here, so get to the falls early.  The parking area is shared with a church and wedding/event venue. Pay attention to the signs to be sure you park in the right area.

When we were there, the trail was very muddy and wet as well, which made getting good footing a challenge.  We would definitely recommend a good pair of hiking boots for this trail.

The falls are pretty tall and feature several cascades down over large rocks. As you approach the falls, there is a nice wooden walkway to the base that was built by some eagle scouts. The walkway makes getting the falls much easier.  

We really enjoyed the waterfall and climbed around the large boulders and exploring.

Pro Tip - If you want to get wonderful photos, you'll need to arrive early in the morning. I took the photo above around 10:00am, and the lighting was far too harsh.

Otter Falls

Otter Falls is in Seven Devils, close to Boone and right off the main curvy and steep road up to Seven Devils. The trail to otter falls is a bit more challenging than Crab Orchard Falls, but still moderate.

Otter Falls is about 40 feet high and plunges down a large rock and cliff into a rocky stream blow with lots of small cascades. Otter Falls is really pretty and well worth the hike. It also has a very nice observation deck, and that provides excellent views of the falls.

Other Waterfalls Near Boone NC

These are a few of our favorite waterfalls near Boone NC, but there are more in the area, like Crabtree Falls..

Read More: See our 12+ Waterfalls Near Boone NC

Here are some tips for visiting waterfalls near Boone NC:

• Arrive early to get good parking, the best lighting for photos, and to avoid the crowds
• Be sure to wear footwear. You should wear hiking boots or trail runners while hiking to many waterfalls, as the trails can be slippery and muddy..
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking to waterfalls can be thirsty work, so be sure to stay hydrated.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Waterfalls can be dangerous, so be sure to stay back from the edge and watch your step.
• Leave no trace. Be sure to pack out all of your trash and leave the waterfalls pristine for others to enjoy.

Go Hiking in Boone NC

Boone NC is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, making it a great place for hiking. Here are a few of the best hiking trails near Boone NC:

Elk Knob State Park

This park is home to several hiking trails, including the most popular, the Elk Knob Summit Trail, which is a 3.8-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet.

Because of its length and elevation gains, the trail is challenging. The summit trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Besides the incredible views, we really enjoyed the trail's excellent maintenance.The trail is relatively new, as far as hiking trails go, and the team that built the trail put in lots of natural rock stairs, switchbacks, and scenic views. One of the best maintained trails we've hiked on.

Other Hiking Trails near Boone NC

There are many hiking trails in and around Boone NC, so many, in fact, that we created a dedicated page for hiking trails near Boone.

Learn More: See our guide to Top Hikes Near Boone NC

Here are some tips for hiking near Boone NC:

• Be sure to wear good footwear. It is advisable to wear hiking boots or trail runners as appropriate footwear..
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking can be thirsty work, so be sure to stay hydrated.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Hiking trails can be dangerous, so be sure to stay back from the edge and watch your step.
• Leave no trace. Be sure to pack out all of your trash and leave the trails pristine for others to enjoy.
• Dress in layers and temperature and weather can often vary while hiking.

Walk along Middlefork Greenway Trail

The Middlefork Greenway Trail links Boone and Blowing Rock for pedestrians and cyclists using the Middle Fork River and US 321 corridor.. Once complete, Middlefork Greenway will be 6.5 miles long and will connect with the existing Boone Greenway, creating over 15 miles of contiguous trail.

The Middlefork Greenway Trail is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. The trail has forests, meadows, and wetlands to spot wildlife.

While the trail follows along US 321, it's far enough away in most spots, so that you don't see the road, or hear it too loudly.

There are several access points to the Middlefork Greenway Trail, including:

• Payne Branch Park - This park is in Boone and has a parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables.
• Sterling Creek Park -This park is in Blowing Rock and has a parking lot, restrooms, and a playground.
• Whitener Mountain Road - This access point is between Boone and Blowing Rock and has a small parking area. This is near Mystery Hill.
• 321 Middlefork Greenway Trail Access - There is a nice parking lot here with trail access in both directions, and a nice bridge crossing over the Middle Fork River.   

The Middlefork Greenway Trail is a great place to go for a walk, run, or a bike ride. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing. The trail is a great way to explore nature and the mountains without having to travel far at all. 

Enjoy incredible food

Boone NC is a definitely a foodie town given the number of outstanding restaurants that visitors have to choose from. 

There are many options, many offer delicious and unique cuisine. There are also many cultural food options to experience as well, which we enjoy.

Boone has restaurants to fit many tastes, from super casual to fine dining. Since Boone is home to Appalachian State University, there are also many restaurants that cater to students and young people on a budget, but still delivering excellent food.

Can you say, Come Back Shack? One of our favorites.

Besides the variety of restaurants, Boone also has a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients. This means that many of the restaurants in Boone use fresh, seasonal ingredients that are grown or raised in the surrounding area. This focus on local ingredients helps to ensure that much of the food in Boone is always fresh and flavorful.

Boone is a foodie town with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Vidalia - Our Top Pick! - This unique restaurant locally sources many ingredients for their unique menu, with a mix of modern southern dishes and unique Asian items. The food and service were excellent!
• Coyote Kitchen & Cantina - This Southwestern restaurant offers a unique mix of Mexican and Caribbean cuisine with both indoor and outdoor seating options.  
• Melanie's - This traditional American restaurant offers a wide variety of excellent breakfast items, burgers and sandwiches. They are in the heart of downtown Boone.
• Dan'l Boone Inn - This historic inn features a restaurant that serves up classic American fare with family style dining.  The food and atmosphere are wonderful.  
• Come Back Shack - This unique eatery serves up tasty burgers and fries.  You order online, pickup your food, and enjoy. Simple, delicious, and inexpensive. 

Read More: See our personal picks for the best restaurants in Boone NC

Grab a local brew at Booneshine Brewing Company

Booneshine Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Boone North Carolina. Booneshine Brewing Company offers a variety of craft beers, as well as a full food menu.

The brewery has both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating area is spacious, with plenty of seating at the bar and tables, and is on two different levels. The outdoor seating area is smaller, making it a great place to enjoy a cold beer on a summer evening.

Booneshine Brewing Company offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and more. The brewery also offers a variety of seasonal beers and wines as well for those who may not prefer beer.

They also have a full food menu. The menu features pub fare favorites, as well as more creative dishes. We enjoyed snacking on their pretzel, served with beer cheese, and had a couple of desserts as well. The beer and food were delicious.

When we visited, there was live music, and we really enjoyed hanging out and listening to the live music and drinking some cold local craft beers.

Explore and Shop in historic Downtown Boone

Downtown Boone is a charming historic district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Downtown Boone is also home to the Mast General Store, a well known, historic and popular general store that has pretty much everything.

Downtown Boone is a great place to find unique and locally made gifts. There are many shops selling clothing, jewelry, home goods, and souvenirs. Some of our favorite shops in downtown Boone include:

• Mast General Store - This iconic store has been selling outdoor gear and apparel since 1883.
• Lucky Penny - This trendy boutique offers unique clothing and accessories for all occasions.
• Common Good Company - This shop sells handmade pottery, jewelry, and other local craft items.
• Appalachian Antique Mall -  This shop offers vintage and antique items ranging from furniture to collectibles.

Be sure to explore Howard Street as well, just one block off main.

In addition to shopping, there are many other things to do in downtown Boone:

• Jones House Cultural Center -  This historic house was built in 1875 and serves as an interactive cultural center with changing exhibitions, live music, workshops and classes. 
• See the historic Boone Post Office -  This historic post office was built in 1938 and is a fascinating piece of Boone`s history.
• Enjoy Live Music - Downtown Boone is full of very talented street musicians.  Stop and enjoy some great tunes!
• Doc Watson Mural and Statue -  An iconic statue and mural of legendary folk musician Doc Watson can be found in downtown Boone.  Doc Watson was a frequent visitors to Boone NC and Jones House.

Cafes

There are many great cafes in downtown Boone where you can relax and enjoy a coffee or snack. Here are a few of the best:

• Hatchet Coffee - Stop in for a hot cup of coffee or tea and stay for some freshly baked pastries and other items. They roast their own coffee, have a wonderful shop and seating/dining are. Our favorite!
• Venture Chocolate and Wine - Enjoy artisanal chocolates, excellent coffee and a wide selection of locally-made wines. They make the chocolates in-house and are exceptional.
• Wildwood Community Market - Wildwood is a local favorite for coffee, pastries and delicious sandwiches, salads, fresh produce, and much more.  We loved this super cool open air market.
• The Local - This cafe has a full breakfast and lunch menu, as well as a selection of pastries and desserts.
• The Lost Province Brewing Company - This brewery has a taproom with a full food menu.

Overall, Downtown Boone is a great place to visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It has a charming and vibrant atmosphere and a variety of things to see and do.

Explore Price Lake in a Canoe or Kayak

Price Lake is a gorgeous lake, near Boone NC and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists, and a great place to go canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. 

We rented our canoe from Price Lake Boat Rentals, at a very low cost, and thoroughly enjoyed paddling around this incredibly scenic lake. The views of Grandfather Mountain over the water are incredible.  

Once you have rented a canoe, you can paddle around the lake at your own pace. There are several interesting things to see at Price Lake, including:

• The dam: The dam is at the north end of the lake, and it is a popular spot for fishing and swimming.
• The boathouse: The boathouse is on the west side of the lake, and it is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
• The wildlife: Price Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. You may even see a deer or two!

Paddling around Price Lake is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. It is a fun activity for people of all ages, and it is a great way to see some of the beautiful scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wine Tasting at Grandfather Vineyard

Grandfather Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery located just outside of Boone NC off Highway 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. The vineyard is home to over 20 grape varieties, and they produce a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés.

Grandfather Vineyard is a great place to visit for a wine tasting. They offer a variety of tastings, including flights and by-the-glass pours. They also have a beautiful outdoor patio and seating area where you can enjoy your wine and the incredibly beautiful scenery.

Grandfather Vineyard is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. It is a beautiful setting, and the wine is excellent.

We really enjoyed sitting up on the hill, immediately next to the grapevines, and quietly enjoying our white and red wine tastings. It was raining the day we visited, and the quiet sound of the rain falling really adding to the charm and experience.

Visit Mast General Store

No mention of Boone NC shopping would be complete without mentioning the Mast General Store location in downtown Boone NC.   Mast General store has a number of locations, with the original being in Valle Crucis NC.

A visit to Mast General Store is a wonderful trip back in time, to the old general stores many of us remember as children. You'll even find the creaky old floors!

In Mast General, you can find canned goods, candy in a barrel, old-fashioned candies, clothing, sodas, home decor items, toys, and much more.  You'll even find several more modern items, including clothing and outdoor gear.  They even have the classic ice-cold RC cola and moon-pies!

We love visiting the various Mast General Stores, and the one in Boone NC is one of our favorites!

Visit the Wild West at Tweetsie Railroad

No visit to the Boone or Blowing Rock areas would be complete without a visit to Tweetsie Railroad, especially if you have kids.  

Tweetsie is an Old West themed amusement park combining classic family fun with old West nostalgia. Tweetsie is located just to the south of Boone NC, near Blowing Rock.  

The Park has a lot to offer, including a historic steam locomotive train ride, live shows, amusement rides, a zoo, a chair lift, food, and shopping.!

Uncover Mysteries at Mystery Hill

Located between Boone and Blowing Rock NC, this popular and fun attraction is well known as one of North Carolina's most "unique attractions" and for good reason.  

The main Mystery Hill attraction is the Natural Gravitational Anomaly ... yea, that's a mouth-full. See, Mystery Hill was once an old Apple Orchard, but the workers began noticing that strange things were happening, like things rolling uphill, and people feeling funny or out of balance.  Turns out, Mystery Hill is the only naturally occurring gravitational anomaly in North Carolina.

Mystery Hill provides guided tours that are fun, educational, and well ... a bit of a Mystery. You'll explore the Anomaly itself in a room where balls roll uphill, water flows uphill, you have trouble walking, and gravity just seems to be a bit off. You'll also explore the Hall of Mystery, full of hands on science experiments, and encase your family and friends in bubbles at Bubblerama.

In addition, Mystery Hill offers mechanical bull riding, axe throwing, gem mining, Appalachian and Native American museums, old time photos, food, and nature trails.   

We were skeptical about visiting, but went anyway, and really enjoyed it! Highly recommended for everyone, and especially those with kids.  Tickets prices vary by package, based on the attractions you want to visit.

Skiing and Snow Tubing at Appalachian Ski Mountain

Grab your snow gear, skis and poles, as a visit to Boone NC offers some of the best skiing and snow tubing in the state of NC, and the southeast.

Boone is well known for its winter sports action, and specifically skiing and snow tubing. There are a few nearby options, but Appalachian Ski Mountain is the closest, and the best.  

Appalachian Ski Mountain is the first Ski Area in the "High Country", opening in 1962.  The resort features 12 different slopes for both beginners to more advanced skiers.  At a peak elevation of over 4,000 feet, Appalachian Ski Mountain offers 3 beginning courses, 6 intermediate courses, and 3 advanced courses.  Regardless of your skill level, you will find a trail that you'll enjoy.

Additionally, Appalachian Ski Mountain offers an ice rink, and snow tubing.

Visit Grandfather Mountain

One of the most popular attractions in North Carolina is just a short drive from Boone NC, and offers incredible scenic views, a wildlife preserve, hiking, picnic areas, and the famous Mile-high Swinging Bridge.  Grandfather Mountain, at 5,946 feet in elevation, with its rocky and jagged peaks, really delivers on the full mountain experience.

Visit Grandfather Mountain, and drive up to the top summit parking area, where you can explore and walk across the famous swinging bridge.  For more adventure, visit Grandfather Mountain State Park, for some of the best and most challenging hiking on the east coast.

Grandfather Mountain is fun and an adventure for the whole family, and something you won't want to miss.

Drive the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the most famous scenic drives in the world, the  Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Boone NC.  Boone is also a very popular access point for those wishing to drive and explore this amazing and scenic road. 

Along the parkway, near Boone NC, you can explore:

• Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
• Julian Price Lake
• Bass Lake
• Drive across Linn Cove Viaduct, and beautiful engineering marvel
• Hike up to the top of Rough Ridge for incredible long distance views

Go Mountain Biking at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

If you are looking to mountain bike, look no further than Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, just a short distance from Boone NC.  This award-winning park really delivers.

Rocky Knob Park has 5 different trails:

• 1.6-mile Rocky Branch Trail loop
• 1-mile Middle Earth Trail
• 4-mile Boat Rock Loop
• A Downhill PBJ Trail, which comes off the Middle Earth Trail -  It's a exciting ride, named for its pumps, berms, and jumps.
• Ol' Hoss - the highest elevation trail at Rocky Knob, and rated very advanced.

Besides the mountain trails, the Sunset Skills Area "pump track", on the right as you drive into the facility, provides a scenic area to warm up. Trails are open to both Mountain Bikers and hikers, just be sure to follow the recommended direction of travel for safety. Helmets are required.

Rocky Knob Park has paved parking areas, bathroom facilities, a large picnic pavilion and a playground for kids. They built the playground equipment from natural wood and ropes.  

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Boone NC

The city of Boone and the surrounding areas have plenty of activities to keep you entertained. From outdoor adventures like biking, skiing, and hiking, to shopping, dining, and museums; there is something for everyone in Boone!

We really enjoyed our visit, from the Horn in the West drama, to restaurants, to paddling price like, and everything in between.    

Whether you are looking for a day trip or an entire weekend getaway, be sure to check out all the amazing things that Boone offers.

Where is Boone NC?

Boone NC is in Watauga County, North Carolina, and is also the county-seat. Boone is the home of Appalachian State University, which literally sits in the town's heart.  

Boone NC is about 2 hours north of Charlotte NC, 3 hours west of Raleigh NC, and about 2 hours east of Asheville NC. Boone is a popular mountain destination for those in the Charlotte and Raleigh areas because of its proximity. 

History of Boone North Carolina 

They named Boone after the famed Appalachian explorer, Daniel Boone.  Daniel Boone often camped at a location agreed to be within the current city limits on Boone.

Railroads were important to the success of mountain towns. Boone was no exception, being served by the narrow gauge East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (more commonly called "Tweetsie" by the locals). This railroad service contributed significantly to Boone's growth.

A major flood in 1940 washed away a good amount of track, and the railroad decided not to replace it. What remains of the railroad we can find today at nearby Tweetsie Railroad.  

Boone is the home of Appalachian State University, a "constituent member" of the University of North Carolina system. Appalachian State is the sixth-largest university in North Carolina's seventeen-campus system.

Today, Boone NC is the largest community of the seven-county region of Western North Carolina, commonly referred to as "The High Country".  

Our Featured Boone Content

Things to do in Boone NC

Boone itself and its surrounding areas are full of things to do and see. Things to do near Boone NC include visiting a local brewery, shopping, and exploring boutiques in beautiful downtown Boone.

Appalachian State University provides a shot of energy and youth to the streets and sounds of Boone. Boone also serves as a base for those who wish to adventure into the outdoors for hiking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, and skiing.

Boone NC reminds us of a smaller and more youthful Asheville NC, mainly because of the university influence.

Regardless of your interest, Boone NC delivers on all kinds of things to do and see for everyone. Boone can definitely keep you busy when visiting. 

Learn More: See our 17+ Things to do in Boone NC

Where to Eat in Boone NC

Given the university and student focus of Boone NC, we arrived to expect typical college fair food. You know, quick, cheap, but decent.

While where are certainly many options like this, there are also some excellent and locally owned dining options for tourists and visitors. Boone offers anything from sushi to Italian, and pretty much everything in between.  

We would recommend trying some of the local gems if you have a chance. The atmosphere is always pleasant, and the food quality is usually top-notch. If you're looking to splurge a bit or try something new, there are plenty of places around Boone that will satisfy your appetite! 

Read More: 9+ Exceptional Restaurants in Boone NC

Where to stay in Boone NC

In the busy streets of Boone, there are a host of different places for you to complete your stay, whether you want to be cozy and warm inside or take an overnight trip into the peaceful woods, away from the crowd. Options for where to stay include:

• Cabin Rentals
• Hotels
• Camping

Best Place to Stay in Boone NC

Our favorite place to stay in Boone NC is at the vintage Blue Ridge Tourist Court Motel.  This restored vintage motel  is situated nearby to historic downtown Boone and offers a unique mix of modern amenities with historic charm and a boutique experience.

The motel provides guests with clean and comfortable rooms equipped with all the amenities like air conditioning, cable TV, free Wi-Fi access, microwaves, and refrigerators.    

The motel is quiet, clean, comfortable and charming, with multiple room configurations to suit many needs, including families. We really enjoyed our stay and loved the vintage feel.

Cabins in Boone NC

Hotels in Boone NC

The most popular place to stay when visiting Boone NC are hotels. Hotels offer may pleasant features at a reasonable price and additionally often place you right in the middle of everything to do. Boone offers several commercial hotel options that are highly rated.

Here are our top picks:

Camping in Boone NC

Whether you're looking for luxury RV hookups or a simple tent camping site with a great spot to hang that hammock, Boone NC campgrounds give you options for everyone's tastes. You can view the nature all around you while listening to the sounds of nature all around you, falling asleep at peace and waking up to a warm coffee to start your day.

Top Hiking Trails Near Boone NC

We enjoy visiting and hiking in and around Boone NC. Boone is full of great things to see and do, including amazing hiking trails. 

Here are our top 12 top picks for hiking trails near Boone NC.

Goshen River Trail

This 3.1 mile out and back trail is moderate and somewhat challenging withe the large amount of rocks at the beginning.  The trail is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  You'll climb two gates to get on the trail, which follows alongside and up to the Goshen Branch.

The first section of the trail is very rocky, but later turns into a more normal trail with only a few rocks and roots.  You'll go up a steady incline as the trail follows alongside the beautiful Goshen Branch. You'll have several small creek crossings along the way. 

At the half-way point is a 20 - 30 foot wide with stepping-stones. Hiking poles are very handy in this section for added balance.

The trail then descends to a small field, and a bridge on the far end that crosses a stream. You'll turn around at the dead-end and return the way you came. 

 The trail is pretty and enchanting with the sounds of the creek. In the spring, you'll find many wildflowers, including trillium and Trout Lilys.  

To access the trailhead, pull off right before the bridge, where you'll see a Mountains to Sea (MST) trail marker.

Again, you'll need to climb over two gates as you pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass to the start of the actual trail. 

Boone Fork Trail

Boone Fork trail is a 5-mile round trip loop trail at Julian Price Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone NC. The hiking trail is moderate in difficulty and best for more experienced hikers.

This popular and beautiful trail takes you through pastures full of spring and summer wildflowers, through boulder fields, and over crystal clear mountain creeks. Along the way, you'll see many small cascades and waterfalls, and be able to visit Hebron Falls.

The hike begins from the picnic area of Julian Price Park (you'll park here as well). You'll cross the footbridge near the restroom facilities. We recommend hiking the loop counter clockwise (go to the right after the bridge).

The first 3 miles you'll hike along Boone Fork, with several cress crossings. We definitely recommend the extra 1 mile side-trip to Hebron Falls.

The next two miles will have far fewer people, and you'll hike through old growth forest and many creek crossings, followed by a meadow. You finish up the hike where you started.

Elk Knob Summit Trail

For those serious hikers out there that are looking for a challenging hike, this is the hike for you.  

This is a 4 mile round-trip and strenuous hike that will take you up to a summit, with a 961 ft elevation gain, over 1.9 miles. The average incline is 11%.

The summit at the top provides incredible views of The Peak, Three Top and Bluff Mountains, Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Mt Rodgers (Va.), and the Iron Mountains in Virginia and Tennessee.

As you climb up the mountainside, the trail starts its steep ascent with a succession of switchbacks in thick woodland.. The trail has excellent construction and maintenance.. The vegetation thins out, and change as you reach the top. At the top, you'll have views of both the east and west sides of the mountain.

While definitely challenging, we really enjoyed this hike and visiting Elk Knob State Park, which is about 10 miles from downtown Boone NC off Old Woods Rd about 10 miles from downtown Boone NC. They allow dogs..

Glen Burney Trail

Glen Burney Trail is a 2.3 mile round trip, out and back hiking trail near Blowing Rock NC. We rate the hiking trail moderate in difficulty. The trail features two different waterfalls, Glen Burney Falls and just a little way further is Glen Marie falls.

The trail is easy going to Glen Burney Falls, but you'll want to watch your footing because of excessive roots and rock. The hike back out is more difficult. This trail is often very muddy, so come prepared.

The trailhead is in Blowing Rock NC, next to the Mayview Lake and the Annie Cannon Park with easy public access.  Due to it literally being in the middle of town, the trail is very popular and busy. The trail permits dogs on leashes..

Middlefork Greenway Trail

Very close to the town center, and part of the town of Boone NC itself, is the beautiful Middlefork Greenway Trail. This trail is popular with both visitors and locals, and will take you alongside the south fork of the New River.   

This hiking trail is ideal for everyone, including hikers, cyclists, and is ADA accessible. It's the perfect trail for families looking to get the kids outdoors to burn off some energy as well. We enjoyed our casual stroll along a few miles of the trail and saw lots of other families enjoying it as well.

For more experienced and hard-core hikers, looking for that epic hiking challenge, this trail would be of no interest to you.

Along the trail, there is a historic ruin, lots of benches for resting, picnic tables and shelters, and signs about natural and human history.

The trail allows dogs, but requires them to be on a leash and for their waste to be picked up.

While the trail is literally in the town of Boone itself, while on the trail, you'll feel like you're miles away, as the trail's peaceful streams and surrounding forest pull you away from the town and into nature.

The best parking area for the Greenway Trail is at Clawson-Burnley Park, across from the National Guard Armory.

Linville Falls Trail

Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls is a beautiful and popular destination for visitors. The area features two 3 main hiking trails, one of them being Erwins View Trail.

This 1.6 mile moderate hike, will take you through beautiful woods, and alongside the Linville River. The trail features multiple scenic overlooks, and will also take you to the upper portion of Linville Falls where the water divides and spills over two cascades, before merging again and plunging 45 feet down lower Linville Falls, which isn't visible from the first main overlook.

As you continue down the trail, you'll see multiple overlooks that feature views of both upper and lower Linville Falls.

There is an additional trail that is more strenuous, that takes you to the base of lower Linville Falls, and also a nice and short moderate trail that takes you to Dugger's Creek Falls.

Brookshire Park Loop Trail

This really nice 2.8 mile loop trail is in Brookshire Park near the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex on Brookshire Road in Boone NC at Appalachian State University. The park also has a picnic shelter and restrooms as well.

A paved and winding trail is available at Brookshire Park in Boone NC. The upper portion of the trail gets steep in some places, so we rate the trail moderate.

The trail provides superb views at the top! 

Bass Lake Loop

This hike is a very easy hike, and just short of 1 mile. The trail takes you around beautiful Bass Lake and provides views of Cone Manor House as well.

The trail weaves in and out alongside the lakeshore. The trail is very flat, and both stroller and wheelchair accessible.

The trailhead is located off US 221, about one half-mile south of the US 221 junction in Blowing Rock NC.  From the Blue Ridge Parkway, exit at Milepost 294.6 to US 221 and turn left toward Blowing Rock NC.  About a mile down, are the trailheads, at the Bass Lake Parking area.

Cascades Trail

This is an easy 1-mile loop hike that begins at Cascades Overlook at Milepost 271.9. The trailhead begins just beside the restrooms. 

The trail begins paved, but becomes gravel.  Take the right pathway for the loop, and descend through the woods to Falls Creek. You'll reach a trail junction, go right down some steeper stairs to two really nice overlooks of the cascades along Falls Creek.

You'll continue on the loop on the way back to return to the trailhead and parking area.

Rough Ridge Trail

Grandfather Mountain NCProbably one of the best and most popular trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rough Ridge Trail takes you up above the Parkway, near Linn Cove Viaduct for exceptional views. This 1.5 mile round-trip trail is actually part of the longer 13.5 mile Tanawha Trail.

Your hike begins at the trailhead, at MP302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You'll hike until you reach the Tanawha trail, where you will go left.  

The hike up isn't that long, but you gain a significant amount of elevation, making this a moderate to strenuous hike. You'll reach the first wooden observation deck at the 1/3 mile mark.  

To continue on up to the summit, take the trail at the end of the walkway, up another 1/2 mile. You'll reach the summit for incredible long-range views at  4,773 feet in elevation.

Grandfather Trail

The "hike of hikes" near Boone NC is the Grandfather Trail, on Grandfather Mountain.  This strenuous, and technically challenging hike will have you hanging onto cables and climbing ladders to the highest points on Grandfather mountain.

The hike is only for experienced hikers, and not for the feint of heart because of the high elevation sections.  Grandfather trail is 4.8 miles round trip, and rated strenuous. The most steep sections of the trail will require you to use in-place cables and ladders. If you are afraid of heights, this is NOT the trail for you. 

The trailhead is near the top of Grandfather mountain from the Top Shop Parking area. This is the same parking area you used to access the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Tweetsie Christmas Videos

We've visited Tweetsie Christmas several times, and love going. Here are our videos from our adventures for your enjoyment!

Our 2021 visit video:

What is Tweetsie Christmas?

Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is an amusement park and heritage railroad, that people from all over the world have been visiting since it opened in 1957.

While Tweetsie itself, on a normal day of operation, is about as much family fun as it gets, Tweetsie also has a number of special events and trains throughout the year, including the magical Tweetsie Christmas Event.

The train ride itself takes about 20 minutes. The historic steam engines and cars are decorated and lit up for Christmas, and just beautiful. On your 3-mile ride, you'll see thousands of Christmas lights and displays while listening to cheerful Christmas music played on LCD displays in the train cars. Be sure to wave at the crowds as you leave and enter the station area!

Besides the train ride, there is much more to see and do! Tweetsie Christmas offers:

• The entire lower portion of the park is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and displays. The upper portion of the park is closed for Tweetsie Christmas.
• Santa's Ginger Bread house where you can see Santa.
• There are campfires to stay warm by, or roast s'mores on (available for purchase)
• You can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or spiced cider.
• Visit the man gift shops
• See the Live Christmas show
• Limited children's rides are open and running

What You Need to Know

We thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit, and want to share a few tips with you:

• It was 32 degrees when we were there, so dress warmly to enjoy your visit.  Remember too, that the train cars are open-air cars, so it gets a bit chilly (they are not heated cars).
• Space is limited on the train, so we highly recommend you purchase your tickets in advance, which will also book you a train time in advance.
• If you are a photographer or videographer, you'll want to do you train ride early, so there is more light.   We also recommend sitting towards the back of the train to get that long train shot from the rear.
• We sat on the left side of the train, and while it was pretty, the lights on the right side of the train are better. 

Purchase tickets and get more information on the Tweetsie Railroad website!

Linville Falls NC

The Linville Falls, NC area of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers three different hiking trails and multiple views, and and a chance to see the multiple waterfalls of Linville Falls. Linville Falls, the main attraction, plunges 90 feet into the 12 mile long Linville Gorge along the Linville River.

Upon arriving, park in the visitor center parking lot. This will be past the campground and picnic areas, which you will see on your right. From the parking lot, head to the visitors center where you can pick up a trail map and restroom facilities are available. The two trails start here.

Linville Falls Has Reopened After Hurricane Helene Closures

Great news for anyone planning a trip to Linville Falls: the Linville Falls trail system has reopened, and visitors can once again access one of the most popular waterfall hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The reopened access includes the Linville Falls Spur Road at milepost 316.5, which leads into the main Linville Falls recreation area. This means visitors can once again reach the trail system from the Parkway side and hike to the overlooks for views of Linville Falls and Linville Gorge.

There are still a few important things to know before you go. The Linville Falls Visitor Center, campground, and picnic area remain closed because of Hurricane Helene-related impacts. The Blue Ridge Parkway also still has closures south of Linville Falls, including the section from US 221 to Jacksontown Access Road/Bear Den Campground. So while Linville Falls itself is open again, this part of the Parkway is not fully back to normal yet.

For now, we recommend checking the official Blue Ridge Parkway road status page before heading out, especially if you plan to continue south on the Parkway after your visit. Conditions and closures can change quickly as repair work continues.

Even with those remaining closures, this is a big and welcome step forward. Linville Falls is one of the most beautiful and iconic stops on the Parkway, and we’re excited to see access restored to this special place.

Linville Falls Video

Linville Falls Visitor Center

Your Linville Falls adventure begins at the Visitor's center at the end of the parking area.  The visitor center has a small gift shop, maps, and restrooms.   Rangers hang out here and area available to answer questions, and guide you to the right trail depending on your needs.

Erwin's View Trail

Erwin's View Trail is a moderate 1.6 mile roundtrip hiking trail that leads you to multiple viewpoints, and provides a wonderful tour of the Linville Falls area.  This is the most popular trail, and the one that most people use to see the various views of Linville Falls.

Upper Falls

The first stopping point will be Upper Falls. This section of the trail is easy, with just a slight decline in elevation.  The trail will take you alongside Linville River and across a bridge, where it will turn to dirt.  Watch for a spur trail to the left that will take you down to a viewing area for Upper Falls.

Here you'll see two twin falls that begin the falls.  Waterflows down two medium size cascades and into a pool, before plunging down into a small gorge, and then exiting out and plunging into the river basin at the main Linville Falls.

Swimming is not allowed here, and frankly would be very dangerous.   There are small retaining walls to keep people within safe areas, do not climb or go over these, it could be fatal.

Chimney View

After visiting Upper Falls, head back up to the main trail and continue.  The trail will take you through a forested area for 0.2 miles, which provides the first view of Linville Falls itself, and it's 90 foot plunge into a large basin at the bottom.

There's a view here of the Upper Falls, the Linville River and of Linville Gorge below the falls.

Erwin's View

From the Chimney view, head back out onto the main trail and continue onto Erwin's View just a little further up.  Erwin's view provides a very wide and scenic view of Linville Falls.  You can see both upper and lower falls from here.

Linville Gorge - Plunge Basin Trail

The second and more difficult trail leads down the base of the falls, and offers some unique and outstanding views.  Due to the steps, and elevation changes, this trail is strenuous.  The trailhead is at the Visitors Center, and leads up near the bathrooms.

The trail slowly leads up, and at .25 miles will split.  There are signs here that will help you determine which way to go.  Going to the right takes you to Plunge Basin Overlook.  Going left takes you down to the base on Linville Falls.

Plunge Basin Overlook

The first viewpoint along this trail is a moderate hike for .5 miles to Plunge Basin Overlook.   This overlook provides a sideview of the gorge and of Linville Falls NC itself.  This view is high up, and safe as long as you stay behind the retaining walls.  It's one of the nicer views of the falls.

The Base Of Linville Falls

The base of Linville Falls is reached by taking the trail to the left.  This trail is 3/4's of a mile long, and includes lots of steps and a few steep inclines to climb.  This part of the trail is strenuous, but the reward is worth it.

Once at the bottom you'll be up close and personal with the Falls, the cliffsides, and many rocks below the falls.   It's a great place to relax, and enjoy the scenery and the fantastic sounds of Linville Falls.

You'll head back up the same way you came down.

Dugger's Creek Falls

Photo by: David Hill

Another trail that starts from the visitors center is the short 3/10 of a mile hike out to Dugger's Creek Falls.

Dugger's Creek Falls is a small 10 foot waterfall, nestled in a cove, and is small, but makes up for it's lake of size with beauty.

The trail takes you down to a bridge that provides very clear views of the waterfall.    This little waterfall is well worth the short walk, and is very photogenic.

>> For more Waterfalls in Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge as a whole, be sure to check out our Waterfalls Guide.  Also be sure to check out nearby Crabtree Falls.

Crabtree Falls and Crabtree Falls Trail

Crabtree Falls is accessed from the extension trailhead located next to the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP339.5.  The trailhead will be across from the old store.  The old parking area is in the campground itself, and the actual real trailhead is located .5 miles from this parking lot, at the old parking area.

There will be signs pointing you to the extension trailhead just after you enter the Crabtree Falls Recreation area, and pass the picnic area (which has bathrooms) at Milepost 339.5.

The extension trail is flat and easy.  You'll pass through some woods, and then pass the old Amphitheater for the Crabtree Falls campground.  Just after passing the Amphitheater, you'll see the sign to the right, just go left towards Loop - A, where you will continue into the campground on the trail.

The trail will take you to the Loop A road in the campground.   Almost directly across from you as you reach the loop road will be the actual real trailhead for the trail itself.  The old parking lot will be to your right - It is no longer used due to being too small to handle the volume of visitors.

Crabtree Falls Video

Check out our video on the hike to Crabtree Falls during the summer!

Crabtree Falls Trailhead

At the trailhead by the old parking lot is a large sign and trail map.   We took a picture not only to share with you, but to have for reference as we hiked.

From the trailhead, the trail for the most part descends towards the falls at a slow incline.  During the first part of the trail, it's wide and easy to walk on.  You'll be surrounded by Rosebay Rhododendron, that are beautiful in July.

Shortly after, you'll reach the intersection of the loop trail where it returns from the falls.  Just go right and down to reach the falls.  The trail begins wide and easy, but gets progressively steeper, more narrower and rougher.  

The walk down is fairly easy, and the more steep parts of the trail have natural stairs, that the National Park Service has done an excellent job with.  The trail will switchback a few times.  

Once the trail narrows and begins to become rougher, you'll hear the falls in the distance, and during the winter and spring, you'll see the Crabtree Falls shortly after in the distance to your left a little.  Before reaching the falls, the trail will flatten out, and become very easy again.

The trail emerges at the falls, below it, with a very nice wooden bridge spanning the creek below the falls.  Here is the view you'll see as you reach the waterfall.   

As you can see, this is a gorgeous waterfall.  We've visited a few times in both the Spring and Summer.  The best view of Crabtree Falls is from the the other side of the bridge.   This is a very photogenic falls though, and good photo locations are located on both sides, and from the bridge.

At the base of the falls is a shallow wading pool, that seems to be perfect to cool off in during the summer. 

We elected to head back on the loop trail which is up the stone steps on the far side of the bridge, and take the loop trail home.   This is a strenuous trail for the first .5 mile or so.  Very steep, and short sections of the trail have some very serious drops.  Once you reach the top of the ridge, the trail is easy to moderate, but that first .5 mile was tough, and we took lots of breaks on the way up.  They aren't kidding about this part being "strenuous".

The loop trail takes you alongside the creek above the Falls, and is really gorgeous.   Follow the signs back to the Amphitheater to return to the short trail back to the parking lot.    Towards the end of the trail, it will go left or straight.  Going left will take you back to the original trail you started on, going straight will take you out into the campground and you can find the extension trail to the left.   This is the route we decided to take as it seemed more direct.

Crabtree Falls is an absolutely gorgeous waterfall, with a tall and wide cascade.   The area around the falls is dense wood, with lots to see, including creeks, wildflowers, and numerous types of trees.    Not only are the falls beautiful, but the trail itself makes for a great hike, that isn't too terribly difficult, but challenging enough to be fun, and provide some good exercise.

>> Find and see more waterfalls using our Waterfalls Guide and Map!