Welcome to Boone! There is something for everyone here, we promise.
Hiking
Nestled in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains you have your choices of every style hike you can imagine. From easy winding Sunday walks to challenging climbs, every level can find a trail that best suits them.
This one is a little hard to find. Park in the church parking lot and head toward the back of the parking lot. There is a boy scout sign and that’s where the trail begins. It’s challenging but not hard. Take your time and take a picnic.
Believe it or not it took us a few years to find this not so hidden gem. If you’re looking for a nice walking/biking path right in town the Greenway Trail can’t be beat. Pick it up from a few different locations.
Located right in the heart of Blowing Rock, we also missed this one for a few years. Its a great trail a little more challenging than it might seem when it first starts out. It also can get congested. Wear sturdy shoes and have fun!
This is a lovely scenic walk. It ends at a metal structure that you can climb and on a clear day get a spectacular view. It’s a long hike with some challenging parts. The Cone Manor is also found in this park and when open and giving tours is a fun detour.
Another favorite. It’s a short in and out but it can be a little steep toward the bottom. Still if you’re careful you’ll be rewarded with the peaceful rush of cascading waterfalls.
Plan ahead because it gets busy and requires a reservation. But enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic blue ridge mountains.
Trout and Bass Lake
These are great walking trails. Bass lake has a flat loop but also some off shoot trails that can actually take you to trout lake and/or cone manor. Like many of the trails in Boone, you’ll share many of the offshoot trails with horses. Trout lake also has a loop that’s a little bit more of a nature walk. Trout also has some of those connecting offshoot trails.
Ap Trail
The Appalachian trail. It starts in Maine and ends in Georgia. Steeped in folklore and history, it’s iconic and a can’t miss for hikers.
We went out for a two day hike from Hughes Gap to US 19E. It’s challenging and not for novice hikers. We also did an in and out walk from Carvers Gap to one of the closer balds. This was challenging but not overly hard.
We’ll stop here. Just know if you do a search for local hikes any number will come up from every level of trail.
Superior hikers – hike on!
Activities
Docs Rocks and Foggy Mountain are some of the bigger gem mining operations. But there are others so do a search and let us know what you find!
There is a living museum and then of course the Horn in the West show. It’s put on by university theatre kids and pure local cabaret. A fun way to support growing artists.
Grandfather Trout Farm – like shooting fish in a barrel.
Eats
Basil’s – An absolute favorite for lunch or dinner. Be sure to drop by for wine tastings.
The Speckled Trout – nice atmosphere. Awesome to sit outside on a summer night. Usually some music playing. The food is local sourced and delicious.
The Village Cafe – we enjoy their weekend brunch. Charming atmosphere. Be sure to make reservations!
Bella’s – Good pizza and big homestyle dishes. Bring your appetite!
Kilwins – It wouldn’t be a visit without a cone of praline pecan.
There are too many others to list. Do a search and you most likely won’t be disappointed. Boone is an unexpected foodie haven.
Skiing
We love Boone skiing. Yes it’s great to go out west or other fancy locations, but Boone skiing is for the true ski bum. It’s a chill fun day or a few days if you choose to come back for more than one day. We love skiing in Boone.
