List of Activities for Ashe County and the Surrounding Area

Biking Canoeing Fishing Gem Mining Golf Hiking Horseback Riding Off Road Adventure State & Federal Parks Ski Areas Swimming Waterfalls Ziplining

Biking

NC State Law requires helmets.

Ashe County

Railroad Grade Rd: 10 miles, easy, flat road along the New River, from Fleetwood to Todd: Ends at Todd General Store. Access from Hwy 194 in Todd or Hwy 221 in Fleetwood.

Other Areas

Beech Mountain Resort: Beech Mountain Resort is hard at work to bring a one of a kind bike park to the southeast, offering a variety of trails - Located at Beech Mountain Ski Resort. https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer/mountain-biking/

Grayson Highlands State Park: This mountain park is next to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest and offers bicycle trails (mountain bikes only). For more information call 1-800-933-PARK or 276-579-7092

Greenway Trail: 6 miles (3 mile turnaround), easy, paved and dirt trails. This trail is a gentle outing, which travels the length of the Lee, and Vivian Reynolds Greenway Trail in Boone is perfect for a quick jaunt during your lunch hour. https://www.exploreboone.com/

Howard's Creek Road Loop: 3.3 miles, easy dirt road. Total elevation gain 600 feet, Drive up Howard's Creek Road (off Hwy 194 north) until it turns to dirt. Curly Maple Road is on the left. Start on Howard's Creek Road and loop back around to end on Curly Maple Road. Beautiful farmland and forested roadways. Boone, NC

Junaluska Road Ride: 14 mile loop, moderate, dirt road. Ride begins near top of Howard's Knob, at Junaluska Road turn off (to left) and swings along Junaluska, connects with Curly Maple Road to SR 1323, and back to Junaluska. Several significant elevation changes. Total elevation gain: 1200 feet. Boone, NC

Kerr Scott Trails: Kerr Scott has three main trail systems: Dark Mountain, Overmountain Victory Trail, and Warrior Creek, and shorter trails either looping or connecting to those main veins. All three trail systems have their own character, and riding the Epic route will take you through the best of each. Wilkesboro, NC

Linville Gorge Loop: 49 miles, extremely strenuous, dirt roads, paved roads. Total elevation gain 4,050 feet. The longest, toughest ride in the area, with exhausting climbs and scary descents. Basically for adrenaline junkies, definitely not for beginners or intermediates. Linville, NC

Lower Wilson Ridge Trail: 8.6 miles moderate to strenuous, single track, old logging road, dirt road. Total elevation gain is 600 feet. Not rides for the directionless, as some sections on the trail are not marked very clearly. A great way to travel this trail is to check with local bike shops about planned rides. Wilson Creek, NC

Lower China Creek Loop: 3.9 miles, easy, dirt road, single track trail. Located off Globe Road in Blowing Rock, China Creek Trail follows the thunderous and beautiful Thunder Hole Creek through the woods, gaining a total of 250 feet in elevation. (If you start riding in Blowing Rock, the ride back will give you a 1750 feet elevation gain in just 3.5 miles!!)

Rocky Knob Mountain Biking Park: Rocky Knob is an 185 acre park in Boone, NC – Rocky Knob Park is located on US 421 just east of Boone city limits. From downtown, take US 421 S towards Wilkesboro. The park is located just off 421 on the right 7/10 of a mile past Bamboo Road and the Marathon Gas Station. Strenuous bike rides – significant elevation changes and rough conditions. http://rockyknob.wordpress.com/

Roseborough To Globe Rd: 14.1 miles of moderate to strenuous, single track trail, paved road. Total elevation gain is 1600 feet. A classic mountain bike ride. Blowing Rock, NC

Stone Mtn State Park: Offer more than 16 miles of trails. More than 14,100 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds. Contact information: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC 28668 or call (336) 957-8185.

Sugar Mountain Trail Loop: 5.9 miles, moderate to strenuous, double track trail, single track trails, brief section of paved road. This trail, located on the Sugar Mountain Ski Slope (certain parts not opened during ski season – check with the resort for details) has some very significant (1100 feet) elevation changes. Great views and some challenging cycling.

Table Rock Loop: 26.2 miles, strenuous, dirt road, paved road. Total elevation gain 2450 feet. Very few level spots interfere with this hilly ride. Most of the elevation gains occur within 11 miles (whew!!), but the paved surface makes for easier handling. Great for experienced road cyclists interested in mountain biking. Morganton, NC

Virginia Creeper Trail: The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 35 miles from Abingdon Virginia thru Damascus Virginia to the NC State Line near Whitetop Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The former rail bed passes through the backcountry of Southwest Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is rich in beauty and regional history. https://vacreepertrail.com/

Watauga River Road Ride: 8 miles (4 mile turnaround) easy dirt road. Total elevation gain is 150 feet. Begins off Hwy 194, ¼ mile past Mast General Store, at beginning of Watuaga River Road (to left). Park at the bridge and enjoy a beautiful, leisurely bike ride along the scenic Watauga River

Wilson's Creek Area : 8.2 miles, moderately strenuous, on old logging roads and 4 wheel drive roads. Total elevation gain is 1100 feet. Erosion on the logging road has left behind some serious ditches that will thrill hammerhead cyclists.

Wiseman's View Ride: 8.2 miles, fairly tough out and back trail dirt road. Total elevation gain is 1200 feet. Not for cream puffs, but the view is worth the climb. Linville Falls, NC

Bike Rentals Available

Boone Bike & Touring:
774 E King St, Boone, NC 28607
828-262-5750 www.boonebike.com

Brushy Mountain Bicycles
3981 West NC 268 Wilkesboro, NC 28659
336-818-1118

Magic Cycles
140 South Depot St, Boone, NC 28607
828-265-2277 www.magiccycles.com

RiverGirl Fishing Co.
4041 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC 28684
336-877-3099 www.rivergirlfishing.com

Wahoo's Adventures:
Located in Boone, NC or make reservations ahead with Todd, NC outpost
800-444-7238 www.wahoosadventures.com

Canoeing

Ashe County

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 Phone: 800-982-9190 www.canoethenew.com

River Girl Fishing Co/ New River Adventures : Offers 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'/Boating/Tubing on the Oldest River in North America. For more information contact (336) 877-3099 or www.rivergirlfishing.com

Riverside Canoe and Tube Rentals: 2966 Garvey Bridge Road Crumpler, NC 28617 Ph: 336-982-9439 www.riversidecanoeing.com

Wahoo’s Adventures: Six locations in the mountains, serving nine rivers. Rafting, canoeing, inner tubing, and caving. Located in Boone, NC with outpost in Todd, NC Phone: 800-444-RAFT or www.wahoosadventures.com

Zaloo’s Canoes: Canoe the New River, the world’s second oldest river. Located in Jefferson, NC Phone: 800-535-4027 or www.zaloos.com

Other Areas

Edge of The World Outfitters: Canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, rappelling and caving. Located in Banner Elk, NC Phone: 828-898-9550 or www.edgeoworld.com

High Mountain Expeditions: White water rafting, family float trips, funyaking, and kayaking. Located in Blowing Rock, NC Phone: 800-262-9036 or www.highmountainexpeditions.com

River & Earth Adventures: River & Earth offers whitewater rafting, caving, kayaking, canoeing, paddling school, and tubing. For more information got to www.raftcavehike.com or call 828-963-5491.

Fishing

For North Carolina Fishing regulations, click here.

Ashe County

River Girl Fishing Co.: Fly Fishing Supplies, Lessons and Guiding, Bait and Tackle for Conventional Fishing, Fishing/Hunting Licenses, and Fishing Kayak (Daily or Weekly). Come on down to the old Train Depot in Todd and Let's Go Fishin'/Boating/Tubing on the Oldest River in North America! Visit online at www.rivergirlfishing.com or Call 877-NC-FISHIN (623-4744)

Due South Outfitters: Your High Country Fly Fishing Adventure Awaits! Wade Trips and Float Trips 828-355-9109 www.DueSouthOutfitters.com

Stocked Trout Streams in Ashe County - Ashe County stocks various streams throughout the year:

• North Fork New River
• Helton Creek, Grassy Creek/Crumpler, NC
• Big Laurel Creek
• Three Top Creek, Todd NC
• Big Horse Creek, Lansing NC
• Buffalo Creek, Lansing NC
• North Beaver Creek, West Jefferson NC
• Old Fields Creek, Grassy Creek
• Cranberry Creek, Laurel Springs, NC
• Nathan’s Creek, Crumpler NC
• Peak Creek, Jefferson NC
• Roan Creak,
• Pine Swamp Creek, Fleetwood NC
• Hoskins Fork
• Mill Creek

Other Areas

Appalachian Angler Fly Shop and Guide Service: Fly fishing guide service and full service fly shop. Located in Boone, NC. Phone: 828-963-5050

Julian Price Lake: Plenty of opportunity to catch trout, bass, and blue gill on the Blue Ridge Parkway www.blueridgeheritage.com/

Moses Cone Park:  Just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway you can fish for bass and blue gill with Trout Lake designated as native trout waters. www.blueridgeparkway.org

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. Phone: 828-963-5098.    www.grandfathertroutfarm.com

Stone Mtn State Park: More than 20 miles of designated trout waters. Located in a state park with more than 14,000 acres of land. For more information call (336) 957-8185 or contact 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC 28668. www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/stmo/main.php

W. Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir: A beautiful mountain reservoir with numerous boat launching areas and fishing piers. There are several swimming sights and an area for canoe launching. For more information contact the 499 Reservoir Rd, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or call 336-921-3750 W. Kerr Scott Reservoir

Watauga Lake: A short drive from our area heading west on Hwy 321. Swimming, fishing, water-skiing, jet skiing, power boating and sailing. For fishing-this requires a TN fishing license.  Watauga Lake Fishing

Gem Mining

Ashe County

Gem Valley: Located at the historical mine of Ore Knob, you can find us at 2489 Little Peak Creek Road off of Highway 88 in Jefferson/Laurel Springs. If you like gem mining, you'll LOVE Gem Valley! The whole family is invited to spend the day with us (rain or shine)! Equipment is furnished and we will be happy to inspect your stones, free of charge. Experienced gem cutters are also on hand to cut and design jewelry from your finds. Open from May through October. For more information call 336.982.5177 www.gemvalleync.com/

Other Areas

Emerald Village: Gemstone mining, underground mine tours, mining museum, two locations in Little Switzerland, NC. Phone 828-765-6463 www.emeraldvillage.com

Foggy Mountain Gem Mine: Experience this mine with history of why gem mining was important to the area. Over forty different minerals may be found at our mine, and gemstone quality ore is guaranteed in every bucket. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, topaz, and many others are waiting to be discovered! Located at 4416 NC Hwy 105 South, Boone, NC 28607. 828-963-4367 www.foggymountaingems.com/

Gem Mountain: Gemstone mining, free inspection of stones, gem cutting and jewelry making, open 7 days, March –December, located between Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway on Hwy 226, NC.  Toll Free 888-817-5829 www.gemmountain.com/

Golf

Ashe County

Mountain Aire Golf Club: Located at 1396 Fairway Ridge Rd, West Jefferson, NC – 18 holes, yardage: 6200 feet, Par: 71, lessons and packages. Phone: 336-877-4716 www.mountainaire.com

Other Areas

Boone Golf Club: Located in Boone, NC – 18 holes, yardage: 6401 feet, par: 71, lessons. Phone: 828-264-8760.   www.boonegolfclub.com/

Sunrise Mountain Mini-Golf: Located 1675 Hwy 105, Boone, NC, 28607 Family fun.. Phone: 828-265-4653. Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf

New River Country Club : Located at 611 Golf Course Rd, Sparta, NC 28675 – 18 hole course Phone: 336-372-4869.

Willow Creek Golf Course: Located in Boone, NC, public-9 holes, yardage: 1663, Par: 27. Phone: 828-963-6865.   www.willowvalley-resort.com/

Hiking

Ashe County

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. www.highcountryhiking.com/doughton.htm

Lansing Walking Trail: Take a relaxing walk in the historic Lansing, NC. Lansing offers a nice two-acre park with a paved walking trail, located next to the small, historic downtown area of Lansing at 114 S Big Horse Creek, Lansing, NC 28643. For more info call (336) 384 3938 Lansing Creeper Trail Park

Mt Jefferson State Park: Located in Ashe County, includes 4900 foot summit of Mt Jefferson, from where hikers can view North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia Website

New River State Park: Experience local flora and fauna at its best along the New River! With 4 access points in the Park there is one not to far from almost everyone. Wagoner Rd Access, US Hwy 221 Access-Main office, Kings Creek Access(Alleghany), Alleghany Access for hiking or canoe in only(no vehicle access). 336-982-2587 Website

Other Areas

Appalachian Trail: This trail crosses Roan Mountain, Hump Mountain, and Yellow Mountain, all known for their large expanse of mountaintop meadows with distant views. Trailheads are in Elk Park and Carvers Gap on Roan.

Beacon Heights Trail And Flat Rock Nature Trail: Both are 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.

Black Rock Cliffs Cave Trail: Located at 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 Mountain Linville, NC

Cascades On The Parkway: A trail about half a mile leads to these series of beautiful cascading waterfalls. It is located about 3.5 miles north of the Parkway intersection with US 421 at Deep Gap.

Crabtree Falls: Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway about six miles north of Little Switzerland. The walk down to the falls is about a mile. Website

Elk Knob Trail: Along the trail, hikers will catch glimpses of the mountainous terrain of Watauga and Ashe Counties. Upon reaching the summit, hikers will have spectacular 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. Website

Grandfather Trail: Located at Grandfather Mountain. It 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 nominal fee is required.

Grayson Highland Park: The park has nine hiking trails averaging a mile in length, which lead to panoramic vistas, scenic waterfalls. This mountain park is next to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest. For more information call 1-800-933-PARK. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml

Julian Price Park: 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. Website

Linville Falls: Located off 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 trailhead leading to the Falls and another trail head just off the Kistler Hwy. Four miles down the highway is Wiseman’s View Trail, with one of the most awesome views of the Gorge. Also a good place to see Brown Mountain Lights.

Linville Gorge: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Across the Gorge from Wiseman’s View the trail climbs 1 mile to the Table Rock Summit. Great views into the Gorge. Website

Moses Cone Memorial Park: Near Blowing Rock on the Parkway. The park offers 25 miles of easily graded paths also popular for cross country skiing. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=109

Roan Mountain: On the NC/TN line, there are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails in Roan Mountain State Park and 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous. Hikers can stroll along the Doe River or take a challenging trail up to a ridge with a great view. At the last parking area on the Forest Service Road, the Cloudland Trail climbs to an observation deck with a 4000 foot drop.

Stone Mountain State Park: Located in Roaring Gap this park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hiking and more than 14,00 acres all together. For more information on hiking trails call (336) 957-8185. https://www.ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park

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 rail – a moderate 1.1-mile trail that starts near the end of the Summit Trail.

Wilson Creek Trails: Located in Pisgah National Forest near NC 181. About 6 trails in this area require and hour to hike and lead to views waterfalls and cliffs. Website

Horseback Riding

Dutch Creek Trails: Enjoy wooded trails, old farm fields, views of the valley surrounded by the beautiful blue mountains and southern hospitality. Whether you are an experienced rider or this is your first time riding, the skilled staff and gentle horses make this pleasant for everyone. 828-297-7117, 793 Rubin Walker Rd, Vilas, NC 28692

Hidden Pasture Trails: Join us as we meander up the mountainside on trails that wind through the woods, and cross bubbling creeks on a beautiful 300+ acre tract of land.  When we arrive at the top of the mountain, at an elevation of 4200ft, you will be amazed at the 360’ views. 240 Hidden Pastures Dr, Fleetwood, NC 28626. Call for appointment or book online. Phone: (336) 977-1360

Leatherwood Mountain Trail Rides: 512 Meadow Road, Ferguson, NC 28624 Ph: 800-4NC-MTNS (462-6867)

Off Road Adventure

Appalachians Outdoor Adventures: ATV Rentals & UTV Rentals - Come enjoy the beautiful mountains in one of our side by sides. Phone: 828-297-1289

Unseen Pass: Rent a Roxor side-by-side (SXS) in West Jefferson, NC  Phone: 919-451-0569 *Discounts available for our 4 Seasons Vacation Rental guests.  

State and Federal Parks

Doughton Park: At Milepost 241 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is the largest recreation area on the Parkway. It offers picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing, a restaurant and gas station.

Julian Price Memorial Park: South of Blowing Rock, located at Milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this park features picnic grounds, boat rentals, fishing and popular hiking trails like Boone Fork and Tanawha.

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 Hwy 221 at the Linville Falls Community exit. Look for Milepost 317.

Moses Cone Memorial Park: North of Blowing Rock at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is one of the chief Parkway recreation areas. This 3,600-acre park offers bridle paths, hiking trails, trout streams, two lakes and a craft center in the Manor House.

Mount Jefferson State Park: 539 undeveloped acres, picnicking, hiking and nature study available. Located off Hwy 221 in Jefferson, NC.

Mount Mitchell State Park: At 6684 feet it’s the highest peak in Eastern America. A short walk takes you to the observation tower on top. Picnicking, hiking, and nature study available. Located at Milepost 355.

New River State Park: 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. It’s one of the few rivers in the world that flows north. Canoeing, rafting, tubing, and fishing are popular here.

Stone Mountain State Park: This park is named for its 600 foot 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.

Ski Areas

Appalachian Ski Mountain: Located in Blowing Rock, NC – elevation 4000 feet, 8 slopes, 6 lifts, lessons, ski rentals and ice-skating. Phone: 800-322-2373

Hawksnest Tubing: Located in Seven Devils, NC – elevation of 4819 feet, Snow tubing and Ziplining. Phone: 800-822-HAWK

Ski Beech: Located in Beech Mtn, NC – elevation of 5505 feet, 14 slopes, 11 lifts, lessons, ski rentals, and ice-skating. Phone: 800-438-2093

Sugar Mountain: Located in Banner Elk, NC, Sugar Mountain has an elevation of 4000 feet, 8 slopes, 6 lifts, lessons, ski rentals and ice-skating. Phone: 800-SUGARMT

Swimming

Lakes & Rivers

The New River: The New River, actually the world’s second oldest river, zigzags its was throughout Northwestern North Carolina, being especially evident in Watauga and Ashe County. Swimming, tubing and canoeing are popular on the New River. The New River State Park, 336-982-2587, is located in Ashe County, near Jefferson, with numerous "drop in" accesses.

Wildcat Lake: A tiny lake located near Lees-McRae College, in Banner Elk, Wildcat Lake is a popular "day at the beach" retreat for families. Phone the Avery/Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-5605 for more information

Watauga River:  A popular tubing river with a bit of kayaking in evidence here and there, the Watauga River weaves its way throughout western Watauga County.

Watauga Lake: A short drive from Boone heading west on Hwy 321, Watauga Lake is the High Country hot spot for water sports. There is swimming and fishing; water skiing, jet skiing, power boating and sailing; picnicking, camping, and much, much more. Call Mallard Cove Marina at 615-78-3440 or Pioneer Landing at 615-768-3164, both on Watauga Lake for information.)

Public Swimming Pools

Ashe County Middle School Pool: Indoor pool is open during summer. For more information call 336-384-4600

Mountain Hearts Indoors pool: Located in Jefferson NC. For more information call 336-846-0744

YMCA of Wilkes County: For more information call (336) 838-3991

Watauga County Swim Complex Indoors Swimming pool: For more information call 828-264-0270

Blowing Rock Pool Outdoor/Summer Only: Located in Blowing Rock. For more information call 828-295-5224

Green Valley Pool Outdoor/Summer only: Located in Boone. For more information call 828-264-7680

Waterfalls

Boone Fork Trail Falls: 25 feet on Boone Fork Trail leading from the picnic area at Julian Price Park, Milepost 295 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock.

Cascades On The Parkway: Series of three cascading falls, 30-40 feet in height, at Jefferson Park Milepost 272 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Self guided nature trail of one-mile round trip leads from a picnic area.

Crabtree Falls: 60 feet at a Visitor Center at Milepost 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A 30 minute walk along a nature trail 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.

Fleetwood Falls: Series of whitewater falls lasting about half a mile, in the Fleetwood Falls resort area a short distance off US Hwy 221 in Ashe County.

Glen Burnie Falls: 75 feet, in John’s River Gorge off the Globe Road below Blowing Rock.

Laurel Creek Falls: 85 feet just past Cove Creek/Sugar Grove on US Hwy 321 at Laurel Creek Road before Cove Creek joins the Watauga River. Can hike to it from US Hwy 321.

Linville Falls: A series of two falls, upper at 12 feet and lower at 90 feet, plunge into the 2000 foot deep Linville Gorge. Parking area at Milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A one-mile round trip hike leads to the Falls.

Mitchell Falls: 40 feet at Mt Mitchell State Park on NC 128 at Milepost 355 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Stone Mountain State Park : More than 14,100 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds, including a Water Fall. Located in Roaring Gap.

Upper Creek Falls: Just off 181 toward Morganton, (5.8 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway exit or 7.4 miles from 221/181 intersection) this 100-foot falls has trails to both the upper and lower ends. The upper end is a more difficult trail with exposed rock face, but lower end is tame enough for swimming and sunbathing.

Ziplining

Hawksnest Zipline: Hawksnest is located just off of Highway 105 South between Boone and Banner Elk, NC. 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, NC. Phone: 828-963-6561 

Sky Valley Zip Tours:  Located at 634 Sky Ranch Rd, Blowing Rock, NC.  Phone: 828-264-0002

High Gravity Adventures: 215 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC. Phone: 828-266-0176