Other Attractions & Activities
Mountain Music
Mountain Music Jamboree -
featuring genuine traditional music, dance and food. A place where children still dance
with the old folks. Open Saturday 7 - 11 p.m. Located in Glendale Springs, NC -
800-803-4079 or 336-384-4079
Horn in the West
Stage plays reliving the struggles of the early mountain
settlers. Hickory Ridge Homestead - demonstrations of eighteenth century mountain life.
Daniel Boone Native Gardens - a display of mountain flora, dedicated to the preservation
of Earths treasures. All located together in Boone, NC. Open mid-June thru
mid-August. 828-264-2120.
Mystery Hill
Scenic optical illusions and natural phenomena.
Located on Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. Open all year.
Ask us about Discount Tickets - Great Savings!
Blue
Ridge Mountain Frescoes
Frescoe paintings by artist, Ben Long, St. Marys
Episcopal Church located in W. Jefferson, NC and Holy Trinity Church located in Glendale
Springs, NC. Free. 336-982-3076 day-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 6:00
p.m.Winter - Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
828-264-2792
Ashe County Cheese, Inc.
North Carolinas only cheese factory, free tour, founded in 1930; open daily
8:30 - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday, located in W. Jefferson, NC. 336-246-2501.
Bowling
Boone Bowling - 261 Boone Heights Drive, Boone, NC - 828-264-3166
Ziplining
Screaming
Zip Lines
Two tours: The Original Tour of 6 ziplines with the last zipline over three football
fields long and the Extreme Tour
which is 6 ziplines including the infamous Triple Wide 2000 foot long zipline.
Vilas, NC - 828-898-5404
Sky Valley Zip Tours
Take a 3 hour outdoor adventure guided by trained Rangers. Zip through forests, traverse
bridges, and jump off
rock faces. Enjoy 140 acres of unspoiled environment.
Blowing Rock, NC - 1-855-4-SKY-ZIP
Hawksnest
Zip Lines
Twenty ziplines including 4 mega zips, 2 over 2000 feet long and 2 over 1500 feet long.
Four miles of zipline riding with heights over 200 feet and speeds up to 50 mph.
Seven Devils, NC - 828-963-6561 or 800-822-4295
Mountain Biking
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
Boone, NC
Located just off Hwy. 421 (a short distance from our cabins).
Rocky Knob is an 185 acre mountain bike park. It is complete with over 8 miles of mountain
biking trails,
four skills areas, a pump track, an adventure playground, and hiking access.
Golf
Boone Golf Club
Located in Boone, NC - 18 holes, yardage: 6,401, par: 71, lessons.
828-264-8760
Mountain Aire Golf Club
Located in West Jefferson, NC - 18 holes, yardage: 6,200, par:71, lessons, packages.
336-877-4716
Magic Mountain Mini Golf
Great mini golf for the entire family.
Located in Boone, NC - 828-265-4653
Swimming & Water Sports
Water sports are a popular summertime activity throughout the High Country.
W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir
Map - Click Here
A beautiful mountain reservoir with numerous boat launching areas and fishing piers. There
are also several swimming sights and an area for canoe launching. For more
information contact the Resource Manager,
P.O. Box 182, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 336-921-3750 or 336-921-3390.
The New
River
The world's oldest river, zigzags its way throughout Northwestern North Carolina.
Swimming, tubing, and canoeing are popular on "the New". The New River
State Park is located in Ashe County, near Jefferson, with numerous "drop-in"
accesses. Call 336-982-2587 for information.
Wildcat Lake
A tiny lake located near Lees-McRae College, in Banner Elk. A popular "day at
the beach" retreat for families with young children. For more information
contact the Avery/Banner Elk Chamber at 828-898-5605.
Watauga River
A popular tubing river with a bit of kayaking.
Watauga Lake
A short drive from Boone heading west on Hwy. 321. Swimming, fishing, water skiing,
jet skiing, power boating and sailing. For more information contact Mallard Cove
Marina - 615-967-5370 - located on Watauga Lake
Public Swimming Pool - Boone
Watauga County Swim Complex - Indoor Pool
141 Complex Drive - off of State Farm Road
For information call 828-264-0270
Fall Creek & Green
Branch
Enjoy walking, splashing and cooling off in the creeks located on the Fall Creek Property.
White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking,
& Tubing
River
Girl Fishing Co./New River Adventures, LLC - Fly Fishing
Supplies, Lessons and Guiding, Bait and Tackle for Conventional Fishing, Fishing/Hunting
Licenses, Fishing Kayak and Pontoon Rentals, Kayak, Canoe, Tube and Bicycle Rentals (Daily
or Weekly).
Come on down to the old Train Depot in Todd and Let's Go Fishin' on the Oldest River in
North America!
4041 Railroad Grade Rd. Todd, NC 28684 Telephone: (336) 877-3099 or 1-877-623-4744
(NCFishin).
Zaloos Canoes
Canoe the New River, the worlds 2nd oldest river. Located in Jefferson, NC.
800-535-4027.
New River Outfitters
Tubing and canoeing the New River. Visit the New River General Store, the oldest
continuously operating store in the area. Located in Jefferson, NC. 800-982-9190.
High Mountain Expeditions
White water rafting, family float trips, funyaking, and kayaking.
Located in Blowing Rock, NC. 800-262-9036.
Wahoo's Adventures
Six locations in the mountains, serving nine rivers. Rafting, canoeing,
inner-tubing, and caving.
Located in Boone, NC. 800-444-RAFT
Cherokee Adventures
Located in Erwin, TN. 800-445-7238
Edge of the World Outfitters
Canoeing, rafting, rock climbing & rappelling and caving. Located in Banner Elk, NC.
828-898-9550
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Guide assisted trips, raft rentals, canoeing, kayaking, and mountain bikes.
Nolichucky River, Nantahala River, Ocoee River, French Broad River, and the Chattooga
River.
800-232-7238
Mountain Adventure Guides
French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers
For Reservations call 1-866-USA-RAFT
Fishing & Guide Service
River
Girl Fishing Co./New River Adventures, LLC - Fly Fishing
Supplies, Lessons and Guiding, Bait and Tackle for Conventional Fishing, Fishing/Hunting
Licenses, Fishing Kayak and Pontoon Rentals, Kayak, Canoe, Tube and Bicycle Rentals (Daily
or Weekly).
Come on down to the old Train Depot in Todd and Let's Go Fishin' on the Oldest River in
North America!
4041 Railroad Grade Rd. Todd, NC 28684 Telephone: (336) 877-3099 or 1-877-623-4744
(NCFishin).
Appalachian Angler Fly Shop & Guide Service
Fly fishing guide service and full service fly shop. Located in Boone, NC.
828-963-5050
Elk Creek Outfitters
Provides quality fly fishing guide trips & adventures tailored to the individual.
Boone, NC - 828-264-6497
Grandfather Trout Farm
Trout fishing for the whole family in a stocked pond. A fishing license is not
required for the trout farm and the charge is based upon the amount of fish caught.
The trout pond season generally runs from the first Saturday in April through about mid
November. Located on Hwy. 105, across from the entrance to town of Seven Devils,
Banner Elk, NC. 828-963-5098
New River & Watauga River
Fly fish for small mouth bass, red-eye bass, catfish, and in some areas rather large
muskies along with three varieties of trout on the New River which winds through
Alleghany, Ashe, & Watauga Counties and also in the Watauga River.
W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir
Map - Click Here
A beautiful mountain reservoir, where a number of species of fish are caught, i.e., bass,
perch, crappie, and bream. There are numerous boat launching areas and fishing piers.
There are also several swimming sights and an area for canoe launching. For more
information contact the Resource Manager, P.O. Box 182, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336-921-3750 or 336-921-3390.
Moses Cone Park - Bass Lake & Trout Lake
Bass and blue gill with Trout Lake designated as native trout waters.
Fall Creek
Fall
Creek Stocking List
A state designated stocked trout stream, located on the Fall Creek property. Available for
Fall Creek Cabin guests.
Other High Country Streams
Streams and lakes known for their good fishing are Wilson Creek, Elk River (between Banner
Elk and Elk Park on Hwy. 194), Howard's Creek (off Hwy. 194 north of Boone), Boone's Fork
(off Watauga River above Hound Ears), the Globe section of the Johns River Gorge (eight
miles south of Blowing Rock off US 321 on Globe Rd.), Anthony Creek, Johns River and Big
Horse Creek (upstream from Lower SR 1361 bridge to the VA state line).
Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish waters under federal regulation.
They are stocked annually and offer excellent fishing. Most mountain streams
in the area are stocked with trout and also have native trout.
State fishing licenses or short - term permits are required for all fisherman 16 years old
and up; state trout stamps are not required on Parkway waters. The Parkway fishing
season, which runs in conjunction with the state's season, is from the first Saturday in
April through the last of February (the month of March is used for stocking).
For further licensing information and regulations contact:
NC Wildlife
Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27604-1188 or
General Information - 919-662-4381
Inland Fisheries Division- 919-733-3633
Enforcement Division- 919-733-7191
State & Federal Parks
Moses Cone Memorial
Park
North of Blowing Rock at MP 294 on the BRP, this is one of
the chief Parkway recreation areas. The 3,600 acre park offers bridle paths, hiking
trails, trout streams, two lakes and a craft center in the Manor House.
Julian
Price Memorial Park
South of Blowing Rock, located at MP 297 on the BRP, this park features picnic grounds,
boat rentals, fishing, and popular hiking trails like Boone Fork and Tanawha.
Doughton
Park
At MP 241 on the BRP, this is the largest recreation area on the Parkway. It offers picnic
areas, hiking, trails, fishing, a restaurant and gas station.
Linville Falls
& Linville
Gorge Wilderness Area
This 7,600 acre tract has been preserved to provide a primitive natural environment. The
steep walls of the Gorge enclose Linville River which descends 2,000 feet in only 12
miles. Access to Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is by foot trails via a Forest Service
Road off US 221 at the Linville Falls Community exit. Look for MP 317.
Mount
Mitchell State Park
At 6,684 feet, its the highest peak in Eastern America. A short walk takes you to
the observation tower on top. Picnicking, hiking, and nature study are available. Located
at MP 355.
Mount
Jefferson State Park
539 undeveloped acres, picnicking, hiking and nature study available. Located off Hwy. 221
in Jefferson, NC.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Near Spruce Pine at MP 331. Exhibits feature more than 300 different kinds of
rocks and minerals found in NC. There is choice prospecting for gems and minerals in the
vicinity.
New River
Located in the Appalachian Mountains of Alleghany, Ashe and
Watauga Counties, this 26.5 mile stretch of river has been named a national wildlife and
scenic river. Its one of the few rivers in the world that flows north. Canoeing,
rafting, tubing and fishing are popular here.
Pisgah
National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest offers lake and stream fishing,
as well as large and small game. Roan Mountain and the Linville Gorge Wilderness area are
both located within this National forest.
Roan
Mountain
Here you will find the worlds largest natural gardens
of crimson-purple rhododendron. Roan Mountain is near Bakersville in the Pisgah National
Forest recreation area. Peak bloom occurs in mid-June and can be viewed on casual walks on
a variety of trails.
Stone Mountain
State Park
This park is named for its 600 ft. high granite formation,
three miles in circumference at the base. Fishing, hiking, and nature study are available
in this virtually undeveloped park area. Stone Mountain is located in Alleghany and Wilkes
Counties.
Hiking Trails
Easy Trails
Moses Cone Memorial
Park (MP 294) - near Blowing Rock on the Parkway. The park offers 25 miles of easily
graded paths also popular for cross-country skiing.
Julian Price Park
(MP 297) - near Blowing Rock on the Parkway. Easy hikes include the Price Lake Trail that
circles the lake and the Green Knob Trail, which is 2 miles long.
Linville Falls/Linville
Gorge (MP 317) - on the Parkway. A number of trails lead to the head of the falls with
views of the cataract and the Gorge Wilderness Area. The Parkway has a trail head leading
to the Falls and another trail head just off the Kistler Hwy. Four miles down the highway
is Wisemans View Trail, with one of the most awesome views of the Gorge. Also a good
place to see Brown Mountain Lights.
The
Cascades on the Parkway (MP 272) - is a trail of about a half-mile to a series of
cascading waterfalls. It is located about 3.5 miles north of the Parkway intersection with
US 421 at Deep Gap.
The
Beacon Heights Trail and Flat Rock Nature Trail (MP 305) - are both within 4 miles of
Linville, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Beacon Heights Trail is a 15-minute trail leading
to fine views of Grandfather and the piedmont below. To the south, is the Flat Rock Nature
Trail and Overlook which looks down into the Linville River Valley.
Crabtree Falls (MP
339) - on the Parkway is about 6 miles south of Little Switzerland. The walk down to the
falls is about a mile.
Moderate Trails
Roan Mountain - on
the NC/TN state line. At the last parking area on the Forest Service Road, the Cloudland
Trail climbs to an observation deck with a 4,000 foot drop.
Mount Jefferson
State Park - located in Ashe County, includes 4,900 foot summit of Mt. Jefferson, from
where hikers can view North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Summit Trail
- beginning at the parking lot on Mt. Jefferson, the summit trail passes through the
picnic ground and ascends .3 miles to the peak of Mt. Jefferson.
Rhododendron Trail - a moderate 1.1 mile
trail that starts near the end of the summit trail.
Doughton
Park Trails - located in Ashe County near Laurel Springs has over 30 miles of hiking
trails, ranging from moderate strolls to day-long outings. Call 336-372-8877
Linville Gorge (MP 317)
- on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Across the Gorge from Wisemans View the trail climbs 1
mile to the Table Rock summit. Great views into the Gorge.
Julian Price Park
(MP 297) - on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Boone Fork Trail is a 5 mile hike.
Grandfather Mountain - Black Rock
Cliffs Cave Trail is 1.3 miles to a cave with fine views. The Grandfather Trail Extension
has a 2.5 mile round trip to views of the valley. Crag Way and Daniel Boone Scout Trail
form a view loop hike over rocky crags. A permit is required. For a free map write
Backcountry manager/Grandfather Mtn., Linville, NC 28646.
Wilson Creek
Trails - in Pisgah National Forest near NC 181. About 6 trails in this area require an
hour to hike and lead to views, waterfalls and cliffs.
Challenging Hikes
Linville Gorge (MP 317)
- on the Parkway. Several trails drop sharply into the Gorge, making the climb rugged. A
permit is required and is available from the US Forest Service in Marion or at the
Linville Falls Texaco on US 221.
Grandfather Mountain -
Grandfather trail- begins at the Mile High Swinging Bridge and eventually hits all of
Grandfather's three highest peaks. This 2.4 mile trail requires approximately 5
hours of hiking time to travel the entire length. It's extremely rugged with only
wooden ladders making some sheer cliff faces accessible. It intersects with several
other trails at its northern terminus. A serious trail for serious hikers
only! A permit with a nominal fee is required.
Wilson Creek
Trails - in the Pisgah National Forest. Several trails near Linville Gorge are 4 to 6
hour hikes through vegetation with rugged rock formations to waterfalls.
Appalachian Trail - crosses
Roan Mtn., Hump Mtn., and Yellow Mtn., all known for their large expanse of mountain-top
meadows with distant views. Trail heads are in Elk Park and at Carvers Gap on Roan.
Waterfalls
Mitchell
Falls - 40 feet, at Mt. Mitchell State Park on NC 128 at MP 355 on the Blue Ridge
parkway.
Crabtree Falls -
60 feet, at a Visitor Center at MP 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A 30 minute walk along a
nature trail leads to the falls.
Linville Falls - A
series of two falls, upper at 12 feet and lower at 90 feet, plunge into the 2,000 foot
deep Linville Gorge. Parking area at MP 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A one-mile round
trip hike leads to the Falls.
Elk River Falls - 85 feet, about 2 miles north of Elk Park on a secondary road. Also can
hike in from SR 1308 near Heaton on NC 194 between Elk Park and Banner Elk
Laurel Creek Falls - 85 feet, just past Cove Creek/Sugar Grove on US 321 at Laurel Creek
Road before Cove Creek joins the Watauga River. Can hike to it from US 321.
Boone Fork Trail
Falls - 25 feet, on Boone Fork Trail leading from the picnic area at Julian Price
Park, MP 295 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock.
Glen Burney Falls
- 75 feet, in John's River Gorge off the Globe Road below Blowing Rock.
The
Cascades - Series of three cascading falls, 30 to 40 feet in height, at Jefferson
Park, MP 272 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Self-guided nature trail of one-mile round trip
leads from a picnic area.
Country Stores / Crafts / Shopping
Mast General Store - Established in 1883,
the Mast General Store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the
best representations of an old country store. Two locations: Historic site in Valle Crucis
- 828-963-6511, open Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.; and
the annex store in downtown Boone - 828-262-0000, open Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00
p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Todd General Store -
Established in 1914, recapture a time when life was simple and genuine. Meet the mountain
folks and listen to tales of the railroad days when Todd was the largest town in Watauga
and Ashe Counties. Located 11 miles North of Boone off Hwy. 194, overlooking the South
Fork of the New River on Railroad Grade Road, the most scenic bike route in NC.
828-877-1067
The Orchard at Altapass -
Historic Orchard at Altapass (founded in 1907) on Orchard Road, MP 328.4 on the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Open late May to early November. Fresh baked goods, homemade fudge, ice cream,
sundries, crafts made locally, tours, hay rides, history, tall tales, live local music,
craft demonstrations and fresh apples in season. 828-765-9531
Parkway Craft Center - at Moses Cone Manor,
located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 294. For nearly 50 years, the Southern Highland
Craft Guild has showcased here, the best crafts from a nine-state region...weaving,
basketry, pottery, woodcarving, glass and metal work. Open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. May -
October and 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. other months, call to verify. 828-295-7938
Traditions Pottery - located in the NC Blue
Ridge Mountains just south of Blowing Rock, NC. Handmade pottery in traditional shapes
such as face jugs, Rebekah pitchers, candle sticks, mugs, bowls, and teapots. 828-295-5099
Shoppes on the Parkway - 35 factory outlets
located on Hwy. 321 in Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-4444 or 800-720-6728
Northwest Trading Post - mountain crafts, antiques, jellies, relishes, hams, and baked
goods. Open April 15 - October 31, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 259, Glendale
Springs, NC. 336-982-2543
Cabin Fever - a complete
collection of log cabin and vacation home furnishings.
Located at 915 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC. 828-295-0520
Christmas in Blowing Rock - unusual gifts,
exquisite ornaments, handcrafted collectibles, and scrumptious james and jellies. Located
on Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC. Open year round. 828-295-9696
Fred's General Mercantile - located at 501 Beech
Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC
Open 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., 828-387-4838
The Bob Timberlake Gallery at Blowing Rock -
the gallery showcases Bob's artwork, personal memorabilia, home furnishings and
accessories.
Located on Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC - 800-244-0095 or 828-295-4855
Charleston Forge Outlet - offering wrought
iron furniture handcrafted in the mountains of NC. Unusual home accessories, fireplace
accessories, and patio furniture.
Located in Boone, NC on Hwy. 105 Extension - 828-262-0096
DeWoolfson Down - merchants of the finest down
and silk bedding products.
Located on Hwy. 105 in Banner Elk, NC. 828-963-4144 or 800-833-3696
The Cabin Store - rustic furnishings
and accessories to compliment any mountain decor.
Located in downtown W. Jefferson, open Mon - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
336-246-5647
and much, much more!
Many of our guests enjoy just spending
time on the Fall Creek Cabins property, where they can get back to nature, hike our many
trails, picnic by the creek or spend a quiet evening by the fireplace. So, whether you
prefer to browse antique shops or challenge yourself to white water rafting, our location
couldn't be better. |