12 Best Things to Do in Boone, NC

In the mountains of North Carolina lies the beautiful town of Boone, which has a lively yet laid-back feel. Located in the North West of the state, it is in the heart of some truly outstanding scenery, with countless outdoor activities available within easy reach.

While the exciting Blue Ridge Parkway and its majestic mountains simply beg to be explored, the charming town itself also has many tourist attractions. Things to do in Boone include a visit to a brewery or boutique, while Downtown Boone is dotted with beautiful buildings and Appalachian State University gives its streets a youthful vibe. Most, however, use the mountain town as a base to hike, mountain bike, or ski in its scenic surroundings.

12. Rocky Knob Park

Just east of Boone is the wonderful Rocky Knob Park, which has many great hiking and mountain biking trails for visitors to explore. Very mountainous, it boasts plenty of stunning scenery, with fantastic views offered from its highest points.

As it is a short distance from the city center, the quiet and picturesque park is very popular with locals, who come to enjoy its wonderful forests and wilderness. Established in 2009, it is particularly known for its epic trails and descents that have earned it the title of ‘Ultimate Ride Hotspot’ for mountain bikers by Velo magazine.

In addition to its more than 12 kilometers of trails, the park also has various picnic areas and playgrounds for visitors to use within the lush forest and rolling landscapes.

11. Greenway Trail

Just southeast of downtown is the beautiful Greenway, which meanders alongside the South Fork of the New River. Accessible to all, the amazing trail is ideal for everyone – from walkers and cyclists to wheelchair users and families – with several scenic spots to stop along the way.

Despite its proximity to Boone, the town feels a world away as you stroll peacefully along the stream banks and pass through flower-filled meadows and lush forests. The trail also takes you to some interesting historical sights, such as a dilapidated old dam. Here and there you will find informative plaques about the history and nature of the area.

Along the route, there are benches and picnic areas where visitors can rest and enjoy all the wonderful scenery.

10. Appalachian ski mountain

Nestled among the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is the stunning Appalachian Ski Mountain, which has snow-covered slopes and terrain parks for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Located just 15 minutes drive south of town, it also has a restaurant and slopeside lodge – as well as a ski school and shop.

The resort first opened in 1962 and the resort has slowly grown in size over the years. There are now 11 excellent ski slopes for visitors to use. Reaching 1,219 meters at its highest point, the stunning pistes and three terrain parks are accessible via various lift systems.

With all of its slopes equipped with snowmaking machines, Appalachian Ski Mountain guarantees skiers and snowboarders a great experience. The resort is usually open from mid-November to March and also offers exciting night skiing.

9. Blowing Rock

Long a popular tourist destination, the picture-perfect town of Blowing Rock is perched on a prominent part of the North Carolina mountains. A charming and picturesque place located a short drive from Boone, surrounded by the stunning scenery and scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Filled with excellent restaurants, chic boutiques, and craft shops, the tiny town takes its name from a magnificent and distinctive rock formation nearby. From its unusual ledge and observation deck, visitors can enjoy magnificent panoramas of the surrounding area, which is home to several beautiful waterfalls that you can hike to.

Despite its small size, Blowing Rock hosts a variety of live music and theater performances in its cozy taverns and arts center. With numerous cultural events and festivals taking place during the sunny summer months, the city can get quite crowded as people gather to enjoy its many different sides.

8. Daniel Boone Native Gardens

Just outside of downtown Boone are the magnificent Daniel Boone Native Gardens, home to over 200 species of plants native to North Carolina. Consisting of a series of small, secluded sections, it’s a delight to wander around, with towering trees and fantastic flower beds everywhere you look.

Named after the famous ranger Daniel Boone, the impressive gardens were established in 1961 so that local clubs, schools, and botanists could study native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers. Since those early days, the landscaped gardens have grown in size and scope, with a rock bridge, a rustic bridge, and a reflecting pool springing up alongside many other features. Open May through October, the Daniel Boone Native Gardens are worth exploring for an hour or two.

7. Appalachian Mountain Brewery

The largest and liveliest of Boone’s three breweries, the enticing Appalachian Mountain Brewery is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy a freshly brewed pint or sparkling cider. Established in 2013, its amazing dining room is located along Boone Creek, right next to the Boone Mall.

Here you can try a wide range of award-winning ales and IPAs, with some great fruit beers and cool ciders. While its exquisite wood-paneled interior creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the brewery also has a lovely outdoor seating area for guests to take advantage of the creek view.

As it is very community-focused and puts a lot of emphasis on sustainability, some of the profits from each pint go to various local non-profits. In between sampling all of the great beers, brewery visitors can grab a bite to eat at their excellent food truck.

6. Sugar Mountain Resort

On a vast expanse is the impressive Sugar Mountain Resort, located just a half-hour’s drive southwest of Boone. Located within the Pisgah National Forest, it sits along the Eastern Continental Divide and has great slopes and powder trails for visitors to try.

With a height of up to 1,596 meters, the resort has 21 slopes to speed through, with a range of other terrain to ski. Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts, its snowy slopes are served by chairlifts, which are meticulously groomed every day.

In addition to great skiing and snowboarding, Sugar Mountain Resort offers snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. Additionally, excellent hiking and mountain biking to enjoy in the summer months, as well as countless cozy lodges and inns for year-round lodging.

5. Howard knobs

The towering Howard’s Knob, located just north of town, commands a commanding view of Boone and its surroundings. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, the mighty mountain is very popular to visit with locals and tourists alike due to its amazing landscapes, scenery, and nature.

Named after Benjamin Howard, a British loyalist and early settler in the area, it rises 1,340 meters above sea level, with stunning panoramas to be enjoyed from its windswept summit. Up and down the hillside there are wonderful hiking trails to wander, taking you through lush forests and meadows.

The undoubted highlight is the view from above, where you’ll also find a small, peaceful picnic area to stop and take in the beauty before you.

4. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine

While Howard’s Knob will take you up into the clouds, you’ll want to keep your eyes a bit closer to the ground at the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine as you search for rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. A very fun and family-friendly place, located in the High Country of North Carolina, just a ten-minute drive west of Boone.

As gem mining has played an important role in the area’s history and heritage, it’s well worth a stop at this wonderful mine, which has been run by the same family for generations. Luckily, they’ve already done all the hard work for you, so all you need to do is buy a bucket and sift through the dirt and rocks until you unearth a shiny gem or sparkling treasure.

While this fun activity is sure to delight young and old, visitors can also have their finds cut, polished, and turned into jewelry. With precious gems to buy as souvenirs and many interesting and educational exhibits about the history of mining in the area, the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine is sure to make a great day out for the whole family.

3. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Once the sprawling estate of Moses H. Cone, this magnificent memorial park now protects and preserves the textile magnate’s historic home and grounds. Part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s just a 20-minute drive south of Boone, not far from Blowing Rock.

At the heart of many beautiful gardens and lush forests lies the undisputed centerpiece of the park – the magnificent Flat Top Manor. Built-in 1901 in a brilliant Beaux-Arts style, it has many decadently decorated rooms to explore, with stunning views to be enjoyed from its beautiful terrace.

Around the mansion there are countless paths and trails to wander, taking you through flower-filled meadows and lush forests. A great place for hiking, horseback riding, or biking, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park also has a charming craft center to see where local artists display their work.

2. Grandfather Mountain

One of the most popular and scenic places to visit near Boone is the gigantic Grandfather Mountain and its magnificent state park. Located just half an hour’s drive southwest of the city, it boasts truly stunning scenery, with countless outdoor activities for visitors.

At 1,812 meters high, the massive mountain is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with craggy cliffs and wild forests covering its picturesque slopes. Between two of its peaks is the majestic Mile High Swinging Bridge, which is the park’s most popular attraction because of the panoramic views it offers.

In addition to wandering along the tallest suspension bridge in America, visitors can hike or bike along the many peaceful trails that dot the park. One of the best times to visit Grandfather Mountain is in July when it hosts the Highland Games. Here, countless colorful clans compete in age-old games and celebrate their Scottish heritage.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

With Boone right next to the exciting Blue Ridge Parkway, no visit to the town can ever be complete without seeing “America’s Favorite Drive”. Meandering along the spine of the beautiful Blue Ride Mountains, this remarkable route spans an astonishing 755 kilometers, with plenty of scenic spots to stop along the way.

Passing through dense forests and magnificent wilderness, the Wandering Road takes you from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. While most people only travel along part of the park, wherever you go, you’ll be greeted by great nature and amazing views.

In addition to Boone and its many delights, the scenic drive also takes you to the charming Virginia towns of Asheville and Roanoke. With various historical sites and tourist attractions located adjacent to the scenic park, it’s no wonder it’s the most popular part of the country’s National Park system.