Attractions

One of the best kept secrets in the High Country is Apple Hill Farm. Apple Hill is a working alpaca and llama farm offering tours year-round to visitors.

Go prospecting for NC gemstones at Sugar Creek Gem Mine, open year-round with an expert staff providing instruction on the best methods for mining.

Tate-Evans Park is a multi-activity park in Banner Elk. It includes a paved greenway, playgrounds, wading pools, a volleyball court and a picnic shelter.

Grandfather Mountain is a popular tourist attraction located atop one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each year, it attracts about 250...

View the Blue Ridge Mountains via horseback at Banner Elk Stables. This Banner Elk attraction offers one-hour guided rides on rustic trails perched alon...

Banner Elk Book Exchange is like a boutique book store minus the cash register. Bring a book you've read to swap for one you want to read, no return needed

For an “axe-citing” time in the NC High Country, head to Hero's Axe House. It features six lanes of axe throwing fun, multiple games & digital scoring.

Climb, swing and dangle in the treetops at Wilderness Run Adventure Course beside Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.

North Carolina's only alpine coaster provides a thrilling downhill adventure, reaching speeds up to 27 mph. The average ride takes about five minutes.

From early June to October, ski slopes become downhill mountain biking trails served by the chairlift at Beech Mtn Resort. Bike rentals & lessons available.

Foscoe Fishing Co. provides expert outfitting and fly fishing guide service for everybody from first-timers to experienced anglers. It is the only Orvis...

Elk River Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the NC mountains, with a rush of water falling 50 feet over a rock cliff into an oval pool.

*Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene Step inside Humpback Mountain with a guided tour through Linville Caverns. The active caverns reveal stalact...

Horseback rides with panoramic views are the specialty of Elk Mountain Riding Co. Pick from a variety of tours for both beginners and experienced riders.

Trains are the stars of this Wild West theme park. Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, Tweetsie Railroad has entertained families with old-fashioned...

What was once a community necessity in rural Valle Crucis is now a popular stop for tourists to journey back in time. Folks come to play checkers by the...

Hawksnest has 4 miles of ziplines for riders. Cruise over trees, lakes & creeks taking in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge from high atop Seven Devils …

Wildcat Lake is a 13-acre public NC mountain lake with a sand beach and swimming area. It's open for swimming, kayaking, fishing & sunbathing.