Explore the 3,600-acre estate of Moses Cone, a textile entrepreneur, and appreciate the 26-mile carriage road network, country manor, and beautiful mountain vistas.
Spend time in the beautiful park with 47-acre Price Lake, a campground, hiking trails, canoe rentals, fishing opportunities, and more.
Get awe-inspiring views of the Linville Gorge, NC High Country, and catch sight of wildlife on an exciting 13.5-mile hike along a mostly forested trail.
Visit the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, see bears, cougars, otters, deer, and eagles in a natural habitat, walk across the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, and hike on the state park trails.
Enjoy the 1.9-mile hike up to the summit of Elk Knob, a designated Natural Heritage Area, and take in the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Experience the beauty of a three-tiered waterfall, hike along the numerous trails, and learn about the surrounding flora and fauna at the visitor center.
Relax by the river, fish, hike to the summit of Mount Jefferson, rent a canoe or tube, bike, and tour the 19th-century house of the park’s first superintendent.
Travelers need to have a car to get around Boone, North Carolina, as public transportation is not as available in the area. Car rental is the most convenient method, and rental companies like Alamo, Avis, and Hertz offer good rates ranging from $40 to $70 per day, depending on the car size and rental period. Travel time to each point of interest depends on traffic and weather conditions, which change according to the time of year.
If you have more time, you can add a visit to Blue Ridge Parkway, an All-American Road with stunning mountainous vistas and hiking trails. Alternatively, subtract a day from your itinerary to visit nearby destinations like Asheville, NC, or Gatlinburg, TN. Remember to pack comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and insect repellent to fully enjoy your nature experience in Boone.
Boone is served by the Watauga County Airport (KTNB), located in Boone; it is a small airport and only operates private flights. Alternatively, the nearest airport with commercial flights is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located in Asheville, 85 miles from Boone. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is another option, located 129 miles from Boone. Both airports are served by major airlines and car rentals, allowing you to easily get to Boone by car.