From mountain tops to mountain coasters, this guide will share all the very best things to do in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Located in the heart of the High Country, this charming small town is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and offers something for everyone — from outdoor adventure and local art to incredible food and small-town charm.
We’ve visited Banner Elk many times over the years, and most recently returned in the fall of 2025 when the colors were absolutely spectacular. Every item in this guide is based on our own first-hand experiences — places we’ve personally explored, dined at, and enjoyed.
In Banner Elk, you’ll find alpaca farms, glamping spots, a local winery, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, live theatre, family-friendly attractions, and even a peaceful lake perfect for swimming or kayaking. The town may be small, but it’s full of heart, creativity, and mountain character.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Banner Elk has a little bit of everything — and a few surprises along the way. Keep reading to discover all of our favorite things to do, see, eat, and experience in one of the most beautiful and welcoming towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Updated: 10/22/2025 - Added many new places to visit based on our recent visit in the fall of 2025 - Additionally completely revised and cleaned up the article to make the article easier to read and navigate.
Explore Waterfalls
Elk River Falls
The mountains of North Carolina are full of beautiful and majestic waterfalls, and the Banner Elk NC area is no exception. While there are no waterfalls directly in the Banner Elk town area, there are a number of wonderful waterfalls not far from Banner Elk.
Here are some of our top picks for waterfalls near Banner Elk NC:
- Linville Falls - No exploration of waterfalls near Banner Elk would be complete without a visit to Linville Falls. Located within the scenic Linville Gorge, this natural marvel is a testament to the power and beauty of rushing water. The falls are formed as the Linville River cuts through the rugged terrain, creating a series of breathtaking cascades. Various viewpoints along the Linville Falls Trail offer different perspectives of the falls, allowing you to witness their grandeur from above and below.
- Elk River Falls - A short drive from Banner Elk leads to Elk River Falls, a hidden gem that invites you to immerse yourself in its tranquil beauty. As you follow the trail through the forest, the sound of rushing water grows louder, heralding the approach of the falls. Suddenly, you'll be greeted by a magnificent 50-foot cascade plunging into a pool below. The mist-filled air and the serenity of the surroundings make Elk River Falls an idyllic spot for a picnic or a moment of quiet reflection.
- Crabtree Falls - Tucked away within the Pisgah National Forest, Crabtree Falls is a true gem for waterfall enthusiasts. This 70-foot waterfall offers a stunning display of cascading water against a backdrop of lush greenery. A moderately challenging hike leads you to various viewpoints that allow you to marvel at the falls from different angles. Take your time to soak in the beauty of Crabtree Falls, as the soothing sound of water creates a peaceful atmosphere.
- Upper Creek Falls - Venture a little further from Banner Elk, and you'll discover the hidden gem of Upper Creek Falls. Located in the Wilson Creek area, this waterfall is surrounded by pristine wilderness, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling world. The falls are composed of multiple tiers, each with its own unique charm. Hiking trails wind through the forest, guiding you to different viewpoints where you can admire the cascading water and take a dip in the cool pools below.
- Hebron Falls - Near Banner Elk, Hebron Falls is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and secluded waterfall experience. The falls cascade gracefully down moss-covered rocks, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. A 1.5 mile, family-friendly trail leads you to the falls.
Relax and Play at Wildcat Lake
Just a short drive from downtown Banner Elk, Wildcat Lake is one of the area’s best-kept secrets — a peaceful mountain retreat perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to cool off on a warm summer day.
This 13-acre man-made lake features a sandy beach, clear mountain water, picnic areas, playground equipment, and beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon outdoors and let the kids run and play while you unwind by the water.
Swimming is one of the most popular activities here, thanks to the well-maintained beach and designated swimming area. Lifeguards are on duty at designated times, making it a safe and relaxing place for families to enjoy the lake together.
If you’d rather get out on the water, bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard — or rent one on-site — and paddle across the calm surface while taking in the mountain scenery. Fishing is also popular; the lake is regularly stocked with bass, trout, and bluegill, and we saw plenty of anglers catching fish during our visit.
Around the lake, you’ll find several shaded picnic areas with tables and grills — perfect for a simple lakeside meal. Restrooms are near the lifeguard station, and there’s convenient parking nearby.
Wildcat Lake truly surprised us. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly place to relax, swim, and enjoy the outdoors — a must-visit stop during the warmer months in Banner Elk.
Hit the Trails
Banner Elk is surrounded by forests, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful scenic views. The area offers plenty of hiking trails suitable for all levels of adventurers.
Here are just a few of our favorites!
Walk or Bike the Banner Elk Greenway
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic hike/stroll right in town, the Banner Elk Greenway is a great option. This paved walking and biking path winds along the Elk River and through peaceful, shaded areas of town, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving Banner Elk.
The Greenway connects several local landmarks — including Tate-Evans Park, the Historic Banner Elk School, and the eastern edge of Lees-McRae College — making it ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride with family. Along the way, you’ll find benches, picnic tables, and spots to stop and enjoy the sound of the river or the sight of ducks paddling in the water.
Because it’s mostly flat and well-maintained, the trail is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. We always walk in the park and greenway during our visits. It's a great way to see the town, stretch your legs and get some good photos as well.
Grandfather Mountain Trail
Standing tall at 5,946 feet, Grandfather Mountain is a famous landmark near Banner Elk. "Grandfather" is known for its rough landscape and wide-open views.
The Grandfather Mountain Trail is a rigorous hike that rewards hikers with unforgettable long-range views. As you ascend the rocky trail, you'll encounter challenging sections that require wooden ladders and cables to reach the mountain's summit. But the stunning panoramic views that stretch for miles are worth it.
Rough Ridge Trail
For those seeking stunning vistas without a tough hike, Rough Ridge is an excellent choice. This moderate trail, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
As you traverse the wooden boardwalks and climb over rocky outcrops, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas that showcase the vibrant colors of the changing seasons. Rough Ridge is a very popular sunset and sunrise location on the Parkway.
Beacon Heights Trail
Situated adjacent to the Rough Ridge Trail, Beacon Heights offers a short but rewarding hike for nature enthusiasts. The trail takes you through a dense forest before reaching a rocky summit, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's an ideal spot for sunrise or sunset hikes, providing an unforgettable experience as the sky lights up in a symphony of colors.
Emerald Outback Trails
The Emerald Outback is in nearby Beech Mountain NC. Previously part of the Land of Oz Amusement Park, the area offers a range of beautiful trails that wind through the scenic landscapes of the region.
The trails are well-maintained and total about 8 miles of interconnected trails. The trails are intended for hikers of various skill levels, offering options for both beginners and experienced hikers.
- For additional options, check out trails in Boone and Blowing Rock as well -
Go Horseback Riding with Elk Mountain Riding Company
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to take in the mountain scenery, we highly recommend a ride with Elk Mountain Riding Company. Located just outside of downtown Banner Elk, this locally owned outfitter offers scenic horseback rides through the High Country’s rolling hills and forests — and it’s an experience we absolutely loved.
We visited during peak fall color, and the ride turned out to be one of our favorite things to do in Banner Elk. The brilliant reds, oranges, and golds surrounding us were breathtaking, and seeing them from horseback made the experience even more special.
The guides were friendly, professional, and clearly passionate about their horses and guests’ safety. Our horses were gentle, well cared for, and matched perfectly to our riding experience. We also rode with a great group of people, which made the outing even more fun.
The pace is relaxed, allowing you to soak in the mountain views, breathe in the fresh air, and truly enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete beginner, Elk Mountain Riding Company provides a safe and enjoyable adventure that lets you experience the mountains in a whole new way.
We’ll definitely be back — this was the highlight of our trip to Banner Elk, and a perfect activity for anyone visiting during the fall or really any season.
Enjoy Live Theatre at Ensemble Stage
If you love live entertainment, don’t miss Ensemble Stage, Banner Elk’s professional theatre company located in the Hahn Auditorium inside the Historic Banner Elk School. Ensemble Stage delivers high-quality productions in an intimate, small-town setting — and it’s one of the most impressive community theaters we’ve ever visited.
During our recent visit, we had the pleasure of touring the theater with Gary Smith and Lisa Lamont, who oversee everything from production to performance. They gave us the full behind-the-scenes experience — including a look backstage, the rehearsal room, and even the workshop where the team constructs their detailed sets. The craftsmanship was incredible: each set includes real working power, lights, appliances, and even running water!
Ensemble Stage produces four main stage shows each year, with seven performances of each, plus a fall radio show, a Christmas musical production, and a summer camp program where kids create and perform their very own play from start to finish. The variety of shows is impressive, spanning everything from comedies and suspense thrillers to heartfelt dramas. The only musical of the season is the annual Christmas show, which has become a local favorite.
The theater itself is housed in the Historic Banner Elk School’s old gym building, creating an intimate setting where every seat feels close to the action.
If you’re planning a trip to Banner Elk, consider the “Stay and a Play” theater package offered by the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority — it bundles tickets to Ensemble Stage with local lodging for a fun and memorable getaway. You can learn more here: Banner Elk Stay and a Play Packages.
We left genuinely impressed by both the talent and professionalism behind this small-town theatre. Ensemble Stage is a true gem in the High Country and a must-see experience for anyone who enjoys live performance.
Shop and Stroll Through Banner Elk
Shopping in Banner Elk blends small-town charm with authentic mountain style. Whether you’re browsing the quaint shops downtown or exploring stores just outside of town, you’ll find plenty of places to wander, shop, and connect with the local community.
Downtown Banner Elk is the heart of it all, centered around Main Street and the Historic Banner Elk School. Here, you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores showcasing local craftsmanship and mountain flair.
Some of our favorite shops from our visits include:
- Country Bumpkin Candles & Boutique – a cozy shop filled with handmade candles, gifts, and rustic mountain décor.
- Apple Hill Farm Outpost – features alpaca products, handmade soaps, and locally made goods from Apple Hill Farm.
- Gift Shop at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster - besides having an amazing alpine coaster and adventure course, the Gift Shop at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster also has a super nice gift shop full of different merchandise and souvenirs.
- Banner Elk Trading Company – a fun and welcoming shop offering souvenirs, crafts, apparel, and unique Blue Ridge gifts.
Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll also find more shopping options — including country stores, outdoor outfitters, and artisan markets scattered along the main roads leading into town. Each one offers its own local charm and mountain personality.
Explore Downtown Banner Elk
Downtown Banner Elk, in the heart of Banner Elk, NC, offers a charming and vibrant atmosphere that is packed to the brim with restaurants, shops and stores full of a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
While small, there is no shortage of things to do in Banner Elk, NC's downtown. Some things to do in downtown Banner Elk, NC include:
- Explore Local Shops and Boutiques - Downtown Banner Elk is home to an array of unique shops and boutiques. Stroll along the streets and browse through clothing stores, art galleries, gift shops, and specialty stores. You can find locally made crafts, artwork, clothing, and souvenirs, making it a great place to discover one-of-a-kind treasures. There is even a really nice arcade with old classics and new games as well.
- Relax at one of the bars, cafes or ice cream shops - the downtown section is full of small places to grab a bite to eat. From bars, to small coffee shops, to an outstanding ice cream shop. You'll find the perfect treat for you and the family.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants - in and around downtown, you'll find lots of great options to eat, including one of our favorites, Stonewalls, along with other fantastic options in our Banner Elk Restaurants guide.
- Attend Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, downtown Banner Elk hosts various festivals and events that bring the community together. From music festivals and art shows to holiday celebrations and farmers markets, there's always something happening in downtown Banner Elk. Check the local event calendar to see what's taking place during your visit. One of the largest is the annual Wolly worm Festival.
- Relax in Local Parks and Public Spaces - one thing we loved about downtown Banner Elk is all of the public spaces where you can just hang out, and enjoy all the activity. Banner Elk offers several parks and public spaces where you can unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Take a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
Walk the Banner Elk Mile
If you want to stretch your legs and see more of town, the Banner Elk Mile is a perfect way to do it. This one-mile scenic walking loop winds through the heart of Banner Elk, passing by local shops, restaurants, and some of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.
We walked the Banner Elk Mile during our most recent visit and really enjoyed it. It’s an easy, relaxing stroll and a great way to get a feel for everything this charming mountain town offers — plus, it’s a nice way to get in a little exercise while exploring.
A great place to start is at the elk statue at the center of town, where there’s plenty of free parking. From there, the route follows the brick sidewalk along Culver Road beside Tate-Evans Park, then loops over to Park Avenue. Turn left onto Main Street and enjoy the stretch of local shops, cafes, and restaurants before circling back toward the green.
Along the way, you can enjoy some of the beautiful buildings and views of Grandfather Mountain from Lees-McRae College.
You can pick up or view the official Banner Elk Mile map at the Historic Banner Elk School, the Town Hall, or online at the Town of Banner Elk’s website.
Visit the Banner Elk Book Exchange
One of the most charming and community-focused places we discovered during our visit to Banner Elk was the Banner Elk Book Exchange, located inside the Historic Banner Elk School. This cozy, volunteer-run space is built around a simple but wonderful idea — bring a book, take a book, or just come in and enjoy browsing.
We absolutely loved this concept. The Exchange is filled with shelves of gently used books covering all the popular genres — from fiction and non-fiction to mysteries, biographies, and more. There’s even a dedicated section for local authors, making it a fun way to discover stories and voices from right here in the High Country.
Families will especially appreciate the children’s area, which includes a small play space, puzzles, and a Discovery Room where kids can explore and learn while parents browse. The Book Exchange also hosts special programs and events throughout the year designed to encourage reading and creativity among children and adults alike.
It’s a peaceful and welcoming spot — perfect for book lovers, families, or anyone looking for a quiet place to relax on a rainy day. Whether you bring books to trade or simply stop by to see what’s new on the shelves, the Banner Elk Book Exchange perfectly captures the friendly, community spirit that makes this town so special.
Enjoy a walk at Tate-Evans Park and the Banner Elk Greenway
Tate-Evans Park is a beautiful public park located in Banner Elk. The park offers a range of recreational activities and amenities, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
Tate-Evans Park is conveniently located in the heart of Banner Elk, making it easily accessible for everyone. The park is located right off Main Street, near downtown Banner Elk, and is easily reachable by car or on foot.
The park has a variety of outdoor facilities for visitors to enjoy. It features well-maintained and paved walking trails, picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, and playground equipment for children to have fun.
Even better? There are multiple playground areas for different ages and the equipment is tailored to the age group.
The park is also very Dog-friendly, welcoming visitors to bring their furry family members along. The park provides designated "dog-park" areas where dogs can roam and play off-leash, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors as well.
What we really enjoyed about Tate-Evans Park is its beautiful scenic setting and well manicured grounds.
Beautiful natural landscapes surround the park, including tall trees, open green spaces, and picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are lots of flowers, and a beautiful creek flows right through the middle and has small waterfalls.
Taste the wine at Banner Elk Winery
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by Banner Elk Winery, located just a short drive from downtown Banner Elk. This award winning winery offers wine tasting, samples, live music, and gorgeous indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Banner Elk Winery is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountain views, vineyards, a large building, and villas. The winery's location and setting provides a beautiful spot for visitors to relax and enjoy their wine tasting experience.
Banner Elk Winery specializes in producing handcrafted wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery offers a very diverse selection of wines, including both red and white varieties.
Some of their most popular wines are: Banner Elk White, Banner Elk Red, Sangiovese, and the High Country Rose. Our favorites were the Heirloom Red Blend and the Sangiovese.
The winery offers an open, welcoming, and very casual tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of their wines, including seasonal favorites. Knowledgeable staff members guide guests through the tasting process, providing insights into the winemaking process, flavor profiles, and food pairings. Tasting fees apply, and reservations may be required during peak times.
The winery hosts several events throughout the year. These include wine release parties, wine pairing dinners, live music performances, and seasonal celebrations.
One thing we really enjoyed about Banner Elk Winery, besides the wine of course, is the outdoor seating area. They have a variety of seating options located all around the property and small lake/pond. It makes for a beautiful setting to just relax, enjoy some great wine, snacks, and live music.
We did not know Banner Elk had its own winery until our visit in 2023 visit, and we loved it.
See the Alpacas at Apple Hill Farm
Apple Hill Farm is located a short drive out in the surrounding mountains of Banner Elk. This working farm offers a unique and family-friendly experience, allowing visitors to interact with a variety of farm animals and enjoy the gorgeous setting and surrounding high-elevation mountain views.
The highest point on the farm is 4,300 feet in elevation
The chief attractions at Apple Hill Farm are the friendly and well-cared-for farm animals. Visitors can interact with a range of farm animals, including pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, goats, llamas, chickens, donkeys, horses, cows, and more.
Apple Hill Farm offers guided tours where visitors can learn all about the farm, its animals, and operation. The tours show you the animals up close, allow you to safely interact with them, and the guides share lots of great information about them. You can even feed them, pet them and give them treats.
Our guide was Abby, and she did an amazing job teaching us about the animals and helping us learn about Apple Hill Farm.
The farm features a gift shop at the end of your tour, where you can browse and purchase a variety of products made from the farm's animals. These may include alpaca fiber products, such as yarn, scarves, hats, and gloves.
The farm is also very scenic, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are a few fantastic long range views as well, making for some great family photo spots.
Apple Hill Farm provides a very family-friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for the whole family. Children in particular will enjoy the opportunity to get up close with the animals and learn all about farming.
Visit Apple Hill Farm Outpost
Located in downtown Banner Elk, the Apple Hill Farm Outpost is a wonderful fresh addition to the town’s shopping scene and a must-visit stop for anyone who loves local crafts, cozy gifts, and farm-made products.
The Outpost is an extension of the beloved on-site store at Apple Hill Farm, known for its friendly alpacas and memorable farm tours. During our most recent fall visit to Banner Elk, we stopped by the Outpost and absolutely loved it. We even had the pleasure of meeting owner Lee Rankin, who graciously gave us a short tour and shared more about this exciting new venture.
The shop is beautifully arranged and full of unique finds. You’ll discover a wide range of alpaca fiber products — including socks, scarves, hats, gloves, shawls, and vests — all made from soft, high-quality alpaca wool. A Kid’s Corner features adorable stuffed animals, hands-on crafts, and engaging toys, while fiber enthusiasts will want to spend time in the Fiber Arts Room, which bursts with colorful alpaca yarns and top-quality knitting, crochet, and needle-felting supplies.
In addition to fiber goods, the Outpost also carries a wonderful selection of local foods, specialty gifts, and other items not found at the farm store. There’s even a dedicated food section filled with delicious local treats — perfect for sampling or taking home as gifts.
Ride the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a fairly new addition to Banner Elk, opening in 2019.
The Alpine Coaster is an exhilarating outdoor attraction located in Banner Elk NC, not far from the downtown area. The coaster allows visitors to zoom down the mountainside on a specially designed track and it is loads of fun. This was my (Larry's) favorite thing to do.
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a down hill coaster that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the beauty of the surrounding nature. Riders board individual sleds that are securely attached to the track.
Using a hand brake system, visitors have control over their speed as they descend the track. The cars also have clear shields on the front to help protect from the elements.
The alpine coaster track is specially designed to navigate the natural contours of the mountains as you come down. The track twists and turns, providing an exciting and thrilling experience. The track features banked curves, dips, and descents, making it loads of fun and a real adrenaline rush.
The Wilderness Run Coaster also has a very nice gift shop, coffee shop, and various drinks and snacks. Be sure to check-out the Adventure Course next door, for more challenging thrills.
We love mountain coasters and the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is one of our top favorites for a thrilling and smooth ride down the mountain!
Challenge yourself at the Wilderness Run Adventure Course
Wilderness Run Adventure Course is located immediately next door to the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.
The course offers a range of challenging and thrilling activities that will test your physical abilities, problem-solving skills, and sense of adventure and your fear of heights and falling!
The adventure course is basically a multi-level, multi-difficulty high ropes course with various suspended obstacles and elements to overcome. Guests navigate through a series of challenges, such as rope bridges, tightropes, swinging logs, and more, all while safely harnessed in to a guide cable.
This was a real challenge for us, as we're both a bit afraid of heights. We certainly didn't get as far as we had hoped on the course, but we did better than we expected. The goal is to get to the top and ring the bell.
The course has three sections, and even a special section just for younger children. There is beginner, intermediate and expert. We suggest starting at beginner and working your way up ... literally.
Wilderness Run is very good at putting the safety of their guests first, and the adventure course adheres to strict safety standards. Trained staff members provide safety instructions, and participants are equipped with appropriate safety gear and harnesses. Guides are out on the course to assist you if needed as well.
You wear a full safety harness that the guides check over before you get on the course. They also use a really unique and safe could locking system, so you are constantly attached to a safety cable at all times. It is literally impossible to not be hooked up safely.
While a challenging and bit scary for us, we really enjoyed overcoming our fears and working through the obstacles on this course. Teens and young adults will love this.
Go back in time at Banner House Museum
Located just a short distance from downtown, the Banner House Museum offers a wonderful glimpse into the early history of Banner Elk and life in the North Carolina mountains during the late 1800s. The museum is housed in the original home of Samuel Henry Banner, one of the town’s founding settlers and a key figure in the area’s development. Built in the mid-1800s, the beautifully preserved home has been carefully restored and filled with period furnishings, artifacts, and family heirlooms that tell the story of the Banner family and the early days of the community that now bears their name.
We really enjoyed our visit to the Banner House Museum and the guided tour. The volunteers were not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about sharing the town’s history. Hearing their stories and learning about the town’s founders and early residents gave us a new appreciation for how this small mountain community came to be. What truly stood out was how friendly and proud the staff were — their warmth and enthusiasm made the experience special and gave us a real sense of the close-knit spirit that defines Banner Elk today.
During your visit, you’ll find rooms furnished much as they would have been in the 19th century, along with exhibits that showcase local history, Appalachian craftsmanship, and the growth of the surrounding High Country. There are also displays featuring clothing, tools, photographs, and personal items from the Banner family and other early settlers.
The museum operates seasonally and typically offers guided tours during the warmer months. It’s a short and easy stop when exploring downtown Banner Elk, and a great way to connect with the town’s roots before enjoying all the modern-day attractions it has to offer.
Browse Local Art at BE Artists Gallery
Located inside the Historic Banner Elk School, the BE Artists Gallery is one of our favorite places to experience local creativity and mountain culture. During our recent visit, we spent time exploring the gallery and really enjoyed browsing the wide variety of artwork on display — all created by talented local and regional artists.
The gallery is warm, welcoming, and full of personality, featuring everything from paintings, pottery, and photography to jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, and more. Each piece reflects the beauty and spirit of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many of the artists are often on-site, happy to share the stories behind their work.
What we especially loved is how the BE Artists Gallery feels like part of the community — not just a place to shop for art, but a space to connect with the people who make it. Whether you’re an art lover or just want to take home something meaningful from your trip, this is definitely a stop worth making while in Banner Elk.
Grab a Local Craft Beer at Kettell Beerworks
If you enjoy good craft beer and a laid-back atmosphere, be sure to stop by Kettell Beerworks in downtown Banner Elk. We visited during our recent trip and had a great time sampling a flight of their beers — all of which were excellent.
Kettell Beerworks has a warm, casual, and very local feel. It’s the kind of place where everyone seems to know each other, and visitors are quickly welcomed in. We also tried their pretzel with beer cheese, which paired perfectly with our tasting flight and is definitely worth ordering.
The brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can relax inside the cozy taproom or enjoy your beer outside when the weather’s nice. While the menu isn’t extensive, they serve classic tavern-style food — including sandwiches, snacks, and some really good-smelling pizzas that came out of the kitchen while we were there.
The tap list features a nice mix of rotating craft brews — from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and seasonal specialties — all brewed on-site. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed, with plenty of conversation and laughter filling the room. It’s clearly a popular hangout spot for both locals and visitors looking to unwind after a day of exploring the mountains.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun, friendly place to spend an evening, Kettell Beerworks is a must-visit stop in Banner Elk.
Grandfather Mountain
A visit to Banner Elk is incomplete without exploring the awe-inspiring Grandfather Mountain. This iconic landmark delivers breathtaking views, challenging high elevation hiking trails, and of course the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge.
The bridge provides an exhilarating high elevation walk that provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Grandfather Mountain is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Banner Elk NC. The mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region and offers a variety of natural attractions and outdoor activities.
While the high elevation sites alone are wonderful and thrilling, the weather at Grandfather varies greatly, and can be very severe. During our recent visit on our weekend getaway to Banner Elk, we visited Grandfather on a very stormy and windy day.
The wind was incredibly strong, gusting above 50 miles per hour! Walking across the bridge was like standing in a Hurricane, it was incredible and not for the faint of heart.
Grandfather Mountain is well known for its scenic beauty and stunning vistas. The mountain boasts rugged cliffs, lush high elevation forests, and rocky scenic landscapes. The views of the surrounding lower elevation mountains and valleys are substantial and some of the best long distance views you can find in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Grandfather Mountain offers more than just stunning views, with a number of things to see and do during your visit, including:
Mile High Swinging Bridge - The main highlight of Grandfather Mountain is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Suspended at an elevation of 5,280 feet, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, valleys, and forests. The bridge is an iconic attraction and provides a thrilling experience for visitors.
Wildlife Habitat - Grandfather Mountain is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The mountain's varied ecosystems support a rich array of plant and animal species. Visitors can encounter wildlife such as black bears, deer, eagles, otters, and various bird species. The mountain's habitat is preserved and protected, contributing to its ecological significance.
Hiking and Trails - The mountain features a network of hiking trails catering to different skill levels. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the mountain's natural beauty up close. Popular trails include the Grandfather Trail, Profile Trail, and Daniel Boone Scout Trail, each offering unique views and challenges.
Visitor Facilities - The mountain provides visitor facilities, including a nature museum, gift shop, picnic areas, and a Mildred's Restaurant, which serves up good food, and especially their burgers.
>> For more information on Grandfather Mountain, see our Grandfather Mountain Guide.
Enjoy the amazing Culinary Delights in Banner Elk NC
We didn't know this until our recent visit, but Banner Elk has some amazing places to eat. Turns out, it's become very well known for its culinary scene, and has a variety of upscale restaurants offering incredibly and unique food.
Indulge in farm-to-table dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, savor mouthwatering steaks, enjoy fresh seafood delicacies, or experience family Italian recipes from Sicily.
The town's vibrant dining options cater to all tastes and preferences. We really enjoyed eating at many of the restaurants, and you can find our top picks in our Best Restaurants in Banner Elk guide.
Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway
A scenic drive along one of the most iconic roads in the world, the Blue Ridge Parkway is only minutes away from downtown Banner Elk. Linn Cove Viaduct, one of the most iconic sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway is also only minutes away as well.
A drive on the Parkway provides breathtaking and long range views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and vibrant foliage during the fall season. Along your Parkway journey, you discover numerous overlooks, hiking trails waterfalls, historic structures and more.
A drive along the parkway allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of these mountains and capture stunning photographs to share. For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, see our Ultimate Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
