Bowling
Boone Bowling Center Boone Heights Shopping Center, Boone
264-3166
Horseback Riding
Banner Elk Stables 796 Shomaker Road, Banner Elk 898-5424.
Trail rides, overnight rides, hayrides.
Blowing Rock Stables, 2880 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock 295-7847.
Trail rides, lessons, children welcome.
New River Ranch & Stables, 180-5 Gleneagle Drive, Boone
264-6782. Trail rides, Lessons, Boarding.
WORKING GRIST MILL
Old Hampton Store in Linville, NC 733-5213. Open
Mon-Sat 8-6, Sun 1-6. See the old Grist Mill making corn meal and whole wheat
flour, then bag up some to take home with you. It is one of the oldest general
stores in the area. While you are there, get a barbecue sandwich on the fresh
baked sourdough rolls--it will melt in your mouth. Truly an afternoon delight.
MOVIE THEATERS
Appalachian Cinema 1 & 2, West King Street,
Boone 264-8606
New Market Cinemas, (8), New Market Shopping Center, Boone
264-3800
STAGE THEATERS
Blowing Rock Stage Company, 140 Maple Street, Blowing Rock
295-9627. Open June thru August - Professional Theater.
Lees-McRae Summer Theater on the Lees-McRae campus at the
base of the mountain. 898-8709.
HIKING
Beech Mountain is covered with miles of old logging trails
which provide exciting hiking for experienced hikers. For beginners, we suggest
the Pond Creek Trail which is clearly marked. It extends from Tamarack Road
through the center of the Charter Hills subdivision to Beech Mountain Club's
Recreation Area. It then continues past the Recreation Area through undeveloped areas
of Beech Mountain to near the new town Recreation Center. It is always best to hike in groups, especially in the lesser
developed areas on the mountain.
Grandfather Mountain at Linville, Shanty Springs Trail, Black
Rock, Cliff Caves Trail, Daniel Boone Scout Trail, the new Grandfather Trail
Extension and Crag Way Trail all crisscross Grandfather Mountain and present
spectacular views and scenery.
Linville--on the Blue Ridge Parkway-The Beacon Heights Trail, a
15 minute walk leads down to views of Grandfather Mountain and down to the
Piedmont several thousand feet below. It is just south of the end of the Parkway
intersection with US 221 at Grandfather Mountain. The Flat Rock Nature Trail
overlooks the Linville River Valley. It is located three miles south of Beacon
Heights Trail, past SR 1511. Grandfather Mountain can also be viewed from Flat
Rock. Both the Beacon Heights Trail and the Flat Rock Trail are within four
miles of Linville.
Linville Falls--A number of easy trails lead to the falls
located at Milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Gorge--Contains some very rugged hiking--Consult the
local sporting goods shops before attempting to hike in the Gorge.
Roan Mountain--Located on the North Carolina-Tennessee Line.
The Cloudland Trail is a moderate grade hike.
Julian Price Memorial Park--Price Lake Trail circles the lake,
Boone Fork Trail is 5 miles--all located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Nolichuky River--sometimes roaring and surging, other times
serene and playful but always beautiful. High on the slopes of Mt. Mitchell, the
highest mountain in the Eastern United States, is where the Nolichuky's main
tributaries are born. Passing the community of Poplar, NC, the river turns west
and forces it way through the spinelike ridge of the Unaka Mountains that form
the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.
For nine miles (from Poplar, NC to Erwin, TN), the Nolichuky
is the kind of river that makes legends.
Towering cliffs loom above the rapids, the steep mountainsides
are covered with hardwood forest, and the banks are lined with flowering laurel
and rhododendron. Hawks circle overhead, deer occasionally come to the river to
drink, and ever rare sightings of black bear have been reported.
Then there are the rapids. Last Chance, On the Rocks,
Rollercoaster, and Roostertail...over 25 Class II, III and IV rapids in all. At
high water several are Class V.
The Nolichuky's water is free flowing as opposed to dam
controlled and is extremely clear. Your guides lead the way, weaving the rafts
through the rapids, crashing through waves and over drops. This is what
whitewater rafting is all about...exciting, challenging rapids amidst a
breathtaking wilderness setting.
The length of time for a trip through the gorge varies
depending on water level, but every trip is expected to be an all day outing,
lasting from six to eight hours. A delicious picnic lunch is packed for you and
they stop about half-way down the river to eat. It is a good time to lay back,
soak up some sun, and revel in the glory of the outdoors.
Ocoee River--This is a dam controlled river and is recognized
as one of the most challenging four mile whitewater runs in the United States.
Rapids such as the Osterizer, Hell Hole, Slingshot, and Double Trouble should
give you thrills. After the other rivers have dried up, the Ocoee still offers
big waves and giant holes.
French Broad River---This river is characterized by huge
boulders, rugged mountains, with Class III and IV rapids. It is a large volume
river that slowly winds by pastoral homesteads.
Prices may vary with each rafting company, along with the
length of your trip. You may contact any of the companies listed below.
Edge of the World Outfitters, Banner Elk 898-9550
Wahoo’s Outdoor Adventures, Boone 262-5774
CANOEING
Several area rivers are ideal for scenic canoe trips. The
river trips range from serene outings on relatively calm (Class I) water to more
challenging (Class II and III) excursions. Recommended rivers are as follows:
New River (Class I very easy; basically smooth with some
riffles and Class II easy; wide passages with medium rapids). Both the North Fork
and South Fork are good. The South Fork put-in is 12 miles from Boone, near Todd
and has 65 miles of Class I and II water before reaching the confluence at NC
194. The North Fork put-in is 35 miles from Boone, has 28 miles of Class I and
II water. The New River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows North.
The ancient watercourse is over 100 million years old and is the second oldest
river on earth behind the Nile. It got its name because the river was in a
wilderness area and was late in being discovered, i.e., "Here’s a ‘new’ River".
Congress has designated the New River as a Wild and Scenic River and is
protected. Twenty-three species of plants and animals found in the New River
ecological system are unique to this region of the United States. The scenery is
magnificent. A canoe trip down the New normally lasts all day and usually
averages about 12 miles.
Watauga River (Class I and II)--The Watauga runs through scenic
Valle Crucis and has been used for two different Mountain Dew commercials. The
setting is beautiful with rugged terrain and huge boulders. The put-in is about
8 miles from Boone near Camp Broadstone and the trip lasts two to four hours
over a 10 mile course ending at US 321. A shorter trip stops at the bridge on NC
194. There are several good swimming holes tempting a stop along the way.
Farther down the river are Class III rapids and a more expert run.
Wilson Creek (Class II and III)--The Wilson is a challenging
but extremely rewarding 5 mile run though a rugged wilderness. The water is
exceptionally clear; the scenery is spectacular. The lower section of Wilson
Creek plunges into a gorge and is recommended for only advance canoers. Find
take-out (150 yards past the National Forest Bridge sign) before beginning trip.
Wilson Creek is southeast of Grandfather Mountain and parallels Linville Gorge.
Toe River (Class II and III)--Both the North and South Forks
are located in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey County area. The 7-1/2 mile run is a
relatively fast running river with magnificent rock formations overhanging the
river. Both Forks combine to form the Nolichuky, one of the best whitewater
rivers in Eastern America.
Catawba River...Canoe the North Fork.
For more information about the rivers, for equipment rentals
or for guided trips, contact the following:
Edge of the World Outfitters, Banner Elk 898-9550
New River Outfitters, Jefferson, NC 919/982-9192
FISHING
Lake Coffey, on Beech Mountain is stocked annually and requires a NC
State Permit and is located by the recreation area of the Beech Mountain Club.
Buckeye Lake, on Beech Mountain, is stocked annually and requires a
NC State Permit.
Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish
waters under Federal regulations. State fishing licenses or short term permits
are required for all fishermen 16 years or older, but state trout stamps are not
required for Parkway waters. Except for lifetime and short term licenses, all
licenses must be renewed July 1. Fishing licenses must be carried on your person
while fishing. The Parkway fishing season opens April 1 and runs through
mid-October; the North Carolina fishing season runs 11 months with only March
closed for re-stocking.
Basin Creek...only artificial flies may be used.
Linville River, Laurel Fork Creek, Middle Fork Creek ...state
laws apply.
Trout Lake at Moses Cone Park is classified as "special
waters" and has its own regulations.
Price Park Lake...Cone Park Lakes...New River...Watauga River...Wilson
Creek...Howard’s Creek...Boone Fork...Elk River...Globe section of Johns River
Gorge...Anthony River...Johns River...All are excellent fishing and most are
stocked annually with trout, also have native trout and bass. State permit
required.
North Carolina Fishing Licenses may be purchased at Fred's
General Store on Beech Mountain. There are many commercial trout ponds in the
area where you pay by the pound after you catch the fish. No license is
required...one is located on Highway 105 in Foscoe, called Grandfather Park &
Trout Pond.
WATERFALLS
Crabtree Falls...60 feet, half hour walk from the Visitor Center
at Milepost 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Falls...Two falls, upper at 12 feet and lower at 90
feet, plunging into a 2,000' deep Linville Gorge. A one mile round trip hike
from Milepost 295 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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.
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.
Glen Burney Falls...75 feet, in Johns River Gorge off the Globe
Road below Blowing Rock.
Fleetwood Falls...1/2 mile series of Whitewater falls in the
Fleetwood Falls resort area, a short distance off US 221 between Deep Gap and
West Jefferson.
The Cascades...three cascading falls, 30-40 feet in height, one
mile round trip nature trail from Jefferson Park, Milepost 272 on the Blue Ridge
Parkway.
GOLF COURSES
Beech Mountain Golf Course, Beech Mountain, (Private) 387-2372
Refer to "Beech Mountain Club".
Blowing Rock Country Club, Blowing Rock (Private) 295-3191.
Boone Golf Course, Boone (Public) 264-8670.
Elk River Golf & Country Club, Banner Elk (Private) 898-9777.
Hanging Rock Golf Club, Seven Devils (Public) 963-6565.
Hound Ears Club, Foscoe (Private) 963-5381.
Linville Ridge Club, Linville (Private) 898-9741.
Mountain Glen Golf Course, Newland (Public) 733-5804.
Sugar Mountain Golf Course, Sugar Mountain (Public) 898-4521.
Willow Creek Golf Course, Foscoe (Public…9 Holes Only) 963-6865.
MINIATURE GOLF & DRIVING RANGES
Magic Mountain, Highway 105, Boone (Mini Golf) 264-4653
Beech Mountain Club (Driving Range) 387-2372.
Golf Land and Driving Range, Hwy 321, Boone 264-4653.
Minature Golf at Brick Oven, Beech Mountain 387-4209.
STREET DANCES
Selected Saturdays at
Beech Mountain Town Hall. 387-9283.
RECREATION CENTER
The Buckeye Recreation Center is now complete. The 22,500 square foot facility
was completed in February 2006.
The facility offers
indoor tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts as well as meeting
facilities and a fitness room. The Center will also have various
classes including aerobics, Pilates, Yoga, and possibly martial
arts. The Center is open to anyone who wishes to visit;
there are general admission rates as well as yearly passes sold
for use of the facility. An individual resident of Beech Mountain
can get a yearly pass to the Center for only $75.00, a family pass
costs $150. For those folks that wish to use the Center that are
not residents of Beech Mountain, the costs are doubled. Residents
and non-residents are also able to purchase the daily passes to
the Center.
The facility is open on Monday-Saturday from 8:30
AM-8:30 PM and on Sunday from 12PM-6PM. If you have any questions,
feel free to call the Center at 828-387-3003.
