The appropriately-named High Country is home to some of the tallest mountains in the state, with peaks that soar above a mile in elevation. Boone is the unofficial capital of the region, with a unique mountain-inspired college town vibe, but there are bustling towns in every corner of the mountains, not to mention hundreds of miles of trail to hike or bike, multiple rivers to paddle, fish, or float, and even extensive cave systems to explore.
Nobody knows more about the beauty of the High Country than Dustin Douglas, owner of Dusty Trails Outfitters, which runs canoe, kayak and tubing trips on the South Fork of the New River.
“My family has been in these parts since just after the Civil War, so I have deep roots,” Douglas says. “I feel at home in these mountains. Most people don’t have these rivers and peaks in their everyday life, so I feel lucky. I especially love being on the water. When you’re out there, all your worries go away. I see it when people get done with one of our trips. They’re relaxed. I think it rejuvenates their soul.”
Dig into the High Country region below, or head over to our comprehensive guide to visiting Western North Carolina this summer.
Adventures
Hike Grandfather Trail, Grandfather Mountain
This rugged state park features 13 miles of trail, the highlight of which is the Grandfather Trail, which traces the crest of Grandfather Mountain up and over its highest peaks for 2.4 miles. The adventure is suited for experienced hikers, as you’ll gain almost 2,000 feet in the 4.8-mile out and back, using cables and wooden ladders to ascend steep rock faces. The terrain is quintessential “High Country,” as the trail moves through dense stands of spruce and fir forest, open meadows and craggy peaks, while the views from MacRae Peak and Calloway Peak take in the majority of the surrounding mountains.
Mountain Bike Beech Mountain
The High Country is known for its skiing, with several resorts running lifts throughout winter, but come summer mountain biking takes over, especially at Beech Mountain where the 5,505-foot summit is transformed into a fat-tire paradise. Beech operates one of the best downhill bike parks in the south, with 10 downhill trails all served by a chairlift, so no uphill slog is required. There’s something for all riders, with green trails that feature smooth, flowy transitions and expert black trails packed with big jumps and drops. The park is open Thursday through Sunday throughout summer.
Tube the Yadkin River
Not every adventure has to be an adrenaline rush. The Yadkin River, which flows for 215 miles, is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina, with multiple put-ins scattered throughout the High Country accessing the mellow, slow-moving water. Target the mild stretch near Wilkesboro, and Foothills Outdoor Adventures can get you set up with a canoe, tube, or stand-up paddle board to float the river. They even have large River Tubs (yes, “tub,” not “tube”) which can fit up to six people for a unique group experience.
Hike the Roan Highlands
While the vast majority of the Southern Appalachians are shrouded in thick canopies of hardwood or evergreen forests, Roan Mountain, near the Tennessee border, features a series of grassy peaks offering 360-degree views and a high elevation hiking experience that’s more common in the Western U.S.
Starting at Carvers Gap, take a five-mile out and back hike across Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge Bald along the Appalachian Trail for endless views across rolling meadows, all of which stand above a mile in elevation. The best view is from Grassy Ridge Bald, which offers an expansive mountaintop meadow standing at 6,189 feet high, making for a perfect picnic spot.
See the Stars at Bare Dark Sky Observatory
The High Country has some of the darkest skies in North Carolina thanks to its relative lack of light pollution, and the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, at Mayland Community College in Burnsville, capitalizes on the darkness above. The observatory has the largest public telescope in the southeast and hosts community viewing parties where visitors can peer at the stars through the custom-built Newtonian telescope. With the guidance of expert astronomers, guests spend two hours learning about the night sky and seeing the moon and planets of our solar system like never before.
Go Underground in Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is the only cave system in the state that offers public tours, giving you a chance to see inside the belly of Humpback Mountain. The cave system was first discovered in the mid-1800s and opened to the public in 1937. Today, guided tours descend into the subterranean world every 10 minutes ($14 per adult), where it is always a cool 52 degrees. The family-friendly adventure requires no specialty equipment as you move from small passages into large underground cathedrals with 23-foot-tall ceilings. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the caverns as well as the geology of the stalactite-rich environment.
Canoe the New River
Scientists estimate the New River is the oldest in North America. It’s also one of the most beautiful as it flows 320 miles north, beginning in Watauga County and flowing into Virginia and West Virginia. A choice, 26-mile section of the New in the High Country was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, offering visitors a chance to paddle through farms and pristine forests on mild, family-friendly water with the occasional class II rapid. Dusty Trails Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals for a variety of trip lengths, from two miles to 12 miles.
